Roundup: 15 Best Gear for Summer Adventures
The first official day of Summer is here! The Explore Magazine team has been busy testing new and innovative gear to find out exactly what you need to elevate your outdoor adventures this summer.
Here are 15 epic items that get our stamp of approval.
Apparel
Outdoor Research Swift Cap
Need to keep your scalp cool—and the sun off your face? You need a breathable, foldable, packable, lightweight cap. Outdoor Research’s Swift Cap hits all the notes with ventilating mesh to keep your noggin’ cool and breezy, a shaped bill for shade and sun protection and nylon panels to let your skin breathe. I love how I can stash it in my hipbelt and slip it on my head when I need to keep the glaring sun out of my eyes (and avoid getting more freckles on my nose). I usually hate wearing hats while hiking because I have thick hair and my scalp gets too sweaty, itchy and uncomfortable, but the TransAction headband effortlessly wicks moisture from my brow. Find your perfect fit with the adjustable quick-release buckle and stay cool out there. —Alison Karlene Hodgins, Managing Editor
Buy it here: mec.ca
Price: $34.95
Knockaround Paso Robles Polarized Sunglasses
When just a hat isn’t enough, protect your eyes from the summer sun with these new fixed tint sunglasses. Comfortable and classy with smooth-feeling frames that fit securely over your ears, these sunglasses won’t abrasively rub your sweaty skin or fall off your face when you’re hiking up a summit under clear blue skies. The evolution of this necessary, safe and protective piece of equipment has resulted in a pair of stylish sunnies that are light, strong, durable and functional. This specific pair is best for small to medium faces and made of recycled materials. — Alison Karlene Hodgins, Managing Editor
Buy it here: mec.ca
Price: $45.95
Kindred Coast Tank Tops
Made in Canada from recycled bottles, these super soft, airy and comfortable bamboo tank tops are adorned with outdoorsy graphics and quotes, so you can showcase your love of adventure. Sewn, cut, hand screen printed with eco-friendly water-based ink, labelled and shipped from Vancouver Island, BC, this local Canadian business is worth supporting—while sporting new threads for your summer wardrobe. I love the high-neck options to avoid burning any extra exposed skin on hot summer days. Mountains, sasquatch, trees and birds are represented on the cool, natural colours like forest green, heather navy and charcoal. Between the two of us, my mom and I own a shirt with almost every design on it. —Alison Karlene Hodgins, Managing Editor
Buy it here: Women’s | Men’s
Price: $44.50
MEC Wanderwall Shorts
We all praise comfortable, flattering and lightweight shorts in the summer! I’ve been wearing my new pair of Wanderwall shorts on quick, sweet and sweaty hot-weather hikes, and they’ve never shown a sweat stain. They will also be easy to slip over a swimsuit for summer afternoons lounging at the local watering hole. Made of a blend of ripstop recycled nylon and spandex for stretch, with two front stash pockets and a drawcord elastic waist, these shorts will have you feeling like a kid playing around in the summertime once again. The colour options—a rich purple (Wildberry) and mossy green (Pacific Pine)—will compliment your adventure wardrobe, whether you’re trekking on the trail or paddling a serene lake. — Alison Karlene Hodgins, Managing Editor
Buy it here: mec.ca
Price: $69.95
Helly Hansen Odin Everdown Hooded Jacket
To pack a puffy or not to pack a puffy? That is the question… My hiking mantra is “be bold, start cold” (meaning exertion will warm you up, so don’t overdress and sweat) but what about a wind-whipped summit? Even mid-summer, peaks above 1,500 metres can get chilly… but do we hikers want the weight and bulk of a just-in-case-jacket? And for active travellers, puffies are often the multi-purpose layer of choice—but they can take up too much room in your carry on. Helly Hansen heard these concerns when they built the Odin Everdown Hooded Jacket. With PFC-free DWR on a recycled polyamide shell, a RECCO reflector and insulated with a unique down-blend constructed in a sheet rather than loose feathers, this puffy deflects rain and wind, while the sheet-insulation eliminates cold spots that can seep through the seams of traditional down puffs. But then, they went minimalist—this unit doesn’t even have zip-pockets—all in the name of packability. The end result is impressive—with its included stuff sack, it squeezes to smaller than a Nalgene, and, weighing just 350 grams, it disappears in a pack. —David Webb, President and Publisher
Buy it here: hellyhansen.com
Price: $413
Bags
Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 45L
This has become my new love for weekend adventures and photography outings. The quality is exceptional. Lightweight yet rugged, with Terra Shell™ ripstop fabric that shrugs off light rain and all your paddle drips. The Ultra Cinch™ roll-top has a dry bag type design that expands to fit bulky gear and compresses down when I’m packing light. The rear panel clam shell access is a game-changer, allowing me to grab my camera gear or jacket without digging through everything. Comfort-wise, the adjustable ladder system and padded stow away hip belt make long treks manageable, even with a full load. The side pockets easily hold my tripod and water bottle, and the Capture Clip points keep my camera on quick draw. With so much versatility, I’m continuously finding new ways to enjoy using it. —Ben Hopper, National Sales Manager
Buy it here: peakdesign.com
Price: $439.95
Peak Design Outdoor Sling 7L
The capacity of this sling bag is surprisingly spacious, accommodating all essentials including a regular sized water bottle or even a light jacket. The internal organization, including elastic pockets and a zippered compartment, keeps everything compulsively in place. The premium quality adjustable shoulder strap is easy to adjust to exactly the comfort you want for both back and front wear. The removable stabilizer strap adds extra stability when I’m jumping down steep trails. The bag’s weather-resistant material has protected my essentials during a few SUP rides already. One feature I find particularly useful is the external bungee cord system. It’s perfect for securing a small tripod or hiking poles, adding to the bag’s versatility. Overall, the Peak Design Outdoor Sling 7L is a pro-designed, multi-functional bag that suits my every need. Its combination of style, flexibility and durability makes it a valuable addition to my gear collection. —Ben Hopper, National Sales Manager
Buy it here: peakdesign.com
Price: $119.95
Deuter Rogla 5
A general-use backpack is not conducive to cycling simply because the only way to stop it from flopping around on your back is by tightening the chest- and hip-straps to the point of discomfort. Bent over your bars, the hip-strap digs in and the chest-strap restricts breathing. Deuter addressed this with their vest-style biking backpack, the Rogla 5. Similar to a running vest, this snug-and-stretchy pack clips together low on your sternum; has perforated straps to vent sweat and features a breathable back panel. Well-considered stash zones offer spots to put your phone, energy bars and simple tools within the strap pockets; while the 15-litre main compartment holds a two-litre water bladder (not included) while still offering ample room for extra layers. The compression-straps tighten on loads from one to 15 litres—and offer some external cargo capacity too. In any sport, the best backpacks make you forget you’re wearing them—and the Rogla 5 does just that. —David Webb, President and Publisher
Buy it here: roirecreation.com
Price: $144.95
MEC Odyssey Dry Tote
The MEC Odyssey Dry Tote joined me on my latest paddleboarding session, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer! The robust, waterproof construction kept all my essentials—phone, snack and a towel—completely dry, even after a few unexpected splashes when I leaned in to pick up some speed. The roll-top closure isn’t just a closure; it seals like a bank vault, giving me total peace of mind that everything inside is secure and protected. Plus, the durable material feels incredibly well-built, ready to withstand whatever lake adventures I throw its way. It’s surprisingly roomy without ever feeling cumbersome, easily stowing everything I need for a full day on the water. This reliable piece of gear is a must for your summer adventures at the lake! —Adrianna Szarek, Business Development Manager
Buy it here: mec.ca
Price: From $99.95
Footwear
Kayland Grand Tour GTX Hiking Boots
The Kayland Grand Tour GTX boots have completely transformed my experience on the trails. Having always hiked in regular athletic shoes, the difference was immediately noticeable. With the Grand Tour GTX, I felt unstoppable. The Vibram Tork outsole provided stable, slip-free traction on uneven terrain, while the Gore-Tex Extended Comfort membrane kept my feet dry and breathable all day. Crafted from suede leather with microfiber inserts, these boots strike the perfect balance of durability, comfort and lightweight design. The cushioned fit, paired with my Devold merino wool socks, kept me blister-free from the start. This boot is made for hikers ready to move beyond casual day hikes and take on more rugged, demanding trails year-round with confidence. —Devin Cox, Finance Manager
Buy it here: roirecreation.com
Price: $339.95
Oboz Low B Dry Light Trail Shoes
I’m obsessed with running shoe-hiking boot hybrids, especially because I tend to be blister-prone when hiking long distances, and I might need the option to change my footwear. Check out these low riding, waterproof, roomy, light and yet, sturdy trail shoes. Featuring grippy lugs, a waterproof-breathable membrane with Nubuck leather and an O-fit insole that cushions every step on rocks or earth while supporting my arches. I opted for the wide fit, which offers my toes ample space to spread (without the rubbing friction that creates hotspots). Despite the small flecks of pink on the laces, I’m not mad about the colour—the dusty brown blends in with the dirt that sticks to the sides on dry summer hikes. If Cinderella had an adventurous fairy godmother, these are the shoes she’d bring her to adventure all summer long. —Alison Karlene Hodgins, Managing Editor
Buy it here: mec.ca
Price: $189.95
Gear
The Wild Tribe Paddleboard
The Wild Tribe’s boards are 60 per cent stiffer and 20 per cent thinner than typical inflatables. Better glide, increased speed and significantly less energy expended battling drag are all results of that rigidity. That slim 4.75-inch profile cuts through water like a blade, giving you that smooth, effortless momentum that makes you want to stay out longer. A complete premium setup is provided as well. Use code EXPLORE10 for 10 percent off your order. —Dania Rashid, Editorial Assistant
Buy it here: thewildtribe.ca
Price: From $599
PiActive DEET FREE Regular Size Insect Repellent Pump Spray 175ml
Testing bug spray in Manitoba is a rite of passage, especially with our legendary mosquitoes. My mission? To put Piactive bug spray to the test. It’s 100 per cent DEET-free, unscented and blissfully non-irritant. Before Piactive, my evenings were a constant slap-fest and taking away from the enjoyment of the outdoors. But after a quick spritz, not a single itch or buzz in my ear. What I loved most, besides the obvious bite-free bliss, is that it doesn’t feel like you’re wearing a greasy, chemical suit. Piactive delivered on its promise, providing a comfortable, invisible shield against those persistent little bloodsuckers. I finally enjoyed a sunset without becoming a mosquito buffet. If you’re looking for an effective, gentle and truly pleasant bug spray experience, especially in mosquito hot zones, Piactive is your new best friend. It’s a game-changer for anyone wanting to reclaim their outdoor adventures! —Adrianna Szarek, Business Development Manager
Buy it here: mec.ca
Price: $14.95
MEC Draco -9 Down Sleeping Bag
Is a -9 C rated mummy bag overkill for summer and fall? Well, let’s talk use-case. The lightweight, 650-fill duck-down Draco has such a rating, which, in real-world terms, increases to an approximate EN Comfort Rating of -5 C. A rule of thumb when bag-shopping is to find a sleeper that’s rated to five degrees colder than the temperatures in which you intend to sleep. More if you sleep cold. Which means that if you plan on camping in alpine/sub-alpine regions, in notoriously temperamental regions like the West Coast of Vancouver Island, the North Shore of Lake Superior, the North Atlantic coasts or you’re travelling to the territories—a bag rated to -9 C is actually about right. Such is the case with the Draco, a three-season sleeping bag with user-friendly features like 20D DWR-treated ripstop with PFAS-free DWR, a zip-pocket, neck-yoke and draft tube and both a stuff-sack (it packs to as little as nine litres of volume) and a larger storage sack. All of this in a package so comfy my kids have stolen it and refuse to give it back. (Available in standard and long sizes.) —David Webb, President and Publisher
Buy it here: mec.ca
Price: $319.95
Camco Fasten RV Levelling Blocks with T-Handle
GoRVing Canada says 14 per cent of Canadian households own recreational vehicles. That’s some two million RVs! If you’re one of them, whether a camper van, tent-trailer or mega-motorhome, you know they offer unparalleled comfort and ease of camp setup—except if you’re parking on uneven ground. Levelling your unit so the blood doesn’t rush to your head while you sleep, or your coffee doesn’t slide onto the ground, can be a real pain. Ease the pain with these levelling blocks from Camco. This set of 10 comes apart like Lego and offers an easy way to bump-up your wheels, or you can stack them to make a sturdy base for stabilizers. I’ve even gotten creative and used individual blocks to level off picnic tables and chair legs! The T-handle makes carrying the four-kilogram 10-block-set a breeze and they stash away easy. Oh, and Camco also makes the best drop-ins we’ve used thus far (if you know, you know). (TST Pro RV Holding Tank Drop-ins; $18) —David Webb, President and Publisher
Buy it here: amazon.ca
Price: $92
