From extra-wide crew socks to quick-drying running shorts that you can swim in, here is my favorite gear that I reviewed this summer.
onX Offroad Dispersed Camping Layer
Image courtesy of onX.
The first-of-its-kind dispersed camping layer in the onX Offroad mapping app – catering to adventures along un-paved roads – shows almost 140,000 miles of backcountry roads and trails across 11 Western states where dispersed camping is allowed in National Forests. OnX is the only off-road app in the industry with this data integrated right into the map. By showing legal camping corridors instead of relying on a limited number of marked campsites, the layer helps users spread out, which helps reduce overuse of popular areas and minimizes the impact on public lands. | $35-$99/yr ; onxmaps.com
Wide Open Cushioned Crew Socks
Photo courtesy of Wide Open Socks.
These Merino socks are specifically knit to fit wide feet – up to 4E. This can make for a much better fit which helps prevent blisters and prevents extra fabric bunching up at the toe or heel. The cuffs are also available in a wider option. The seamless toe knitting technology provides a smooth and even surface and also helps prevent blisters. Sizes range from M to XXL. | $25; wideopensocks.com.
National Parks Coast-to-Coast Ringer T-shirt with Pocket
Photo courtesy of The Landmark Project.
This vintage-inspired ringer T-shirt celebrates America’s incredible national parks. Crafted from 100% soft, sustainable cotton, it’s a great way to share and celebrate the places where so many amazing adventures have taken place and are yet to happen. Unisex sizing. | $38; thelandmarkproject.com.
Zeal Westwater
Photo courtesy of Zeal Optics.
The Westwater is a medium-fit, 8-base curvature frame with Ellume Polarized lenses. This style features two removable vented side panels for extra protection from glare which is prominent on water- and snow-based adventures. The ProFlex grip technology keeps the Westwaters in place on the face, even when wet from sweat, river water, or snowmelt. The 8-base curvature wraps around the face to minimize peripheral frame interference with sightlines. The Z-Resin frames are made with a minimum of 45% bio resin to reduce plastic use. Rx ready. | $179; zealoptics.com.
Ciele Athletics ATShort
Photo courtesy of Ciele Athletics.
Available for both men (5”) and women (4”) this running short is designed as a versatile staple for summer movement. Specifically, this short is built to take the user from high-output efforts to post-run dips with self-draining pockets. It is quick-drying with COOLmatic | PLUS VITALmesh fabric which is also breathable and moisture-wicking during high-output efforts. The recycled Fluide ripstop woven fabric is durable and lightweight with a touch of stretch for mobility and comfort. | $75; cieleathletics.com.
1620 Workwear Lightweight NYCO Utility Pant
Photo courtesy of 1620.
This new warm-weather work pant is designed to elevate comfort, mobility, and safety on the job. This release introduces 1620’s proprietary 8oz. Stretch NYCO (Nylon/Cotton) Twill – a lighter, more breathable version of 1620’s Stretch NYCO canvas fabric. The new fabric has 50% more spandex for enhanced flexibility and comfort but still holds up to the demands of high-abrasion environment work. Like all 1620 gear, the Lightweight NYCO Utility Pant is made in the USA and guaranteed for life. Key features include a lower-rise fit, strategic pocket placement, a gusseted crotch, and higher-set rear pockets. The pant also incorporates practical upgrades including an updated zippered phone pocket, pen & pencil slot, reinforced stitching, D-ring accessory clip, and subtle tonal branding. | $168; 1620usa.com.
Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio
Photo courtesy of Rocky Talkie.
Designed for the alpine and refined in the field, Mountain Radio is an ideal backcountry communication tool for climbers, mountain bikers, paddlers, and outdoor crews who demand reliability without the bulk. Unlike traditional radios or cell service-dependent apps, Rocky Talkie keeps it simple and tough with a glove-friendly push-to-talk button, a shatterproof screen, secure carabiner and leash attachment, and a mountain-oriented design rated down to -20°F. | $110/each; rockytalkie.com.
1UP USA Recon Rack
Photo courtesy of 1UP USA.
Recon Rack has completely redesigned the previous version of this vertical hang-style rack and it is now cleaner, 15% lighter, and is quicker to load. The new Recon eliminated welds entirely in favor of a fully bolt-together design. This means every part is serviceable, swappable, and repairable. The new rack features aluminum baskets, lower wheel cradles, and side plates which are built to handle a wide range of bikes without the need for adapters or extra baskets. The new version introduces a brand-new wedge-style hitch that snugs into the hitch receiver to eliminate wobble. The new pivot system is designed for quick, easy access and comes in three configurations: four-bike, five-bike or six-bike setups. Designed, machined, and tested in the U.S. | $1,100; 1up-usa.com.
Old Town OK Malibu Pedal T
This tandem pedal kayak designed for easy, family-friendly shared adventures on the water – even dogs can ride along. The Malibu Pedal T is equipped with two forward-and-reverse hands-free pedal drives – meaning the two users do not have to pedal in sync with each other. The intuitive rudder steering is next to the seat of the rear user. The adjustable frame seats are breathable and comfortable. The Malibu Pedal T is equipped with cupholders, accessory tracks, rod holders, ample gear storage, and is 13’ 6” long. | $4,000; oldtownwatercraft.johnsonoutdoors.com.
Himali Mens Monsoon Hardshell Jacket
Photo courtesy of Himali.
The Monsoon Hardshell Jacket is a fully waterproof and breathable, hardshell four-season outer layer designed to thwart the heaviest precipitation. At just under a pound in weight, this jacket has a tough outer shell, is fully seam taped with waterproof YKK zippers, and has a Toray 20K/20K breathable waterproof membrane. The interior liner is smooth to easily slides on over other layers or for good next-to-skin feel. An added eco-friendly water repellent coating maximizes its first level of defense against precipitation. The hood is helmet compatible, and the laminated hood bill is compatible with most baseball hats/visors. The wrist straps and hem drawstrings are designed to protect in the wettest of situations and underarm zippers dump heat. Full-zip matching hardshell pant available. | $440; himali.com.
