Gear Lust

camping, cycling, hiking, mountain biking, outdoor gear | dlacord | Wednesday, August 11th, 2010 at 12:33 pm

We’re over halfway through the traditional camping season, and I’m feeling like some new gear. Here are a few things that look intriguing:

The Jetboil Flash, a cool stove that include a thermo chromic temperature indicator on the three color neoprene stripes (it shows you when the contents are hot); a drink-through lid; and a windscreen for the adjustable-flame burner. The neoprene cozy is the most innovative part of this stove – it stays in place during cooking and doesn’t melt; and it has a pocket for utensils.

Teva Illum flip flops, with LED lights. If you’ve ever stumbled out of your tent in the dark for a bathroom break, you’ll appreciate this idea. Tiny detachable LED lights illuminate the ground about eight feet in front of each step. The lights, which are waterproof, run on batteries that can be replaced.

The Saris Bones trunk bike rack. I admit it – the color choices sold me on this (who could resist purple?) but the stability and six attachment straps are also worthy features. It has a unique shape that’s different than other car bike racks.

The REI Adventure Dog Dream Bed. This is on my dog’s wish list – it has a self-inflating pad insert that allows you to roll it up for easy carrying, and a Sherpa fleece cover. Think Therm-a-Rest for dogs.

The Dajo Survivor knife, because you can never have too many camping knives. This cool tool has a stainless-steel blade, a fire-starting notch and a Swedish FireSteel included, along with a sheath, emergency whistle and five foot of cord.

A CamelBak insulated stainless steel Better Bottle. How optimistic I am when I go hiking with my water bottle filled with ice. How disappointed I am when I stop for my first drink of warmed water. This bottle eliminates that disappointment, and it has a cool silver finish.

– Deb Acord

Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo Hiking Boots