Gear Up: 6 Items That Will Have You Stoked for the Shoulder Season
Late fall can bring about codundrums. Hiking season is dwindling to an end—with alpine peaks getting frosted in snow and trails getting muckier by the day. Camping becomes a bit more gear-intensive—when night-time temps dip below zero. Yet skiing and snowshoeing season is still a month or so off…
So how do you take October and November for all they’re worth? Well, it starts with inspiration. Then, the right gear:
Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof
($210; obozfootwear.com)
These are the boots we choose for muddy, slippery, challenging backpacking routes. An all-leather upper hints at boots of yore but the tech is all modern. Deep, 4.5-millimetre lugs—with side-lugs—and a nylon shank keeps feet stable on loose trails. The waterproof-breathable BDry membrane keeps puddles at bay. And the EVA midsole combines with a protective toe-cap to deliver the all-day comfort and hardy protection we’ve come to expect from this brand. (Men’s and women’s available.)
Eddie Bauer Sandstone Soft Shell Jacket
($130; eddiebauer.com)
This synthetic-blend softshell is our go-to shoulder-season hiking jacket. The DWR treatment fends off rain-showers and the four-way stretch lets us get active and agile. Elastic cuffs and a drawstring waist keep drafts at bay. And the strategically-placed brushed tricot lining offers just enough protection to beat back an autumn breeze while maintaining athletic breathability.
Merrell Moab FST 2
($150; merrell.com)
Athletic and light—724 grams for the pair—these are our go-to speed hikers. Nubuck and mesh makes for a supportive and breathable upper. The bellows tongue keeps grit and gravel out. A nylon arch shank and air-cushion in the heel means you can pound-hard on trails all day. And the deep five-millimetre lugs on the Vibram soles make short work of anything from easy walks to muddy grinds. (Men’s and women’s available.)
Purica Magnesium Effervescent
($19-$34; purica.com)
Mix a teaspoon of this fruity powder into hot water for a dose of the magnesium you need to maintain strong bones, fend off osteoporosis, recover from cramps and lower blood pressure. It’s even said to help metabolize carbs and fats—we just know it’s a standard part of our recovery routine. Available in lemon-lime or raspberry; 150 or 350 grams.
Buff Original Multifunction Headwear
($24; buyabuff.com)
Our Buff Original is ideal for fall. The four-way stretch seamless polyester microfibre is wicking, breathable and baby-soft. It fends off sun with UPF 50 protection and the bitter wind of late-fall with moderate insulation. Plus, it’s made with two recycled plastic bottles—even the packaging is 80 per cent recycled. But what we really love about this season’s Buffs are the autumn-inspired colour schemes.
Avventura Outdoors Hydration Belt
($70; avventuraoutdoors.com)
This slick Hydration Belt from Avventura Outdoors is our key to going far and fast on running trails or the cross-country ski track. With three pockets, two of which are removable, twin 750-millilitre bottles and ample padding, it’ll comfortably hold all the H2O you need, plus snacks, light first-aid, a phone and wallet.
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