As the dreary days of winter give way to the refreshing days of spring renewal, thoughts of outdoor recreationists turn to all things wild.
Using some great new adventure gear can ease this transition into the bright days of spring. Fortunately, we found such gear
Trxstle CRC Rod carrier, v.3
When we first discovered Trxstle in 2019, our fly fishing team loved the brand’s new Convertible Rod Carrier (CRC).
Since that original was introduced, though, Trxstle has refined the design, and their latest offering, the CRC v.3 sets a new standard for roof-top secure rod carriers. The CRC system mounts to virtually any roof-rack system (and works on bicycles, trailers, raft-frames, and more). The secure aluminum rod vault lets anglers keep their rods fully rigged and ready for action at all times.
The CRC is produced in Helena, Montana, to ensure quality. And CRC System is the only telescopic fishing rod carrier on the market, meaning it can be shortened to hold rods that are partially broken down to fit on shorter vehicles/racks.
The CRC v.3 sports secure locks to the vault as well as optional locks on the mounting hardware. The basic system will handle rods up to 10’4” fully rigged, and there are versions available for spey rods as well. $599. Buy now.
Drip EZ Prep Tubs
Whether grilling in the backyard, at a tailgate party, or a remote car camping location, when planning outdoor cooking, one of the toughest tasks to transferring marinated meats and veggies from the prep area to the grill.
These collapsable tubs feature rubberized walls and a nylon floor that works as a durable cutting board. To prep roasts, chickens, or fish fillets, collapse the tub to expose the cutting board base. Once the entrée is prepped, pop up the side walls, pour in your marinade, and clip on the airtight lid. You can tote the grill-ready meal from home to camp, from camp trailer to campfire, or home to tailgate location. After grilling, reverse the process – transfer the cooked meal to the bin, carry it to your dining location, collapse the tub, and carve your grilled meat on the cutting board.
The best option for the Drip EZ system is the three-part bundle which includes a Junior, Original, and XL version of the Drip EZ Prep Tubs. Sizes are:
- Junior: 15.75″ x 12.5” x 4.5″
- Original: 20” x 16.25” x 5.5″
- XL: 22.5″ x 16.25″ x 5.5″
$122. Buy now.
Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 25L
Peak Design launched more than a decade ago with a unique take on camera-carrying – their strap-mounted quick-release Capture Clip. Since then, the brand has rolled up unique photographer-focused backpacks, camera bags, mobile phone cases and mounts, and a novel travel tripod.
The newest offer is a line of lightweight packs for adventure photographers. The Outdoor Backpack, available in 25-liter and 45-liter versions, boosts an array of impressive features for travelers and adventure photographers.
The 25-liter proved to be a great travel pack, perfect for use as an airline carry-on tote and a trail-friendly gear hauler. Sleek, but durable shoulder straps and removable waistbelt comfortably support 25-30 pounds of gear. The roll-closure main pack bag can also be accessed via zipper that wraps around 3-sides of the pack’s back panel for full bag access. The pack is compatible with Peak Design’s modular storage system – Camera Cubes and Pack Cubes. The Small Camera Cube nestles snuggly in the bottom of the pack and cradles a dSLR with a medium-zoom lens. There’s still room for a small macro lens and spare batteries. The use of the small cube leaves 2/3 of the pack open for hiking and travel gear.
The pack also sports several stretchy external pockets that swallow water bottles, tripods, jackets, and lens cases. $249. Buy Now.
Roll Recover R3 Orthopedic Foot Roller
After 30+ years of writing about outdoor adventures, I’ve discovered a host of aches and pains at random times. As a hiker and guidebook author, I’ve found my feet particularly susceptible to issues.
A new product from Roll Recover proved to me that sometimes, the solutions to problems should be simple. The Roll Recovery R3 Orthopedic Foot Roller provides remarkable relief for achy feet. The R3’s cylindrical design with specifically designed ridges, knobs, and valley. Drop the cylinder onto the foot, plant a foot atop it, and roll back and forth. The unique design provides a unique massage of the base of your foot, working on tight tendons, cramping muscles, and plantar fascia pain. The textured design works simultaneously the inner, middle, and outdoor parts of the sole of your foot.
Though not advertised for such use, I also found I could roll the R3 down my calf and get great relief there as well.
The hard plastic design is nearly indestructible and easy to clean. $35. Buy Now.
Hyperice Venom Go
Like the Roll Recovery R3 above, this device is all about after-action pain management. Unlike the R3, the Venom Go is a technological wonder that puts therapy directly on any problematic area of the body.
The Veno Go device uses a reusable adhesive pad that affixes to the skin (and works even on hairy arms/chests) and removes easily without pain. The brand says the pads remain sticky and usable for up to 20 uses, but I’m going on 32 for the first of the three pads that came with the test unit.
The contact pad features a small rectangular attachment block with a couple of strong magnets embedded. To operate the Venom Go, snap the control device onto the magnet panel and turn it on. The control device provides options for variable heat, and vibration that work through the contact pad.
From the device itself, you can control the heat and vibration settings, or with the Hyperice app (Apple or Google) you can control the therapy session from your phone. The device is rechargeable via a USB-C cable. It charges completely in roughly 30 minutes, and depending on the setting during use, it will operate for up to an hour – though at max heat and vibration, it lasts about 30 minutes.
I’ve found the Venom Go to be a must-have accessory for my knees after hiking or skiing. It also works wonderfully on my hands when my rheumatoid arthritis flares up and leaves my fingers stiff and sore. Since receiving the device, I’ve found myself using it daily! $119.00. Buy Now.
Drytek Pet Towels
We LOVE dogs. But like even the most ardent canine fans, we’re not thrilled with the wet-dog smell.
As a companion to a young chocolate lab, I frequently have to deal with a wet dog, though. Fortunately, the folks at Drytek created a compact but super absorbent towel to combat that soggy dog smell.
Made from 100-percent recycled plastic bottles, the Drytek Pet Towel is durable, fast-drying, super absorbent, and anti-microbial (i.e. anti-stink!). The colorful towels are safe for dogs (and their humans) thanks to non-toxic dyes and refined processes. And because the towels are made from recycled plastic, the towels themselves are recyclable should you need to retire one after years of use! $35. Buy now.
Gear up for Spring originally appeared on Gear Institute.