New Swag For Summer: 6 Ideas For Travel And Outdoor Adventure
With Memorial Day in the books, the summer season has officially kicked off in the minds of many. As the calendar fills up with adventures, it might be time to upgrade your travel and outdoor kit with some of the newest shoes, clothes, and gear on the market.
It's important to take care of your feet while traveling. Many people walk when exploring a new place—often much more than they do at home—which can lead to tired feet and legs. Combat this fatigue with a good pair of travel shoes, such as the Atom 2 from Kuru. They weigh less than a pound and support your feet with a heel-cupping sole that protects your feet from the wear and tear of concrete in cities and airports.
Summer season means it's time to get outside, and whether you're deep in the wilderness or simply hanging around backyards and parks, a comfortable place to sit goes a long way. The Chair Zero from Helinox offers portable, compact seating wherever the road takes you—it weighs just 17 ounces and packs down smaller than a paper towel roll. It can be carried in a backpack on a long hiking trail, or simply kept in the trunk of the car for use at scenic areas, parks, or picnics.
Cooking outside is one of the best parts of summer, but we don't always have access to a grill or kitchen. This spring, Jetboil released an upgraded version of its Flash Fast Boil System, which fixes a few small bugs in the previous versions, most notably an upgraded ignitor (no lighter or matches required). The setup can boil water in just two minutes, perfect for hot beverages, soups, or dehydrated meals while camping or exploring natural areas, where access to conveniences may be limited.
Lani Shades are made of bamboo and wood in Hawaii so that they are lightweight and float if dropped in the water.
There are endless sunglass brands out there, and styles are always changing. But if you plan to spend time around the water, you'll want something that protects your eyes, helps you see better, and doesn't sink like a stone. Lani Shades are made in Hawaii from wood and bamboo, and thus, are lightweight and buoyant. Each pair is tested to ensure they float, while polarized lenses offer protection from shimmering water.
Shirts that offer cooling sun protection are invaluable in the summer months. Most people are aware of sun shirts that are designed to be worn in the water, but other outdoor-focused hoodies, such as the Tern from Outdoor Vitals, can boost protection from the sun in a wide variety of travel situations. Made from merino wool, they dry quickly and keep your skin cool with its excellent breathability. The Tern can also be used in colder conditions as a base layer, making it something you can use all year round.
Summer adventures often take you off the beaten path, and a good pair of sturdy boots will make the journey all that much more enjoyable. Solomon recently released the X Ultra 5, a lightweight hiking boot available in low and mid ankle cuts with or without waterproofing (depending on your planned use and desired breathability). All models offer elite grip and stability, and they won't bog down your bag—they weigh less than a pound per shoe.
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