2016-07-19

In Part 1 of our Summer Outdoor Gear Guide we focused on hardware – things like yard tools and camping gear. In Part 2, we’re looking at “softwear.”

The Clothes Make the Man – and the Woman

Sweatshirt – Ibex Hooded Indie – Once upon a time, wool was a scratchy material that you really didn’t want up against your skin. But that’s so 1960’s. An Ibex favorite, the Hooded Indie craves punishing conditions and full days in the woods. Made of 100% soft and durable Merino wool, this is a layer in it for the long haul. Layer on under a shell or vest for reliable insulation or wear solo for early morning runs; the Hooded Indie will give you the odor resistant, moisture managing warmth for years. Available for $80 on Amazon.com.

Multipurpose Shirt – Ibex Night Session Shirt – This shirt is also made from lightweight overdyed heather Merino wool. Designed to be lightweight for a more versatile performing tee, this clean looking short sleeve button front can go big if necessary and still be good for work in the morning. Great for transitioning from work to play. Available for $130 on Amazon.com.



Long Sleeve Shirt – Royal Robbins Expedition Stretch – This quick-drying button down is an essential for all outdoor dwellers. With performance features like UPF 50+ protection and engineered back ventilation, the Expedition will become as indispensable as your pack on the trails.  It has a two way mechanical stretch fabric to move with you. Available for $65 on Amazon.com.

Short Sleeve Shirt – SCOTTeVEST Camp Shirt – With seven pockets for your gadgets and daily essentials, the SeV Camp Shirt provides convenient access to everything you need while on the go. Cool and comfortable, the relaxed fit SeV Camp Shirt is a warm weather wardrobe staple for techies, busy parents, and travelers. The two large chest pockets have magnetic closures and mid-size pockets within them to help organize your sunglasses, cell phone, and other gear. Zippered crossdraw pockets located within both side seams provide additional secure storage for your wallet, keys, passport and more. And, don’t forget to use the small, zippered Mad Money pocket located under the bottom snap on the inside left to hold change, cash, or other small daily essentials. Made of 100% cotton seersucker, the Camp Shirt is lightweight and breathable. Available for $80 on Amazon.com.

Fishing Vest – Royal Robbins Field Guide Vest – This classic 17-pocket utility vest is a must for fishermen. It features back ventilation and a padded neck and shoulder with UPF 30+. The 2-ply nylon fabric is lightweight, quick drying, and wrinkle and odor resistant. Available for $60 on Amazon.com.

Lightweight Vest – SCOTTeVEST Featherweight Vest – Of course, SCOTTeVEST got its name and its fame by designing vests with lots of pockets for techies to safely carry all their gear. The Featherweight Vest features 14 pockets, is their lightest weight vest, and comes in colors that won’t absorb heat. This vest is perfect for summer travel or outdoor adventures. Quickly access your smartphone or digital camera in the 2 exterior chest pockets, and keep your credit cards or passports secure from skimmers in the RFID blocking pocket. Available for $140 on Amazon.com.

Pants – SCOTTeVEST Convertible Travel Pants – With 10 pockets and compartments – including 3 zippered pockets and deep pockets to safely stow your essentials – these convertible travel pants are practical and functional. The lightweight, quick-drying, 100% nylon fabric is Teflon treated for water and stain resistance. Easily convert pants into shorts with hidden leg zippers, which you won’t feel or see until you need them. Available for $95 on Amazon.com.

Jacket – Helly Hansen Odin Minimalist Jacket – Super lightweight, this Helly Tech Professional jacket is perfect for all mountain pursuits. Weighing in at just under 7 ounces, it’s the perfect emergency jacket to keep in your backpack on trips this summer and fall for unforeseen weather. The jacket is waterproof, windproof and breathable. Available for $220 from Helly Hansen.

No Agony For These Feet

Muck Boots – Muckster II Ankle – One of Muck’s most versatile styles, these 100% waterproof shoes have been updated with a new height and outsole pattern. The Muckster II is ideal for any chore or task where there is mud, slush, or rain. Easy to slip-on and quick to kick-off, makes it a great “leave by the back door” boot. They are at home in the barn or garden and perfect for wearing around camp. Best of all, they feature 4mm Neoprene and the traditional Muck Airmesh lining. Slip them on and you will always feel dry and comfortable. Available in a low camp shoe style or ankle boot. Available for $73 on Amazon.com.

Trail Shoes – KEEN Versatrail – These trail shoes meet the evolving needs of KEEN fans looking for a shoe to fit into their hybrid lives. From a day hike to a backcountry weekend camping trip, the Versatrail offers breathability, support and shock absorption while weighing in at under 12 oz. Available for $87 on Amazon.com.

Sandals – KEEN Maupin – From the water to the trail, the Maupin’s enhanced traction is at home on slick spots. The Maupin is a supportive water sandal, built to take you anywhere. Available for $59 on Amazon.com.

Water, Water, Everywhere

Filtration Bottle – LifeStraw Go – This water bottle incorporates award-winning technology into a refillable water bottle so you can carry safe drinking water with you on the go. It filters up to 1,000 liters (264 gallons) of water and removes 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria, including E-Coli. Available for $290 on Amazon.com.

Insulated Water Bottle – Avex Freeflow Water Bottle – This is an insulated double wall Capacitor Stainless steel water bottle. The FreeFlow’s rapid-pour, leak-proof autoseal locking lid with its easy-to-clean dropdown lid feature fits all sizes of Capacitor Stainless steel bodies. The powder coated, dishwasher-safe double wall design keeping your water cool and drinkable all year round that will change the way you think about hydration. Available for $30 on Amazon.com.

Travel Mug – Melitta Pour Over Travel Mug Coffee Set – For some of us, a morning out camping needs to start with a hot cup of coffee. This inexpensive system from Melitta makes it easy to start your day off right. A new cone design enables you to see into the cone so you won’t overfill. It comes with a startup supply of Melitta coffee filters as well. 2-pack available for $17 on Amazon.com.

For the Photographer

Tripod – PakPod – This professional-grade adventure tripod is waterproof, freeze proof, and constructed with high-impact ABS and stainless steel. Mount and secure it anywhere with legs that adjust to extreme angles and feature flip-out Ninja feet that stake into grass, dirt, sand, and snow. Set up super-fast and lock down all three legs with a patented quick-lock knob and quick-push leg adjustment buttons. And you can take it anywhere – it weighs less than a pound and folds down to 12.75″. PakPod comes with a standard camera mount compatible with most smartphones, GoPros, and DSLR cameras. Available for $99 on Amazon.com.

Camera Vest – Cotton CCS Camera Harness-2 – If you love to take photographs but don’t enjoy those irritating camera straps that strain your neck and let the camera swing around, this is a great solution. The vest has a 1 or 2 camera carrying design that carries any type and size of camera and lens combination. It features a secure camera locking system with instant release and a side holster that can be worn on your vest, belt, pants, or backpack. Available for $189 on Amazon.com.

Tuneful Travels – Portable Bluetooth Speakers

Waterproof Speaker – JBL Charge 3 – This is the ultimate, high-powered portable Bluetooth speaker with powerful stereo sound and a power bank all in one package. The Charge 3 takes the party everywhere, poolside or in the rain, thanks to the waterproof design, durable fabric and rugged housing. Its high-capacity 6,000mAh battery provides 20 hours of playtime and can charge your smartphones and tablets via its USB output. A built-in noise and echo-cancelling speakerphone gives you crystal clear calls with the press of a button. Wirelessly link multiple JBL Connect-enabled speakers to amplify the listening experience. Available for $150 on Amazon.com.

Portable Speaker – UE Roll 2 – This speaker is right at home not only near the water, but in it and comes complete with it’s own “floatie.” Among it’s features is a stretchy, attachable marine-grade bungee so you can strap the speaker to your bike, backpack, kayak or wherever else you want to take your music. The Roll 2 is lighter than a can of soda and ultra-portable and so light you will forget you are even carrying it. The speaker has a 100 ft Bluetooth wireless range and 9 hr. rechargeable battery life. Available for $100 on Amazon.com.

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