Gear We Love: Issue #124

Gear We Love: Issue #124

Goodies for your active lifestyle

1) Therm-a-rest parsec^TM SLEEPING BAG COLLECTION

Therm-A-Rest – celebrating their 50th anniversary this year – is one of the most trusted names when it comes to cozy sleeping arrangements in the great outdoors.

This spring, Therma-A-Rest expanded its award-winning Parsec^TM collection of light sleeping bags to take on the coldest of temps in total comfort.

Added to the line up are two additional temperature ratings: both a 0 and 32-degree and the existing Parsec 20 has been updated as well. Each bag in the collection boasts an all-new design to keep you cozy in frigid weather, plus an updated 100% recycled shell and liner. Although just as durable as its predecessor, this recycled nylon is softer and light for optimum comfort.

Other notable features include sustainable 800 fill Nikwax Hydrophobic Down^TM that absorbs 90% less water and dries three times faster, the Toe-asis^TM Foot Warmer Pocket, heat-trapping draft collars, a cinchable hood, snag-free zipper, and external zip pocket. Compression and storage sack included.

The Parsec 0 weighs in at 2 lb 6 oz; the updated Parsec 20 is 1 lb 12 oz; and the Parsec 32 comes in at 1 lb 8 oz.

MSRP: $369.95-$569.95 • thermarest.com

2) OUTDOOR RESEARCH ACTIVEICE^TM SPECTRUM SUN HOODIE

You won’t want to kick off your summer without the Activelce Spectrum Sun Hoodie. Outdoor Research has outdone itself with this versatile warm-weather layer that offers UPF 50+ protection while keeping you cool on those hot summer adventures.

The Spectrum’s thermo-regulating and self-cooling ActiveIce technology makes for a cool-to-the-touch feel. ActiveIce actually adjusts to your body temperature, preventing overheating. How, um, cool is that?

Moreover, this hoodie’s polyester/spandex fabric is super soft, remarkably lightweight, and nice ‘n stretchy for full range of motion. No matter how active you are while wearing this top, the torso stays put when you reach overhead. And best of all: no chafing!

A three-panel hood and thumbholes are other thoughtful details in this quick-drying hoodie’s design.

Both men’s and women’s sizes are available in a variety of colors.

MSRP: $79.00 • outdoorresearch.com

 

3) PRINCETON TEC VIZZ HEADLAMP

Waterproof, bright, durable, innovative and intuitive … what more could you ask for in a headlamp, right?

We were pleased to give Princeton Tec’s best-selling Vizz headlamp a try, and we are certainly impressed with the upgrades that went into this latest version.

Brighter and more user-friendly than ever, the Vizz now boasts 550 lumens in an improved one-touch interface. It features a runtime of 90 hours which translates to a solid four days of adventuring.

Interestingly enough, all Princeton Tec outdoor headlamps shine red when first turned on. Nice change from blinding folks with a beam of super bright white light, right?

That said, you may choose from a Maxbright LED that delivers spot beam for longthrow illumination; a pair of white Ultrabright LEDs that deliver a flood beam; and two red Ultrabright LEDs ideal for close-range lighting while keeping your (and everyone else’s) night vision intact. All lighting is dimmable.

You can lock the Vizz when it’s not being used to prevent it from being turned on accidentally (don’t you hate it when that happens?!). Plus, a translucent switch lets you know when the batteries are getting low.

The Vizz weighs in at 3.2 ounces (92 grams) and runs on three AAA alkaline or lithium batteries and comes with a lifetime warranty.

MSRP: $49.99 • princetontec.com

4) Costa Lido Sunglasses

Surf’s up, grab your Lidos! From catching waves to cocktail hour and everything in between, Costa Lido sunglasses offer phenomenal performance and style.

Top and side shields help prevent light from leaking in and a vented nose pad and temple tips secure the frame in place to help prevent fogging.

Naturally, we love how the Costa Lido’s lightweight yet durable Bio-Resin (plant-based!) frame is produced with a reduced carbon footprint.

Costa knowns that filtering reflective glare is crucial for those of us who spend time in, on and around the water, and therefore only sells polarized sunglasses. Plus, Costa lenses absorb 100% of UV light for the ultimate in protection. C-Wall coating gives extra scratch-resistance, and repels oil, water and sweat.

Choose between color-enhancing, polarized glass or polycarbonate lenses, and a variety of frame and lens colors.

MSRP: $197.00 – $277.00 • costadelmar.com

5) GREGORY DEVA 70 WOMEN’S-SPECIFIC BACKPACK

The Gregory Deva 70 is a dream-come-true for intrepid hikers looking for a roomy, comfortable, and entirely capable women’s-specific backpack. A generous 70-liter capacity offers the space needed for those big adventures and it’s designed with features galore to help keep your gear well-organized.

Although generous in volume, the Deva 70 doesn’t compromise on the comfy factor. The pack boasts Gregory’s FreeFloat A3 suspension system with dynamic flex panels and auto-rotating shoulder straps that move with the natural movements of your body. It also features the AirCushion Foamless backpanel that provides breathability and moisture-wicking cooling, while eliminating pressure points. Many other innovative technologies allow for a beautifully custom fit, and this pack is chock full of cool conveniences too such as an integrated whistle, a sunglass stow system on the shoulder harness, ice axe and trekking pole attachment loops, and so much more.

Comes in XS, S and M in Emerald Green and Eggplant. 60-liter capacity version also available.

MSRP: $349.95 • gregorypacks.com

6) LEKI Makalu FX Carbon TREKKING/HIKING POLE

Grab your Leki Makalu poles and hit the trail with confidence and ease. The Makalu FX Carbon adjusts infinitely from 110 to 130 cm using Leki’s durable Speed Lock 2 plus lever system. When not in use, each pole — which weighs in at just 254 grams — folds neatly into three sections to be tucked away easily.

Most notably, the Makalu FX Carbon features Leki’s newly redesigned Aergon Air pole grip which delivers unprecedented control and comfort. A unique hollow core shaves off weight, while large, supportive surfaces and built in positive angles deliver supreme ergonomic support even when descending the toughest terrain.

Makalu FX Carbon also features a trekking basket that prevents sinking into soft surfaces and also protects the lower shaft. Its ELD (External Locking Device) is a user-friendly locking mechanism for fast and easy assembly that releases pole tension with the push of a button.

MSRP: $219.95 • leki.com