11 outdoor products that make the grade

11 outdoor products that make the grade

(Courtesy of Optimus)


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SALT LAKE CITY — Although summer is drawing to a close, there are still opportunities to explore in the outdoors.This list of outdoor gear offers a broad range of interests and budgets. Here are eleven products that are a good investment for any outdoorsmen.

Alpine Products Spudz Pro Cloth ===============================

PRICE: $11

GRADE: A

Based out of Lehi, Alpine Innovations is known for quality products based on practicality. The company has been around more than a decade. In 2001, founder Darren Jones made up his mind to design a cloth that he could use to clean his line while fly fishing.

What started out as a way to clean up a gummy fishing line evolved into the Spudz Pro cleaning kit, specifically designed for cleaning lenses and optics. It comes in a small pouch with a clip so you can securely stow it until you need it.

The 10 inch by 10 inch microfiber cloth does a stellar job of removing fingerprints and spots. And it’s scratch-free, so you can confidently use it on even your most high-end optics. It's also machine washable for convenience.

The final component of the Spudz Pro kit is the Spudz Fogz Off cleaning solution. It’s primarily meant to be an anti-fog solution and it definitely does the trick. So if you’re interested in a compact cleaning kit for optics and lenses, you can’t beat Utah’s own Spudz products.

Scrubba Wash Bag ================

PRICE: $54

GRADE: A-

The Scrubba is a really cool Australian product that made a splash at this year's Outdoor Retailer show. Using the same sealing design that keeps water out of a dry bag, the Scrubba lets you quickly wash your clothes while backpacking, trekking or traveling.

When you look at the Scrubba, it looks a lot like a colorful dry bag. What make it different are the hundreds of cleaning nodules inside that are designed to get your clothes impressively clean. It's like a precision-engineered washboard. But unlike other washboards, this one weighs only 5 ounces and can be folded up to fit into your pocket.

To wash clothes with the Scrubba, you just fill the bag with water and then add your clothes. After squeezing out excess air, you roll the top down and clip it shut. You can "washboard" your clothes for up to three minutes, then replace the soapy water with clean water and rinse.

One nice feature of the Scrubba is the clear panel that runs along its length, working like the window of a washing machine to let you keep tabs on the progress.

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First Gear Mammoth XL Instant Cot =================================PRICE: $99

GRADE: A-

The term "mammoth" sometimes gets thrown around a bit recklessly. Like when Taco Bell makes a slightly-larger-than-normal burrito and calls it the "Mammoth Meat-Lovers Grande." Or when Coleman markets a "Mammoth Mummy Bag" that's barely six and a half feet long. I'm 6-foot 8-inches tall and a lot of so-called mammoth products are too small for me.

I'm pleased to report that the Mammoth XL Instant Cot from First Gear actually deserves the title. It's 81 inches long, 30 inches wide and can hold 600 pounds. This cot could easily hold Andre the Giant who tipped the scales at 520 pounds.

The secret of this cot's strength lies in the 1680D fabric with PVC coating, stretched over a powder-coated steel frame. It easily unfolds to keep you 18 inches off the ground and also doubles as a bench or gear storage platform.

Like all true mammoths, this cot is heavy, weighing in at 23 pounds. Even when folded up for storage, it's quite bulky. So it's strictly for car camping and it's not for the faint of heart. If you don't need a really big cot, then you probably won't want to mess with this brute. But when you're only hauling it short distances and you need the size, the Mammoth XL Instant Cot is hard to beat. With a cost under $100, it offers a lot of value for the price.

GEIGERRIG Rig 1210 ==================

PRICE: $195

GRADE: A

GEIGERRIG hydration packs feel different from the moment you pick them up. They're stouter than other packs. They feel denser. However, it's less than 4 pounds and the 1210 is lined with comfortable, breathable padding to prevent you from getting the pack glued to your back with sweat. And it's one of the most streamlined in the business, despite all the hardware packed into it.

The most unique aspect of a Geigerrig's hardware is its patented sprayer. Give the pump ball a few squeezes and you'll get a continual spray powerful enough to clean off a dirty plate after dinner.

The 100-ounce reservoir offers plenty of capacity, and for cleaning you can easily slip it out and add it to a load of dishes in the dishwasher. The reservoir will be totally safe in the dishwasher as long as it's on the top shelf, making it easier than ever to keep your hydration system running smooth.

The pack itself has 1200 cubic inches of storage space along with numerous pockets and an integrated rain cover. With this much functionality, it's kind of like having a Swiss Army Knife strapped to your back.

Optimus Vega Stove ==================

PRICE: $95

GRADE: A-

The Vega is a remote canister stove that's perfect for backpacking. It's just over 6 ounces, making it easy to tote around with you anywhere you go. It also has an extremely low profile (one of the best in its class) that makes it easier to fit in your pack. More importantly, its ground-hugging design gives you increased stability. It also has wide feet for better balance when you're using a large pot or kettle on it.

The Vega offers two cooking modes: Four Season and Efficiency. When you're in cold weather or just really wanting some hot chocolate, you can use Four Season mode and have your water boiling in about 3 minutes. Efficiency mode saves fuel and still gets the job done, with a boil time of about 4.5 minutes.

Included with the Vega are a windscreen and a rugged storage bag. This is a solid little stove that has surprising versatility. The low profile of its design is the clincher for me because there aren't many things more frustrating than trying to cook on a teetering stove.

Light My Fire MealKit 2.0 =========================

PRICE: $21

GRADE: A

Simple to use and so cleverly designed that you actually enjoy taking it apart and putting it back together again. That's the beauty of the Light My Fire MealKit. You'll notice right away that it's made out of durable materials. It has a nice heft to it.

Included in the kit are seven pieces: one lid/plate, one plate/bowl, one SnapBox Original with lid (170 ml), one SnapBox Oval with lid (320 ml), one Pack-Up Cup (260 ml), one strainer/cutting board and one Original Spork. If it seems like that's a lot to pack into such a small package, you're right. Basically, the MealKit is like a Russian nesting doll. Except that instead of charming craftsmanship and hand-painted designs, you get everything you need to enjoy eating a meal in the backcountry.

Of course, the MealKit isn't strictly for camping. It's great for road trips, picnics or any other time you want the convenience of eating on the go. The entire kit is microwave and dishwasher safe. And as an added bonus, it floats.

Soto WindMaster Stove =====================

PRICE: $75

GRADE: A

Anyone who's tried to cook with a camp stove in windy conditions knows that it can be a bear. You may try to place the stove behind a rock or log so that you have a windshield, but there are times when the wind is so pesky it makes cooking nearly impossible.

The WindMaster was designed especially for these conditions. By positioning the flame extremely close to the cooking surface, Soto has engineered a simple solution. The stove has an uncanny ability to maintain a consistent flame, thanks to a regulator system that keeps the internal pressure constant whether you're high in the Uintas or camping in southern Utah.

This is a sleek little 2.5 ounce stove that really delivers. As a bonus, it comes with a detachable four-prong support to accommodate larger pots. Regardless of your elevation and conditions, the WindMaster is a reliable stove to have around.

Prism EO Atom Kite ==================

PRICE: $22

GRADE: A

Perfect for summer days in the park or as a fun addition to a camping trip, the Prism EO Atom kite is portable and easy to fly. The best part is that there's no assembly required. You just open the package, unfold the kite and you're good to go. It even comes with 200 feet of string on a winder, so there's nothing else needed.

The Atom is the smallest of Prism's EO (Expandable Object) line. Despite its size, it's quite durable and can take a lot of abuse before it begins to show wear and tear. The frame is a pultruded fiberglass frame and the fabric is ripstop polyester which really hold up well.

What makes these kites unique is that they're easy to fly, but can also do tricks. Just tug the line to give it some slack and the Atom will put on a show. If it comes down for an unplanned landing, tugging on the line should get it airborne again.

The EO Atom works best with wind speeds under 20 mph. It's beginner-friendly and fun for all ages. And thanks to its collapsible design, the kite won't get broken during storage and when you're packing it with you for an outing.

Pro-Tec City Lite Bike Helmet =============================

PRICE: $89

GRADE: A

With the City Lite, Pro-Tec kept all that was good from their popular Classic helmet and then tackled the issue of its bulkiness. By using a low-profile shell fused to an EPS liner, they were able to eliminate more than 30 percent of the weight. The result is a sleeker helmet with a better fit.

My favorite feature is the LED light that's infused into the design. A simple click is all it takes to improve your nighttime safety. The light has four different modes and really helps you get noticed as a rider. The City Lite also comes with a breathable mesh cycling cap which adds to its comfort and performance.

The City Lite comes with a dual direction fit system so it can be customized to a fairly broad range of head sizes. If you're looking for a helmet that delivers comfort and solid safety features, you really should check out the new City Lite.

Joovy CocoonX2 Bike Trailer ===========================

PRICE: $549

GRADE: A-

A beneficial trend in the bike trailer industry is that more of them are being designed as stroller/jogger/trailer hybrids. Joovy has been one of the most innovative on the market and the CocoonX2 is no exception. By simply attaching or removing the convenient front adaptors, you can use the CocoonX2 as a stroller, jogger or trailer. So while the price tag is on the high end, you're essentially getting a trio of quality products in one.

The CocoonX2 is made for two passengers, with a pair of five-point harnesses inside. The harnesses are well designed and keep your child safe and snug.

The rear storage compartment is a big bonus, allowing you to take a diaper bag and accessories with you without having to place them in the front of the trailer where they'll crowd your children. Another great feature is the zip-up mesh window. You can keep it open on the best days, then zip it closed on evenings when mosquitoes or other bugs might be a nuisance. There's also a vinyl flap that you can secure over the front if you run into rain or windy conditions.

I'm a big fan of the 20 inch pneumatic rear tires. They give the trailer an incredibly smooth ride. They also make it possible to take the CocoonX2 on dirt trails and other places where a more basic trailer might struggle.

The CocoonX2 weighs about 35 pounds and is built to hold up to 100 pounds. It has dual rear parking brakes and safety reflectors for night rides. This is a large trailer so it should be noted that it collapses down quite compact when you want to store it or transport it somewhere. It's also easy to remove the 20 inch rear tires for even sleeker storage.

SPY Leo =======

PRICE: $119

GRADE: A-

When Outside magazine dubbed Spy's Happy Lenses the best lenses on the outdoor eyewear market, people took notice. The magazine praised Happy Lenses for "how crisply they show subtle changes in terrain—making them amazing for flat-light skiing or evening mountain bike rides." I have to agree. Happy Lens technology is easy on the eyes, blocking out 99 percent of the sun's glare and offering excellent color contrast.

Happy Lenses get their name from their unique ability to block out bad rays, while welcoming in the long-wave blue light that is supposed to enhance your mood. So do the lenses really make you happier? Sure, if lenses that offer premium color contrast while also protecting your eyes during a day in the sun is something that lifts your spirits.

In addition to housing awesome lenses, the Leo is a solid pair of sunglasses. The frame is lightweight monel alloy and features hytrel rubber nose pads and temple tips, which gets tacky when wet to keep them securely on your face. Take note that these are medium-sized frames, measuring 63-12-130, making them on the smaller side for anyone who typically wears large or extra-large styles.


Grant Olsen joined the KSL.com team in 2012. He covers outdoor adventures, travel, product reviews and other interesting things. You can contact him at grantorrin@gmail.com.

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