Horny Toad Mixologist Shirt

www.hornytoad.com
We’re honestly too distracted by the outdoors to tell whether or not the ’90s grunge trend is coming back. But we do know that we’ve always had a thing for flannel, and this spring our affection has drifted to the Mixologist Shirt. The soft-to the-touch organic cotton in this button-down edges away from normalcy with a slight, subtle weave that gives the shirt an instant lived-in look travelers will appreciate (read: ironing is not necessary). An external chest pocket over the heart is matched with an internal pocket on the right, in which you can stash vital docs or credit cards when facing a rough-looking street market. The double-button cuff and straight back on the yoke also lends the shirt the right measure of tailored attention to detail. It runs large; we suggest sizing down unless you need the space—or if the Seattle-look is indeed returning.

$68

Search for Product on Backcountry.com

Kombi Downy Gloves

kombisports.com
Ever sit on a chair lift, hands freezing, fingers numb, only to look up at a flock of extraordinarily comfortable geese, flapping overhead. Question: Why are you so cold when you’re bundle up with multiple layers, and they don’t have a care in the world? Answer: Down. Thankfully, Kombi’s new Downy Gloves level the difference between man and animal. They sport toasty-warm goose down insulation, encased in a waterproof/breathable layer and goatskin leather shell for day-long comfort in the most frigid of temps. Inside, a soft wicking lining with an antimicrobial finish keeps the gloves from getting sweaty and sticky once you push off the cornice and start warming up. During a frigid winter weekend, one tester was stuck on a broken chair in 15-degree temps for nearly an hour. Her cold companions had to be treated for frostbite, but she (and her fingers) emerged unscathed, thanks to the Downy Gloves. For super-cold conditions or people who just need a little extra warmth, the Downy’s also come in luxe puffy mittens. Wrist straps are adjustable, with cuffs that fit nicely under most jacket sleeves.
Available in men’s and women’s sizes in a glove or mitten

$95

Search for Product on Backcountry.com

Clif Family Winery Climber Pouch

www.cliffamilywinery.com, 3.5 pounds
Great adventure inspires celebration, whether it’s a day of skiing, a bike ride with friends, or a hike to a favorite overlook. The trouble is, toting a bottle of wine into the backcountry to accompany that celebration is awkward. And if—god forbid—you don’t finish the last drop, you’ll inevitably have a wet, smelly pack. The solution used to be to dump the vino into a water bottle…and then live with that stained water bottle forever. We’ve already expressed our adoration for the Platypreserve wine “bottle,” but what about an off-the-shelf solution? The folks who gave us the delicious Clif Bars presents a graceful, tasteful option in the new Clif Family Climber Pouch—1.5 liters of wine in a bomb-proof lightweight nylon bag (think a super-sized adult-oriented Capri Sun). The innovative packaging not only solves the problems of weight, breakage, and spillage, but also keeps wine fresh for up to a month after opening. (Full disclaimer: We drained the pouch before the end of the month and didn’t push the freshness envelope). The libation comes in two varietals, a light, fruity Chardonnay and engaging Cabernet Sauvignon (with hints of plum and black currents). Both are made from grapes from Mendocino, Monterrey, and the central valley of California, and although neither is oak-aged, both go well with s’mores . The Clif Family is known for its environmentally-friendly business practices—the packaging has an 80 percent lower carbon footprint and 90 percent less landfill waste than the two glass bottles it replaces. Plus, there’s a nifty carabiner hole on the top so you can clip it to your pack to save room. Our favorite part: No more panicking when we leave the cork screw at home!

$17

Search for Product on Backcountry.com

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

Search for Product on Backcountry.com

« Previous Page