Gear Review: For the grads

It’s always hard to believe how fast the school year goes — and that another class of seniors graduated on May 15. Whether you’re looking for gifts for local grads or those farther away, as graduations roll on throughout the nation — or if you just want to treat yourself — here are some fun finds.

Nite Ize Hitch Phone Anchor and smartphone bar mount

Let’s face it: College can be distracting, causing students to lose their phones — even if they’re like a security blanket. Nite Ize’s Hitch Phone Anchor tethers phones through a double-gated carabiner to quickly attach to backpacks, jackets, belt loops, and more.

On the other side, an ultra-thin anchor fits between the case and phone. The coiled tether extends up to 24 inches and can easily be removed by unsnapping the MicroLock to avoid any bulk when you don’t need it. I find the anchor system especially useful on a chairlift or any precipice; it’s cheap insurance for the one-time price of $14.99.

And, since biking is a major mode of transportation on campuses, grads will love the Squeeze Rotating Smartphone Bar Mount. It’s easy to mount and unmount, yet it provides an ultra-secure hold, even in bumpy terrain. Its adjustable strap wraps around anything from handlebars to grocery carts — no tools necessary. Once mounted, you can easily rotate your phone 360 degrees for vertical or horizontal orientation. $25.99, niteize.com.

Gregory 50 Alpaca Camp Box

From storing gear to moving it around, just about everyone can use this durable, 50-liter camp box. It’s tall enough to easily stand paper towels upright, and its 17.3- x 19.9-inch length and width accommodate plenty of camping, or other necessities. The transparent, polycarbonate lid lets you spot items quickly and withstands high impact. Sealed gaskets on the polycarbonate latches protect gear from dust and water, and the two hinges on each side allow you to swing the top open or completely remove it. Molded side handles carry heavier loads without the risk of breaking off. Weighs 5.71 pounds empty; built from 50% recycled material. $64.95, gregory.com.

Grayl Mission Tote 58L, Large G-MOD Flat Molle Pouch and Medium Pod Pouch, and Transport Carry Sling Pouch

Last month, Grayl fully launched its Carry Project, a collection of durable packs and bags designed with a modular pack system.

I’m all about pockets — and more pockets — when it comes to bags, especially large ones like the Mission Tote 58L ($199.99).

We are talking two large, open outer sides, three outside zipped pockets, two open, inner side pockets, an inner zipped mesh pocket, a padded laptop pouch with a top Velcro tab, and four other inside pockets with Velcro tabs. Though, overall, it weighs 3.11 pounds, I love the padded and removable shoulder strap and carry handles, as well as the padded bottom, top, and sides, which protect contents when other bags get thrown around during a road trip. A huge network of MOLLE panels and Velcro allows you to attach the small G-MOD pouches with included carabiners. G-MODs also attach with Velcro or snaps to Grayl’s packs, crossbody slings, and water bottle carriers.

The medium pouch ($19.95) is small, at 2.75 x 5 x 2 inches, but it’s handy for separating keys, chargers, money, etc. I use the large Flat Molle ($34.95) much more, as it measures 4.35 x 7 inches and includes two zippered pockets (one inside, one outside) and credit card dividers. Both efficiently attach to the mesh-faced sling pouches, which make excellent on-the-go packs, as well as dividing cubes for the totes. (3-9 liters, $29.95-$49.95). Made of a 100% recycled outer shell and lining and YKK Aquaguard zippers. Comes in four colors. Note: not pet-hair repellant. grayl.com.

Nomadix Original Towel and Festival Blanket

From lake and ocean adventures to showering in dorm bathrooms, Nomadix dubs this as the only towel you need, with its 72 ½ inch length, high absorbency, quick-drying factor, and resistance to pet hair, sand, and gunk. It’s hard to believe that one towel is made from 30 plastic bottles, since its water absorbency equals four times its 1-pound weight (for grads who prefer English to math, that means it absorbs 4 pounds of water). Its small loops and tight weave dry four times faster than cotton terry and prevent sand, dirt, and hair from getting trapped, the latter of which is key for a beach towel or concert blanket. Soft and compact, this towel and 2-pound festival blanket — made of the same material but measuring 58 x 72 inches — pack easily for any adventure. The blanket’s water-resistant base prevents butts from getting wet on soggy grass, and anchoring corners ensure it stays put on sloped hillsides or windy areas. Plus, Nomadix’s plethora of designs offers a style to fit everyone, and the company is Climate Neutral certified and a 1% For The Planet member. Towel is $39.95, blanket is $69.95, nomadix.com.

Cuisinart Coffee Center Barista Bar 4-in-1 Coffee Maker

Who doesn’t need coffee in college — or otherwise? This coffee maker provides flexibility, from a single serving ranging from 6 to 10 ounces or an espresso brewed boldly to 12 cups of coffee made at once. A steam wand froths lattes and the like and also acts to deliver hot water for tea and soups. It’s programmable for timing the perfect cuppa joe and includes an auto shutoff, which spans up to four hours. The charcoal water filter means you don’t have to worry about adding already filtered water; just dump faucet water into the 72-ounce, removable reservoir. The only downside is the water reservoir’s location — in the back — so if the coffeemaker sits under cabinetry like ours does, you have to pull it out to fill it. We solved the problem with a rolling, wooden cutting board, but it did require another purchase. $349.95, cuisinart.com.