November 21, 2017
By John Geiger
Whether 1,500 miles away from home, or pitching a weekend tent in the backyard, staying comfortable is key to outdoors gear..
Editors of Game & Fish share insider information on gear designed to help you go farther and stay longer on your next adventure.
PHONE CASES Phone cases are your first line of defense against Mother Nature and misuse.
I've been using SnowLizard's latest SLX 7 on my iPhone and I love the solar battery charger and protection, but a tab that holds it together broke the other day.
Also, those I call say it's hard to hear me. I could recommend this for a road trip, because it's rugged and re-charges, but day-to-day it doesn't deliver.
$149. snowlizard.com
Phone cases have got to be tougher than the rock you drop them on.
Pelican may have cracked (no pun intended) the code with their Shield.
Five layers of Kevlar drape your cell in armored safety.
A lifetime guarantee offers additional peace of mind.
$59. pelican.com
BAGS Outdoor adventurers never travel light.
Our baggage must roll.
Recently, I wheeled my way through several African countries with the Cabela's 61 Collection in tow.
The 1,200-denier yarn twill construction and oversized zippers stood up to the heavy-handed baggage handlers and the Dark Continent like a champ. 11 pounds; 28x16x13.5-inches.
$269-$299. cabelas.com
The Heritage will have you arriving in style.
The handsomely designed bag is leather-trimmed, features the Browning Buckmark, and can be used as a carry-on.
Thoughtfully designed pockets add to functionality of this 2.5-pound travel companion.
$149. browning.com
COMFORTS Yes, that's the actual name, Down Puffy.
This oddly named travel blanket is incredibly comfortable, and is perfectly suited for overnight stints in the truck bed or tent.
The grey-duck-down-stuffed nylon shell weighs just 1.4 pounds and stows compactly in its 7x7-inch travel bag. The price seems like a lot for a blanket, but you might thank us.
$149. rumpl.com
If you don't get a good night sleep on the road or anywhere, it's unlikely you'll have an epic day.
I found that a sleep pad can make all the difference, if you have to be on the ground or in the bed of the truck.
This one is really easy to blow up, and it stows tight. 26 ounces.
$99. klymt.com
This should be called the "anti-social pillow" because it drapes over your head, blocking out the world, yet there's a comfortable pillow around your neck.
$39 at grandtrunk.com
CASES This is a plain old case, but with the dimensions and inserts to make it an excellent waterproof box to carry four coveted trail cams safely to your destinations.
They've even included an SD card case.
Clever.
$27. mtmcase-gard.com
The Model 109160 Field Locker Waterproof Ammo Box shares the familiar architecture and interior dimensions of the popular Model 1612 Ammo Box, but has been upgraded to the military-grade performance specs of their premium Field Locker Series.
17x8.7x10.9 inches.
$74. planomolding.com
Pelican builds industrial strength gear totes.
However, they can be a chore to lug along.
The new Air Case is 40 percent lighter and features a next-gen HPX resin.
Dense foam dividers cradle gear.
Available in nine travel-ready sizes.
$269. pelican.com
COOLERS The Mule has nearly 3 inches of insulation in the side walls, top and bottom, plus exceptionally sturdy wheels. An extendable handle makes pulling a cinch.
A lifetime warranty affords peace of mind. 26 pounds.
$329. canyoncoolers.com
The first YETI Hopper had the zipper on the top, and it made for difficult filling. I didn't like getting my hand scraped by the zipper. Ah, but they got it right with the new Hopper Two.
Now the zipper is on the side, and it's much easier to access the contents. Bravo. 30 and 40 quarts.
$349-$399. yeti.com
This 32-quart cooler is easily carried with the shoulder strap and uses interesting technology to create a vacuum inside the cooler to suck all the air out to keep items colder.
But it's the integral bottle opener that's my favorite feature. 5 pounds.
$199. engelcoolers.com
CUPS YETI cups are incredible. They keep the morning Joe steaming for hours, and those adult beverages chilled equally as long.
Their new 14-ounce Rambler Mug promises the same performance with a handy side grab.
The Rambler is available in four colors.
$24. yeti.com
These made-in-the-USA double-walled vacuum insulated bottles keep drinks hot or cold all day.
A leak proof, carry handle lid minimizes messes. 18-, 32- or 64-ounce sizes.
$29. pelican.com
With a name like Siberian, you think, cold.
True, but these Nomad tumblers also are billed to keep things hot for as long as 6 hours. 24 ounces. 304 stainless.
$29. siberiancoolers.com
