Your Essential Outdoors Gear Guide
By Rachel Ritchie May 19, 2016 Published in the June 2016 issue of Portland Monthly
Signal
With the Signal, Leatherman gets serious about preparedness: in addition to the standard set of every tool imaginable, this little transformer conceals a diamond-coated sharpener for blades, a flint spark lighter, and an emergency whistle. ($99.85)
With Leatherman
WorkSack
Based in St. Johns, CiloGear claims perfecting the alpine pack as its founding mission. And with the WorkSack, they’ve gotten pretty darn close: a made-to-order, astonishingly hardy, lightweight, waterproof specimen of backcountry glory. (From $69)
With CiloGear
Crary Boots
Handmade in Portland, Crary Boots are the result of yet another successful crowdfunding run. And this one picks up the Northwest legacy of burly footwear with boots like the Pacific Crest, elegant, heavy-duty suede-leather hikers with a Vibram sole. ($400)
With Crary Boots
Paracord Knife
Crafted from a single piece of hand-forged high-carbon steel, the super-strong Paracord Knife from Oaks Bottom Forge will skin a deer, fillet a fish, and split wood. It can even transform into a spear with the help of a sturdy stick and the six-foot cord that makes up its handle. ($450)
With Oaks Bottom Forge
BiPod Stove
Just because you’re backpacking doesn’t mean you can’t get serious about cooking. And with Snowpeak’s BiPod Stove, sporting two brawny legs and a supporting arm for larger pans, you can do just that. ($89.95)
Belay Jacket
A stylish combination of warmth and packability make NW Alpine’s Belay Jacket a backcountry essential. Weighing in at just 21 ounces, it still swaddles you with oodles of Primaloft Gold insulation. $269.95
Skyscape X Tent
For those long-haul fanatics seeking the lightest gear on the market, Six Moon Designs’ Skyscape X tent fulfills long-held fantasies. Dual doors, rollback vestibules, and wind-stable dual poles pack down to a mind-blowing 17 ounces. ($565)
Uneek Round Cord
We won’t comment on the aesthetics. What’s important is that Keen’s Uneek Round Cord shoes are literally made of just two cords and a sole, and that its woven structure adapts to the idiosyncrasies of your feet for the ideal camp shoes. ($100)
Eagle River Short
You have to experience hiking shorts to understand that they make all the difference. And Columbia’s Eagle River Short proves the point with quick-drying cotton poplin, a mesh interior, an elastic waist, UPF 50 sun protection. ($35)
Camp Drinking Chocolate
After a daylong haul through the wilderness, only one thing is more important than the right gear: chocolate. And also: coffee. Treehouse Chocolate Company hits both sweet spots with the super-smooth Camp drinking chocolate, a mocha-inspired concoction built on organic cacao from Northern Peru. ($15 for a five-pack)
Mega Camera Cooler
Poler’s Mega Camera Cooler may not make the cut for your multiday backpacking trips, but it’s all you need for a day hike. Separate padded compartments accommodate your beers and camera—both of which are key to most outdoor pursuits. ($109.95)
With Poler
Get outside with this awesome outdoors gear.
