Autumn is the ultimate hiking season for most of the northern hemisphere – temperatures are cool, colors are bright, and crowds are diminished. Though most adventurers don’t need incentives to get out come fall, we found a few gear items to make your pre-winter excursions more enjoyable.
Biolite Charge 100 Max
Today’s digital world means even outdoor adventures require access to power. Your phones (and primary mapping/navigation tool) – as well as smart watches, cameras, locator beacons, and other devices – are charged and operation means carrying supplemental power.
The new Biolite Charge 100 Max offers a great option for maximum power with minimal wait time. The Charge 100 offers 100 watts of charge, with an array of ports to power up to 5 devices simultaneously! The magnetic wireless charging panel works wonderfully with iPhone and Android devices, while various USB-A and USB-C ports power anything from a tablet to a smartwatch. We even grabbed a few extra hours of power for a MacBook Pro running Photoshop during a long camping trip!
The Charge 100 Max weighs just 1.3 pounds, and measures 5.5 inches by 4.5 inches, and just over 1.25 inches thick. $149. Buy now.
High Camp Torch Flask, 9 ounce
The High Camp Torch Flask earned rave reviews from our team, but the new version of the Torch is 33-percent better (or at least 33-percent bigger!) than the original.
The new Torch includes the same design, including the integrated 3-ounce shot glass, as the original, but it jumps from a 6-ounce capacity to 9-ounces. That means you get an extra serving of go-juice in your flask! The Torch retains its sleek design, though it gains nearly an inch in height over the original. The flask boasts a double-walled steel construction, a magnetically attached cap/shot glass, and a screw-off bottom for easy filling and cleaning. The original 6-ounce Torch is still available for $99, but the larger 9-ounce version is a steal at $109. Buy now.
Free Fly Elevate Hoodie – Men’s and Women’s styling
While designed with sun and heat in mind, the Elevate Hoodie has become the must-wear everyday piece for both men and women on our test team. The Free Fly Elevate line boasts 4-way stretch fabric featuring a blend of recycled polyester (83%), lyocell – a plant-based fiber (11%), and spandex (6%). This fabric wicks moisture, dries quickly, and feels like silk on the skin. The Men’s version fits comfortably without excess material, while our female testers report that their version is cut for a contoured fit without binding or constriction.
The hoodie sports slightly longer-than-expected sleeves with – on the Men’s version – a slim finger loop (to hook around your middle finger) to keep the sleeves in place when casting/stretching or when worn under other garments. The Women’s version sports a thumb-hole to accomplish the same benefit.
The hood of the hoodie is sleek and fits snugly around the noggin with room for a billed cap underneath if desired. Both Men’s and Women’s versions come in a variety of colors and can work as sun protection (UPF 30+) or as a wicking base layer. $88. Buy Now.