Gear Guide: 3 Outdoor Gear Essentials for Fall
The weather is cooler and the days are shorter, but there is still plenty of outdoor fun to be had this time of year.
To help with the shift of seasons into the golden here are three new outdoor products that we think you might like.
Therm-A-Rest Treo Chair
This time of year, a campfire is even more enjoyable. Sitting on the ground sucks – especially so if that ground is cold – but lugging around a bulky and heavy chair. This chair packs down completely to it’s tripod pole base and weighs in at 2 lbs, 9 ounces and is made of strong 6000 series aluminum poles, perfect for your car camping kit. It packs down to it’s base which is the size of a loaf of bread, supports 133 kg (almost 200 pounds)! This means it’s small enough to stash in your kayak or canoe, or backpack if you are so inclined not to go without your creature comforts. Cost is $100, found at many retailers.
REI Co-Op Down Jacket
Now you don’t have to break the bank to get a down jacket. There is nothing more cosy than throwing one of these on on a cold autumn night, and thanks to REI’s new line, REI Co-Op, you can get a jacket for only $99.50. The jackets are filled with 650 down, so they won’t compact as much as higher filled down like the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer, but you are also paying a fraction of the price. With a great selection of colours – a choice of eight different ones – and treated ripstop nylon. The feathers in the jacket are dark colours, so take note if you’re ordering a lighter colour such as white. The jackets also run big so you can layer with more clothing on the inside.
Why down? Read the article about the differences between down and synthetic insulation.
Icebreaker Camo
Merino wool for hunting? Icebreaker says yes, and the hunting and fishing collection contains dozens of styles. Icebreaker officially launched the product line back in 2014, but there is further expansion into the hunt/fish line due to it’s tremendous popularity. New products include base layers, hats, socks and gloves for both men and women.
Wool is understood and appreciated very well by the hunting crowd, and Icebreaker is the perfect purveyor, being one of the best quality merino wool manufacturers. Part of the line is provided exclusively with Cabela’s, and several pieces contain the RealTree camo pattern. But they are their only big box retailer, and the line is sold everywhere.
The products are a bit more expensive than non branded camo shirts. You can pick up a branded camouflage 200 weight Icebreaker shirt for slightly more ($10) the same price as one without the prints.
Read about how merino wool wicking works and how to take care of your merino base layers.
- How to experience the world while isolated at home - April 21, 2020
- How to prevent and treat hypothermia - February 21, 2019
- How to layer with your down jacket - November 28, 2018