At GearJunkie, we test, use, and come to rely on all manner of gear — for every season and all conditions. Take a peek at the products we love this month!
Favorite Gear We Tested in August
OtterBox 3-in-1 Cable
Tested By: Jake Ferguson, Marketing Director
Efficiency in the form of a charging cord. Need to charge your iPhone, and your headlamp, and your GoPro? It’s a hassle to keep track of multiple cords while traveling, camping, or even at home. The 3-in-1 cable from OtterBox combines the three main cord types into one to make your life easier.
I have been using this for 7 weeks now, and I’m never going back to the mess of cords I had before. I know it’s simple, and maybe a little silly, but this charging cable brings me joy.
The micro USB serves as the main cord, and the Lightning cable and USB-C both connect to the tip of the micro USB to charge whatever device you want. The other end of the cable is a standard USB-A plug-in. The cord is 3.3 feet long, which is plenty for most uses and only charges one device at a time.
GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Pro Stove
Tested by: Chris Potter, Community Manager
Highly anticipated since winning GearJunkie’s Best of Show award at the Winter 2019 Outdoor Retailer Show, the Pinnacle Pro Stove from GSI Outdoors is the most compact and capable camp stove for elevating your camp kitchen experience yet. With strikingly modern looks, an extra-slim design, and refreshingly adjustable BTU burners, GSI Outdoors has reimagined what a camp stove can be.
Whether it was an omelet, a steak, or just a lot of rice for a camp stir fry, the Pinnacle Pro Stove made quick work of it during my testing. When I’m car camping, I tend to try and get a little indulgent with my cooking. And a stove that gently simmers and quickly boils like the Pinnacle Pro brought with it cooking confidence I’ve never before felt at the campsite.
At 1.4 inches thin, this stove is the portable future of car camping stoves. The Pinnacle Pro Stove should be available in late August or early September (pending supply chain shortages), and it will likely be in high demand once it hits store shelves. Camp chefs, car campers, overlanders, and base campers — this is your stove.
Superior Hammock Elite
Tested by: Zach Burton, Projects & Partnerships
Hammocks are everywhere. For some, it’s a charming addition to a camping arsenal. And for others, it can a replacement for an entire sleeping system. For Danny Warnock, Minnesota-based outdoorsman and owner of Superior Gear, it’s a way of life that even the harshest winters can’t slow down.
The “Elite” version of the Superior Hammock boasts a temp rating down to 30 degrees Fahrenheit and weighs a scant 24 ounces, making it one of the lightest sleeping systems available.
Beyond the fact that I like supporting a Minnesota-based company, one of the things that I love about the Superior Hammock Elite is its patented Hammock Suspension System. It sets up super quickly compared to other systems I’ve used.
It has a built-in, adjustable ridgeline that makes it easy to create the perfect tension for hanging gear. Superior has added a zippered bug net feature while keeping a snap system along the outside edge of the hammock that allows you to snap on a comforter or wind protector.
The lightweight design and its warmth and versatility make it a favorite for me. Finally, if you’re really into pushing the limits, the brand offers hammocks with temp ratings as low as -30F.
Dermatone Flavored Lip Balm
Tested by: Mallory Paige, Senior Gear Editor
Sure, lip balm may seem like a small thing. But spend a few hours in the mountains, and you’ll soon be dreaming of the perfect lip care. That’s where this Dermatone lip balm comes into the picture.
Dermatone is king when it comes to sun care, having been in the game since 1981 and serving as the official lip balm provider of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard team. And while that’s all great, the real question is: Does it work?
The short answer? Yes, absolutely. Not only does it moisturize, but it also provides SPF 30 and is water-resistant. What’s more, the new flavored options bring a fun zest to this classic chapstick. My personal favorites are the Mango and Pomegranate. Even my husband, who is a staunch believer in the original Dermatone, finds these variations acceptable.
Grab the variety pack and stash one in your car, your pack, and your pocket for spur-of-the-moment lip rejuvenation.
Paddle North 'The Loon'
Tested by: Katie Jedlicka Sieve, Project Manager
Being out on the water is my happy place. I love swimming, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, water skiing and, of course, a good ol’ pontoon ride. But I’ve recently been craving a different way to get out on the water. Getting into Standup Paddleboarding (SUP) seemed like an obvious choice! A friend recently introduced me to Paddle North, a local SUP board company, and I’m sure glad they did.
Paddle North’s flagship SUP board, The Loon, is known for its speed and stabilization. The board comes in three different sizes — 10’6”, 11’6”, and 12’ — with each size having a different weight limit ranging from 200 to 400 pounds.
Constructed of bamboo, the board is both extremely durable and lightweight. The weight of the boards range from 26 to 32 pounds, making them easy to handle on and off the water. The tri-fin tracking will keep you paddling in a straight line, adding to your speed and stabilization.
I wanted to use my Loon board for paddling around, fishing, SUP yoga, and the occasional ride with my pup, so I tested the largest model — the 12-footer. The speed and stability are pretty incredible.
My dog, a die-hard retriever, often jumps on and off the board without warning. When he does, I feel surprisingly stable — haven’t fallen in once! Overall, I love the Loon’s iconic and classic look and can’t wait to be paddling well into fall.
prAna Alameda Pants
Tested By: Jake Ferguson, Marketing Director
Almost every guy on the GearJunkie staff owns at least one pair of prAna pants — I personally have four different styles. The Alameda pant is the newest addition to its line of Zion adventure pants.
Life is too short for non-stretchy pants, and the Alamedas fit the bill. The fabric is a recycled nylon blend stretch twill called ReZion. The 5% elastane and the gusseted crotch make them stretchy enough to hike, climb, bike, etc.
I tested these pants (and shorts) during a camping road trip through Alaska this summer. The fabric is comfy yet durable and stood up to daily wear, hiking, as a layer under fishing waders, and lots of travel.
At 5’4” and 128 pounds, I wear a 28×30, and the slim fit works really well for me. The extra zippered pocket was great for stashing extra items while traveling.
Best of all, prAna is committed to sustainability — the pants are Bluesign-approved, use PFC-free DWR, use recycled material, and arrive in plastic-free packaging.
I like the Alameda fit better than the ultra-popular Brion pants, and the fabric feels softer. Time will tell which is more durable. In the end, I’m happy to have both options.
Rapha x Snow Peak Ultralight Titanium Mug & Spork
Tested by: Mary Murphy, Editor
About a month ago, Rapha, an elite U.K. cycling brand, partnered up with Snow Peak, a lux Japanese brand. The two brands met at the typical intersection of cycling and camping: bikepacking. For the bikepacking collection, they created a bike and travel-friendly bottle, mug, and spork.
The mug and spork have been highlights for me. I’ve slipped the spork into my sack lunch for the office, I’ve sipped coffee from the mug on an early morning hike, and I’ve used them both in the backcountry. Yes, you could say it’s just a spork and mug, but for me, both items really hit the mark.
Why? The mug is a 100% Japanese titanium single-walled mug. It’s 500 mL (perfect for measuring out hot water for meals), and it sits right in between Snow Peak’s 450mL and 600mL mugs. It held heat well, and the collapsible handle is not only convenient for storage and travel, but it’s also comfortable in hand.
Onto the spork. It was what I expected: 100% titanium, very light and durable, and a similar shape and feel to my favorite titanium spork (a 14g Sea to Summit). I love having these items in my pack for ultralight, overnight endeavors. And if you travel light — either backpacking or bikepacking — you will, too.
Patagonia Guidewater Hip Pack 9L
Tested by: Katie Jedlicka Sieve, Project Manager
Classic fly anglers are patient and methodical. Not me! Having a lot of energy and still working on my patience, I tend to make quick decisions. Sometimes this helps me gain a better position to land a fish, but if I’m not careful, I often end up in the water. My pack and gear seem to constantly be wet. That’s not the case anymore thanks to Patagonia’s new Guidewater Hip Pack.
The Guidewater Hip Pack 9L is made from a sturdy 100% recycled nylon plain weave, with a PU coating on the face and a TPU coating on the backer. The waterproof and corrosion-proof YKK zippers make the pack fully submersible, and two fully adjustable straps mean you can perfect your fit.
The internal organizer pocket helps separate small items from the main compartment, and I can move it to the external lash points for quick access. Riverside IPAs now have a perfect spot in the two side stow pockets.
Like most GearJunkies, I like to bring all the gear I think that I might need when I’m out on the river. That means several fly boxes, extra layers, sunscreen, snacks, and some celebratory brews. What I love most about the Guidewater Hip Pack is the ample amount of storage — I never have to leave anything behind.
Add that it is 100% waterproof and dustproof, and I can continue being wild on the river knowing my gear will stay safe and dry.
Miraflora CBD Oil Tincture
Tested by: Zach Burton, Projects & Partnerships
Miraflora offers Colorado-grown, full-spectrum CBD oil, gel, balm, tincture, beverages, and other CBD products. Miraflora’s CBD Oil Tincture is 100% organic, full-spectrum hemp flower oil and is an everyday oil for controlling stress and fortifying well-being, the brand says.
Finding a CBD tincture that works well for your body and tastes good can be a challenge. I’ve tried several brands over the last year, and Miraflora has been one of my favorites. I started taking it during a period of recovery after a knee injury.
Due to injury, I had to switch up my fitness program, which included PT that caused plenty of soreness. I started taking Miraflora CBD tincture twice daily and noticed quickly that my body felt less sore. I also felt like it would provide a calming feeling when I took it while winding down at the end of the day.
The brand offers several strength levels with varying prices — a great option for someone figuring out what works best for them. Better yet, it offers “natural” and “mint” flavors to choose from. Finally, knowing that Miraflora takes pride in its ethical and clean growing practices seals the deal for me.
Oru Kayak Beach LT
Tested by: Jennifer Hansen, Affiliate Marketing
Imagine having your kayak in your trunk at all times, ready to explore any body of water that you happen to stumble upon. With the Oru Beach LT, this dream becomes your reality.
Oru has a whole line of packable kayaks, in various sizes to fit your personal needs. The Beach LT starts as a 33″ by 12″ by 29″ compact box complete with straps to carry it. The box unfolds into a full-size 12-foot kayak. This particular model has an open cockpit, making it perfect for bringing along a child or dog.
The Beach LT‘s origami design made my inner child (and any spectators) squeal with delight every time I unfolded it from its box form into a ready-to-hit-the-water vessel. I’ll admit, the first time I put it together on my back deck, it was a little tricky to figure out. And at 25 pounds, it’s not the easiest to lug around.
But after a few tries, I had mastered the setup in under 15 minutes. (And we’ve had staff put it together in as little as five.)
This kayak was my dream come true. Living in a new part of the country, I travel around every day to explore my new surroundings. Having the Beach LT in the trunk of my car brought a whole new perspective to my adventures. The kayak was surprisingly sturdy, and I felt secure, even on a river.
Don’t let the size of the box fool you, I was able to comfortably fit a backpack full of snacks and gear as well as my 50-pound pup in the kayak with me.
