2016 Summer adventure gear guide

2016 Summer adventure gear guide

By Tyler Frantz

            Summertime in the outdoors can be whatever one decides to makes of it- a blank canvas waiting to be painted by adventure. Thrilling waterside float trips, hiking trails and camping beneath the stars, as well as relaxing wet wades along remote freestone streams all are memories yet to be made.

            Having the right gear goes a long way in ensuring those outdoor memories are both positive and productive. Check out these hot new gear items before heading out on your next summertime jaunt. 

Cabela's Polar Cap Equalizer Cooler $199-$399

            Lured by the offer of earning extra Cabela’s Club points on this high-end ice-keeper, I recently splurged on Cabela’s own 40-quart version of the wildly popular (and expensive) Yeti mega-cooler.

Cabela's Polar Cap Equilizer Cooler and Humminbird Fishin' Buddy

            With a proven ice retention of up to twelve days, heavy-duty T-handle rubberized latches with integrated bottle openers, elevated, nonskid feet for heat-transfer reduction, and an innovative freezer-grade gasket providing an airtight seal, the Polar Cap Equalizer has not only leveled the playing field, but it also earned Outdoor Life’s “Best of the Test” honors in a head-to-head matchup with other coolers in its field, including Yeti.

            Other unique features include bear-resistant safety lock receptacles, a maximum insulation to weight ratio with temperature controlling foam, a pressure release valve for easier lid opening, glow in the dark rope handles, and a leak proof threaded spigot with stainless steel lanyard. They even make an optional dolly as an add-on to ease transport if desired. Best of all, it is made in the USA.

            Though dropping over $200 for a cooler is somewhat out of character for me, it will save me the hassle of continually buying ice and has already proven itself as a solid performer, standing up against heat and humidity by doing what a cooler should do and much more. www.cabelas.com

L.L. Bean Pocket Water Fly Rod Outfit $290-$305

Photo Credit: L.L. Bean

            This pretty little number is the perfect rod and reel combo for hiking into small, remote riffles and pools in search of native wild brook trout. When fishing doesn’t require a long, fast-action fly rod and a shorter, suppler rod is the weapon of choice, Bean’s Pocket Water is the answer.

            Available in 3-, 4-, or 5-weight options ranging in length from 6’6” to 7’10,” this premium graphite rod breaks down into four compact pieces for ultimate packability. It has an attractive painted finish reminiscent of classic bamboo, but boasts a smooth, medium action and premium hardware for long-standing durability.

            The combo includes a lightweight carbon fiber rod tube, the Pocket Water fly rod and reel, as well as Scientific Anglers Mastery Trout fly line, backing and leader. Order online and it ships free. www.LLbean.com

Humminbird Fishin' Buddy MAX $199

            When using a small boat, canoe or kayak, its tough to beat the portability of Humminbird’s Fishin’ Buddy Max for a double-duty depth-finder/fish-finder. The Fishin' Buddy MAX offers a color 3.5-inch display, and Dual Beam sonar with 2400 watts of power output. 

            It comes on a fixed 24-inch pole that easily mounts to the side of watercrafts using a simple universal clamp, so no rigging, wiring or mounting of transducers is necessary. The Fishin’ Buddy runs on 8-AA batteries, and as I discovered on the opening day of trout at Stoever’s Dam in Lebanon, the designers couldn’t have made it any easier to use. www.humminbird.com

Ascend Outdoor Gear $3-$799

Photo Credit: Bass Pro Shops

            Whether hitting the trails for a hike or camping in the backcountry, Ascend by Bass Pro has what you need. Ascend prides itself in producing the most rugged, high-performance outdoor supplies, with just enough style to look good doing it.

            From kayaks, paddles, life jackets and fishing gear, to unbeatable camping gear such as tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, day packs, dry bags, hydration packs and camp cookwear, Ascend has some of the best outdoor gear money can buy.

Photo Credit: Bass Pro Shops

            Ascend also carries a full line of men’s and women’s clothing, including moisture-wicking garments and durable hiking shoes for long summer hauls. www.basspro.com/Ascend

            There’s literally thousands of outdoor gear items specifically designed to make your summer adventures more enjoyable. I’ve merely scratched the surface, and I’m already running out of page space. This equipment has earned my stamp of approval; so if you’re in the market for some new gear, you’ll find solace in knowing your money will be well spent.  

For more great writing, photography and video work by outdoors freelancer, Tyler Frantz, visit www.naturalpursuitoutdoors.com. Also, please LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!

 

 

 

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