Fall 2022 Gear Review

Ombraz, Armless Polarized Sunglasses
Let’s face it, sunglasses haven’t changed much in the hundred or so years since they were invented. Ombraz has changed that. Born from a successful Kickstarter campaign, Ombraz sunglasses provide a built-in wraparound strap that replaces traditional sunglass arms. These aren’t goggles; the strap secures the glasses to your face so much so that the company warns against cinching them too tightly. Available in a variety of styles, sizes, frame and lens colors, Ombraz sunglasses have a look for everyone, and the strap will take away the worry about breaking your shades during your next adventure. It’s time to give Ombraz sunglasses a try. www.ombraz.com $150.00

Sea To Summit, Hydraulic Dry Pack
Keeping your gear dry while paddling in stormy weather is one thing. But add in comfort and portability to the mix? Now you’re really talking. Sea to Summit’s Hydraulic Dry Pack offers fully waterproof, super-durable 600D TPU-laminated fabric storage built with adjustable backpack straps and high-quality aluminum buckles. Available in a variety of sizes, including a 35-liter daypack and a massive, 120-liter pack, Sea to Summit’s latest offerings are strong enough to endure being tossed onto the bottom of a raft and make perfect airplane carry-ons or backpacks. Weather is more unpredictable than ever these days—here’s a chance to keep your gear secure and dry no matter what Mother Nature throws at you.

www.seatosummit.com $199.95-$299.95 

BioLite, Powerbanks
Stay powered up no matter how far you venture from home with Biolite’s new Powerbanks. BioLite, known for creative charging and power solutions, has raised the bar yet again with a collection that comes in three sizes, offering a range of perfect solutions for your phones, tablets and laptops. Compact, packable and FAA-carry-on compliant, these products range from 20 PD, which is perfect for cell phones, and 40 PD, which can handle cell phones and tablets. The largest—the 80 PD—can handle all that plus computer charging. All three Powerbanks offer a USB C port, which is bi-directional (it is used to charge the power bank, but it also charges your devices) and two USB A ports. These three ports can be engaged at the same time, so the whole family can charge their phones together. Keep your batteries full and your kids happy wherever you go with BioLite’s Powerbanks. www.bioliteenergy.com  $29.95-$69.95

MPOWERD, Luci Outdoor 2.0 solar lantern
Finding a way to light up a campsite while off the grid can be challenging. MPOWERD’s Luci Outdoor inflatable solar lantern offers a creative, lightweight and powerful solution. Capable of producing a very bright 75 lumens, the Luci 2.0 has four modes—low, medium, high and flashing—that will meet your needs at night. In low mode, the lantern stays on for up to 24 hours; in high mode, the lantern produces power for up to six hours. When the battery is depleted, place the light in direct sunlight and it will be fully charged in seven hours. The lantern’s waterproof, collapsible design allows for easy packing, and its built-in straps attach to a pack so it can charge while you’re on the move. No batteries are required—find some sun and the lantern takes care of the rest. www.mpowerd.com $24.95

SportDOG, UplandHunter 1825X e-collar
Anyone who hunts with a dog will tell you that control is the name of the game. Long known for high-quality e-collars, SportDOG arms wetland hunters like you with what you need so you can take your retriever on your next hunt. The Wetlandhunter 1825X is designed for waterfowl hunters and their dogs. With a range of one mile, you can rest easy knowing you can communicate with your dog using the tones and vibrations built into the product’s 21 levels of static stimulation. The controller and collar are printed in Realtree Max5 Camouflage, which is an attractive and effective waterfowl pattern.  Easy to use, durable and customizable, the Wetlandhunter 1825X is a wonderful tool for training and managing your dog so you can do your job and focus on the birds. www.sportdog.com  $359.95

Cobalt Golf, Q-6 Slope Rangefinder
I spend more time on a rifle range than on a driving range and rely on technology to help my game. Cobalt Golf is one of the best in the golf technology business, and its new flagship Q-6 Slope Rangefinder puts all the information you need at your fingertips. Using highly accurate laser technology, the Q-6 Slope offers outstanding premium optics, an easy-to-read projection display, a fully adjustable diopter and a sturdy aluminum design. Cobalt stands behind the Q-6 by offering a lifetime warranty, which is almost unheard of for a rangefinder. For people who play in USGA-regulated events, the Q-6 has an easy-to-use toggle switch that can disengage slope mode, so you don’t have to mess with a complicated menu system. For the rest of us, the Q-6’s slope mode provides precise slope calculations that remove the guesswork from your approach shots.  Adding the Q-6 rangefinder to your golf bag is a great idea if you want to know how far you are from the hole. Whether you get there or not is entirely up to you. www.cobalt-golf.com $450.00

The Original Muck Boot Company, Chore Farm Leather Chelsea boots
Long known for utilitarian rubber work and chore boots, the Muck Boot Company is taking things to a whole new level by combining style, comfort and performance like never before. The Chore Farm Leather Chelsea boots are made of 100% “Barnyard Proof” leather and are ready to take whatever your barnyard—or backyard—will throw at them. Fire resistant, 100% waterproof and slip resistant, these boots offer the protection you need and the comfort you want, not to mention a sophisticated look not found in any other work boots on today’s market. Because last time I checked, there’s no law against working hard AND looking good, right?  www.muckbootcompany.com $165.00

Tecovas, Waxed Canvas Trucker Jacket
If you’re looking for a classic all-American jacket that’s perfect for the fall’s cooler temperatures, take a good look at Austin-based boot and western-wear maker Tecovas’ Waxed Canvas Trucker Jacket. Made from 100% cotton waxed canvas with double chest-flap pockets and antique brass buttons and rivets, the Waxed Canvas Trucker Jacket is as durable as it is stylish. The waist-length jacket is unlined, which makes it the perfect jacket for chillier temperatures, but its roomy fit is perfect for a layer when the temperatures drop. Whether you’re looking for something to wear to dinner or a sturdy outdoor work jacket, Tecovas’ Waxed Canvas Trucker Jacket fits the bill. www.tecovas.com  $165.00

Cotopaxi, Allpa 60L Gear Hauler Tote
Packing and organizing can be the opposite of fun when you’re embarking on a new activity. Cotopaxi’s new Allpa 60L Gear Hauler Tote is designed to change that. The Allpa 60L Tote is a fun, colorful and functional large carry-all tote. Manufactured out of TPU-coated, ballistic nylon panels, this tote is soft sided (which means it has a small form factor when not in use) and extremely durable. The tote’s top compression straps keep your gear secure in transit, and the inside and outside pockets provide plenty of options for storage and organization. Anyone who loves the sporting life knows that having the right gear is critical, so why not buy a tote that looks good and transports your gear effectively? www.cotopaxi.com $100.00

Solo Stove, Bonfire Fire Pit 2.0
There’s no better way to spend a nice fall afternoon than in front of a roaring fire. Solo Stove’s Bonfire Fire Pit 2.0 is a new and improved version of the outfit’s extremely popular original fire pits. Manufactured with high-quality stainless steel, the Bonfire Fire Pit is light and portable (under 23 lbs.) and comes with a convenient carrying case. The product is durable and features a double-walled, patented 360-degree Signature Air Flow system that creates higher temperatures without the ash and smoke that can get in the way of an enjoyable fire experience. Enhanced airflow also makes the Bonfire Fire Pit 2.0 simple to light (you don’t need lighter fluid), and its removable ash pan makes cleaning easier than ever before. If you’re looking to accessorize your fire pit, Solo Stove has you covered with terrific options. These include a Heat Deflector, a cast-iron cooking setup and more. If you like staying cozy, this is a must-have option when temperatures cool off. www.solostove.com $299.99

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