It's spring again and it's time for the outdoor enthusiast's annual spring gear guide. I write one every year to showcase new products that have hit the market in time for summer. I'm lucky to have people and companies reach out to me to try out their latest equipment.
In 2024, my spring gear guide includes some sturdy pieces for cyclists that will keep your gear dry, an ultra-light sleeping pad that doesn't fold into anything, and a down sleeping bag that keeps you warm but comes in at just 700g. I love The Remedy Pack — over-the-counter meds packaged in microdosing for common foods, Swiftwick socks that keep your feet dry, and Solight, a cool new product that can light up your tent, yard, and your kid's bedroom — and charge your phone at the same time.
I've included a couple of newly released books that hikers and backpackers will want to add to their guide collection.
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Swiftwick socks
Swiftwick Quest seven Merino wool socks are a winner in my books. I'm very particular about socks because if they are too thick my feet overheat and I have severe foot pain due to Morton's neuroma.
These crew-height socks worked, and I was thrilled. He wore them on Bear Mountain Hike In Sedona, along with two short hikes, which I found very relaxing. My feet never got hot or sweaty. Even after a few days of hiking, there was no smell to the socks.
The socks retail for $21.99, though you can get 10% off your first purchase.
Solight – a stunning solar powered lantern
Solite – The world’s first solar-powered inflatable lantern that is also waterproof is one of the very cool products that I am excited to show off in my spring gear guide. The lanterns are designed using PET sailcloth material so that the lanterns can stand up even in very harsh conditions.
The Megapuff solar lantern is lightweight and folds flat to be 6 inches by 6 inches square. It can be quickly charged using a USB connection to a computer or in bright sun within 10 hours. It can also be used to charge your phone.
for me Megapuff It has six different light colors – four shades of white lights, red lights, and red flashing lights. It's easy to switch between them to find what suits your mood. It is perfect for camping as you can hang it in your tent. Buy several and hang them around your garden or hot tub. For children who are afraid of the dark, it will be a great product.
Solight was nominated for an A.B USPTO Patents for Humanity Winner in 2018. Additionally, Popular Mechanics named it one of the best solar products of the year.
They have other versions including the Solar Puff and Solar Helix – good for camping or backpacking, and the Solar QWNN Flashlight is for those of you who like to keep your devices charged because its power bank holds a full phone charge.
MEC regional leash roll
MEC's regional leash rollIt is a new version of the handlebar bag. The top and bottom panels are made of durable, water-resistant 300 denier polyester while the body is made of 200 denier recycled nylon. With heavy duty waterproof layer.
It took my husband and I a few tries to figure out how to configure the bag because it's actually a long open bag with closures at both ends. Once we got the hang of wrapping each end and attaching it to the buckle, it was easy. You can literally take them off or put them on your bike handlebars in 30 seconds or less.
The bag is perfect for stuffing gear, a jacket and a lunch. Zippered front can fit cell phone and protein bar. If you need your jacket quickly, place it in the elastic cargo net at the front of the roll.
If you are a cycling enthusiast or you ride muddy trails on mountain or gravel bikes, this will be a great addition to your bike gear – and perfect Bike to Mount Romulus Campground For example.
MEC Regional Saddle Pack
I've putMEC Regional Saddle PackTo good use a few times this spring including a two day 110km bike ride Coeur d'Alene trail In Idaho. It's a workhorse and perfect when the weather heads south.
Around Calgary I use them to carry extra clothes or things I bought while running errands. But this is a perfect piece for all cyclists because it is large enough that you can stuff it MEC Spark 2.0 2-person tent inside it.
The saddle pack is made from the same materials as the handlebar bag – 300 denier polyester and 200 denier recycled nylon, again with a waterproof coating for an ultra waterproof bag.
The saddlebag attaches securely around the seat post and bike rack. The bungee mesh on top is good for other light gear like a jacket or even a tarp. There is a light loop for mounting the flasher on the back of the bike as well. It is a sturdy bag that will last you a long time.
MEC Aphelion UL-7C Down Sleeping Bag
If you are trying to lighten the weight of your MEC backpackAphelion UL-7C sleeping bagIt's a necessity. Weighing just 700g, it's filled with 900 fillings to keep you warm down to -7°C. The bag has been treated with a water repellent finish so it can wick away even light moisture.
The sleeping bag is unzipped using only a half zipper. For those of you who are always cold and stay comfortable, this will not be a problem. I get hot easily, even when it's snowing, so what works best for me is to throw my feet in the bottom half of the bag and use the rest as a quilt. I was never cold at all.
I loved the size and softness of the sleeping bag and would definitely use it on any trip where weight matters – cue the North Coast on Vancouver Island and Kluane National Park this summer.
MEC Vectair UL 3-Season Insulated Sleeping Pad
Over a long weekend in May, I experimentedMEC Vectair UL 3 Season Insulated Sleeping PadOn a backpacking trip even Little Elbow River (in Kananaskis County). We woke up to snow, so that will give you an idea of the temperatures.
First, if you're trying to pack light, this is the sleeping pad for you. It weighs just over a pound and doesn't turn into anything as you can see in the photo below. What a space saver compared to previous sleeping pads!
After the sleeping pad is inflated by forcing air into the valve (it took some getting used to, but my husband was quick), you end up with 10cm of pad. The dog loved it!
The pillow is made of brushed polyester that does not wrinkle and makes no noise when flipped. What it does is reflect heat back to you via an internal mylar film. I never felt cold in the tent – and I was very comfortable. The only negative I would say is that it is more slippery than my old sleeping pad. But this will join me on the next seven backpacking trips I have planned this summer.
Treatment package
I'm not one to do drugs but I love it Treatment package – An emergency travel pack containing medication for snacks and commonly used medications. I think it's perfect for someone like me where space is an issue when traveling or backpacking. What a pleasure it is to take a few pills instead of a whole bottle of something you might need. No need to run around at night to find an open pharmacy in the middle of the night.
The idea, conceived by a mother pharmacist in New York City, is to make common over-the-counter medications compact and have clear, understandable information for people over the age of 12.
Each box – retailing for $38 – comes with 2 to 4 doses of medication individually wrapped in child-resistant containers to get you through the tough times. The package covers sleep, cold, flu, heartburn, diarrhea, motion sickness, cuts, burns, rashes, fever, muscle pain, menstrual cramps, indigestion and toothache.
Garmin InReach Mini
Including me Garmin InReach Mini Back in our spring gear guide because it's a life-saving piece of equipment on sale at MEC for $399.99 until June 20, 2024. Normally it's $539.99. It's a must-have if you do a lot of paddling, hiking or backpacking trips in the wilderness.
There are two books you won't want to miss in my spring gear guide
40 Days, 40 Hikes – Loving the Bruce Trail One Episode at a Time by Nicola Ross
40 Days, 40 Hikes is a fascinating read, part romance about Nicola's experience hiking the Bruce Trail and part guidebook as there are maps and field notes.
You'll find the notes are full of stories and drawings, so you don't even have to take a walk to enjoy this book. I can see why it's on the bestseller list! Maybe you'll be inspired to follow in her footsteps and walk 950 kilometers on 52 self-supported loops over three months. I know I am.
You canBuy it on Amazon here.
Backpacking vancouver island
Taryn Eaton's second book –Backpacking vancouver islandIt's a winner and since it's been out for less than two months, it's perfect for your spring gear guide for 2024. It's well researched and has lots of detail (including best months to go, fees, regulations, caution…) and lots of inspiration for your hiking adventure Next long haul on Vancouver Island.
I've discovered a lot of new trails that I love to backpack – like the Augerpoint Traverse, Della Falls, and Keeha Beach. I bet you'll find plenty of new trails and trips to do too.
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