Spring is fast approaching. And while we’re all happy that the mercury has started to rise, there are still plenty of cold days yet to come. Of course, that doesn’t have to hamper your ability to head on out and go on adventures — so long as you’re properly kitted for the experience.
Unless you’re a wildlife photographer, there’s a pretty good chance that your gear — in some capacity — could use a refresher. Thankfully, with the help of our research and the wide availability of worthwhile gear on Amazon, prepping for your next expedition could be as simple as reading through this guide and clicking a few buttons. And, because we’re firm believers that modern technology doesn’t have to go by the wayside in the name of adventure, this collection is both capable and convenient. Select it all as-is or pick-and-choose what you need a la carte — just do yourself a favor and get out there.
Thermos Stainless King Beverage Bottle
Especially for day hikes and short jaunts into the wilderness, a Thermos can be hugely beneficial for keeping hot chocolate, soup, or any other liquid hot for an extended period of time — roughly 24 hours, more specifically. This one has the added benefit of a sizeable 40-ounce capacity, a lid that doubles as a cup, and a sturdy and comfortable carry handle.
Estwing Camper’s Axe
Even if you’re just going camping at a highly-trafficked campground, you should still bring a camp axe — even if that’s just as a last-resort emergency tool. Truly, they’re remarkably useful when it comes to chopping firewood, building traps and shelter, and even serve as self-defense tools against aggressive predators. And this one-piece offering from Estwing is as handy as it is handsome.
Black Diamond Rock Blitz 15 Backpack
A backpack is a necessity even on day trips, but some are better built than others. This one from Black Diamond has a serviceable 15-liter capacity that allows it to hold plenty of gear without being too clunky for short hikes, it has a spacious main compartment flanked by smaller quick-access outer pouches, and it still works with hydration bladders.
Merrell Ontario Thermo Mid Waterproof Boots
Proof positive that a thoroughly-modern hiking boot can still boast heritage-level styling, this oxblood version of Merrell’s Ontario Thermo Mid Waterproof Boot is as beautiful as it is comfortable, durable, and formidable. That’s due in large part to its grippy Vibram outsole, full-grain leather upper, and mid-length ankle.
SOG Powerlock Multi-Tool
One of the best folding multi-tools of all time, the SOG Powerlock boasts a whopping 18+ built-in functions that range from pliers to drivers and everything in-between. It’s also built from super-sturdy 420 stainless steel, it folds down small enough to pocket (or stash in your hiking backpack), and it even comes with a ballistic nylon MOLLE sheath — in case you’d rather use that as a modular attachment.
RAB Valiance Jacket
All the best gizmos and gadgets in the world can’t help you if the weather is cold enough to freeze you alive. That’s why you should always go on winter adventures with a worthwhile jacket, like the RAB Valiance you see before you. It has a waterproof nylon exterior, YKK water-resistant zippers, and hydrophobic down to keep you warm and dry no matter the weather.
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Pant
Having an ultra-warm jacket won’t do you much good if your legs — your largest appendages — are exposed to the weather and, perhaps, on their way to becoming frostbitten. Thankfully, Mountain Hardwear has the perfect, cozy solution in their lightweight down-filled Ghost Whisperer pants. Like puffer jackets for your legs, these baffled bottoms are the ultimate cold-weather pants for hanging out around the campfire.
MSR Guardian Military-Grade Water Purifier Pump
For casual campers, worrying about how to find water might not be high on your list of concerns. But if you’re a survivalist or you just want to be safe (rather than sorry), there are few water purifiers quite as formidable as MSR’s military-grade Guardian. It can remove viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and particulate from virtually any contaminated water source and can treat up to 10,000 liters at a rate of up to 2.5 liters per minute. Not bad, MSR.
Garmin Instinct Solar Outdoor Smartwatch
As mentioned, heading out into the wilderness doesn’t necessarily mean you have to leave all that handy technology back at home. In fact, you can use a lot of those modern conveniences to your advantage, as they’re jam-packed into this rugged outdoor smartwatch. That includes GPS tracking, a built-in 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter, fitness tracking, heart rate monitoring, and so much more.
DOOGEE S95 PRO Rugged Smartphone
Even with the waterproofing on more recent iterations, modern smartphones aren’t exactly outdoor-ready. And while you could slap a hefty case on your current phone, you might be better off picking up something specifically designed for rugged adventuring, like the DOOGEE S95 PRO — which boasts mil-spec drop/shock protection, a hefty 5150mAh battery (that can be increased to 8650mAh), an FHD+ display, a four-camera array, and so much more.
Scoured: The Best Gear On Amazon - January 2021
For those that need a bit more waterproofing — likely due to rain, sleet, and snow — last month’s guide to the best gear on Amazon, done up in a handsome bumblebee black-and-yellow, might be more desirable.
