Gear review: Sweet summer endings

Summer’s not over yet, but it is coming to a close. On that note, here’s some standout gear for summer and fall.

NearZero Adventure Bundle

Author Cheryl Strayed could have used something like this when she set out to hike the Pacific Crest Trail; granted, it’s not all she needed, but it would’ve saved her a lot of work. The 10-item bundle includes a pack, tent, sleeping bag, pad, pillow, cooking pot, stove, titanium spork, headlamp, and first-aid kit with 55 items. Purchasing this kit one item at a time has a retail comparable-brand price of $1,250, so this is a killer deal. But the most notable aspect is the quality of the gear — and total weight. It’s just 13 ½ pounds, including the 60-liter backpack, which weighs 3.7 pounds and has removable compartments, a rain cover, comfortable shoulder pads, a hip belt with pockets, an adjustable torso frame, and a breathable mesh back panel. I love tents predominantly made of mesh because I want to see outside, and this one delivers with durability. Two doors allow for easy entry and exit, vestibules and pockets offer plenty of storage, and the one-pole, color-coded frame system is a cinch to set up. The cozy sleeping bag is rated for 25 degrees, and the sleeping pad and pillow are not only comfortable but also easy to inflate. The mini stove fits in the palm of your hand, and the 750 ml stainless steel pot includes measurement marks and a carrying bag. And the headlamp’s 350 lumens, with six modes, run for three to 15 hours, depending on brightness. You really can’t beat this bundle. $599.50 (also available for multi-day rental fees), nearzero.co.

Kelty Highroads Shelter, Lowdown Cot, and Camp Galley Deluxe

Sometimes van travel gets a little cramped, but the Highroads Shelter allows us to spread out, enjoying the best of tent and car camping in one. It fits just about any vehicle, from small hatchbacks to tall vans, extending out from rear doors or the side. Its durable, waterproof fabric means rainy days aren’t spent in a vehicle. Reaching 80-108 inches high, standing is easy, and about six people can sit under it comfortably, which also means plenty of picnicking room. It’s truly a brilliant addition to car camping.

Of course, I’ve slept in the Lowdown Cot and used the Camp Galley Deluxe kitchen organizer within the shelter. Weighing four pounds, seven ounces, the cot is easy to transport and set up (as is the shelter) and is super comfortable and supportive, with five crossbars, none of which you feel.

I keep all my cookware, from plates and utensils to cutting board, stove, and pots, stored in the Camp Galley Deluxe, so preparing for a trip is simple. Plenty of pockets and straps keep items organized, and structured construction makes retrieving — and protecting — it all easy. It even includes a paper-towel or towel holder. I prefer hanging it, but you can also lay it out. All three items are well worth the money, resulting in a much more luxurious experience. Shelter, $279.95; cot, $149.95; galley, $74.95, kelty.com.

Norrona 4/3/5 mm wetsuit

After shivering fairly uncontrollably on a December “tropical” dive trip, I went with this beefier wetsuit made specifically for cold-water surf. While it hasn’t experienced its maiden voyage in the ocean yet, it has allowed me to comfortably swim, play, and waterski (it’s windproof) in 62- and 68-degree mountain water. Neoprene-free, sustainably-derived natural rubber translates to warmth and durability, with a five mm in the chest, stomach, and mid-back for core warmth. Mobility is maintained with three mm under the arm and below the thighs. And 100% recycled, polyester jersey in the lining helps it dry faster, which is key in humid regions. I always find wetsuits tricky to get on if they fit correctly, especially neck openings, but this neck opening is one of the easier I’ve poured myself into. $499, norrona.com.

Elegear Arc-Chill Cooling Comforter

I am not a hot sleeper, but on too-warm nights, this breathable comforter has kept me comfortably cool. It’s the first home brand to employ Japanese Arc-Chill fabric, which naturally lowers skin temperature. Bamboo and silk have a 0.15 and 0.19 Q-max, respectively, while this has a 0.5 rating. The larger the number, the more heat it can disperse. Fluffy DARCON fibers make it nice and light. And, one of my favorite things: It’s super-silky soft to envelop yourself in. A jade masterbatch absorbs moisture, and its machine washable. $79.99 (queen), elegear.com.

Litheli Frozen Pack Portable Fridge

I love this portable refrigerator for car camping and long trips, but it’s also the first portable car fridge that can be carried as a backpack. Weighing in at 23.4 pounds, it’s a hefty lift to hike with, but short stints are worth it, and compared to other portable refrigerators I’ve looked at, it’s the lightest for all of the space it offers — about six to nine cans, two wine bottles, and a few small items. They claim 77% more effective volume than competitors, and I believe it. Its cooling power drops from 77 degrees to 32 in under 15 minutes and can maintain a temperature of -4 to 68. The website says it maintains freshness for over six hours without power with two batteries; I tested it in 65-degree shade, and it maintained a temperature of 39 Fahrenheit for over seven hours with just one battery. Of course, it runs continuously on 12/24V DC vehicle charging or 110/240V AC. Plus, it’s quiet, waterproof, and has collapsible dividers, a digital temperature reading, and external storage pockets. $376.60 (check sale price for a great deal), litheli.com.

Fishe Enchanted Grayling Skort

Alaska fisherwoman Linda Leary tired of bulky, boring clothing made for fishermen, so she creates bold, fun, functional, and durable clothing. Her patterns are so impressive, it’s hard to choose — and they hold up to the toughest terrain. Four-way-stretch fabric moves with me. A hidden forcep pocket, zinger loop, side zip pockets, and slip pocket hold fishing tools. And, the waistband and inner shorts (which fit very comfortably, breathe, and wick moisture) are made of 84% recycled polyester. The fabric is heavier than most skorts but doesn’t feel bulky — and provides a flattering fit. It dries quickly and is rated UPF 50+. $74.95, fishewear.com.

Smartwool Women’s Active Lined Skirt

Available in blue, black, and a fun coral reef print, this lightweight skort blends merino wool and TENCEL Lyocell fibers within the shorts liner to keep you cool and comfortable. The shell is made of 86% recycled nylon that dries quickly and lays quite nicely, with a slight, very flattering skirt flair. The merino-blend waistband is very comfortable and includes a low-profile drawstring for adjustability. A zipper pocket in back holds small items, while the interior shorts provide a phone pocket. $75 (see great sales price now), smartwool.com.

Crazy Creek HEX 2.0 Longback

This 23.2-ounce chair not only rolls up to a four-inch diameter for easy carrying to concerts and picnics, but is also two inches wider (18 inches) and four inches taller (22 inches) than the HEX 2.0. The extra surface area also makes it a great sleeping pad. It’s durable and water-resistant, so you don’t get wet sitting on damp grass. And improved eight mm high-density cored closed-cell foam insulates from colder ground without adding bulk. This chair is extremely comfortable with straps that let you recline, sit up straight, or hang out in-between. $74.95, crazycreek.com.

Drip EZ BBQ & Meal Prep Tub

First of all, this isn’t just for barbecue prep; I use it camping because I love its five and a half inch-depth storage (which is collapsible) and built-in cutting board. Plus it has a locking lid (so it doesn’t add unwanted aromas to your refrigerator) and nonslip base. At 22 ½ x 16 ¼ inches, the extra-large is great for marinating big cuts of meat, while the original, at 20 x 16 ¼, is perfect for me and my husband. It’s also wonderful for attending potlucks or throwing some ice in for a beverage tub. And, this versatile baby is easy to clean. $54.99 extra-large; $47.99 original, bbqdripez.com.

Buff CoolNet UV Wide Headband, Desert Cap, and Insect-Shield

Imperceptible silicon grips on the inside keep this wide, nine and a half centimeter headband from slipping. Fashionable and functional, I use it for a quick “hair fix.” But its other standout features include UPF 50 protection, sweat absorption, cooling and odor control properties, and 95% recycled materials. I like the Laven Mist’s jeans-type color for  casual wear.

The lightweight, breathable unisex desert cap delivers UPF 50 protection from head to lower neck, which keeps me from burning when I’m out on the water for hours. Ventilation holes keep my head cool, and adjustable elastic allows for a ponytail and a secure fit in windy conditions — along with the front snap, which offers extra chin protection.

And the UPF 50 Insect Shield neckwear protects from ticks and other critters, with permethrin lasting for 70 washes. Headband, $19, cap, $44.95, insect shield, $32, buff.com (backcountry.com for cap).