Cool Summer Gear!

Camping Gear

What to bring camping really depends upon how long and how far out you’re going. If you’re spending the night at a drive-up campsite, pack all you can fit in your car. If your destination is the backcountry, keeping weight at a minimum is critical. No matter where you camp, be sure to include on your checklist the following: tent, sleeping bag, light source, fire starter, warm clothing, sunscreen, first aid kit, knife and plenty of food and water. Camp stoves are great for feeding big groups, while backpackers enjoy the convenience and practicality of lightweight and foldable camp cookware.

Yeti Cooler

These coolers are literally grizzly proof. Made from super strong polyethylene and in a one-piece design, Yeti coolers can withstand even the paws and claws of a 1,500-pound grizzly bear, all while keeping ice solid for longer than just about any other cooler. Yetis are specifically designed for camping to keep food cold, hunting to keep meat fresh, fishing trips, and now include a line of collegiate logo coolers for tailgating. Sizes include anything from the Roadie to take to the job site or in a canoe to the Tundra 250, which is big enough to serve as an ice bath for recovering athletes.

Summer Clothing

Lightweight and breathable is the key to staying cool when the temperatures hit their peak during summer. Manufacturers are creating all kinds of sweat-wicking and fast-drying fabrics to keep us cool but also looking cool as well. A well-crafted pair of sandals is worth the investment, especially if you plan on walking in them all day. Light colors reflect sunlight better than dark so keep that in mind when choosing your next beach outfit. Don’t forget to swing by the swimsuit racks for the latest trends as well.

OluKai Footwear Nothing says summer like a comfy pair of flip-flops. OluKai footwear is based in Hawaii and is committed to sharing the aloha spirit across the world. There are plenty of choices for women, men and kids including sandals, shoes and boots. Proceeds from each sale benefit several organizations including the Hawaiian junior lifeguard foundation, The Conservation Alliance and the Ama OluKai Foundation, which promotes the preservation of Hawaiian culture and heritage. Anatomical footbed cushions and premium materials ensure your feet won’t be tired after a long day strolling the beach or storefronts.

Hiking Gear

Hiking is all about your feet so make sure your boots fit properly. Once you have your boots fitted, choose a pack that’s right for you, something small and lightweight for short hikes and something a bit larger than can hold additional food, water, maps and safety equipment if you plan on being out all day. Trekking poles will help take the pressure off your legs on steeper climbs, and if you have to traverse rock faces on the trail, don’t forget a rope and even a pair of gloves if your fingers aren’t used to rock climbing.

REI Trail Stool Sometimes even during a short day hike, it’s nice to keep your back end off the dirt. The REI trail stool easily folds into a great seat for your seat. Weighing slightly more than a pound, it won’t weigh your pack down and is also strong enough to support up to 225 pounds, folding small for easy storage and transportation. The stool works great for taking a break during a day hike and is a great alternative to packing bulky chairs into more remote campsites. At less than $30, it is a real bargain for decent comfort along the trail.

Biking Gear

Biking trails can vary greatly from silky smooth pavement to rough, washout paths, and your bike should match what you ride most often. Your local dealer will help you find the best make depending on where you ride most. Clips mounted on the handle bars allow you to lock in your phone or global positioning system (GPS) so you’ll always know where you’re going. Mounts for a GoPro camera also give you a cool recap of your ride from your own perspective. Never forget the helmet no matter what surface you are riding, and cycling gloves will help keep your hands blister free.

Specialized Fatboy Fatbike Growing increasingly popular for their year-round versatility, Fatbikes are the solution for riders who want to get where standard mountain bikes just can’t take them. Sand, snow and loose gravel are a breeze with monster 4-inch tires helping you pedal through it. You won’t break any speed records, but a 5-inch clearance and lightweight aluminum frame make navigating easier than you might think. Rack mounts make attaching additional gear simple for long or multi-day trips. When most are putting their bikes away for winter, you’ll be counting the days until the first big snowfall to see what this bike can do.

Fishing Gear

Everyone loves a day on the water so while you’re out there why not try reeling in a few fish as well. Trolling or bobber fishing makes it easy on kids, while more advanced fishermen will look at casting banks, docks and weed lines. If trout is your goal, then give fly-fishing a serious try. While it might be difficult at first, landing a fish on a fly rod is a really cool accomplishment. Catch and release practices help make fisheries better for the next generation, so treat the fish with as little harm as possible before releasing.

Orvis Fly Rod

You can get all the fancy waders, vests, hats, nets and sunglasses you want, but if you can’t present the fly you won’t be reeling in too many fish. The rod is the most important tool and Orvis makes a variety that can complement any skill set and budget. Getting the right sized rod for the right conditions can mean the difference between a day on the water and an incredible day on the water. Local fly shops can help fit you just right depending on what rivers you’ll be fishing and what species you’ll be targeting.

Mountain Climbing Gear

Getting up a rock face using your own brute strength is a passion for many in the west. Each climber will tell you the key to a great day climbing is a comfortable and sturdy harness, trustworthy safety rope and a good partner. It’s never a good idea to go cheap when you’re dangling from the side of a cliff. Rocks and debris can tumble down at anytime so a helmet is also a strong recommendation. Kids can learn at climbing gyms where all the safety equipment is already in place.

Edelrid Fraggle II Full Body Children’s Body Harness

With so many little wannabe ninja warriors out there, it’s never too early to teach the little ones how to climb safely and properly. This full body harness easily supports children up to 88 pounds. Easy glider buckles makes fitting a breeze, and 3-D mesh padding keeps your child happy. This harness can also double as a ski training tool in the winter to help keep small children upright while learning to navigate the slopes. This is a great way to introduce your child to rock climbing whether in the comforts of the gym or the great outdoors.

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