Tech watch: The Forest Park App features an interactive guide to Portland’s 5,157-acre playground, highlighting 49 trails and 10 suggested hikes. Best part: The iPhone-only app works without a network connection, no matter how deep you are on Wildwood Trail. $3.99, forestparkpdx.com

Trail ready: A lightweight athletic shoe with midsole vents allowing for air ventilation and cooling, Columbia’s Ventralia shoes feature an “Omni-grip” non-marking traction rubber outsole to help you leave no trace while comfortably hiking any terrain. $90, columbia.com

Looking for even more local gear? We've got our eye on the best fresh gear finds from Northwest companies right this way...