Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS — Now that summer heat has finally taken hold in Utah, the cooler temperatures in the mountains are more alluring than ever.
Here’s a quick look at five outdoor products that might work for your next outing. I've tested many outdoors products over the years, and these all get my personal stamp of approval.
Body Glove Horizon Water Shoes
GRADE: A
PRICE: $18
These amphibious shoes are perfect for summer. The lightweight design features mesh uppers and a non-marking TPR outsole. Add in the drainage ports in the outsole, and you’ve got a breathable shoe that helps kids go from water to land without a lot of sloshing or sliding.
The Horizon shoes are super comfortable, so kids will happily wear them all day long. And the Velcro strap is easy enough to use that even youngsters can put them on and take them off.
All in all, these are sturdy shoes at a great price.
GRADE: A
PRICE: $80
This comfy jacket is ideal for morning or evening jaunts in the canyon during the heat of summer. Made with polyester taffeta, it’s lightweight and durable. Plus, the durable water repellent (DWR) finish coating helps block out the elements on the occasional drizzly day we get in July or August. It’s not truly waterproof, however, so you won’t want to rely on it when the rain gets serious.
The Teca has a scuba-style hood and elastic binding on the cuffs and hem to help seal out cool air, and the rear vents ensure it doesn’t get too stuffy inside.
It’s worth noting that Cotopaxi makes the Teca completely from remnant fabric. This helps save quality material from the garbage can, while also providing some truly unique color styles.
GRADE: A
PRICE: $35
If you’re not a fan of typical sunscreen that has to be reapplied in globs throughout the day, you should check out this new gel from New Zealand-based Skinnies.
This is the first waterless sunscreen gel available on the market. It’s super-concentrated, so a small amount goes a long way. Rather than making a greasy mess, it clearly spreads over the skin.
Most importantly, Sungel provides robust UVA/UVB protection. Because it sits on the skin, rather than absorbing, you get protection all day long. And this sunscreen is better for the earth as well, as it has reef-safe verification.
Goal Zero Lighthouse Micro USB Rechargeable Lantern
GRADE: A-
PRICE: $19
For summer hikes and camping trips, it’s nice to have a small light that can easily be thrown in your pack. The Lighthouse Micro USB Rechargeable Lantern fits the bill, as it only weighs 2.4 ounces and puts out 150 lumens.
As the name suggests, this light can be recharged from any USB port. It’s can also be powered with compatible solar panels. Because this light is IPX6 weatherproof, it can handle nearly any conditions summer throws at it.
GRADE: A-
PRICE: Varies by retailer
This premium stroller is designed with many extra features to make life easier while on family summer adventures. For starters, with accessories it can be configured to accommodate for up to three children. This allows you to continually adjust the stroller to your family's changing needs — whether your kids want to ride forward-facing or parent-facing, upright or reclined, there are tons of options.
Also, the VISTA has ample storage space for water, sunscreen and other summer essentials. Not only is the storage basket gigantic, but it has a bigger-than-normal opening, so you won't need to awkwardly jam your diaper big in every time you're in a hurry.
Other upgrades include front and rear suspension for a smoother ride, especially on uneven terrain. The VISTA's aluminum/magnesium frame is lightweight but can also withstand the pressures of toting around three children. Also, it stands when folded, so you won’t have to deal with the stroller flopping over in the parking lot while you're clearing space for it in the back of your car.
