7 outdoor products to try this summer

7 outdoor products to try this summer

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SALT LAKE CITY — Summer is in full swing and with it comes ample opportunities to hike, bike, camp, fish, swim and whatever else you like to do while exploring the great outdoors. Picking the right gear is essential, as it can help determine whether your next adventure is a success or not.

Here’s a look at some diverse outdoor products that might be worth considering for your next adventure.

CamelBak Pursuit

PRICE: $150

GRADE: A-

CamelBaks have come a long way over the past decade or so. The hydration systems have improved (Big Bite valves and PureFlow tubes) and the packs employ advanced technology. The Pursuit is one of CamelBak’s newest models and is designed for maximum comfort. It has mesh back panels to keep your back ventilated, which helps reduce back sweat. Plus, the suspended panels are just plain comfortable. They’re a real improvement on the Pursuit’s predecessors.

Another key feature is how low the hydration reservoir sits on your hips. It may seem odd to have the water stored lower in the pack, but it improves stability and makes for a better overall experience. CamelBak gives it an overly fancy name—Antidote Lumbar Reservoir—that really just means that the pack feels better on your back.

The pack itself has a 21-liter cargo capacity (plus the 3-liter water reservoir) and can hold up to 25 pounds of gear. It also comes with a lifetime guarantee, meaning you can put it to use without worrying about whether it’ll last.

Kelty Junction 2.0

PRICE: $189

GRADE: A

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The Junction takes the traditional child carrier and merges it with the technology of a Kelty backpack. At first glance, it may seem a bit bulky, but it’s surprisingly light and comfortable on your back. Part of this is due to the pack’s quality components and part of it is due the suspension system. It has a sliding waistbelt (like many do), but ups the ante by making it contoured and extra padded. It also has an adjustable torso-length system so that it fits all body types. The backpanels have ample padding and are shaped for a snug fit. Add in the waistbelt storage pockets for easy access and you’ve got a highly functional travel pack.

But what about your passenger? The Junction has a padded child’s seat with easy height adjustment, so you can customize it to your child’s size. The five-point harness adds stability and peace of mind, so you don’t have to worry about your child’s security while on your back.

Of course, the Junction isn’t intended for everyday use. But if you’re going on an all-day outing or spending some time in the mountains with your child, it’s a great way to transport everything at once. This is a high-quality pack that can help you consolidate the contents of several smaller bags into one convenient place.

Sierra Designs All Season Windjacket

PRICE: $169

GRADE: A-

Some softshells can seem a little wimpy when it comes to foul weather, but the Sierra Designs All Season Windjacket excels. It’s made with double-woven fabric, which resists tears and blocks out the wind. And if it starts to rain, its stitch-free construction and water-resistance make a huge difference. Make no mistake, this isn’t a slicker and you don’t want to wear it during a downpour. But for mild storms it holds up like a champ, while weighing in at just about 15 ounces.

Where this softshell really shines in when you’re exerting yourself. A training run in the wind or a mountain hike during a drizzle can be miserable when your jacket traps in your sweat. But the All Season Windjacket is designed to allow air-permeability so your sweat dries quicker. It also has underarm vents for times when you need ventilation but don’t want to unzip the front and let in wind or rain.

Throw in other nice features like the hem drawcord and adjustable cuffs and you’ve got a sleek little softshell that can really hold its own.

Kelty Recluse 3.0

PRICE: $134

GRADE: A

Finding a comfy sleeping pad can be a real challenge. Especially for big guys. I’m 6’ 8” and a lot of the pads I try are way too small and slide out from under me in the night. That being said, the Recluse 3.0 really impresses.

First off, it’s 78” long. While that’s still not quite my optimal size, it’s a lot more than other pads can offer. My favorite feature is the oversized outer tubes that help keep you firmly in place all night. For those of us who shift a lot in our sleep, the stabilizing effect is really appreciated. Also, the Recluse 3.0 has plenty of insulation, so it helps to keep you warmer than other pads.

Another important aspect of a good sleeping pad is durability. We’ve all probably experienced the joy of waking up on a deflated pad. The Recluse 3.0 is quite hardy and can easily handle most conditions. Of course, there’s a repair kit included for possible issues down the road. But it may not even come to that, because the pad is protected by a one-year warranty from the manufacturer.

With its comfort features and accessories like an integrated hand pump and the aforementioned repair kit, the Recluse 3.0 is customized to help you get a good sleep at night.

Ridgemont Rover

PRICE: $85

GRADE: A-

Ridgemont Outfitters makes sleek outdoor shoes that are intended to work for both hiking and everyday use. Most of their shoe styles are low profile, however, which raises the question of how well they’ll support your feet on mountainous terrain. The Rover has the lowest-profile of any of the styles, so it seemed like the perfect model to test.

The Rover features a 100 percent rubber vulcanized outsole that offers solid traction while hiking. It also has a composite track board spanning the back half of the shoe, which gives support while also allowing more flexibility than you’d generally get from a hiking boot. They fit snug and comfortable.

So in a lot of ways, the Rover is the best of both worlds. It’s a casual shoe that can also perform in the great outdoors. That being said, it’s still a low-top shoe. If you’re hiking in rough conditions or you’re prone to ankle injuries, you’ll need to leave the Rover at home. It simply can’t compete with a high-top hiking boot in those types of situations.

Schwinn L.L. Bean Sport Tour Bike

PRICE: $499

GRADE: A-

Schwinn designed this Sport Tour bike with performance and comfort in mind. It features a 6000-series aluminum frame that delivers strength without much added weight. Once assembled, the bike tips the scales at about 29 pounds.

If you’re looking for a rugged all-terrain bike, this model is definitely not for you. It has 700c tires that wouldn’t hold up well at all on rough conditions. Rather, this is a fitness rider’s bike, with slim tires that offer minimal rolling resistance. Keep to roads and smooth ground and you’ll be amazed at how well it rides. It’s sleek and smooth, rather than tough and powerful.

That being said, the Sport Tour bike offers lots of upgraded features to give you a great riding experience. These include mechanical disc brakes, Shimano 24-speed gearing with Rapid Fire shifting, and a shock-absorbing seatpost. It comes in three different body sizes, which are intended to accommodate anyone 5’6” to 6’4” tall.

If there’s one complaint with this bike, it’s that the assembly instructions are a bit difficult to read. Experienced cyclists will most likely be able to assemble it no problem, but for first-timers, it could be a frustrating experience. Once it’s assembled, however, there’s a lot to like about this bike. Well-equipped and built to last, it’s great for those looking to go on intense fitness rides or simply zip around town.

Selk'bag Patagon

PRICE: $259

GRADE: B+

Selk’bags have won a handful of awards for their unique design, but questions persist about their versatility and hardiness. With the Patagon, Selk’bag has attempted to address these concerns. It boasts a better temperature rating than previous models (thanks to a better shell material and Krekran® insulation) and is also designed for enhanced mobility.

I really like how the Patagon’s booties detach so that you can use your own shoes. Once removed, you can even zip the booties together to form a pillow. The outer shell of the Patagon is tougher than earlier models, while also managing to be lighter. The new technology used is really quite impressive.

So how does it stack up with a good, old-fashioned sleeping bag? Depends what you use it for. If you’re looking for a comfy way to sleep on your next overnighter or family camping trip, the Patagon could definitely be your ticket. It’s got nice padding and offers some really clever features. If you’re looking for a more technical piece of equipment for a high altitude camping trip, you may want to reconsider. The Patagon can handle colder temperatures than any other Selk’bag, but it still can’t hang with a mummy bag when it comes to extreme cold.


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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