Piqued

A few of our favorite summer things

Piqued

1 / Easy Carry

Fully updated for 2020, the Gregory Paragon (men’s) and Maven (women’s) backpacks don’t lessen the weight of the gear you’re carrying, but they definitely lessen the discomfort of carrying it. The combo of traditional top entry with a full-length side zipper ensures these packs, which are available in three capacities, are as easy to get into as they are to carry. (The Paragon comes in 48, 58, and 68 liters; the Maven in 45, 55, and 65 liter capacities.) From $199.95, Available at Skinny Skis (65 W. Deloney Ave.), gregorypacks.com

2 / Dry Off

It’s always handy to have a towel on hand. We keep a PackTowl Personal towel in the car and take the brand’s Ultralight model with us when weight matters. How light is it? The largest size available, 36-by-59 inches, weighs about as much as a deck of cards. Personal models from $9.95, Ultralight from $14.95, Available at Teton Mountaineering (170 N. Cache St.), packtowl.com

3 / Suck It

We’ve long dreamed about a hydration reservoir with a built-in water filter. MSR took our dream to the next level with its Thru-Link InLine Water Filter, which is compatible with any reservoir system. Just click it into the hose of your bladder and start drinking. Two stages of filtration remove pathogens, particulates, and microplastics and reduce chemicals, tastes, and odors. $39.95, Available at Skinny Skis (60 W. Deloney Ave.) and Teton Mountaineering (170 N. Cache St.), msrgear.com

4 / Looking Good

Outdoor Research’s women’s Equinox pants are lightweight, quick-drying, stretchy, and have a water-repellent finish to keep you comfortable on almost any mountain adventure. OR’s wicking and breathable Chain Reaction tee has a cute crossover back detail that allows you to wear it open or tied. ActiveFresh™ odor control keeps you from being stinky. $89 (Equinox pants) and $49 (Chain Reaction tee), Available at Hoback Sports (520 W. Broadway Ave.), outdoorresearch.com

5 / Quiet Sleep

Nemo Equipment’s Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad is made with
super-quiet 20D polyester fabric to reduce the sound of a sleeping
bag sliding on a sleeping pad. A layer of Thermal Mirror heat-reflective metallized film and baffle construction ensure it’s as comfortable as it is quiet. $129.95–$179.95. Available at JD High Country Outfitters (50 E. Broadway Ave.), nemoequipment.com

6 / Keep Feet Clean

Kahtoola’s INSTA™gaiter Mid is one of the things we toss into our pack whenever we head out on a hike. The eight-inch-tall gaiters, which are water-resistant and breathable, pack down to a ball about the size of an avocado. $49.95, Available at Teton Mountaineering (170 N. Cache St.), kahtoola.com

7 / A Blanket Is Better

Therm-a-Rest’s new Corus Quilt is lighter and more versatile and packable than a sleeping bag. It’s rated to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, stuffed with 650-fill Nikwax Hydrophobic Down, and has box baffles and mesh walls to minimize cold spots and a foot box that smartly slips over your sleeping pad to keep your tootsies toasty. $259.95, Available through Teton Mountaineering (170 N. Cache St.), thermarest.com 

8 / The Duffel Drybag

Because our favorite new adventure is stand-up paddleboard (SUP) camping, we’ve recently taken a deep-dive into waterproof bags. Our favorite so far is Seal Line’s Pro Zip Duffel, which is made from heavy-duty PVC-free waterproof materials, comes in three capacities (40, 70, and 100 liters), and allows for easy access to everything inside. From $199.95, Available through Rendezvous River Sports (945 W. Broadway Ave.), seallinegear.com

9 / Stylish Sun Protection

Smith’s Monterey sunglass is super lightweight—it’s made from the company’s proprietary Evolve bio-based frame material—comes with ChromaPop lens technology (which amplifies natural color and increases definition), and has a shape and fit that complement many face shapes. And it’s RX compatible. From $149, Available at Shades of Jackson Hole (28 E. Broadway Ave.), smithoptics.com

10 / Uncomplicated Shade

Moon Fabrications’ MoonShade, a 9-by-7-foot lightweight, affordable, and durable awning, attaches to almost anything (even trees!!), packs down to fit into a 28-by-6-inch bag, and weighs less than 8 pounds. $350, Available at moonfab.co

11 / Free Your Feet

There’s nothing new this year about OluKai’s classic ‘Ohana flip-flop. But why mess with perfection? The sandal’s water-resistant synthetic upper (with quick-drying jersey knit lining), compression molded EVA midsole, and non-marking rubber outsole already make it our favorite. $70, Available at Skinny Skis (65 W. Deloney Ave.), olukai.com

12 / Ultimate Layers

Favorite local brand Stio has the perfect one-two layering punch with its new Icefloe Tech Tee and Alpiner Hooded Jacket. The former uses a proprietary polyester fabric (Floe) to make it the quickest-wicking and fastest-drying t-shirt we’ve ever tested. Also, it’s odor resistant. The latter is a standout in the active insulation category for its breathability, stretch, and DWR-treated ripstop shell. Tee $69.95, Jacket $289, Available at Stio Mountain Studio (10 E. Broadway Ave.), stio.com

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