Gear Guide: Quiver Killers—When One Item Can Serve Multiple Purposes
Marie Kondo’s cult of minimalism has arrived outside. Advances in design and materials allows gear to confidently function in multiple situations. Rather than a jacket for every condition or a shoe for every trail, we now have one that does many things.
Instead of wasting time debating which tent to bring and then second-guessing the choice, it’s just pack and enjoy. As Kondo teaches, less can be satisfyingly simple. These six products prove you don’t need a quiver anymore.
The Session Shorts use a hidden zipper to convert from bike-short snug to loose and free for trail running and hiking. A bit of stretch and a flat waist keeps them comfortable and fast drying fabric means they’re ready for a swim. They’re the multisport short.
Kondo Cred: Always in style.
With sturdy architecture, guy-out points direct from the poles and a tapered, wind-drafting shape, the Kunai shelters from winter’s worst. But it also weighs less than two kilograms and has multiple venting options, making it a worthy option for lightweight backpacking trips in the heat of summer.
Kondo Cred: Backcountry shelter, any time of year.
Salewa Dropline
($180; salewa.com)
These kicks buck the trend of every activity requiring a unique shoe. Built to endure the abuse of the mountains, the Dropline has the cushioning, rebound and sole shape of a trail runner and the stability and comfortable fit of a light hiker. However fast, they’ll keep you moving for miles
Kondo Cred: Run, hike or both.
Big Agnes Torchlight 20
($390; bigagnes.com)
Efficient mummy or roomy rectangular bag: the 1.27-kilogram Torchlight is both. Zippers on both sides of the bag act like insulated baffles, adding up to 20 centimetres of girth without a hit to warmth. Keep them closed to sleep cozy. Crack the top to add shoulder room. Or unzip the whole way and sprawl.
Kondo Cred: Shape-shifting down cocoon.
Most 85-gram shells do a good job of shielding wind, but get soggy in prolonged wet. The Phantom weighs the same but its waterproof-breathable membrane deflects hours of rain. The roomy cut slides over layers and the weight means you’ll never have reason to leave it behind.
Kondo Cred: A legitimately waterproof wind shell.
Osprey Farpoint Trek 55
($290; MEC.ca)
Double up with this suitcase that carries like a backcountry hauler. On the travel bag side is a zipper that splays the main pocket wide-open for easy packing. For schlepping, there’s Osprey’s cushy adjustable torso, airy back panel and soft straps. Bonus, the rain cover doubles as an airplane sack.
Kondo Cred: Backpacking, travel or trail.
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