Gear Review: Summer blend

From trekking to tinkling to a great table, this review has you covered with some innovative products.

Gnara Go There Pants

Finally, a pant that evens the playing field. Not only are these pants comfortable, flattering, and technically-minded, but they also allow women to easily relieve themselves without pulling down their pants. Gnara’s separate and hidden GoFly Pee Zipper starts below the main fly and then extends below, to the back of the pant, allowing us to unzip and pee easily, without being exposed. Of course, it’s quickest to use without underwear, but even with it, you can relieve yourself discreetly, without making a mess. Just make sure you tuck in the wide, easily grasped zipper pull when you’re done to hide it, otherwise you’ll end up with a silver trinket dangling below the main fly. The 93% nylon, 7% spandex, and four-way stretch fabric results in wonderful comfort, both while hiking and sitting, and the fact that the waistband falls just below the belly button also makes them very comfy. Adjustable waist ties customize the fit. I’m often between a small and medium, but with these, if you’re in-between sizes, I’d size down; a size 6 fits me perfectly. Five large pockets, including two hip, two back, and one hidden zip stash (big enough for a phone), are added features. Plus, you can wear the pants three different ways: straight and long; cinched into joggers; or snapped at the mid-calf for wadding in water or just for a capri look. These are literally my new favorite pants, and they come in nine sophisticated colors.

$168 (check out the sale price now), gnara.com

Cleanwaste Go Anywhere Portable Toilet and bags

Speaking of having to go, Cleanwaste’s Portable Toilet is the perfect solution. Weighing 7 pounds, this folding toilet is easy enough to carry on rafting trips and the like; it folds up nicely to the size of a briefcase. Able to support up to 500 pounds, it’s extremely sturdy. Set up is simple: Just pull out and lock each of the three legs, remove the lid, and place bags in the mesh liner. Bags can either cover the toilet seat for cleaner group use or tuck under the seat. I did have a little difficulty folding the front leg back up, but the other legs were fine. I’ve used “toilets” that require toting along a 5-gallon bucket, which just adds more bulk and weight, so when I found this, it was a relief (no pun intended). Various waste bags allow you to order exactly what you need: For example, the urine-only Go With the Flow instantly absorbs up to 20 ounces of liquid; the Green Mountain Compostable Bag comes with Cleanwaste’s new compostable inner waste bag; and the multiuse Wag Bag Platinum’s triple barrier makes it odorless and puncture-proof. Cleanwaste’s gel-activated technology breaks down waste without harming the environment. Cleanwaste is made in the USA and partners with multiple branches of the military.

Toilet, $89.99, cleanwaste.com

Keter Premium Lakeside Square Outdoor Side Table

I took for granted how essential a side table is until I went without one. After using a wooden table, Keter’s all-weather-resistant outdoor side table is a dream. Its resin material resists rotting, cracking, rusting, and peeling — unpleasant aspects that come with other materials. And, it’s easy to assemble. It combines a convenient folding option for winter storage with an ultra-sturdy construction, so, during summer use, you don’t have to worry about placing fragile glass containers on it. Weighing 18 pounds and measuring just over 18×18 inches, it holds up to 50 pounds, which is overkill for any bowls of food, drinks and books you might put on it. Its proprietary LumberTech material conveys the texture of wood while remaining low- or no-maintenance to hold up to our high-elevation sunlight and rain. An added bonus: Made in the USA, it’s built to last and comes with a 20-year limited warranty.

$99, keter.com

Gordini Women’s Eden Sock

Landing between ultralight and midweight, this snuggly lightweight sock blends cushioned comfort, instep compression, and arch support on the bottom of the feet with lightweight, breathable merino wool (38%) and Accu-Dri poly yarns. Thermoregulating qualities make them perfect for both warm and cool weather use. And, its OrbitKNIT ribbed cuff fits securely while hiking, solving the problem of overly tight-fitting technical socks. While the cuff almost feels like it will slip because it doesn’t fit tightly along the lower leg, it actually doesn’t slip, and it reduces leg marks. The seamless toe prevents shoe discomfort, and the light cushioning along the heel helps a bit with my own slippage issues.

$17.99, gordini.com

Scarpa Moraine Hiking Shoe

I appreciate a technical hiking shoe that also looks good just walking anywhere wearing shorts,  and these fit the bill. Though the women’s size 7 ½ felt a bit too big for me, particularly with my narrow heel that slipped, my husband loves the cushion, support, and durability these Moraines provide. They offer great foot protection hiking through the forest, as well as excellent shock absorbency and traction. The outsole includes a special push zone in the front and a braking area in the back, adding to security on trails. Constructed from a beautiful, premium oiled nubuck leather, a special tanning process allows for both water-repellency and breathability. As a bonus, a RECCO reflector makes you searchable in the wilderness.

$169, us.scarpa.com

CAT Intruder Shoe

This beefy, wider, unisex shoe provides the ultimate grip with its heavy-duty rubber outsole’s incredibly effective protrusions. Though my husband hasn’t had a chance to test it in snow, all indications point to superior traction all winter, as it has held up well on the trails this summer. Inspired by Caterpillar machines, this shoe is designed for durability and traction. To increase comfort, it adds an EVA foam footbed and breathable nylon mesh sock-like lining. The high outer sole is balanced nicely by the width, providing a steady platform to prevent rolling an ankle, and the reinforced toe design offers superior protection. My husband’s job requires a lot of standing, and he has found them quite comfortable while he’s on his feet.

$109.95, catfootwear.com