Essentials

Combine all the benefits of a dry bag and compression sack and you get the Airpurge Dry Compressions Sacks from Outdoor Research.

Go lightweight with this adjustable kayak paddle from Bending Branches.

Get flexibility for a bargain with this sea kayak from Perception.

Re-think your preconceptions with this comfortable PFD from Kokatat.

This inflatable kayak from Innova combines storage benefits and a hard-shell-like deck.

Grip and draining combine in this hybrid shoe from Sperry Top-Sider.

This sea kayak from Wilderness Systems gives you the comfort and storage space necessary for a multi-day journey.

Crag-tested picks from the editors of Climbing magazine

Protect your eyes with versatile shades.

Don't break the bank or yourself with this affordable crashpad from Stonelick.

This adjustable, comfortable harness from BlueWater is a bargain to share with the whole family.

Stay comfortable without sacrificing performance with the Scarpa Force X Rock Shoe.

Stay protected without being weighed down wearing this ultralight helmet from Black Diamond Equipment.

Feel secure with this Mammut rope with built-in safety features.

Provide the best for your dog with these canine-specific items.

Let nature fuel your light with this solar powered lantern from d.light.

This flashlight/knife combo from SOG allows for use at all times of day - or night.

Take a seat wherever you go with this compact seat from Big Agnes.

Keep food colder longer with this sturdy cooler from Pelican ProGear.

Get a good night's sleep with this luxury cot from Therm-a-Rest.

These multi-featured shades from Revo will keep you seeing clearly during high-altitude exertion.

These versatile shades from adidas provide no-slip comfort coupled with clear, natural colors.

View the world with clarity wearing these copper-tinted lenses from Costa,

Get great coverage in a light-weight, zero-fog package with the Smith PivLock V2.

Experience all of the benefits of sunglasses with no change in natural color with these shades from Tifosi.

Get great vision at all light levels with these killer deal shades from Ryders.

Recharge the batteries or swap them out with standard AAAs; you'll never be in the dark.

Stay cool and covered in all weather with the Outdoor Research Women's Squadron Cap.

Play outside without fear using KINeSYS SPF 30 Alcohol-Free Spray sunscreen.

Long sleeves in the sun? You'll stay cool with this 1/2 zip from Columbia.

Do it all with this easy-access, customizable multitool from SOG.

Feel confident in the outdoors with this all-purpose knife from Gerber.

Go ultralight while staying healthy with the MSR Aquatabs.

Spread the joy of clean water with this group-friendly filtration system from Platypus.

Get clean water fast with this easy-to-use SteriPen Ultra.

Check out these companies to find training near you.

You'll never have to buy another knife after the 3.3-inch triple-laminated Helle Dokka.

Crampons that switch between automatic and semi-automatic, for all boots and situations.

A high-performance axe for an unbeatable price.

An hip and multifunctional helmet for all uses.

The Aspect will take you anywhere a harness needs to go.

A light and packable miniature lantern.

Keeps coffee hot for over 24 hours, and water cold for more than 48!

A fast, integrated, and rechargeable water purifier.

This 200-page bible teaches you how to repair any item in your pack, with step-by-step instructions and full-color photos.

A bright, bendable LED light that weights less than an ounce.

The perfect spring skiing glove.

The perfect glove for those who demand everything.

Enemies: Wind, sweat, water. This gloves fights them all.

There is little these hearty gloves can't handle.

Warm doesn't have to mean weight.

Need your hands? You need these.

When taking your ski boots on a long trip, you don't want you feet to hate you.

These boots will power through whatever conditions nature decides to throw at you.

A basic, affordable snowshoes for the newbies.

For those who prefer vertical to distance, the 438 is your snowshoe.

A woman-specific shoe that will keep your toes warm.

The perfect snowshoe for the those who just want to take a hike over snow.

The name says it all - these shoes let you run.

These shoes will always get you through, regardless of the situation.

Banish blisters with these cushioned models. Bonus: A gaiter and camp shoe for all your winter trips.

Thin, graduated compression knee-highs that that keep the blood moving in your legs.

High enough to keep debris out, but low enough that it won't cause overheating on warm days.

This winter-ready gaiter keeps it all out: snow, slush, and sideways sleet.

These socks have just the right amount of cushion and warmth.

A blend of nylon and merino makes these socks durable and fast-drying.

These mountaineering sunglasses keep perspiration away.

Our favorite interchangeable-lens sunglasses are also stylish and affordable.

For changing conditions, look no further than these specks by Bollé.

Seeing is important. Looking good is nice too. Do both with these sunglasses and goggles.

Ultra Luxe Load the trunk this Labor Day with weight-is-no-object comfort gear.

Check out Tracy Ross and Rachel Zurer's author page.

Check out Tracy Ross and Rachel Zurer's author page.

Boost comfort and convenience–and your zzzz’s–with these three sleeping accessories.

High summer is no time to go without shades. These models will protect your eyes no matter where your adventures take you.

Frontcountry looks meet backcountry performance with these shades.

With vented wrap-around sidewalls, dark lenses (5 percent VLT), and a face-hugging frame, the Tensing provided high-altitude sun protection rivaling heavier, spendier mountaineering models.

Full-coverage lenses without the huge frames.

These sunglasses will stay in place and won't mist up, even during your most difficult hikes and climbs.

A 10-piece multitool that weighs only 2.3 oz.