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travel / gear / cool tools
| Cool Tools |
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By Shawna Wagman
A step ahead
ENDoutdoor Stumptown LT ($95)
In the age of athlete-obsessed, pumped-up
running shoes, eco-conscious consumers will adore this less-is-more, lightweight,
breathable design. ENDoutdoor, which stands for Environmentally
Neutral Design, aims to minimize the ecological footprint of its products,
creating less wasted material and costing less for consumers
- and the planet. This cross-trainer also packs flat in a suitcase
or backpack but still offers the midsole support, shock
absorption and traction you need to tackle the trail ahead.
www.endoutdoor.com
Time flies
Victorinox Maverick II Dual Time ($395)
This precision
timepiece was designed with the jet-setter in mind. A sapphire
crystal face with anti-reflective coating wrapped in sturdy
stainless steel allows shore hoppers to keep an eye on two
time zones at once. Add to that the flexibility of an ultradurable
rubber strap, which puts less pressure on the wrist
during everyday action and adventure and doesn’t mind
getting wet. In fact, the watch is water-resistant to a depth
of 100 metres. www.swissarmy.com
The wool monty
Icebreaker Flight T Lite ($69)
Forget its hot and
itchy image, and discover wool’s softer, cooler
and more comfortable side. Pure merino
wool has the ability to absorb and release
moisture and thus cool and warm the
body as needed. It’s a discovery that led
Icebreaker on a quest to see how whisperthin
wool could be. Go ahead, wear this
sporty-chic T-shirt every day of your
summer vacation; it retains its shape,
won’t hold odours or moisture and keeps
you as cool as cotton. It also feels good
to know that the New Zealand-based
company nurtures relationships with sheep
farmers and ensures its garments enjoy an
eco-friendly life cycle. www.icebreaker.com
Leader of the pack
Osprey Revo Daypack ($65)
If you’ve got the weight
of the world on your back, take a load off: this perky
pack (in Osprey’s ReSource Series) is made from
a minimum of 70 percent recycled materials. With
plenty of room for a laptop, 100 percent recycled
side mesh pockets and a clever spot for your gadgetof-
choice on the harness, this sturdy but simple
day pack carries more than a clean conscience.
www.ospreypacks.com
Fire walk with me
Snow Peak Pack & Carry Fireplace System($149.95)
An excellent view deserves an excellent
meal, and this fireplace makes it possible to
bring the flavour and convenience of a backyard
BBQ on your next outdoor adventure. Part
of a Japanese family of luxury camping gear, the
portable fireplace boasts a simple design that
makes it possible to set up and store with ease
- and to move on without leaving a trace.
Choose to use charcoal or wood, and select
attachments to transform a mini bonfire into a
grill (right top) or griddle (right bottom) -
ideal for outdoor epicures. Available in three
sizes. www.snowpeak.com
The bug stops here
EX3 Cotton Travel Sleeper ($35.99)
Sleep tight; don’t let the bedbugs bite! This is no
longer just an old saying, as these nasty critters have started creeping up everywhere
from trains to luxury hotels worldwide. That’s reason enough to toss this compact
cotton sleeper into your suitcase wherever your travels take you.
Its fabric has been treated with a common repellent to
protect against bedbugs and mosquitoes as well as
prevent odour buildup. The treatment lasts for two
years or up to 35 washes. Ideal for hot climates, the
sleeper can be used on its own or as a sleepingbag
liner. www.canada-outdoor.com
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