2016 Summer Gear Guide

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By Kim Fuller                                                             Published in the Vail Daily

The season of longer daylight is almost here, which means more time for outdoor adventure. A few industry experts — Cedar Davidson, of Alpine Quest Sports in Edwards; Kelcey Everson, of Ptarmigan Sports in Edwards; Matt Sprecher, of Minturn Anglers in Minturn; and Paul Previtali, of High Gear Cyclery in Avon — explain what they are excited about for summer recreation in the mountains.

OUT AND ABOUT

• Astral Layla PFD — This curved design personal flotation device is meant to fit a woman’s body, with hinted princess seams and boob cups. It was designed nearly 20 years ago by the Astral founder and has been a staple for the company ever since ($139.95, Alpine Quest Sports).

• BH Ultralight Road Bike — This bike is a very fast and nimble climber, and Previtali said it’s a more comfortable descender than you would expect for something so ultralight (starts at $2,799, High Gear Cyclery).

• Castelli Bellisima Cycling Wear — Cycling trends have been moving toward more casual and fun options, rather than just race-day looks. Previtali said Castelli is designing “fun and fit apparel with all of the performance you need” (garments start at around $50, High Gear Cyclery).

• Hala Luya Stand-Up Paddleboard — This new whitewater board features an inflatable rail, with overall construction that aids with whitewater maneuverability, surf-ability and stability. It boasts the capabilities of a hard board with the advantages of an inflatable ($1,899, Alpine Quest Sports).

• Kask Bike Helmets —  These Italian-made cycling helmets have a big legacy in road racing, and they come in a wide range of colors for men and women (helmets from $99 to $299.95, High Gear Cyclery).

• Marmot Essence Jacket (men’s) — The award-winning Essence Jacket by Marmot is at the forefront of rainwear. It incorporates Marmot’s NanoPro MemBrain and is ultra lightweight, fully waterproof, highly breathable and super stretchy ($200, Ptarmigan Sports).

• Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Jacket (women’s) — This is a wet-weather backpacking shell, featuring Dry.Q Active technology. It will keep you dry and comfortable, even in the most wet and rugged conditions. The jacket has a feminine fit and super soft, stretchy fabric ($200, Ptarmigan Sports).

• Nathan ExoShot Water Bottle — Local long-distance runner Blondie Vucich said she loves her new 8-ounce, hand-held water bottle. It has a lightweight and soft design, and Vucich said it’s a “dream to carry on a longer run” ($35, rei.com)

• Osprey Ace Kids’ Backpack — This highly adjustable pack fits ages 10 to 17, so it grows with your little ones as they continue to explore the outdoors (38 liter: $140; 50 liter: $160, Ptarmigan Sports).

• Petzl Sirocco Helmet — One-piece construction on this helmet minimizes its weight, while retaining excellent impact resistance from the mechanical properties of expanded polypropylene. This helmet comes with a new magnetic buckle, which allows the chinstrap to be fastened with one hand ($129.95, Alpine Quest Sports).

• Rocky Mountain Pipeline Mountain Bike — Previtali recommends this aggressive trail bike — it has 27.5 tires and 150 millimeters of front travel and 130 millimeters of rear travel (starts at $3,999, High Gear Cyclery).

• Salewa Alp Flow GTX Hiking Boot — These boots have a Gore-Tex Surround membrane, providing feet with 360 degrees of breathability and total waterproof coverage. Comfort and durability works for day hikes to longer treks ($239, Ptarmigan Sports).

• Steripen Adventurer Opti — Backpacker magazine gave this their Editor’s Choice award in 2011 for changing the face of portable water purification. Davidson said it’s a lightweight system that gets the job done ($89.95, Alpine Quest Sports).

• STG 9-Foot-Five Weight Fly Rod and LR2 Fly Reel — Get a special deal on the Minturn Anglers Guide Series rod and reel — buy a rod and get a reel free. The rod weighs in at less than 4 ounces, and the reel has a semi-sealed drag system, which keeps out dirt, sand and grime to run smoothly through the water (rod: $289.95; reel: $189.95, Minturn Anglers).

BACK AT CAMP

• Astral Filipe Flip Flops —  These flip-flops instantly convert into sandals with an accessory strap. They have sticky outsoles and footbeds for reduced slippage. Use them for hiking, swimming or hanging around the campsite ($69.95, Alpine Quest Sports).

• BioLite Wood-Burning Camp Stove — Create smokeless flame using wood with this small stove and power your devices at the same time. BioLite lanterns and portable daisy chain systems can also illuminate camp and be recharged via USB port on the stove (stoves start at $129.95, www.bioliteenergy.com).

• Goal Zero products — Goal Zero powers adventure, from solar panels, power packs and rechargers to lighting and sound, the systems work in even the most remote places (rechargers start at $24.99, Ptarmigan Sports).

• Sierra Designs Mobile Mummy — This sleeping bag comes in synthetic or down, 1 1/2-season up to 4-season. It moves with you, so you can roll around, or use the armholes and foot opening to wear it like a big jacket and walk around camp ($169.95 to $559.95, www.sierra designs.com).

• Trip Tarp — This multi-purpose tarp is a gear organization and backcountry trip planning tool. It’s a 5-foot-by-7-foot silnylon tarp printed with categorized gear lists and best safety practices (prototypes are $39.99, www.triptarp.myshopify.com).

• Yeti Rambler Colster — Insulate your can and protect your hand with modern drinking technology. This accessory keeps a 12-once can or bottle chilled, with a double-wall vacuum insulation and a “load-and-lock” gasket that keeps the cold in ($29.99, Alpine Quest Sports).