Outfitted: New summer gear

It’s finally summertime in the mountains, and that means a transition in gear. Whether it’s trail-tested durability, cozy cabin comfort, or campsite functionality, every piece has to earn its keep. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been testing some new pieces of gear, and from day hikes to lakeside mornings to chilly spring nights in the valley, here are five that stand out.

1. Gossamer Gear Loris 25 Daypack

At just under 20 ounces, this frameless 25-liter pack is built from recycled Robic nylon and feels practically weightless on the trail — but don’t mistake it for flimsy. Last week I hiked with it throughout the sand and wetlands of Indiana Dunes National Park, carrying lunch, layers, and water with room to spare. Its SitLight foam back panel doubled as a rest pad when I stopped on the dune ridges and beautiful beaches to take in the Lake Michigan views. The hydration sleeve also worked perfectly for my laptop when I used the same pack for a coffee shop work day later that week — one of those rare “trail-to-town” pieces that doesn’t feel out of place in either setting. I love the low profile and hefty performance of this little pack. Available in multiple colors. $135, GossamerGear.com.

2. Lake Pajamas Pima Ruffle Shorts Set

I’ll admit that pajama sets might not scream “gear,” but when you’re tucked into a cabin post-hike or sipping morning coffee on a frosty porch, comfort matters. This set, made from 100% Pima cotton, became my go-to for cabin lounging and sleeping. I wore the Palm Tidal Stripe version last week when I was traveling on my aforementioned trip to the Midwest, and it felt breathable and soft even when the humidity made the place feel borderline tropical. The subtle ruffle detail adds just enough charm to make it rise above your typical PJ style. For mountain mornings and relaxed nights, this little luxury set is sure to carry me through the summer season. Available in multiple colors. $94, LakePajamas.com.

3. PackTowel Changing Poncho

In order to combat the all-too-common parking lot changing ritual, I’ve been loving this poncho from PackTowel. It’s essentially a wearable, fast-drying towel, and it lets me change out of my swimsuit right on the shore without the usual awkward dance behind a car door. The towel fabric dries quickly, and the large cut provides full coverage. I can throw it in the back of my Jeep and use it over and over again for any post-adventure wardrobe change. The antimicrobial odor control technology keeps it fresh for multiple uses between washing, and it absorbs three times its weight in water. It’s a little bulky to carry in a small pack, but it’s earned a permanent spot in my lake, river, and camp kit. Available in multiple colors. $65, CascadeDesigns.com.

4. BioLite Luci Charge 360 Lantern

This little lantern from BioLite has turned out to be one of those rare items that has made life better every single night I’ve used it. It’s inflatable, solar, and USB-C rechargeable, and it puts out up to 360 lumens — plenty to light up a whole picnic table or the inside of a tent. On a clear night of desert camping, it illuminated our card game circle without the harsh glare of a headlamp, and when my phone hit 2% battery, it even topped it off with a USB charge. The Luci is waterproof, pressure-resistant, and packs flat, though deflating and inflating it takes a bit of practice. $60, BioLiteEnergy.com.

5. Gregory Alpaca Camp Kitchen Kit

Last but definitely not least, this mighty set from Gregory’s Alpaca organization line has become my new secret weapon for keeping camp meals organized. The Kitchen Case holds all my utensils, spices, and dry ingredients in neatly labeled compartments — no more fishing through my old, half-broken plastic bin for the olive oil. The latch-and-hinge design on the 50L Camp Box keeps everything sealed against dust and drizzle, and it stacks easily with my additional organization bins. For car camping or extended trips where food prep is part of the fun, it’s a game-changer. I now have several pieces in the Alpaca line, and I highly recommend them all. $150, Gregory.com.

Meg Simon is an Aspen-based freelance writer, graphic designer, and founder of Simon Finch Creative. She can be reached at meg@simonfinchcreative.com.

Meg Simon is an Aspen-based freelance writer, graphic designer, and founder of Simon Finch Creative. She can be reached at meg@simonfinchcreative.com.