With winter weather relenting and fiddleheads beginning to pop up, it seems spring is officially here. Which, for some of us, means getting back to sleeping under the stars. Yes, it might be a little muddy on the trail, but the rivers are high and the edibles abundant. And with fewer clothing layers to bring along, your pack will have just enough spare room to fit these spring essentials. Unshoe Wocova You could hike in these, but I advise keeping them strapped to the outside of your pack until you get to camp - it's always nice to slip out of your boots at the end of a day of hiking. The Unshoe Wacova ($45 to $50) is a simple huarache, an ancient shoe design made popular by Christopher McDougall's barefoot running bible, "Born to Run." They are custom-made - you send in a tracing of your foot when you order a pair - which means a three-week waiting period and a perfect fit. With nylon rather than leather straps, Wacovas are as comfortable as it gets. No-Stir Crunchy Peanut Butter Perhaps an obvious pick, but there are so many practical reasons to have peanut butter on the trail. It's inexpensive. It requires no boiling water. It comes in a plastic bottle that won't break. It's protein that all carnivores, vegetarians and vegans can agree on. There's minimal cleanup involved when eaten in a sandwich. Use pitas or tortillas; they're flat and easy to pack. And most important, it tastes better than just about any other food on earth. Leave the natural, separating peanut butter at home - you'll want a no-stir variety, like Jif's Extra Crunchy ($4). For a kick, combine with Calef's Hot Pepper Jelly. Guyot Designs Camping Bowl Based in beautiful Deer Isle, Me., Guyot Designs makes the funny looking bowls and cups ($15 per set) you'll find at most outdoor shops. They may not be easy on the eyes, but after a few nights of nighttime dish cleaning, you'll be grateful you can flip these suckers inside out and lick them clean. I recommend doing this behind a tree, in private. They make for less work, and, when folded up, more space in your pack. Use a Kami Ti Apocalyspork to eat as much of your meal as you can before going in for the kill. Sven Saw At camping spots where fires are legal, you'll be glad you brought along your shiny red Sven Saw ($30). These handy little tools are great for sawing through downed logs, which is why you find them hanging on the side of shelters along the Appalachian Trail. The saw folds in on itself and, weighing in at less than a pound, is barely noticeable when strapped to the outside of your pack. Pair with a Crazy Creek Hexalite Chair, a must-have for prolonged campfire sessions. Gypsy Witch Playing Cards Whatever your card game - mine is euchre - you'll want to play it around the campfire. Gypsy Witch decks ($7) come with a bonus: they're tarot cards on the flip side, so you can break up the whiskey-fueled poker competition with a little pseudo-fortune telling. When the sun goes down and you can longer make out that jack of hearts, grab your Snow Peak Snowminer Head Lamp. Always pack your playing cards in a clear plastic bag for easy locating and protection from rain and leaky water bottles.