GEAR GUIDE
Whether you ’ re getting away for the weekend or for a vacation here ’ s a sampling of must-have items for your next exploration .
lenses filter two specific wavelengths of light providing superb definition , and hard-to-beat clarity , not to mention 100 percent protection from the sun ’ s harmful rays . The Pace comes in six different lens and frame combinations , each with auto-lock hinges . While our tester loves the look of the Pace , there are countless other styles with ChromaPop lenses , each catered to your own liking . $ 169 smithoptics . com
Yeti Hopper Flip 12 When purchasing a soft-sided cooler it can be a hit or miss proposition . Some are good , most are not . We recently tested Yeti ’ s Hopper Flip 12 soft cooler , and this one is a hit . Not too big , not to small it ’ s big enough to carry refreshments and food for short trips and the cube shape makes it ideal for stowing in a boat or vehicle . Built with Yeti ’ s Dryhide exterior shell , it is nearly bullet proof . The interior is lined Coldcell insulation keeping refreshments cold for the entire day ( sometimes longer ). The HydroLok Zipper is difficult to zip open and close , but that ’ s one reason everything inside stays cold . Once it ’ s open the flip top makes it easy to get at refreshments and whatever else you pack . If you ’ re looking for a soft-sided cooler that ’ s built hell-stout , you ’ ll be hard-pressed to find a better one . $ 279 yeti . com
Filson Rolling Carry-On Bag Let ’ s assume you travel a lot . Next , we ’ ll assume you skimp on luggage . Which only leads us to assume you buy luggage every couple years when the cheap stuff wears out . If you fall in that category you should look seriously at buying luggage that lasts . If you understand the importance of that concept , then you ’ ll appreciate Filson ’ s Rolling Carry-On . Large enough to pack several days ’ worth of clothes , it opens like a suitcase and packs like a duffle . And when it ’ s fully loaded it stands on its end . Lesser-built bags have a tendency to fall over . Made with Filson ’ s legendary oil finish twill ( 22-ounce 100-percent cotton ) it ’ s constructed to withstand years of wear and tear . The zippers and pulls are solid brass and rugged . It comes with a rock solid retractable handle that extends 20 inches and the wheels are roller blade wheels with two ball bearings giving it a smooth ride . And there are a handful of inside pockets for storing miscellaneous items . So , ask yourself if it ’ s time to step up and start using a bag you ’ ll never have to replace . If you answered yes , then this is the bag for you . Yes , it ’ s built that well . $ 625 filson . com
Smith Pace Sunglasses You get what you pay for when it comes to sunglasses . Buy cheap , and well , you get what you deserve . Spend a little more and you won ’ t be sorry . We tested Smith ’ s Pace sunglasses for women and found them to be worth every penny . Smith ’ s ChromaPop
SeaLine Discovery Deck Dry Bag Spend any time in a boat or kayak and you ’ ll understand the importance of a good waterproof dry bag . SeaLine ’ s Discovery Deck Dry Bag is perfect for anyone who paddles on the open water . It comes with multiple lash points attaching nicely to a stand up paddle board or kayak . Once you reach your destination it ’ s easy to carry with sling shoulder strap . More importantly , it comes with a roll-top , waterproof closure that keeps your gear dry . It also has a waterproof valve that compresses when sealed . $ 49.95 sealinegear . com
30 explore : NW | The Official Magazine for kenmore air | Spring 2017