What GearJunkie Readers Bought in April

From an IKEA tote bag to a Patagonia duffel, these are April’s top-selling products GearJunkie readers bought.

We may publish reviews on the latest cutting-edge ski boot or break news on some new-fangled tent innovation. But at the end of the day, GearJunkie readers buy a wide array of gear, from laundry detergent to an IKEA tote bag. Here’s our roundup of what GearJunkie readers bought in April. The results may surprise you.

Active Wear Laundry Detergent: $20

The most-purchased item from April is Active Wear Laundry Detergent, a detergent for technical and performance clothing.

“‘Workout clothing materials have evolved in recent years, but most laundry detergents have not,’” we wrote in our review of Active Wear. “A new company, Active Detergent, gives an alternative to commodity laundry soap. Its namesake Active Wear detergent is made of an organic, plant-based enzyme formula that can penetrate the tighter weave of synthetic fibers found in performance clothing.”

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 60L: $129

Widely regarded as one of the best duffels on the market, the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel is comfortable to carry, near impossible to break, and holds all your gear.

Hydro Flask Small Bottle Boot: $4 (50% Off)

Believe it or not, GearJunkie readers bought a lot of Hydro Flask’s Small Bottle Boot. This silicone sleeve fits over the bottom of Hydro Flask bottles for a touch of personality and durability.

Hot Pocket Heating Pad: $139

This heating pad was a popular Kickstarter item in April. Here’s the low-down from our full article.

“A single button activates the heating element on the Hot Pocket. SMR claims the Hot Pocket will raise the temp of a sleeping bag up to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Two side buckles and nylon straps handle compression, and a zipper opens the sack up for use as a lay-flat heating pad. The brand recommends this feature for extra comfort on planes or car rides, or as added warmth inside your sleeping bag.”

Gamma Ray Polarized Classic Sunglasses: $7

The Gamma Ray won our Best Budget Sunglasses review.

“Despite the low price point, these shades stood up to the full array of punishment. They’ll live the rest of their life in camping bags or the glove compartment of my car, ready in the event that my wife or I forget our regular sunglasses.”

IKEA FRAKTA Bag: $16 (Set of 5)

The FRAKTA was one of our favorite totes in our Best Tote Bag Review.

“Cheap, durable, and massive: The IKEA FRAKTA extends its use well beyond the aisles of the Swedish home goods store. For only about $2.50 per bag, the FRAKTA functions exceptionally well for hauling your camp sleep system, camp cooking materials, climbing gear, or just about anything else.”

A Starter Kit of Flies for Fly Fishing: $11

“You’re going to lose a lot of flies as a beginner. And they’re not always cheap. It’s a good idea to start with a basic box of flies, find what you like, and go from there. This 36-piece box has a wide variety of basic wet and dry flies, with relatively high reviews. And at about 33 cents per fly, it’s not going to be a bank account heartbreak when you gift them to your local bushes,” we wrote in our Beginner Fly Fishing article.

Darn Tough Blazes Micro Crew Sock: $14 (34% Off)

Darn Tough made a spot in our Giant REI Sale article.

“We love Darn Tough socks. They last just about forever and come with a lifetime warranty. This one has True Seamless toe construction for all-day comfort and a fun print. Plus, it’s made of wool, so it’s naturally odor-resistant, moisture-wicking, and darn comfortable.”

Guide to Fly Fishing Knots: $5

The “Guide to Fly Fishing Knots” was another necessity in our Beginner Fly Fishing Kit article.

“One of the handiest things I’ve kept in my pack has been a small guide to knots and rigging my rod. There are tons of great guides out there, but my general requirement is that a true field guide should be small, light, and easy to navigate.”

BioLite HeadLamp 330: $50

We reviewed the HeadLamp 330 recently. The brand recently launched its first wearable product, a headlamp simply called “HeadLamp.” We’ve been testing these out since fall and have come to like many aspects of this capable, very comfortable little light.