8 New Toys for Outdoorsmen

Flasks, skateboards, tents. Gear up.

By The Editors
May 18, 2015 9:00 am

No matter how fearsome our real-estate costs, how perilous our commute, how annoying the tech buses: we live in one of the most beautiful places on Earth, chock-a-block with opportunities to hike, bike, swim, run, climb, kayak and more. Here’s our shopping list for summer adventure, all sourced from our favorite S.F. designers and indie outlets. See you out there.

Halo 75L
This multi-day pack is Boreas’s newest — the name comes from the 360-degree ring of daisy chains around the top lid, allowing for easy attachment of additional gear. Easy access is a recurring theme: there’s also a separate compartment for your sleeping bag. If this bag (or photos from a test-drive expedition in Alaska) makes you salivate, you’ll probably want to apply for their traveler’s grant.

Murphy Tent
Alite’s new two-person Murphy tent is perfect for easy summer camping. You might not want to take it to Denali, but it’s our overnighting standard: light (five pounds!) and bright (with a mesh canopy and two big doors), it makes impromptu camping on day hikes a snap.

Stahl Shorts
Stahl’s four-way stretch shorts were just restocked at Mission Workshop, so get there pronto if you want to pick up a pair. You do. Why? Military-grade fabric, fancy buttons from Switzerland, water-repellent finish and superior styling that means you can go straight from bike to brunch.

Other things you should throw in your trunk and leave there till wintertime:

  • Snow Peak’s titanium flask, with no corners and no rusting, ever. Pick it up at DSPTCH.

  • Theft-happy bandits can’t defeat Fortified bike lights — and if somehow they do, the brand will replace them

  • Scrap Dog Skateboards are made from upcycled hardwoods, and they’re as sleek as that sounds — check out their Instagram for proof

  • Tiny Atlas Quarterly, published in Oakland, is our favorite new travel journal, and owing to its local roots, it’s stuffed with Northern California destinations/ideas for weekend trips

  • Start with the Boat Tote, handmade in S.F. Then buy the boat.

The InsideHook Newsletter.

News, advice and insights for the most interesting person in the room.