Gear Shed: Late Summer Picks - Mountain Life

Get the most out of the final weeks of summer with a Gear Shed full of packs, drybags, camp chairs, shades, MTB jerseys and hikers picked by ML staff and partners.

Black Diamond Distance 15 Backpack

The Black Diamond Distance 15 is a hybrid pack for women or men that breaks down barriers. The design includes a vest-inspired suspension for running or hiking, and combines lightweight technology with extra storage for mountain endeavours. Comes fully equipped with Z-Pole storage that’s easy to deploy on the go, and two options for strapping on your ice axe. www.vertical-addiction.com

Black Diamond Distance 15 blue

Made-for-Alpine Pack

Made-for-Alpine Pack

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The attention to detail here is clearly the result of athlete testing and research. For example, the Stitchless Edge Taping Technology material is much preferred on an alpine pack when you’re moving fast over rock. And the Z-Pole storage is easy to deploy when you need to stow your gear quickly. And the stash options you will actually use: Two soft flask pockets, one zip and two stretch shoulder strap pockets, plus two side stash pockets and one internal zip pocket with key clip.

The attention to detail here is clearly the result of athlete testing and research. For example, the Stitchless Edge Taping Technology material is much preferred on an alpine pack when you’re moving fast over rock. And the Z-Pole storage is easy to deploy when you need to stow your gear quickly. And the stash options you will actually use: Two soft flask pockets, one zip and two stretch shoulder strap pockets, plus two side stash pockets and one internal zip pocket with key clip.

96/100

Total Score iLegend

The best

Cascade Mountain Tech Ultralight Camp Chair

Compact and lightweight, this Camp Chair is perfect for trips where weight matters, as well as beach days, sporting events, outdoor concerts, and more. Weighing only 3 lbs 4 oz, this comfy high-back chair collapses down small and narrow and fits into its own over-the-shoulder carry case. The light-but-strong aluminum shock-cord pole frame will hold up to 250lbs. www.cascademountaintech.com

Cascade Ultralight Camp Chair green — Photo: Cascade Mountain Tech

Nice-Priced Lightweight Chair

Nice-Priced Lightweight Chair

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The price is right ($54 USD) for a durable chair this light, compact and comfortable. Premium features include: sand feet to reduce sinking in sand or soft ground; removable, adjustable headrest and cool breathable mesh back; shock-cord pole structure for a quick hassle-free setup and tear-down; and it packs down to 19” x 5” x 5”.

The price is right ($54 USD) for a durable chair this light, compact and comfortable. Premium features include: sand feet to reduce sinking in sand or soft ground; removable, adjustable headrest and cool breathable mesh back; shock-cord pole structure for a quick hassle-free setup and tear-down; and it packs down to 19” x 5” x 5”.

95/100

Total Score iLegend

The best

Julbo Density

In the mountains, the weather can change in an instant, and so can the lighting conditions. When you pack a pair of sunglasses for a ride, wouldn’t it be nice to know they will be right in any light? Julbo Density sunglasses with Reactive™ lenses perform equally well in noonday sun to nighttime, all with one lens. Check out several athlete reviews of the Density here. Find them at www.trailsports.com

Julbo density J5611111 face 2048x2048 copy

Ride-Ready Sunnies

Ride-Ready Sunnies

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A few MTB athlete reviews: “I love how light they are, and the bendable arms are great for added fit and confidence in the chunky stuff,” says Kerry Werner. “I’ve been wearing the 1-3 High Contrast lens model and absolutely love it! The glasses stay in place on my face even in the roughest terrain. What I love the most is that I don’t even notice them—they are so light, comfortable and breathable, and I love the style,” says Tina Severson.

A few MTB athlete reviews: “I love how light they are, and the bendable arms are great for added fit and confidence in the chunky stuff,” says Kerry Werner. “I’ve been wearing the 1-3 High Contrast lens model and absolutely love it! The glasses stay in place on my face even in the roughest terrain. What I love the most is that I don’t even notice them—they are so light, comfortable and breathable, and I love the style,” says Tina Severson.

95/100

Total Score iLegend

The best

RUX Waterproof Bag

The RUX Waterproof Bag (25L) is highly packable, super durable and ready for anything you can throw at it. This roll-top tote/drybag is guaranteed for a lifetime and designed for the everyday. Ready for overland adventures or weekend getaways and everything in between. www.rux.life

Orange Waterproof Bag Hanging — Photo: Rux

Comfort and Organization

Comfort and Organization

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The Rux Rail Buckles mean seamless integration with the Rux 70L. And the removable/adjustable/repairable handles are the perfect size for one-hand carry or over the shoulder. Plus: Lash points attach securely to anything, including kayak or SUP decks.

The Rux Rail Buckles mean seamless integration with the Rux 70L. And the removable/adjustable/repairable handles are the perfect size for one-hand carry or over the shoulder. Plus: Lash points attach securely to anything, including kayak or SUP decks.

97/100

Total Score iLegend

The best

Smartwool Mountain Bike Long Sleeve Jersey

With room to move without the bulk, Smartwool’s Women’s Mountain Bike Long Sleeve Jersey is crafted with a blend of responsibly-sourced Merino wool and recycled polyester, ensuring moisture management, temperature regulation and quick dry times. Plus, it has a front zipper for added ventilation when you need it and extra coverage in the seat to keep the mud off yours. www.smartwool.ca

Smartwool mountain bike jersey1 — The Mountain Bike Jersey with the Mountain BIke Gloves and Merino Sport 8″ Short. Photo: Smartwool

Versatile Material Blend

Versatile Material Blend

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Smartwool’s fabric blend combines the moisture management, temperature regulation and odor resistance of Merino with the durability and quick dry time of recycled polyester. The center front zip vents as you heat up. And the drop-tail adds extra coverage.

Smartwool’s fabric blend combines the moisture management, temperature regulation and odor resistance of Merino with the durability and quick dry time of recycled polyester. The center front zip vents as you heat up. And the drop-tail adds extra coverage.

96/100

Total Score iLegend

The best

Salewa Pedroc Pro Mid PTX

Lightweight, waterproof, supportive, stylish—the Pedroc Pro Mid PTX (available for men or women) is everything you need for a good time on the trails, and in town. Featuring a proprietary PFC-free membrane, breathable double ripstop upper, and specialized Swiss-made Pomoca outsole, Salewa has you covered no matter the conditions or the coordinates. www.salewa.com

salewa pedroc pro mid ptx boot womens — Photo: Salewa

Speed Hiker

Speed Hiker

97 100 0 1

Thanks to its Speed Hiker Pro outsole from friction specialists Pomoca plus the Ankle Protection System, the Pedroc is an agile shoe engineered for surefootedness. The high TPU rand and PFC-free Powertex membrane protect the feet and keep them dry. Salewa’s proprietary Powertex technology also ensures high breathability for hot days and all-day use.

Thanks to its Speed Hiker Pro outsole from friction specialists Pomoca plus the Ankle Protection System, the Pedroc is an agile shoe engineered for surefootedness. The high TPU rand and PFC-free Powertex membrane protect the feet and keep them dry. Salewa’s proprietary Powertex technology also ensures high breathability for hot days and all-day use.

97/100

Total Score iLegend

The best

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