Gear We Love: Issue 105

Goodies for your active lifestyle

1. Paria Tri-Fold Carbon Cork Trekking Poles

If you’re looking for a set of lightweight carbon trekking poles at an affordable price, look no further. Paria’s Tri-Fold Carbon Cork trekking poles combine several outstanding benefits into a single high-performance product. Each pole weighs less than 9 ounces and folds down to only 15 inches, making them the perfect solution for backpackers and hikers. Assembly and adjustments are a piece of cake, taking just a few seconds.

The ergonomic syncork handle provides all the benefits of natural cork — absorbing sweat, and conforming to your hand over time — while being more durable and better for the environment

The super-strong carbon fiber shaft material and 7075 aluminum alloy connectors create an incredibly strong and durable pole that will support you on countless adventures over all sorts of terrain.

Each pole includes an individual storage bag, a hiking basket for mud and snow, and a rubber foot for use on paved surfaces. The tungsten carbide tips and baskets provide great grip and durability.

All this at a price you just can’t beat, and from a company dedicated to quality products and excellent customer service.

MSRP: $59.99 • pariaoutdoorproducts.com

2. Ruffwear Approach Pack

This is the perfect pack to ensure Fido feels part of the adventure by carrying his own supplies. Perfect for day hikes as well as short excursions into the backcountry, the Approach Pack is comfortable and roomy. With its streamlined design and light yet durable materials, your canine pal will hardly know it’s there as she navigates even the toughest terrain.

Ruffwear’s keen attention to functionality and comfort shows in the pack’s integrated harness and radial saddle bags. The integrated harness features five points of adjustment for a perfect fit, full range of motion, and optimum stability. The pack’s radial cut saddlebags allow for a passive compression system that is form fitting  and comfortably load carrying.

The Approach Pack includes two points of leash connection: a single-piece, anodized aluminum V-ring and a webbing loop. Bright colors (Orange Poppy or Meadow Green) and reflective trim keep your trail companion easily visible.

MSRP: $79.95 • ruffwear.com

3. Klean Kanteen 5 Piece Straw Set – Multi Color

Did you know that Americans use 500 million disposable straws every day? A surprising number of those seemingly harmless little straws end up in the ocean, where they are mistaken for food by a variety of marine species. And think of all the plastic going into our landfills.

Klean Kanteen has come to the rescue with its 5 Piece Stainless Steel Straw Set. This reusable solution to disposable plastic straws is the ideal accessory for Klean Kanteen’s 16oz or 20oz insulated tumblers and steel pint cups. Whether you’re drinking smoothies, pressed juice, or iced coffee, Klean Kanteen straws make sipping safe and easy.

The set includes four 2-piece stainless steel & food grade silicone straws and a straw brush. The straws are made from high quality 18/8 stainless steel with a safe, food grade, removable silicone flex tip. The Straw Brush is also made of 18/8 stainless steel plus natural palm fiber bristles for easy cleaning.

Dishwasher safe. BPA free. Multi Color Set includes Orange, Green, Blue & Purple.

Just say no to plastic, and enjoy your favorite drinks on the go knowing you are doing a little something for our environment. Every little bit helps.

MSRP: $9.95 • kleankanteen.com

4. Lowa Locarno GTX Lo Ws

Ladies, you will adore this remarkably versatile, lightweight, and attractive shoe that you can wear running errands as well as on a day hike. Although light and sleek, the Locarno remains true to its core outdoor roots, featuring essential design details to keep you moving comfortably on the trail.

The Locarno’s new Inverted MONOWRAP® frame construction with a hybrid DuraPU™/DynaPU® midsole offers superb support, rebound and shock absorption, and the lower profile outsole offers a nimble, close-to-ground feel. Durably waterproof/breathable, this shoe comes in Reed/Off White (pictured), Espresso, and Graphite/Jade.

Gentlemen, don’t dispair — the Locarno Lo GTX also comes in a men’s version.

MSRP: $190.00 • lowaboots.com

5. Osprey Aura AG 50 Women’s Pack

We love so much about this backpack, it’s hard to know where to start. Among a multitude of stand-out features, Osprey’s innovative AntiGravity™ suspension caught our attention right from the start … and all the way through to the very end. You seriously feel like you’re carrying less weight than you are, and that feeling lasts as you put down miles on varied terrain.

The pack fits beautifully, is well ventilated, and includes a slew of convenient features to make your outdoor adventures as enjoyable as possible. From easy to use stretch mesh side pockets to an adjustable stretch mesh front panel pocket for additional external storage, you stay well organized while on the go.

The Aura AG 50 is especially versatile with a removable floating lid that can be replaced with a fixed FlapJacket™. It also features the Stow-on-the-Go™ trekking pole attachment which allows you to stow your poles whenever you need your hands free, and an internal hydration reservoir sleeve that accommodates up to a 3L reservoir. Zippered hipbelt pockets keep snacks and smaller items close at hand.

Choose from Vestal Gray (pictured), Gamma Red, and Challenger Blue. Add an optional rain cover for those wet-weather adventures and keep your gear nice and dry.

MSRP: $240.00 • osprey.com

6. Metolius Access Fund Comp Chalk Bag

Help protect American climbing areas by purchasing this special edition chalk bag. A portion of the proceeds goes to the Access Fund. This classic Competition shape chalk bag features three popular climbing destinations: Smith, Tetons and Yosemite (pictured).

The bag holds a good amount of chalk and is functional and easy to use. It includes a belt with side-release buckle; if you prefer, you can take the belt off and attach the bag to your gear haul loop with a carabiner. A brush holder is also included. It weighs just 1.7 ounces, and features a full-length pile lining.

MSRP: $19.95 • metoliusclimbing.com

7. GSI Outdoors Halulite Microdualist

Backpacking couples rejoice. The GSI Outdoors Halulite Microdualist is the ideal cooking and eating set for two. Weighing just 18 ounces and packing down to 5.60 x 5.50 x 5.90 inches, this set is an excellent choice for ultralight backpacking. It includes a 1.4 litre cooking pot with strainer lid, two 14 fluid ounce insulated mugs with Sip-It tops, two 14 fluid ounce bowls, two telescoping “foons,” a stove bag, and welded sink-stuff sack. The integrated nesting allows for ultralight stowing of micro stoves and fuel canisters.

This set has everything you and your adventure partner need, without the weight penalty. And the price is ultralight, too.

MSRP: $54.95 • gsioutdoors.com