Near Zero Ready-2-Go Bundle: A Backpacking Package Worth Actually Using

In the often crowded and sometimes disappointing landscape of pre-packaged backpacking gear, a new contender has emerged, promising not just a collection of items, but a truly functional and enjoyable outdoor experience. The Near Zero Ready-2-Go Bundle stands apart from its competitors by offering a comprehensive suite of gear that has been rigorously tested and genuinely appreciated by seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. This isn’t just another beginner’s kit; it’s a thoughtfully curated collection designed to equip adventurers with quality equipment that performs, all at a price point that challenges the established market.

At its core, the Near Zero Ready-2-Go Bundle is defined by its completeness and its focus on user experience. While many "bundles" on the market often consist of a few essential, albeit heavy, items like a tent, backpack, and sleeping bag, leaving the user to source everything else and often settling for subpar quality, Near Zero takes a different approach. Their 26-item package is a testament to meticulous planning, encompassing a wide array of necessities and even some thoughtful extras. This extensive inclusion list sets it apart, transforming a mere collection of products into a cohesive system ready for immediate deployment.

One of the most striking aspects of this bundle is the sheer breadth of its contents. Beyond the foundational elements of shelter and sleep, Near Zero has integrated items that are crucial for comfort, safety, and efficiency in the backcountry. A 350-lumen headlamp, for instance, provides ample illumination for navigating trails after dark, setting up camp in low light, or reading maps in the tent. The inclusion of a Sawyer Squeeze water filter addresses a fundamental need for safe drinking water, a critical component for any multi-day excursion. Furthermore, the practicalities of campsite management are not overlooked, with a lightweight trowel included for responsible waste disposal, a small but significant detail that underscores the brand’s commitment to Leave No Trace principles.

The cooking system within the bundle is particularly noteworthy. It features a stove designed for efficient fuel consumption, with a clever integrated system where the fuel canister nests within its accompanying 750 ml stainless steel cookpot. This not only saves valuable space within the pack but also streamlines the cooking process, a welcome advantage when every ounce and minute counts. The stainless steel construction of the cookpot ensures durability and even heat distribution, making it suitable for a variety of backcountry meals. This attention to detail in seemingly minor components elevates the bundle beyond a basic assemblage of gear.

The real testament to the Near Zero Ready-2-Go Bundle’s quality, however, comes from firsthand experience. Outside magazine’s own tester, Graham Averill, had the opportunity to put a slightly more streamlined, 10-item version of the bundle to the test during a challenging 14-mile loop through the rugged terrain of Pisgah National Forest. His findings were overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the practical performance of the key components.

The 2-person Dynalite Tent, a single-pole design weighing in at a mere 3.8 pounds, was praised for its ease of pitching. In the backcountry, where conditions can be unpredictable and time is often of the essence, a tent that can be quickly and securely set up is invaluable. This ease of deployment is a critical factor for hikers who may be arriving at their campsite late or facing inclement weather. The tent’s lightweight nature also contributes significantly to overall pack weight, a constant concern for backpackers.

Beyond shelter, the sleeping system also garnered high marks. The 25-degree synthetic mummy bag proved to be both comfortable and lightweight, crucial attributes for a restful night’s sleep in the outdoors. A mummy bag design is inherently more thermally efficient than a rectangular bag, trapping body heat effectively. The 25-degree rating indicates its suitability for a range of temperatures, making it a versatile choice for many seasons. Complementing the sleeping bag was a 1-pound, 2-ounce inflatable pad. This pad not only provides essential cushioning for a comfortable night’s rest but also acts as a crucial insulator, preventing body heat from being lost to the cold ground. Averill’s description of both as "comfortable and lightweight" speaks volumes about their performance in real-world conditions.

All these essential components are designed to be packed within Near Zero’s 60-liter The Dean pack. This pack, a critical piece of the puzzle, is not an afterthought. It features removable internal dividers, allowing for customizable organization of gear, a feature highly valued by backpackers who need to access specific items quickly. The inclusion of a rain cover further enhances its utility, protecting the contents from moisture during unexpected downpours. With the pack, tent, sleeping bag, pad, cook system, water filter, and headlamp all accounted for, the bundle truly lives up to its "Ready-2-Go" moniker. The implication is clear: with the addition of personal clothing, footwear, and food, a hiker is essentially equipped for an expedition.

The value proposition of the Near Zero Ready-2-Go Bundle is further amplified when considering its price point. The bundle is available for $750, with a significant 25 percent discount currently being offered. This brings the effective price down considerably, making it an incredibly competitive offering in the outdoor gear market. To put this into perspective, the cost of the entire 26-item bundle is less than what some dedicated ultralight backpackers might spend on their tent alone. This accessibility democratizes high-quality backpacking gear, allowing a wider range of individuals to experience the joys of the backcountry without an exorbitant financial commitment.

The overall weight of the bundle, as-is, is a reasonable 19 pounds. This figure is particularly impressive given the comprehensive nature of the package. For those seeking to push the boundaries of ultralight backpacking, there is also room for further weight reduction. Near Zero has thoughtfully included several optional items that can be easily removed to shed additional weight. These include a camp stool, a pillow, a bag liner, a tent footprint, and some of the contents of the generously stocked first-aid kit. By strategically omitting these items, a hiker can shave off approximately three pounds, further optimizing the pack’s weight for longer or more demanding treks. This modularity allows users to tailor the bundle to their specific needs and preferences, a characteristic often found in higher-end, bespoke gear setups.

The Near Zero Ready-2-Go Bundle represents a significant shift in the backpacking gear market. It challenges the notion that bundled packages are inherently compromised in quality or functionality. Instead, Near Zero has demonstrated that it is possible to assemble a complete, high-performing, and user-friendly kit that appeals to both novice and experienced backpackers. The emphasis on thoughtful design, practical features, and genuine user satisfaction, combined with an attractive price point, makes this bundle a compelling option for anyone looking to embark on their next outdoor adventure. It’s a testament to the fact that with careful consideration and a commitment to quality, a pre-packaged solution can indeed be a worthy investment for those who truly intend to explore the wilderness. The inclusion of a detailed first-aid kit, for example, while potentially bulky, speaks to a responsible approach to safety, ensuring that users are prepared for minor injuries. Similarly, the tent footprint, while not strictly essential, extends the lifespan of the tent floor by protecting it from abrasion and punctures, a valuable consideration for long-term gear investment. The Near Zero Ready-2-Go Bundle isn’t just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about doing so comfortably, safely, and with gear that inspires confidence, not frustration.