Summer is here and it’s time to take to the outdoors! Every successful outdoor experience comes into being in part due to having the right gear for the occasion. Whether you are in the rugged mountain wilderness or simply spending the day at your local park, chances are you made a list of what you needed to bring and possibly headed out to your favorite outdoor store for a new purchase or two. Here at PaddleXaminer we’ve made things easy for you with our checklist of essential items for your outdoor adventure.
Cordova Cooler
When it comes to word association, a cooler full of ice cold beer is one of the first images that comes to mind when I think of summer. The Cordova range of coolers is top notch. Rugged, highly effective, and built to last, this is one cooler that will serve you well for the duration of your time outdoors.
Key features include:
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Top mount latch
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Air-tight seal system
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Patented lid lock system
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Aluminum handles with built-in bottle opener
That last point bears repeating in case you missed it the first time around. The Cordova cooler comes with a built-in bottle opener on the handles – four to be exact, two on each handle. The cooler is also grizzly bear resistant for those of you heading into bear country as I did earlier this month. I used my Cordova cooler on a four day mountain expedition and it did not disappoint!
Casio Pro Trek Series Watch
It’s understandable if you want to forget about the time on occasion, but with a Casio Pro Trek series watch you’ll never get lost. The new timepieces include a direction sensor for compass readings, pressure sensor for altimeter/barometer readings, and a thermo sensor for temperature. Additionally, the new models feature Casio’s Tough Solar Power technology, which consists of a solar panel system that converts light to electricity and eliminates the need for battery changes. Users don’t have to worry about sustaining a charge as the new models consume 90 percent less battery than earlier models.
I haven’t had an opportunity to test one of these bad boys out personally, but they sure sound great! Place one on your must have gear wish list today!
Full Sized Camping Knife from Bear Edge
A reliable knife should always be on the short list of gear you pack when heading on an outdoor adventure. I took the Bear Edge Model 61515 blade with me on my recent four day self supported excursion at the beginning of the month and could not be happier with my selection. The 4-7/8” 440 stainless blade has a drop point design that includes a partially serrated edge. Easy to maintain and with long-lasting edge performance, this blade is built to handle basic chores like cutting cordage, prepping food, shaving tinder, and fully capable of accomplishing bigger tasks such as field dressing game. The overall length of the Bear Edge 61515 is 9-3/4” and it weighs 9.2 ounces. An included nylon sheath keeps the knife secure while on the move.
Footwear from Vivobarefoot
Vivobarefoot shoes are designed to be flexible and easy to travel with because they’re packable. The shoes are easy to slip on and off; they fit like a glove when worn. The shoes come with elastic tightening straps so the user can adjust the tightness to their comfort level. My brother tested the Ultra 3 Bloom earlier in the year and found them to be extremely breathable by design which was ideal for paddling because your feet will be in the water at some point.
Vivobarefoot makes footwear for every outdoor occasion and we’re looking forward to introducing readers to additional styles and models in the future. The Vivobarefoot website features a “fit finder tool” which allows the user to compare shoes they already own to find the best fit possible. Plus, they offer a 100 day trial period, if you’re not in love with your pair you can return them.
Shelta Hats – The Ultimate Sun Protection
I’ve been proudly wearing a Shelta Hat for approximately the last four years and am a proud ambassador for the innovative Southern California brand. My favorite model is the Raptor V2 as it has the perfect amount of coverage for all my outdoor activities.
Some key features of the Raptor V2 include:
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UPF 50+ Certified Eco Feather-Tech Fabric
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No Flop Brim Technology (Patent Pending)
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Removable Cord System (Patent Pending)
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Multi Panel Interior Moisture Management System
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Perspiration Wicking Headband
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Laser Cut Venting Technology
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Reflective Branding
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Single Hand Size Cinch
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Front Stash Pocket
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Floats
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Brim Measurements: Front 3”, Side 2 ¾”, Back 2 ¾”
Regardless of which model you prefer, you will not be disappointed with the performance of your Shelta Hat. More than just a piece of gear, it is an essential item for the outdoors. I wear mine on the ocean, in the mountains, and around town. Just like American Express, don’t leave home without it!
#Cooler #hat #Watch #Knife #Footwear
