Cover photo: Chris Cordes
The dog days of summer have arrived, bringing adventures big and small. Long weekends and holidays mean we spend more time outdoors, seeking the coolness of mountain rivers, splashing in alpine lakes, or heading out on a trail, whether on foot, by bike, or by vehicle. Most of us use our outdoor gear at this time of year more than any other, and it is a great opportunity to assess, refine, or take note of what is or isn’t working. Our Expedition Portal editors listed a few of their favorites below, just in time for that last outdoor push before fall.
Alpine Motosafe Earplugs
Comfortable, washable, as advertised, hearing protection for riders. I’ve found them useful for long stretches in my very loud, vibrating old Land Rover. They filter frequencies of normal voice ranges, blocking out road noise without missing conversations, podcasts, music, or comms in a motorcycle helmet. (Stephan Edwards)
$30 | alpinehearingprotection.com
Inexpensive or Repurposed Yoga Mat
The yoga mat serves on many fronts: as a clean surface to lie on when working under a rig, a comfortable place to kneel when changing a tire, a shower mat to keep feet clean during a bucket shower, and, of course, as a yoga mat. (Stephan Edwards)
Clip-on USB Reading Light
I always pack a compact/portable USB-powered clip-on reading light to reduce eye strain when working. Depending on the scenario, I’ll clip it directly to the desk or mount it above me to create a better work environment. There is a huge array of options online for $20 or less. (Jack Mac)
$13 | lepower-tec.com
Petzl Head Torch Tikka
I bought a Petzl Tikka when I left uni, and over the last decade, it has joined me on every adventure. It’s an essential tool in my packlist, which directs light where I need it while keeping me visible to others. Excellent battery life, high lumen output, IPX4 water resistance, various modes, and almost limitless applications. (Jack Mac)
$35 | rei.com
Snow Peak Titanium Spork
The Snow Peak spork is one of the unsung heroes of my overland camp kitchen. Used multiple times a day, it is lightweight, easy to clean, and totes away nicely for day hikes or multi-day backcountry ventures. The long-handled version is especially handy for deep reaches into dehydrated meal packets. (Ashley Giordano)
$9 | snowpeak.com
Bialetti Moka Express
The Bialetti Moka Express stovetop espresso maker is a great bang for the buck. Lightweight and bulletproof, it makes a decent espresso in no time flat, uses minimal water, and packs away nicely. My current go-to is the induction version, which delivers a morning cup in under two minutes. (Ashley Giordano)
$38/1 cup | bialetti.com
BioLite Luci Solar Inflatable Lantern
Lightweight, compact, and bright, the Luci light deflates for easy packing and expands for use. This solar-powered gem is perfect for hanging in a tent or over a picnic table. Toss a bandanna over it for mood lighting. I have the original, and it’s still going strong. (Arden Kysely)
$30 | bioliteenergy.com
Mora Knives
Mora Knives are comfortable to use, hold an edge, and are easy to sharpen in the field. They can be found for $10 to $25, making them inexpensive enough to purchase multiple for stashing around a vehicle or throughout your gear, so you always have a knife on hand. (Brian McVickers)
$12 | morakniv.se
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