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THE GREAT OUTDOORS — As summer slowly fades away, there are still plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Here’s a quick look at a handful of outdoor products that might be worth checking out before your next trip.
Headsweats Boonie Hat
PRICE: $25
GRADE: A
The American Cancer Society recommends always wearing a hat while outside in the sun. Specifically, a hat with a brim of at least 2-3 inches, so it can protect your ears, eyes, forehead, nose and scalp.
The Boonie Hat is a great option, with a wide brim that offers ample coverage. The hat’s shell is made with a knit fabric that’s quite comfortable, and it allows airflow and moisture transfer.
One convenient feature is that this hat can easily be rolled up and stuffed into your pocket when not in use. It’s one-size-fits-most, meaning it’ll work for anyone except those who wear an XL or larger. Plus, it’s machine washable and won’t shrink.
Feetures Hidden Stripe Socks
PRICE: $13
GRADE: A
These low-profile socks are perfect for hot days when you want a sleeker profile on your feet. Made with iWick spun polyester fibers, they are super thin and durable.
They may be small, but these socks still provide a nice amount of compression that translates into comfy support. They also have heel anchors in the back to keep them from slipping and a seamless toe in the front for added comfort.
OluKai Nohea Moku Shoes
PRICE: $95
GRADE: A
Lightweight and cushy, these shoes are awesome for days spent near the water. They’re designed to be worn barefoot and have multiple water drainage ports, so you don’t have to slosh around all day. There’s a dual-density PU footbed with a polyurethane gel insert, and everything inside is removable and washable.
One nice thing about OluKai’s shoes is the collapsible heel design, which means you can wear them as either a shoe or a slip-on. The uppers on the Nohea Moku are made with a lightweight mesh that’s quite breathable. And the elastic lacing system adds to the ease of getting them on and off your feet.
For the undercarriage, these shoes have an all-weather outsole. Made of non-marking rubber, it has razor siping (small slits) to give added traction on slippery surfaces.
LifeSaver Jerrycan 10000UF Water Filter
PRICE: $189
GRADE: A
This massive water filter holds up to 18.5 liters of water. And once you start pumping, it provides clean drinking water, instantly removing viruses, bacteria, cysts and parasites.
While the Jerrycan is definitely bigger than you’d typically need on a weekend outing, it’s perfect for large groups and extended stays. Simply fill it from your favorite source of dirty water, then pump clean water whenever you need it.
The Jerrycan is capable of filtering up to 10,000 liters of water. In the process, it also reduces the turbidity of glacial, cloudy or muddy water. And to put your mind at ease, an automatic failsafe indicator lets you know when the filter cartridge needs to be replaced.
Slumberjack Wheeler Lake 20 Sleeping Bag ========================================
PRICE: $89
GRADE: A
The Wheeler Lake 20 is a great three-season bag. Its most clever feature is the 2-in-1 hood. On pleasant nights, you can use the built-in platform for your pillow. When the temperature drops, you can use it as a hood to provide added warmth.
This bag fits campers who are up to 6 feet, 4 inches tall. It even has an oversized “toes up” footbox that gives you plenty of room to shift around while you sleep.
With its 190T polyester taffeta shell and liner, the Wheeler Lake 20 is fairly rugged. It’s loaded with synthetic insulation that provides good warmth at a reduced weight. One final feature that’s worth noting is the anti-snag construction of the zipper, which helps eliminate cases of the dreaded “nighttime zipper jam.”
Diamond Gear Belay Bag
PRICE: $139
GRADE: A
The rugged Belay Bag is made with 1000D nylon, treated with polyurethane and a durable water-resistant coating to keep your gear safe and dry in nearly all conditions. Even the inside pocket is made with 70D ripstop Polyurethane coated fabric, to eliminate any potential weak points.
Even with a 22L capacity, the Belay Bag still weighs just a bit over a pound. Its ample back pad is designed to keep cargo weight off your spine, providing long-term comfort. Plus, it has integrated spacer mesh that keeps things stable and breathable.
Inside the bag is a large main compartment and an internal pocket for securing smaller items. The two front pockets are extra tall, so they can securely hold your large water bottles. Plus, the daisy chain on the front can be clipped with any accessories you want to bring along.
North St. Weekender Meeting Bag
PRICE: $129
GRADE: A
This little bag looks deceptively simple, but it’s got some impressive features. First off, it’s made with 510D CORDURA face fabric bonded to black polyester X-PLY 22° monofilm. The result is a weatherproof shield that is almost impossible to tear or damage.
The Weekender Meeting Bag provides about 10 liters of storage space. That’s enough to fit the essentials for a day hike or other similar kind of outing. The main compartment opens flat, which is awesome because it makes it so easy to organize and access your gear. And the weather-resistant front zip pocket is perfect for storing valuables.
This handy bag weighs just over a pound. It can be toted around in a few different ways, including with the top handle, backpack straps or as a shoulder sling bag.
