Hydroflask Growler

www.hydroflask.com, 27 ounces
It’s hard to over-exaggerate our enthusiasm for the continued success of the craft and microbrew scene in the States (and not just because we have a field office in beer-rich Bend, Oregon). The advent of interesting, artisan beers has happily changed America’s rep as the…beer water capitol of the world. And with that recognition, we salute another tradition that’s re-emerged: the Growler. Originally named for the sound of CO2 eeking its way out of the bottle, traditionally heard while walking home with a jug of beer fresh from the tap at your local watering hole, today almost every city with a brew pub offers growler filling. Typically these vessels are made of glass, but our go-to choice is undeniably the 64-ounce HydroFlask Growler. Cast from 18/8 stainless steel, the double-wall vacuum insulation technology will keep cold contents cold for about 20 hours—which is enough time to fill it up with your favorite brew, go an overnighter or day hike/trial run/climbing spree, and then have cold, delicious beer waiting when you get back. The 2.19-inch-wide mouth assures easy access, and a lifetime warranty means this’ll be our go-to growler for as long as our liver holds out. Of course the growler can also be used to store other cold liquids and hot stuff like coffee, hot chocolate, or soup. It’s a bit too heavy (especially when full) to haul into the deep backcountry, but it definitely qualifies as a go-to reservoir for car camping and picnics.
Available with screw-off or flip-top lids

$49

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Sole Casual Flips

www.yoursole.com
No shoes, no shirt, no service. But what about when you’re where flip flops and a Lei are considered acceptable attire? We admit to spending more time than our mothers would like balancing a fruity concoction in one hand and a shot glass in the other. What led us on the path of destruction? Flip flops, those care-free, devil-may-care sandals that are as at home on the beaches as, well as, the beach. Fortunately for all of us misguided fools who haven’t fled to the islands of our minds, flip flops are now de rigor wear for casual Fridays. And our pair of choice? Sole Casual Flips. The orthopedic shape mimics the natural, barefoot stride. The footbed is cork, which molds to your foot after wear. Plus it’s sustainable. In contrast to many flip flops, the Sole Casual’s have a textured rubber sole that provides grip on trails, sidewalks, and everything in between; the tread is big enough to rebuff sand and dirt. The upper is a durable, washable cotton canvas, backed by a thin foam and synthetic liner. Like all the gear in Gearzilla, you’ll thank us for our stamp of casual approval. We also like to leave a pair in the car for a comfortable drive back home after days stomping through the backcountry.

$79

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Strongback Zen Chair

www.strongbackchair.com, 7.7 pounds
Camp chairs are notoriously clumsy, flimsy, and uncomfortable—which is precisely why we love the new Zen Chair. It inverts expectation, from its easy collapsibility for travel and storage, its sturdy construction, and, foremost, its unparalleled lumbar support. The patent-pending frame technology results in an ergonomic seat with a trampoline-style back frame that supports your lower back. Heavy-duty polyester 600D tear- and wear-resistant fabric proved tough during a rigorous summer of testing, from the sandy beaches of the Oregon Coast to car camping in the Steen Mountains. The Zen, with its nifty carry case, padded arms, and no-skid feet, is not a backpacking chair, but for everything from watching the sunset on the beach to car camping to tailgating at games or after a long day on the slopes, the Zen is our choice for compact, portable, and easy-to-set-up relaxation. Just pop open the chair, sit back, catch your breath, and watch the world go by. Dual cup holders also come in handy when you’re making the hard call between a cup of Joe and micro-brew.
Chair Size 33” (w) x 23.5” (d) x 31” (h); folded dimensions 8.5” (w) x 7.5” (d) x 34” (h); weight capacity 225 pounds

$45.95

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Cgear Sand-Free Multirug

www.cgear-sandfree.com
Sand can ruin a perfectly good picnic. Anyone who has spread out a blanket on the beach knows that the spinach salad ends up with more grit than green. Picnickers may not have the know-how (or ambition) to solve this problem, but the military had the reason and where withal. The Sand-Free rug was originally developed to solve the problem of sand and dirt blowing during a helicopter take-off or landing. Its innovative (read patented) double layer system boasts a top layer of mesh with a bigger weave than the bottom layer. Particles of sand and dirt fall through the rug, and don’t come back down. This one-way sifting technology keeps dirt and sand under the rug—if any encroaches, it’s “sifted” underneath. We like it for babies and toddlers—they can roll around to their heart’s delight, and not get dusty and dirty. Our Gearzilla gear geeks took the large rug to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and pitched their free-standing tent on top. Next to it another family pitched a tent. The side-by-test showed a minimal amount of sand in Tent A—while Tent B resembled something out of Lawrence of Arabia. The only complaint? The mat is a blend of equal parts PE and PVC that won’t be mistaken for a silk sheet (but it hoses off easier!). We recommend placing a yoga pad or beach towel (or tent) over the rug—that way you have a softer surface for knees and elbows while keeping dirt and sand at bay. You can also buy a Sand-Free matt with D-Rings on all four corners. The pads are too heavy for backpacking, but great for car camping, picnics and beach trips.
Comes in Small (3’ 4” x 6’ 6”), medium (5’ 1” x 6’ 6”), and large (6’ 6” x 6’ 6”); Colors include Brown Wicker, Blue Plaid, Digital, Forest

$45-$75

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Chaco PedShed Shoes

www.chacos.com;1 pound, 9 ounces
Is it 1971or 2011? Certain shoes have the aesthetics legs to stand the test of time. With its anatomically-correct forefoot, the new Chaco PedShed appealed to the perennial boho in all our testers. We like the slip-on’s no-nonsense full-grain leather upper with its simple (yet dashing) nylon webbing adjustment. The sole is a rubbery Vibram, topped by a generous polyurethane footbed that cradles the foot in a “natural” position. The uppers are welted to the sole—a technique that creates a durable seal while allowing for air flow so that your feet don’t get sweaty. Chaco sandal aficionados will feel right at home with the sunken heel that mimics the body’s natural walking stride (if you are not accustom to Chaco’s generous arch support, it may take a few days to allow your feet, and body position, to adjust). The leather upper at first seemed stiff and inflexible, but after a few weeks of wear, the material softened up and becomes as soft and buttery as our favorite bedroom slipper.
Comes in a variety of earth-tone combinations with contrasting webbing colors; Sizes 7-12, 13, 14, 15

$120

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