Fit Finds: Outdoor Living

Spring—that short period between warm and blazing hot. Whatever the temperature, people still want to be comfortable outside. However you’re enjoying the day, AFM found some products that may just make your outing a little bit more comfortable. Special thanks to our friends at Backwoods (12921 Hill Country Boulevard, Bee Cave, TX) for providing these items; all are available locally.

1. Yeti Tank Insulated Ice Bucket $250
Yeticoolers.com

This tub is a variation on the Yeti Cooler, known for its sturdiness and insulation. The Tank can hold 60 longnecks or a host of other items (you can fit a keg and ice in there, too). Permafrost insulation and a no-sweat design will keep your beverages cool on a hot day. It’s got two strong handles, so bring a friend if you plan to load it and move it.

2. Helinox Chair One Camp Chair $100
Helinox.com

Why pay this much for a camp chair? It’s made by Helinox, a leader in extra-lightweight outdoor equipment. The Chair One folds up into a small, easily carried pouch that weighs only 30 ounces. Self-locating shock cord technology (think tent poles that fold up) make it easy to assemble.  You won’t mind carrying this one as you make your way from the Austin High bus stop to your picnic spot at Blues on the Green. 

3. Leki Trekking Poles $120-140
Leki.com

Texas has a wealth of trails for running and hiking. Some people like to use a trekking pole, which can help with balance and stability on the uneven surfaces encountered on rough terrain. The aluminum Leki Trekking poles are sturdy yet thin and lightweight, with comfortable rubber grips. The Speed Lock adjustment system means you can make them the perfect height. Opt for two if you’re planning on carrying weight, such as a backpack.

4. Nemo Fillo Luxury Backpacking and Camping Pillow $55
Nemoequipment.com

Nobody wants to pack a puffy pillow into the outdoors. The Nemo Fillo combines inflation with memory foam to give a big pillow that packs small and still provides comfort. It’s covered in machine-washable, easy-to-clean microsuede, and the “stuff sack” is built into the pillow cover. 

5. Arc’teryx Sinsola Hat $39
Arcteryx.com

6. Outdoor Research Papyrus Brim Hat $32
Outdoorresearch.com

Keep those UV rays off your face and head with a sun hat. Both the Sinsola and Papyrus Brim Hat offer sun protection (UPF 25 and 30, respectively). The Sinsola is fully compressible, so you can easily stash it when you don’t need it. The Papyrus Brim Hat is made of a paper fabric—great for keeping the noggin cool—and the chinstrap is removable.

7. Kammok Roo $100

Python Strap $29 (per pair)
Kammock.com

This portable hammock can go wherever you go and be hung just about anywhere. Lightweight, compact, and water- and tear-resistant, the Kammok Roo is big and sturdy enough for two. It comes with two carabiners and two slings—which can also double as climbing gear. Add in a set of Python Straps, with their 18 different connection points per strap and 20-foot distance capability, and you are set for a snooze just about anywhere.

8. Bearded Brothers Energy Bars $12-15 per 5 pack
Beardedbros.com

The only thing that tops raw, vegan, gluten free, soy free, organic, and local is all of the previous PLUS great tasting. These bars (which are actually made by two brothers, Caleb and Chris, with beards, here in Austin) are approximately 240 calories and, when you buy the Radical Raspberry Lemon flavor, 1 percent is donated back to Austin nonprofit Boneshaker, which works to get kids outdoors and moving.