Gear Guide: Wet Weather Pair
Vasque Eriksson GTX
($240; vasque.com)
Just how comfortable are these backpacking boots? I slid them on right out of the shoebox for a 2,000-vertical-metre hike with nary a blister to show for it. For spring conditions, the Gore-Tex liner, gusseted tongue, 2.2 mm full grain leather and mud-and-slush destroying Vibram tread make these waterproof off-trail hikers a must-have.
Filson Dry Duffle Backpack
($140; filson.com)
For paddlers, dry bags are essential — we’re fans of Filson’s Dry Duffle Backpack. Buckle straps cinch the load down tight; webbing lashes make for easy grabs-and-tosses and attachment points; and the backpack straps, with sternum strap, keep your hands free (or free to carry more) when unloading your canoe. And of course, the seam-welded vinyl-coated-poly is tough and waterproof. Made in the USA, you can have it in any colour you want — as long as it’s black.
