August is bittersweet as we begin to say goodbye to summer yet we are filled with the anticipation of fall and, for many, a new school year almost upon us. Here are our picks for some of the best gear for heading back to school.
1. Hydro Flask 32-ounce Wide Mouth
This is the water bottle of the future, er, make that present. It’s perfect for camping, hiking, campus, yoga, the office, and anywhere else you need to stay hydrated due to its double-wall vacuum insulated stainless steel construction and wide mouth. For every purchase they give five percent back to a charity of your choice. $31.99; www.hydroflask.com
2. Green Guru Ruckus Pack
The Ruckus is everything I want in a versatile commuter pack: extremely durable both inside and out, comfortable to wear, integrated laptop sleeve, big and simple with a few handy pockets. Made from upcycled mountain bike tubes and other upcycled/recycled materials. $149.95; www.greengurugear.com
3. Costa Corbina
Nobody says summer – and campus – fashion meets function like Costa shades. The Corbina is a large-fit frame with a wide wrap and no-slip Hydrolite lining to keep them in place no matter what. Lens options include Costa’s 580G (glass) or 580P (polycarbonate). $179; www.costadelmar.com
4. Helly Hansen Women’s VTR Mesh Capri
Multi-colored capri stretch pants…Got to have ‘em. The VTR Mesh 7/8 capri from Helly Hansen offers un-matched style, fit, performance, and moisture wicking for the street, gym, and trail. $55; www.hellyhansen.com
5. Lululemon Men’s Metal Vent Tech T
Lululemon for men? Yep. And it’s not just for yoga. These performance T’s are perfect for hiking, lifting weights, and hitting the town. You can still be a jeans-and-t-shirt guy and have apparel that breathes and moves with you — and will drive the gals crazy. $64; www.lululemon.com
6. Sol Republic Deck Wireless Speaker
Of course you’ve got options when it comes to wireless, portable sound, but the Deck is the only one that features “Heist Mode” whereby five people can connect via Bluetooth at the same time. This thing sounds awesome, is perfect for outdoor parties, and has a 300-foot wireless range. $199.99; www.solrepublic.com
7. Cudas Flip Flops
For a go-to pair of flip flops, and again, you’ve got choices, why not go with a Blue Ridge based company that delivers comfort and style for under 30 bucks. Guys: roll with the wide-banded Cruiser for beach-lifestyle simplicity. Gals: The Havana are way cooler and sexier than those strappy flats. $24; www.cudas.com
8. Alite Barrel Bike Bag
Ladies, outfit your cruiser bike with one of these beach-inspired handlebar bags from San Francisco’s Alite Designs – a company that focuses on simple, functional and forward thinking designs for the everyday outdoors enthusiast. It converts to a trendy cross-shoulder bag when you reach your destination. $50; www.alitedesigns.com
9. Salewa
With men’s and women’s specific models, the Salewa Wildfire is one of the best hiking shoes available and is very popular with AT through-hikers as well as hard-core trail runners. Fit, construction and durability are nearly unmatched. Available in Gore-Tex and non-GTX. $159/$129; www.salewa.us
10. Farm to Feet Greensboro Sock
Everybody needs a good pair of socks, so why not go with something made in the U.S. that will last? Lightweight merino wool withstands the rigors of trail runs, gym class, hikes, dress shoes with less funk. Now available in low, 1/4 & 3/4 crew heights. $15-19; www.farmtofeet.com
