Just like that, the summer has come to an end. It feels like it just started but here we are at the other end of Labor Day, getting annoyed at premature announcements of ‘pumpkin spice’ flavoring. Sure, a lot of the country is still in for warm weather, but you can’t deny that the days are growing shorter, nights cooler, and the light just slightly different.
While it is easy to mourn the passing of the season, it’s better to celebrate it by getting outdoors and enjoying the last of what it has to offer. Whether you are looking to spend your weekends on long day hikes that start out early in the morning and go late into the night, or you want a solid two days out in the woods with nothing but a good book and time to kill, we have found the gear to accompany you on your trip. We scoured through the world’s largest online store to pull up the best gear on Amazon this September for all of your adventures. Take a scroll through.
Coleman All Purpose First Aid Tin
Getting hurt sucks. Getting hurt and then having to go to the store and buy yourself some gauze, antiseptic, or antibiotics sucks even more. Instead of scaring the hell out of some poor cashier at the nearest drug store, you are probably better off just packing out some first aid supplies just in case someone in your party gets injured. This tin from Coleman packs a bevy of bandages, and all that you’d want to go with it in a brushed metal tinplate. Thanks to the tough package, you can throw it in your pack without being worried about having it all crushed when you need it most.
What Stands In A Storm
There are few pleasures in life better than hiking out into the woods with nothing but your gear and a good book. This Fall, we’d highly suggest cracking open this recent book by Kim Cross while you’re on the trail. The work of nonfiction tells the compelling story of the worst superstorm in recent history when 358 tornadoes touched down in twenty-one states over a three-day period killing 348 people and causing $11 billion in damage. A kind of Perfect Storm set in Tornado Alley, Cross manages to tell the story of the storm from the perspective of the everyday people who survived it.
Readyman Pocket Survival Stove
Whether or not you plan on staying out overnight in the woods, it doesn’t hurt to bring along a backup heat source. One way to do that is to pack out Readyaman’s Pocket Survival Stove. Made from USA from stainless steel and weighing just 3.5 ounces, you can set this up in a makeshift campsite to protect a medium sized flame from the wind. The focused flame can grow strong enough to boil water and heat up food so you won’t have to worry about being tired cold or hungry no matter how bad your day went.
Vacuum Insulated Hydro Flask
Whether you are looking to pack out some hot coffee or you want a to keep your H2O cool throughout a long hike, the Hydro Flask can do it. This double walled stainless steel bottle fits easily into most all pack bottle-holders and thanks to the Flex Cap, it can be easily secured as well. Just because you are on the trail doesn’t mean you have to make compromises when it comes to your beverage of choice.
Timex Expedition Scout Watch
‘Takes a lickin and keeps on ticking.’ That was the ad slogan for Timex way back in 1956. 60 years later and the phrase still stands up. Timex’s Expedition Scout watch may not be a Rolex or an Omega, but it is a sharp looking timepiece that is both water resistant to 165 feet and features luminous hands, making it more than tough enough to take with you on even the most difficult expeditions.
North Face 1/4 Zip Fleece
Right now you may only be wearing this fleece as the sun starts dipping low on the horizon, but give it a few months and it’ll be your go-to base layer throughout the day. Made with a tough and lightweight TKA 100 fleece, this quarter-zip will help you manage your temperature without being too heavy or stuffy. Thanks to the understated cut and styling, it also works well as a light sweater while you’re in the city as well.
Estwing Sportsman’s Axe
Camping isn’t camping without a good fire. Come prepared to make the best one of the year on your next trip with this 14-inch sportsman’s axe. It’s built to chop wood down easily and efficiently so you can warm yourself up a bit after the sun disappears below the tree line. More than just utilitarian, this American-made axe features a handsome wooden handle that fits over the single piece of steel. Also, for safe carry, the axe features a nylon sheath so you won’t have to worry about slicing your bag open.
KA-BAR Knife
Several of our readers will be an exception to this rule – but for the most part, if you ask someone what first comes to their mind when you say ‘knife‘, Ka-Bar typically comes to mind. Used by the US Marine Corps as a close quarters combat knife, it is a truly battle tested blade. Made from 1095 Cro-van steel and fitting into a leather sheath, it’s an ideal fixed blade to keep on your side while humping your pack through the forest.
Burton Tinder Pack
Any day trip is only going to be good as the bag you bring along with you. A spacious pack with good support makes it so you can bring along more of your preferred gear with you and, as a result, be more prepared for whatever the world sends your way. This rucksack pack from Burton is one of those bags. Made from 900 Denier polyester and with 25 liters of space, it’s tough and utilitarian, but also good looking enough for daily wear.
Fjallraven Keb Trousers
Whether you are looking to cut through overgrown trails or you want to make sure you don’t freeze your calves off on a chilly day hike, these Keb Trousers from Fjallraven are game for the job. They stand out not just due to their attractive styling, but due to the fact that they are incredibly flexible, durable, and water-resistant hiking pants. Stretch panels from the thighs down also make it easy to get a leg up on a steep climb or over thorny brush.
Teva Arrowood Lux Mid Boot
While Teva may be synonymous with outdoor sandals, they aren’t quite the brand that comes to mind when you think about tough hiking boots. That may very well change in the near future. Their new Arrowood Lux Mid Boot are a standout release from this year. They feature a lightweight and flexible sole paired with a full-grain waterproof leather upper for comfortable hiking no matter the weather.
Cotopaxi Sueño Sleeping Bag
A great way to make sure you have an awful time on an overnight trip is to bring a bad sleeping bag with you. When the sun goes down and the fire turns into embers, you’ll just be laying there wide awake and miserable, cursing your thin, stupid, smelly bag. Then you’ll have to hike out on no sleep and with creaky, cold joints. Don’t do that to yourself. Instead, equip yourself with a solid sleeping bag like this one from Cotopaxi. With 800 fill water-resistant duck down fit into a 20D ripstop nylon, this bag has a rating of 15 degrees. If you’re sleeping in warmer weather, however, you can ventilate the back thanks to some side zippers.
