Gear Review: Summer biggies

These items land on the larger side when it comes to outdoor gear, and it’s no wonder: They’re a big deal when it comes to summer fun.

Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0

I love a good campfire, but I don’t enjoy constantly moving around to avoid inhaling a bunch of smoke and still ending up with smelly hair and jackets. That’s where Solo Stove’s smokeless firepit comes in. Its double-walled design allows for airflow and temperatures that rise to 400-degrees hotter than regular campfires, which means little to absolutely no smoke while the flames are dancing. Of course, as the fire fades to embers, some smoke emanates, but that’s when it’s time to either revive or douse it. The vessels come in four sizes, up to 30-inches in diameter. I chose the second size, with its 19.5-inch diameter and 15-inch height, for its car-camping portability. It only weighs 20 pounds and comes with its own carrying case, which also came in handy to cover our wood when it rained before our planned fire (you can also buy a lid). The removable ash pan makes cleanup easy. It comes in several colors, but I prefer the classic stainless steel; its metallic flake interior reflects the flickering flames, making for a mesmerizing night under the stars. I mostly use it near our deck, but I love it while camping, too. This has been a game-changer for me due to its smokeless quality and its ease of popping in some paper and wood and relaxing in one spot for the duration of the fire. I plan on buying my parents the larger model, since their approach to fire is “go big, or don’t bother.”

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Solo Stove 2.0, $299.99 (regular price — check out the sale); $344.99 with stand (again, check the sale), solostove.com

As a note, WhistlePig and Solo Stove have partnered to introduce the limited-edition CampStock Wheat Whiskey. Crafted with wheat whiskey alongside WhistlePig’s grain-to-glass rye, the final blend is finished in Solo Stove toasted barrels for a precise char and toast profile, before being bottled at 86 proof. The new CampStock Wheat Whiskey offers hues of the golden hour, with notes of citrus, freshly toasted bread crust and vanilla for a well-rounded finish. Limited Edition CampStock Whiskey, Solo Stove Mesa XL, and Solo Stove Whiskey Barrel Firewood bundle:

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$199.99 (other bundles and kits are also available), shop.whistlepigwhiskey.com. CampStock Whiskey, $74.99, shop.whistlepigwhiskey.com 

Sea to Summit Big River Dry Backpack

This is an excellent waterproof backpack, which doubles as a drybag. Though it’s not meant for total submersion, it’s great for excursions where you want to ensure your items will remain dry in a downpour; my husband already has this packed with his tent for his motorcycle trip to Sturgis. We use the 50-liter pack, which weighs just 1 pound, 10 ounces. Its roll-top closure keeps water out, while its 420D nylon is puncture-resistant. I also greatly appreciate how Sea to Summit lines the interiors of its bags with reflective white laminate, so I can see what’s in there when I’m rummaging. The grab handle and daisy chain make it easy to secure to boats and bikes, and the Field Repair Buckles can quickly be replaced, though we haven’t had any problems with our original buckles. The adjustable harness isn’t overly padded, but it is comfortable on the shoulders, and the sternum and hip belt hold the pack in place on longer treks, making it a great choice for hiking.

$169.95, 50 liter; $199.95, 75 liter, seatosummit.com

Kelty Low Loveseat

Hanging out is more fun in pairs, and this loveseat accommodates outdoor cuddling well. I chose the Kelty Low Loveseat with its 13.5-inch height for concerts, but Kelty also offers a 19-inch seat height. It holds up to 400 pounds, and with a 44-inch length, there’s plenty of room for two. One of the things I like about it is: If you’re partner gets up, your seat doesn’t sag. It’s slightly reclined, so I stretch my feet out and use the included padded carrying mat, which the loveseat collapses into, behind my head for extra comfort, particularly when gazing at the night sky. Weighing 15.38 pounds, it’s best for car camping or short walks to shows, but the shoulder-sling strap makes it easy enough to carry. The steel frame translates to great durability; you don’t feel like you’re going to fall over on uneven ground. Adjustable arm rests hold oversized water bottles, making it a great overall lounge chair.

$129.95, kelty.com

ENGEL 60QT UltraLite Injection-Molded Cooler

We’ve tested this cooler on two-day road trips and rafting excursions and found it extremely versatile and effective. The hanging wire basket and divider, which doubles as a cutting board, allows us to separate items like bread, the latter of which I keep in the basket because there’s nothing worse than a soggy loaf. We use it as a seat in our raft; the advanced injection molding contributes to its incredible durability and crack resistance, and the non-slip base provides extra security. Our food remained cold during our two-day trip to the South. The ice did begin to melt, but we didn’t cool the receptacle beforehand, and we only filled it halfway, so I was impressed. Engel adds 2 inches of closed-cell foam insulation for a fully packed cooler to preserve ice for up to 7 days when properly cooled and packed. The drain plug works like it should: It doesn’t leak and allows for drainage through tapered channels to keep everything clean. At 21.5 pounds, the 60-quart cooler is relatively easy to tote. And, unlike another cooler I have, it’s super-easy to open while still ensuring airtight compression, so I don’t dread fetching items.

$199.99, engelcoolers.com

Keter Urban Bloomer 12.7 Gallon Raised Garden Bed

When I lived along the Front Range for a short time during college, I enjoyed my garden, but in the mountains, I found it more challenging. Until I discovered this raised garden bed, I limited my growing up here to flowers. Now, the Urban Bloomer Raised Garden Bed simplifies high-elevation growing. A 12-pack seedling tray starts the process off right. The water gauge tells me when my herbs, like basil, parsley, and mint, need more water (before my not-spectacularly-green thumb feels that the soil is bone dry). Green means it’s OK to water, and red means it’s time to drain. The 30.7-inch-high bed contains a drainage tap, which releases excess water, and the reservoir prevents root decay and over-watering — another bonus for my unsophisticated mountain-growing skills. The weather-resistant, wood-look resin resists sun fading. It’s easy to assemble and looks great on my deck, and I can bring it inside to continue to enjoy fresh herbs in colder months.

$139.99 (check out the sale price now), keter.com