Gear Guide: Save money, run faster and mountain bike better with these outdoor adventure gear items
How to Spend Less
You don’t have to spend a lot to get great gear. Here are three essentials that won’t break the bank.
Osprey Rook 65
The Rook has everything you need in a multi-day pack: a ventilated back panel that’s customizable and super comfortable, an integrated rain-cover and 65 litres of storage spread between lid and body. It also comes in a women’s-specific fit.
Rab Ignition 1
When a brand synonymous with high performance makes a sub-$200 sleeping bag, buy it. The Ignition carries the same attention to detail as Rab’s expert kit, but they saved with synthetic fill rated to seven degrees Celsius, perfect for summer camping.
Outdoor Research Apollo Jacket
The Apollo is a budget-friendly, waterproof jacket worth buying. It’s surprisingly breathable, well-featured, tough enough to withstand some bushwhacking and weighs a shockingly respectable 340 grams.
How to Run Faster
Put your feet to the pavement and beat your own best record.
Nathan VaporAir 7L 2.0
Think of the VaporAir as a utility vest that weighs almost nothing. The silky smooth fabric on the inside prevents chaffing, plenty of pockets keep snacks and accessories handy, and hidden straps adjusts the fit as you suck the bladder dry.
Inov-8 Roclite 275
Reinforced mesh upper for additional durability, graphite in the outsole adds longevity and grip, and a footplate that protects and flexes. The Roclite 275 is light done right.
Ultimate Direction Hydrolight Short
Why carry it when you can wear it? Built into the waistband of these layered running shorts are sleeves for two squirt bottles and a pocket big enough for a fat phone.
How to Mountain Bike Better
Put the pedal to the metal and live the adventure on two wheels.
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Bikepack
Big Agnes optimized the Copper Spur for backpacking on a mountain bike by taking an already awesome backcountry tent, shortening the poles and stuffing it in a waterproof handlebar bag. With an extended footprint in the vestibule, this tent is useful no matter what kind of “packing” we’re doing.
Osprey Seral
Mountain biking is one of the few scenes where fanny packs are practical and almost fashionable. There’s enough room in the seven-litre Seral to carry water in a 1.5-litre bladder, tools, food and a layer. Sitting on the hips, the pack doesn’t bounce—even while taking air—and leaves your back free to breathe.
Rocky Mountain Altitude
The Altitude magically marries efficient pedaling, nimble handling and stable descending, the trifecta of all-mountain riding. Rocky’s secret sauce is geometry that shifts weight over the rear tire for climbing but also allows for settling into the bike for pinning it down the steep stuff. Adjust a nut on the frame to customize performance even further.
P.S. Already have enough gear—but still want to be inspired to #LivetheAdventure?
Thousands of explorers like you have already joined the Adventure Challenge Club for new adventure ideas, a community of like-minded adventurers and awesome gear prizes!
