Near Zero Ready-2-Go Bundle Review: Backpacking Made Easy And Affordable

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I had the great fortune of testing out many of the wonderful Near Zero products on an outing last Fall near Crested Butte, Colorado. It’s some amazing country out there, and a really great way to experience the beauty is by going camping and/or backcountry backpacking. The company and its products are new to me, but we had the Near Zero owner, creator, and mastermind with us to explain in-depth about all its offerings. Scott Jensen displays next-level passion about the outdoors, his products, and vision to get many more people out to enjoy and experience nature.

As the name implies, Near Zero also aims to be on the lightweight material side of things. I’d say, if you got nitpicky about it, you could probably find other brands and ‘like’ products for less weight, but that’s not my focus. That said, every effort is made to be very lightweight, but I think the value lies in the innovation, price, and user-friendly product line. My focus and Near Zero’s intent is to truly get more folks to experience the outdoors without financial barriers. In addition, the concept to provide the novice camper with the correct gear that they would need is also a huge bonus with Near Zero’s offerings.

First Take On Near Zero

You can find anything you’d like on their website from a specific product standpoint. However, I will focus on the “Ready-2-Go Bundle” which (in my humble opinion) can really reach the desired target market; the car camper, the beginning backpacker, the budget minded outdoorsman, the long hiker, and even the doomsday prepper. I know that last one sounds funny, but if you have to leave on a moments notice to survive for days on end, you can honestly grab this and go.

My exposure has been limited to one outing, so I can’t go into great detail about each and every single product. That said, I have a new found respect for the careful thought process that was put into the product, the storage, the range of uses, and how easy it was to assemble and/or use.

Highlights Of The Near Zero Ready-2-Go Bundle

Shovel

This shovel is super light, and breaks down nicely. It’s obvious use is … as a shovel. Yeah, right!! Dig yourself a little backcountry hole, do your business, and cover it back up. And there are other obvious typical shovel uses it can handle. That said, the titanium blade has a sharpened side that can actually chop wood. And finally, if you don’t want to pack a pan, you can make camp fire pizzas with this shovel. This is just one example of how each product has been well thought out, and can be super useful while out and about.

Tent

The tent takes up the biggest piece of the Near Zero Ready-2-Go Bundle, but it is your home away from home after all. There are 1, 2, and 3 person tent options. It is easy to set up, and packs nicely into it’s bag.

Cooking Set

Seriously, look at the size of that stove! Lip balm is there for sizing, and it tucks away into its own little waterproof container. There is a spork, grill, pot, and mugs for all the cooking conveniences. Eggs in a hollowed out orange were a morning favorite.

Near Zero Multi-Tool

The multi-tool is great for whatever little task you may be facing. Dig yourself a little hole for a latrine, saw branches, measure, tighten, or open a bottle. A nifty and surprisingly light piece of equipment.

Near Zero Sleeping Bag, Pad, Pillow, and Pump

And by pump, I mean a small little vinyl bag that you blow into. Do that 3-4 times, and that “pump” will fill your sleeping pad. No need to bring an actual pump. The bed is quite comfortable, and the sleeping bag kept me warm on a cooler Colorado night.

The Pack Plus Some Extras

Just shove it back in! That is my motto, but lacks any real organization. Near Zero has made it easy to help you place everything back in an orderly fashion. The tiny little camp chair is so nice when cooking over a fire, and folds down super compact! The bags of little extras that you didn’t know you needed until you need them! The fire starting kit and hygiene bag are a wonderful little bonus.

Final Thoughts On The Near Zero Ready-2-Go Bundle

There are amazing outdoor gear product companies out there. Depending on your level of enthusiasm and budget, it will take a significant up front investment. I have slowly but surely (over the last 10 years) brought my camping arsenal up to a point that I feel confident I can tackle most environments and camping or backpacking expeditions. However, when I saw the Near Zero Product line, I was immediately impressed. It is well thought-out and efficient, and the product offerings cater to the beginning as well as seasoned camper.

For 3 solid days, I was introduced to a myriad of ways that all the products aligned very nicely with my camping needs. If you are a beginner, I highly recommend you take a look at Near Zero’s bundle options. For all the in-depth specific details and purchase, visit nearzero.co or amazon.com.