Gear We Love #114

Goodies for your summertime adventures

Astral Loyak AC 

Purpose-built for a water- and sun-based lifestyle, the Astral Loyak AC delivers breathability, flexibility, comfort, and stability. This low-cut, grippy water shoe is ideal for kayaking, SUP, sailing, and fishing. It even makes for an excellent water crossing/camp shoe on backpacking adventures. It is not, however, recommended for heavy whitewater use.

The sock-like entry, stretchy tongue, minimal weight, level footbed, and wide toe-box all combine to make it feel like the shoe is simply an extension of your foot. Plus, the Loyak is so stylish and quick-drying, you’ll want to keep it on for that post-adventure stop for pizza or a brew.

Comes in both men- and women-specific styles in a variety of colorways.

MSRP: $110.00 • astraldesigns.com

Garmin Edge 130 plus

The Garmin Edge 130 Plus is one of Garmin’s latest and greatest GPS bike computers featuring state of the art navigation, performance insights and safety and tracking features.

Engineered for cyclists, by cyclists, the Edge 130 Plus not only tracks your ride, but monitors stats, provides training guidance and more. Ideal for riding no matter the weather conditions, the Edge 130 Plus features a button design and a 1.8-inch display that’s sharp and easy to read.

Whether you’re an entry-level cyclist, intrepid adventurer, or hard core competitor, you’ll thoroughly appreciate the Edge 130 Plus. We could fill this entire page with all the amazing features this cycling technology boasts, but we have to save room for other gear we’re crazy about. So, hop on Garmin’s website to learn more and prepare to be amazed. 

MSRP: $199.99 – $249.99 • garmin.com

Leki Micro Vario Cor-Tec Trekking poles

The LEKI Micro Vario CorTec TA is the perfect pole for adventures on just about any terrain.Made from aluminum HTS, this pole is lightweight, durable and foldable, packing to a nice compact bundle. The push-button release mechanism allows for quick, easy assembly and the poles knock-down to just 15.5”. Edgeless and ultralight Aergon CorTec grips deliver a truly comfortable fit; the strap is ultra-lightweight and breathable. Additionally, the trekking basket is compatible with every Flextip, and offers excellent protection against sinking in. This phenomenal technology comes at an affordable price and includes a travel/stow bag.

MSRP: $139.95/pair • leki.com

 

FI Smart Dog Collar

The Fi smart dog collar isn’t just smart, it’s durable, stylish, and intuitive to boot. Created from noticeably high-grade materials, this location/activity tracking collar is both chew-proof and waterproof, and can stand up to just about any adventures Fido takes off on.

The collar’s technology — which pairs with WiFi, Bluetooth and cell service — not only keeps track of your pup’s whereabouts, but also how many steps and miles he/she travels each day — great for making sure your best friend stays in shape.

There’s a social aspect to the Fi collar as well. Your canine friend can compete against other dogs wearing Fi collars nationwide, and you can connect with other Fi dogs in your area. You can even link up to your pup’s Instagram to share his/her adventures!

The Fi collar’s battery is proven to be remarkably long lasting. Band choices include blue, gray, yellow, and pink in sizes S thru XL. 30-day GPS trial plus one year warranty included.

MSRP: $149.00 • tryfi.com

Stashers

There’s nothing quite like a nice, cold bevo or sweet, juicy piece of fruit on a long, hot adventure. Enter the new Stashers v3.0 insulated bag which features a removable, food-grade liner that safely carries drinks, fruit, snacks, ice — whatever you need to make your epic outing even more epic.

Wide, durable straps extend fully around the bag and can be snugged up well, offering optimum support and stability on even the bumpiest rides. Fasten the bag to just about any place on your bicycle, kayak, Jeep roll bar, backpack, etc. The set of three bags come in assorted sizes (and colors) which can be used together  as a comprehensive storage system for everything you need — and want — to bring along on your adventure.

MSRP: $34.99 – $44.99 • getstashers.com

Five Ten Trailcross mid pro

If you are looking for a high top mountain biking shoe that is also designed for hiking and trail building, the Trailcross Mid Pro from Five Ten is your jam. This shoe is a hybrid of an Adidas trail running shoe and an MTB-specific shoe designed for flat pedals.

Designed for longer rides, this shoe features an inner ankle cuff that protects from dirt and rocks entering the top of the shoe and grinding against your foot and heel. Around the cuff and also protecting the ankle are the same D30 plastic armor guards used by motorcycle riders for body armor. This well-placed armor protects against sharp sticks and rocks and other trail hazards, including your own pedals. Stealth rubber with Five Ten’s trademark dot pattern delivers dependable sticky connection to your pedals at all times.

While previous Five Ten bike shoes feature designs inspired by skate culture, the Trailcross series features a trail running look. For people who explore new trails and need sticky shoes for flat pedals that are also suitable for hiking and trail maintenance, these are the best MTB shoes on the market hands down.

MSRP: $170.00 • adidasoutdoor.com

GREGORY maven 55

Ladies, if you’re looking for a lightweight, comfortable, multi-day pack, the Gregory Maven 55 is a dream-come-true. Weighing just over 3lbs, this durable and spacious pack does not compromise on comfort thanks to features like the FreeFloat breathable suspension, the dynamic flex panels that move with your body, and the 3D foam back panel.

In addition, it comes in two sizes (XS/SM and SM/MD), each with a fully adjustable torso length and hipbelt to create a customizable fit for every body.

But what about capacity and storage details, you ask? No worries, because the Maven’s HD Nylon can handle loads up to 55L and 50lbs.

Smart features like a side-loading access zipper, a floating top pocket with two zippered sections, dual side stretch mesh pockets, an oversized front stretch mesh pocket, and a zippered bottom sleeping bag compartment, make for easy and accessible organization of your gear. Throw in an internal hydration sleeve and a custom fitted raincover and this pack will check all your boxes!

Available in Rosewood Red or Spectrum Blue.

MSRP: $229.95 • gregorypacks.com

NATHAN SAFERRUN SPEEDVIEW 18OZ INSULATED FLASK

Your water or other hydration fluid will stay cooler longer in the double-wall, insulated 18-ounce flask while your smartphone tucks easily into the see-through touchscreen pocket. Headphone access at the bottom is another big plus.

But what we love most about this versatile carrier is that it includes Nathan’s award-winning SaferRun Ripcord Siren to deter a would-be attacker. Simply pull to activate a siren that’s as loud as an ambulance.

Futhermore, the hand sleeve lets you relax your hand for easy carry; no more gripping a water bottle on your pedestrian adventures!

MSRP: $54.99 • nathansports.com