Essential Outdoor Gear for Off-the-Grid Adventures
Supplies for life off the beaten path
1. Tenkara Rod Co/Yari Rod Kit
Getting out on the water this summer? What about fishing from remote mountain streams? If you’re hiking, backpacking, kayaking – you name it – check out the newly updated Yari Rod Kit. The Japanese-made rod is lightweight and compact, designed for fishing light lines and light flies. Extended, it measures 360cm (11ft. 10in.), but it collapses down to just 53cm (20.8in) and it weighs in total 2.3oz – perfect for throwing in your pack.
MSRP: $295
tenkararodco.com
2. Kora/Yardang Jersey
Kora, a Himalyan-born outdoor activewear brand, incorporates yak wool into each of its designs. This quarter-zip is the perfect lightweight layering piece for the summer, made of 70% superfine merino and 30% premium yak wool, which both insulate and wick sweat fantastically well. If the quarter-zip look isn’t for you, this shirt is also available in a Henley-style collared shirt with buttons.
MSRP: $140.00
koraoutdoor.com
3. Nocs Provisions/Standard Issue Binoculars
8x magnification is the perfect way to catch a glimpse of the wildlife this summer! Experience the world around you up close with a pair of Standard Issue Binoculars. These binoculars are ready for adventure; they come completely waterproof, compact, and wrapped in high-impact rubber. Plus, the fog-proof nitrogen-filled chambers will keep your line of sight clear in all weather conditions.
MSRP: $95.00
nocsprovisions.com
4. Peak Design/ Charging 1-inch Ball Adapter Phone Mount
Keep your phone handy with this ball mount adapter designed for those of us who need more than just a basic phone mount. Stay connected with wireless charging capabilities, and pair with a Peak Everyday Case for the ultimate combination of vibration dampening that ensures your phone stays where you want it – no more bumping loose or falling onto the floorboard.
MSRP: $84.95
peakdesign.com
5. Ignik/20LB Tank Case Seat
Rugged 900 denier polyester fabric and rigid corrugated plastic keep your propane tanks safe in the Ignik 20LB Tank Case Seat. The carrier, which doubles as a camp chair, makes lifting, carrying, and transporting unwieldy propane tanks easy, with wrapped handles on either side. Keeping with Ignik’s sustainability mission, the carrier keeps your propane tanks functional longer… and the fact that they look cool is just an added bonus.
MSRP: $74.99
ignik.com
6. Sea to Summit/ Aeros Ultralight Deluxe Pillow
Comfortable, lightweight, and smaller than a Camelbak water bottle, this full-size pillow features the same basic design components as Sea to Summit’s sleeping mats. Its soft 20D stretch-knit polyester exterior wraps up the silent TPU bladder that keeps the pillow fully inflated with just a couple of breaths. Plus, it weighs just 4.6oz and is secured by RF welds for strength and durability.
MSRP: $64.95
seatosummit.com
7. Helinox/Chair Zero High Back
You’ll be sitting pretty at camp, on the beach, or at the tailgate this summer in this ultra-lightweight high-back chair by Helinox. Weighing in at just 1lb 8oz, this chair will barely make a dent in your packing plans, but the comfort it delivers is huge. This chair’s tall back gives an upgrade in terms of back and shoulder comfort — just what we’ve been dreaming of on recent trips.
MSRP: $175.95
helinox.com
8. Roam Adventure Co./Landing Mat
Picnic blanket, tent entryway, shoe storage, something to lay on when you’re wrenching… the Landing Mat does it all. This waterproof mat’s EVA foam core makes it comfy to lay on, while the ripstop PVC-coated nylon fabric makes it as durable as any tarp. Perfect for the beach, the mountains, or even a tailgate, Landing Mat is easily stowable and washable.
MSRP: $99.00
roamadventureco.com
Editor’s Note: A version of this article appeared in TREAD July/August 2023.
