Below, you’ll find my top ten items I’m loving this summer — expanded! The Summer Issue is shipping, and we’re excited for it to get to your doorstep. If you don’t have a subscription, you can still buy a print issue here for just $15.
GearDaddy is the sporty section of our newsprint magazine, in which Nicole talks shop and outdoor gear. Online, we expand upon the top ten list and also add budget-friendly alternatives because there’s nothing more fun than sticking it to The Man *and* getting the better side of a bargain.
Find my Top Ten Things for Spring here, and expect more hunting gear in our fall installment of GearDaddy.
GearDaddy’s Top Ten Things for Summer
1. Hiking Comfort: Swiftwick Pursuit Crew, $22
I used to roll my eyes at in-depth sock coverage as a gear writer. It seemed that most socks didn’t live up to the hype. Swiftwick changed my mind. A blend of 60 percent Merino wool, 36 percent nylon, and 4 percent spandex, the Pursuit meets you in the middle of the benefits of wool with the stretch and forgiveness feet need to stay healthy while moving. Partnering the right amount of compression with lightweight tech, the Pursuit Crew is my favorite sock for managing blisters, wicking at its finest, and keeping my feet happy — whether I’m in my cowboy boots, running shoes, or hunting boots.
2. Workout Wool: Artilect Sprint T-Shirt, $43-$90
Strange to think of wool as a summer option, but it’s been a — and I hate this word — game-changer for me. Wool keeps scent to a minimum, cools me down when it's hot, and keeps me dry when it's sweltering. Hiking in wool has led to fewer issues with chafing, annoying dampness, and discomfort while using a backpack. Artilect’s t-shirts crush everything else that I’ve tried. They’re durable, well-designed, and comfortable. And you can wear them multiple times without washing. The price tag is worth it, I promise.
3. Car Camp Bliss: Sea to Summit Tanami Down Comforter, $199-$299
Sea to Summit is a stalwart for a reason — its gear always hits. The Tanami Down Comforter is my summer go-to in my GoFastCamper. Unlike a sleeping bag, the quilt offers more flexibility for coverage, and it’s both light enough for hot nights and warm enough to take the chill out of the air. The queen-size is also a big enough option for folks who sleep with partners.
4. Packable Dessert: Mountain House Ice Cream Sandwich, $5
It’s summer which means it’s time for ice cream. The Mountain House Ice Cream Sandwich is my go-to backcountry desert, and for good reason. It reminds me of eating astronaut ice cream at the Neil Armstrong Air & Space Museum in Wapakoneta, OH as a child. Why? Because it’s literally astronaut ice cream. A freeze-dried ice cream sandwich is an absolute childhood delight. And at $5, it’s worth the extra calories after a big day in the backcountry.
5. Doggy Durability: YETI Dog Bowl, $55-$65
At this point, I don’t know how long I’ve had my YETI dog bowls, but they continue to look as new as the day they arrived. To me, it’s nice to have something designated for my dogs that is reliable and will likely become an accidental heirloom as the bowls are indestructible. I wouldn’t be surprised if 10,000 years from now they were dug up in an archeological dig, then used for the canines of the future. They’re worth the initial investment.
6. Light-footed Ranching: Ariat Bantamweight Boots, $140-$250
I’ve been rocking the same pair of bantamweight boots for three years, and they’ve yet to let me down. I must have hundreds of miles of walking and riding in these boots, and they’re no worse for the wear. Mud, snow, rain, dust, manure — they’ve seen it all. I’ve worn Ariats for riding since I was a little girl, and though there are many boots out there that can compete, it’s hard to make a more expensive switch when Ariats can take such a beating, keep my feet comfortable and blister-free, and require nearly no break-in period. I might buy a pretty pair of custom boots one of these days, but my Ariats will always be my daily go-to. They’ve earned their spot in my kit of most reliable gear.
7. Yard Party: Solo Stove Bonfire, $329+
I freakin’ love my Solo Stove Bonfire. The smokeless technology is always strange and impressive to see in action. My eyes glaze over when people explain how it works (air intake? physics?) so I just prefer to think that it’s magic. It’s awesome as a fire pit at home, and it’s small enough to throw in the truck for an event in need of a warming space. You can buy accessories to make it a bonafide grill or even a badass fire-powered pizza oven, or you can wing it like I do with a makeshift grill grate and marshmallow sticks for the nephews.
8. Doesn’t Suck: Eufy Robot Vacuum, 11S Max, Under $200
Is it weird to throw a robot vacuum in my GearDaddy coffers? Kinda. But life on my Mini Ranch is made so much easier by running my Eufy once a day. With two dogs and one feral cat constantly rolling in the dry grass and dirt outside, I might as well have floors made from soil and grass. The affordable and reliable Eufy vac keeps it spic and span. I named her “Piper” and when she occasionally gets stuck in weird places, I run around my house yelling “Piper, nooooo!” IYKYK.
9. Summer Smells: Origins Ginger Hand Cream, $20
Summer is a time for bad smells. Yes, sure, wildflowers come. But everything just smells more intense in the heat. Ginger, to me, is the antidote. And Origins Ginger products smell better than everything, everywhere, all at once. This scent is spicy, crispy, and clean. Whenever I wear it, heads turn like I’m the belle of the ball. Then, they keep turning because it can’t be possible that someone dressed as a ranchy and dirty gremlin can smell that good. Um. Yes, I can. And so can you. Ginger, all the way.
10. Bespoke Casual: Chaco Customizable Chillos, $50
As of writing this, my Chillos have met their maker. Oh, Chillos! You’ve seen me through years and years of slip ons and slip offs! Your trout-colored countenance gained me so many compliments! You walked and ran through mud, slop, and piles of hay in rubbery comfort, with a quiet sturdiness! And then, I accidentally broke you beyond repair! Chillos, oh Chillos! Ok, I’m done. But now I need a new pair. Because these were my go-to’s for instant run-and-gun, and I don’t have a pair that can so easily replace them.
BUDGET OPTIONS:
As part of my online GearDaddy fulfillment, I now offer you an extended and wonky diatribe on how to save some cash, while upping your gear game.
1. Use Poshmark to Search for Coveted Items.
Poshmark might not have the gravitas of cooler apps that the kids are into, but those kids end up paying a lot more for stuff than you will on the ol’ Posh. I found a pair of cute Chillos for under $30 that I’m considering replacing my faves with. I also tend to find slightly used running shoes, amazing deals on Ariats, and Origins for much less than I’d find anywhere else. I got two pairs of Swiftwick socks for under $20 last week, and I found a designer purse that I’d wanted for just $25. The downside is shipping is always somewhat of a bother, but you can negotiate costs with sellers, making shipping less of a breakup deal.
2. Get an Affordable Quilt: Rumpl Backcountry Puffy Blanket, $149
If you don’t need the full force of a queen-sized Tanami blanket, Rumpl has a smaller option that’s just as nice for half the price. You can also use it as a cozy cape when things get cool by the campfire. Though it might not be warm enough for most mountain scenarios, it’s a great option for travel, hot weather camping, and the like.
3. Save Money Building a DIY Fire Pit
Less portable but more permanent, it’s actually easy to build your own fire pit by following these directions from Lowes. My best friend from college built one for under $70 using stone pavers. You might be able to build one even cheaper with bricks or secondhand materials from a local construction site. I suggest checking to see if Habitat for Humanity has a Restore in your area. It’s a great place to find good deals on building materials.
4. Utilize a Repair Program for Broken Chacos (Or Gear)
My Chillos were at a point that I’d say were beyond repair, but Chaco has an exceptional repair program that I’d use otherwise. I took a firsthand tour of the awesome ReChacho repair program in Grand Rapids, Michigan and it’s a super cool deal. They’ve fixed over 300,000 Chacos, and in 6 to 8 weeks your beloved pair is back on foot. Other companies will fix gear as well, Patagonia included. Before you replace, always see if you can repair. It’s often the most affordable and sustainable option.
Want to read the entirety of our gear coverage? You can still purchase both the Spring and Summer Issues! Find them here.