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Oct 17, 2024

Gear Review: Transitioning into fall | AspenTimes.com

News News | Oct 10, 2024 The transition of summer into fall lends itself to reviewing a few camping products and some great fall and summer gear. Near Zero is aptly named in terms of how lightweight

News News | Oct 10, 2024

The transition of summer into fall lends itself to reviewing a few camping products and some great fall and summer gear.

Near Zero is aptly named in terms of how lightweight and compact it designs its quality gear. This 3-inch thick inflatable pad provides plenty of cushion between me and the ground. One of my initial tests of the cush of pads involves doing cat-and-cow yoga poses on my tile floor, before I ever take it outside. If my knees feel the tile, I worry. This pad passes my test beautifully. With dual-plated aluminum and woven fabric insulation for an R-value of 3.7, this hits a sweet spot for cold, fall nights. Weighing in at 1 pound 7 ounces (3 ounces more for the wide option), it’s perfect for backpacking. It compactly packs into an 8×4-inch stuff sack, which includes the pad, pump sack, bungee strap and repair kit. The regular pad measures 73 inches by 21 inches, while the wide version adds an ample 4 inches on the sides.

It’s $99.50 regular price, check out the sale, nearzero.co.

This mini stove is so darn cute I can hardly stand it. Of course, the important thing is that it works well, which it does. Its high-speed, rotating central flame disperses heat evenly, and its adjustable control valve allows for simmering to boiling, to a maximum energy output of 2,800 watts. Serrated arms, which expand to 2.7 x 3.1 inches, securely support various pot sizes. I wondered how such a little gadget could steady pots and pans — an important factor when you’re dealing with hot food and water — but sure, enough, it steadily supports my Voaz pot (see below). The universal tread fits a variety of self-sealing isobutane-propane fuel canisters. But what’s really amazing is how ultralight and compact it is. It weighs 1.6 ounces (yes, ounces) and folds into a 1x1x2-inch clear, hard case, which, quite honestly, I worry about misplacing because it’s so tiny, so I pop the stove into its case and included cloth bag, then store it in the stainless steel pot. It goes without saying that this is perfect for backpacking, but my husband also can’t wait to take it, and the pad, on his next motorcycle trip. And, the price point is amazing.

$24.50, nearzero.co.

This 750 ml pot doubles as a mug, with collapsible, coated handles. Inside, a measurement scale extends up to 24 ounces, which comes in handy when cooking. And, a straining lid makes it easy to cook one or two servings of pasta. It comes with a handy, mesh foam bag to protect it, and, with the stove stored inside, I’m ready to go.

$21.50, nearzero.co

It’s not quite time for gloves yet — unless you’re on a motorcycle. My husband has been loving these thin-down gloves. A side vent in the cuff and moisture-wicking lining keeps his hands dry — and nice and warm. The shell’s synthetic leather is surprisingly soft and flexible, providing easy finger movement. They even remain flexible after getting wet in the rain. He plans on skiing with them during warmer days, and he finds them extremely comfortable for everyday wear, including driving.

$64.99, gordini.com.

BOTE combines a versatile 5-gallon bucket with a durable, efficient cooler. The circular design is innovative in and of itself; after all, drink cans are round. And, the Gator Proof Alliance (yes, that’s a real thing) officially certified it gator proof. I’ve taken it to concerts, where it acts as a convenient seat, complete with high-density EVA foam, though at 13 pounds empty, it’s a bit heavy to carry full, so you don’t necessarily want to haul it far. Still, every quality cooler has significant weight, and this one includes a nice, cushy handle for more comfortable carrying. It stands out with more useful bells and whistles than others, such as rubber underneath and sticky foam on top that makes it a sturdy stepstool or casting platform on a boat; a stainless steel bottle opener on the side; a secure, easy-to-open (with just one hand) latch; and a hinge that allows you to open the cooler all the way so people can grab drinks from any side. A drain on the bottom, rather than side, allows for easy and complete drainage. Fully packed and cooled first, it kept my food and drinks cool during a 2.5-day road trip. Also comes in 2.5- and 10-gallon sizes, in seven fun colors.

$270, boteboard.com.

Perhaps only BOTE thinks about creating a magnetic tumbler to keep your drink from slipping and spilling. The 2-inch neo-magnet on the bottom of this tumbler connects to compatible BOTE products, like the cooler lid’s powerful attachment point. Trust me: That tumbler isn’t going anywhere, even if someone knocks over the cooler. The removable cap keeps bugs, dust and other annoyances out, while its double-wall vacuum insulation and stainless steel construction keeps drinks cool or hot, depending on what you prefer. This tumbler is just a fun talking piece, as well a very practical drinking vessel. Comes in eight colors and/or designs.

$25, boteboard.com

These pants are spectacular for cooler weather riding. Lightweight, four-way-stretch recycled fabric provides ease of movement on the trails, while the DWR treatment and UPF 50+ rating protects from rain and sun. My husband tends to heat up on singletracks, so he opens the zippered side vents located on the thighs to cool down. Ankle zippers allow him to take off the pants without removing his shoes for quick changes (these pants layer well with the MTB Liner Short), and the elastic cuff provides a nice, tapered fit, preventing any bagginess that can get caught in a chainring. Large pockets accommodate a phone and other gear, and the rubberized grip around the waist prevents any weight in the pockets from letting the pants slide down. The low-profile buckle clasp also avoids any accidental snap pops. In addition to performance, they look great.

$129, backcountry.com

This long-sleeve jersey provides a relaxed fit, as well as a UPF rating of 50+. Like the pants, its four-way stretch fabric throughout offers freedom of movement. Made with breathable panels in the main body and woven sleeves, it blends the science of moisture wicking and lightweight breathability with sleeves that resist snags as you tear through the forest. And then there’s the little plusses, like a sunglass wipe tucked inside to clean off sweat, dirt and sunscreen, and a rubberized grip in the back to keep the shirt from riding up. The extra length in the back also makes the jersey look great with tights.

Men’s, $79 (see women’s sale price) backcountry.com

Established in 1890 and made in France, Opinel has built a reputation for its quality and aesthetics. In fact, in 1985, the Victoria and Albert Museum named it one of the best designed items in the world, alongside the likes of the Porsche 911 and Rolex watches. I’ve taken this handy cutlery set on picnics because it’s so easy to carry. I also like keeping the kit in my car, because inevitably, I stop at a grocery store for a salad or yogurt when I’m away from home. The stainless steel fork and spoon insert into the folding knife, which you obviously want a couple of for convenience if you’re using it to picnic. I appreciate the sturdiness of the 7.6-inch utensils and the fact that I’m not using plastic. And, the wood handle is quite beautiful. Inside the microcloth, elastic holds the spoon and fork securely in place, and the cloth itself acts as a cleaning cloth, napkin and carrying case when rolled up. I simply attach either the spoon or fork to the folding knife, and everything remains neatly in place.

$35, opinel-usa.com.

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