Climbing Gear for Summer Road Trips

Climbers preparing for a summer road trip (or even just a weekend at the local crag) should check out some of this season’s newest gear that will make living on the road a bit more comfortable.

::GEARBOX
Reactor – $160
MSR
143009

Few if any stoves can boil water faster for morning coffee or tea than the MSR Reactor. This performance comes from MSR’s unique heat-trapping pot and burner that together can boil one litre of water in about three minutes. The system is unaffected by high winds making it ideal for breezy desert-morning brew-ups.

::GEARBOX
PlatyPreserve – $10
Platypus
143011

The PlatyPreserve allows climbers to protect the taste of an opened bottle of wine by eliminating its exposure to oxidization-causing air. Simply pour any remaining wine into the bag, squeeze out any air and seal the bag. The wine will retain all its sophisticated palate-pleasing nuances until the next successful redpoint celebratory toast.

::GEARBOX
Water Tank – $30-40
Platypus
143012

The Water Tank allows climbers to easily carry and pour up to six litres of water. For even greater convenience the Water Tank features a handy free-standing design and wide, easy-to-fill ZipSeal closure making it the ideal camp water source for cooking, drinking and washing.

::GEARBOX
MugMate – $17
MSR
143010

This simple re-useable filter frees climbers from having to bring coffee filters or tea bags. Saves money and prevents any unnecessary paper waste.

::GEARBOX
Mug – $15
MSR
143007

This oddly shaped stainless-steel insulated mug trumps other designs by easily nesting within some MSR pots. In fact, the shape allows for up to four mugs to easily fit inside a cooking pot, minimizing wasted space during cramped road trips.

::GEARBOX
Neo Air XLite – $160
Thermarest
143073

One secret to a successful climbing trip is ensuring a proper night’s sleep. Thankfully, the NeoAir XLite mattress helps climbers get their much-needed rest with its 2.5″ of plush padding. The pads special construction also provides excellent insulation without the bulk and weight of traditional pads.

::GEARBOX
Hubba Hubba – $330
MSR
143008

With its spacious two-person design double vestibules, the Hubba Bubba is an ideal living space for extended summer climbing trip. The tent’s airy mesh body provides plenty of ventilation during warmer weather and fast pitching free-standing shape simplifies set-up.

::GEARBOX
Profile Stove – $100
Primus
143045

This elegant two-burner stove is perfect for preparing the meals that will fuel the next day’s sending session. The easily adjustable flame control is useful when preparing morning crepes, while the built-in piezo ignition system eliminates the constant search for matches or a lighter.

::GEARBOX
Solar Camping Lantern – $49
Primus
143080

This cleverly designed lantern uses a small solar panel on the top to charge the included rechargeable batteries. This system works, providing climbers with plenty of light without the need to constantly buy new batteries.

::GEARBOX
Persona Travel Organizer – $27
Innate
143014

This sleek zippered organizer is ideal for carrying valuable travel documents and passports. Multiple inside pockets provide organization while the waterproof fabric and water-resistant zipper closure minimize the risk of soggy papers.

::GEARBOX
Heliograph Digital Storage Case – $49
Innate
143015
This elegant water resistant case offers valuable element and bump protection for small cameras and smart phones. The case can be worn over-the-shoulder strap or clipped directly to a pack or harness with a carabiner.

::GEARBOX
Caravan Compartment – $25-37
Innate
143016
These lightweight and weather resistant cases provide valuable protection and organization for clothing and essential travel gear.  Unlike some other organizers that must be opened to confirm the contents, the Caravan compartments eliminate this step thanks to their see-through side panel.

::GEARBOX
Flyweight Duffle – $65 ($75 large)
The North Face
143060

This versatile lightweight duffle provides stylish storage during any trip. The unique compression system reduces the volume when carrying smaller loads and if empty, the duffle can be stuffed into a small interior storage pocket.

::GEARBOX
Welded Haul Duffle – $130-150
Stoic
143017
Thank to its welded seam construction, this duffle delivers a surprising level weather protection when travelling in wet conditions. Stoic has wisely used a heavier bottom fabric for extra durability and the addition padded shoulder straps simplify carrying heavy loads. While the bag may not be completely waterproof (the zippers will allow some water.

::GEARBOX
Canyonlands Full Zip – $100
The North Face
143061

During those inevitable trips into town for groceries, consider wearing this stylish full zip hoody. Constructed with warm flat-face fleece fabric, this piece is dressy enough for most casual urban environments.