Verde’s Labor Day weekend & tailgating essentials
the best of the best for Labor Day
As Labor Day approaches, we’ve wrapped up some great gear suggestions—whether your readers are planning on hosting a backyard BBQ, sneaking one last camping trip in for the season, or stocking up for the long-awaited, post-pandemic tailgating season, we’ve got you covered.
If you are interested in featuring any of these products in an upcoming story, please contact us.
Yakima FullSwing
Now the family bikes can ride in style. The FullSwing™has all the bells and whistles, from new ZipStrips™to fully padded arms. Even holding up to four bikes, it swings away with one touch for easy access to your car whenever you need.
Yakima JayLow
Fall is one of the best times to hit the water, and with multiple settings, the JayLow allows you to carry one ( in J-Cradle position) or two (in vertical position, plus folds down when not in use) boats to your favorite water wonderland.
Royal Robbins Billy Goat II Lined Pant (M+W)
These pants bring heritage style, durable comfort, and wintertime warmth. Soft, durable, and sustainable next-gen Billy Goat stretch cotton canvas – the evolution of our 1975 original – is lined with recycled polyester microfleece and organic cotton TENCE Modal plaid flannel for cozy comfort. Wear them full length, or roll up the cuff and flash some plaid.
Billy Goat Canvas is made from an eco-conscious blend of responsibly harvested organic cotton and TENCEL Modal. The durable stretch fabric is naturally soft and breathable, while the lightweight fleece lines legs for added warmth and softness and soft flannel plaid lines waist and cuff.
Royal Robbins Backcountry Pro Winter Legging
Outstanding softness, performance stretch, without friction or restriction – these warm leggings are made for active winter adventure. The recycled polyester knit is fleece inside, and the wide high‐waisted band comfortably holds fit. Done for the day? Throw on a tunic and head into town.
Outdoor Research ActiveIce Spectrum Sun Hoodie & Longsleeve Tee
Combining UPF and active-cooling technologies to offer optimal performance in hot, sunny climates, the ActiveIce Spectrum Sun Hoodie is the ultimate protective, versatile summer layer. The platform starts with soft, chafe-free and ultra-lightweight polyester/spandex fabric that’s comfortable against the skin, airy and quick-drying in hot climates, stretchy for movement and protects against the sun with a UPF 50+ rating. Outdoor Research adds in thermo-regulating and cooling ActiveIce technology, which feels cool to touch (as opposed to feeling cool after responding to moisture). The top is cut with OR’s Dynamic Reach design, so that the body doesn’t ride up when arms are overhead. Other details include a three-panel hood, and thumb holes. Men’s and women’s. Also available in long-sleeve tees for men and women, and short-sleeve tees for men. $79
Outdoor Research Men's Ferrosi Over Short & Women's Ferrosi Over Short
A longer short that truly embodies multi-sport function, the Ferrosi Over Short is built to fit over a bike chamois as well as alone for hiking or all-around active use. For Spring 2022 this popular nylon/spandex softshell fabric is updated with improved stretch and recovery and increased durability. This bluesign-approved fabric is now made with 46-percent recycled content. As always, Ferrosi hits the equilibrium of being durable yet lightweight and weather resistant yet breathable. $79
Winging - Slingshot Sports
In the last few years, the world has discovered winging – a sport where windsurfing and kiteboarding collide for a completely new water sport. Coined as the modern crossover sport, with sales increasing 10-fold since entering the market in 2019, winging brings a new kind of freedom as riders say goodbye to strenuous rigging, setup, and injury risk. The sport consists of flying a lightweight handheld wing, unattached to the board while standing on a SUP-style board using the wind to power you across the water. The best part? Winging is for everyone and the learning curve is quick. Regardless of your experience with water sports, winging can be enjoyed by anyone looking for a way to be on the water and experience the magic of wind power.
Adventure Wagon
Always wanted to experience that #vanlife, but have real life to worry about? Adventure Wagon is the solution. With over 1,500 conversions on the road, Adventure Wagon is the most trusted upfitting system in the world for Sprinter and Transit vans. The AdWag Modular Interior System creates a versatile rig that’s ready for any adventure from one day to the next, and ensures your van is future-proof with the ability to adapt to life changes over the years. Easily set yourself up for a mountain bike excursion, a weekend at the crag, or a week off in the backcountry, knowing you can return home and use your van for something other than adventuring - like hauling drywall or taking your kid and their friends to soccer practice. With dozens of possible configurations, you’re sure to find the setup that fits any activity, and at a fraction of the cost of other van builds!
Princeton Tec Helix
Whether the evening brings you to the backyard or the backcountry, the Helix (and Helix Rechargeable) packs the goods. A micro-USB port powers up the rechargeable battery that allows this lightweight lantern to put out a bright beam that’s perfect for around camp or in your tent, and now at 300 lumens, plenty bright for any occasion. The Helix has has a unique control surface that is free of buttons, yet gives access to a dimmable white mode as well as a dimmable red mode for low-profile use. The Glow-in-the-dark collapsible globe and folding legs help the Helix shine over a wide area and pack down to fit easily in hand. The Helix lantern design also incorporates several hanging and spotlight options. The globe can be removed to swap the diffused glow to a direct spot light.
Princeton Tec Snap Solo
Snap Solo’s unique design features a magnetic head unit that can be easily detached from its base, empowering it to become the ultimate multi-use light. Snap Solo can be worn as a traditional headlamp, used as a handheld flashlight, or attached to any magnetic surface to brighten the area around you or your workspace. Snap Solo features 300 lumens, a 155s hour runtime, and one simple switch that is used for activation and switching between high and low spot beams, as well as a flash mode.
MSRP: $34.99
MSR WindBurner Personal Stove System
Combining award-winning Reactor technology with the features solo travelers need most, the WindBurner Stove System is ideal for those heading out for a backcountry adventure or a weekend camping trip this Labor Day. Its radiant burner and enclosed, windproof design allow the stove to boil water fast and operate in weather that leaves conventional burners in the cold. The integrated cookware with built-in heat exchanger efficiently transfers heat to the lock-on pot so you can enjoy a quick meal or hot drink after a hike, ride or paddle. The all-in-one system nests inside its pot for easy packing and assembly—leaving more time for you to enjoy your adventure.
MSRP: $169.95
Costa Freedom Waterwoman 2
WaterWoman was the very first female-focused performance frame in our history, and now we’ve made a larger version. The Freedom Series WaterWoman 2 seamlessly blends style with elegant performance details and 100% UV protection polarized lens. Meaning these frames and the women who rock them, are ready for anything the water has to offer. The Freedom Series supports Freedom Fighter Outdoors, and organization dedicated to helping veterans and treating them to unforgettable experiences out on the water.
Costa Lido
With a focus on style and performance inspired by the vibes of the Pacific shores, this frame is ready for anything the water sends your way. Lido comes with top and side shields to help keep the light out, and Hydrolite® nose pads and temple tips to help you bring fish in. From east to west, for watching waves or riding them, Lido’s there for the adventure.
Gregory Swift + Inertia H20
The Inertia H20 and Swift H20 hydration packs, longtime Gregory favorites, receive a substantial update for Spring 2022 that includes new organization and improved comfort. The 3D foam backpanel provides ventilated support, while the Momentum Hydro suspension efficiently manages reservoir refills and provides a secure fit for high output adventures. For longer days, the Swift and Inertia were designed with an optimized organization system that crosses boundaries and offers versatility for both hiking and everyday use. Its external hydration sleeve provides easy access to water, while the front bungee system, zippered hipbelt pockets and a dedicated hydration/technology compartment offer simple storage options that can be used to hold everything from trail snacks to a smaller laptop or tablet. Additionally, the newest iteration of Gregory’s patented 3D Hydro Reservoir comes with each pack, providing seamless integration with Gregory’s SpeedClip system.
MSRP:
Inertia H20 18 and Swift H20 16 - $99.95
Inertia H20 24 and Swift H20 22 - $119.95
Rossignol Women’s Trail Running Shorts + Men’s Trail Running Shorts
$110 Trail running (or hiking) shorts with key and card pockets!
Hike, run or walk. Focus on the trail. The Rossignol Trail Running Shorts offer a distraction-free fit and feel that lets you move without restriction. An integrated stretch liner hugs your legs for a supportive feel and includes a small thigh pocket. The over-shorts include a secure zip pocket on the back waist for a key or card.
SCARPA GOLDEN GATE ATR
From town to trail, the Golden Gate ATR is the ideal choice for those looking for a versatile transitional shoe that is not only comfortable on paved surfaces, but also performs on park paths, gravel roads and groomed single track trails. Our most cushioned shoe to date with an Ortholite footbed with recycled materials for highly breathable, long-lasting cushioning inside. 290 grams (men’s 42), 245 grams (women’s 38). $139.
Metolius Camp Work Station and Coffee Table
Need a happy hour companion to keep your bevvies stable? Or space to work-from-the-road? Voila—the Metolius Coffee Table and Camp Work Station are dirtbag furniture at their finest. The Camp Coffee Table is the perfect companion for Metolius’ Crash Pad Couch and the Camp Work Station is a multifunctional surface for remote work, cooking, or repairs. Both tables fold flat to save space when not in use and are easy to pack up and store away when no longer needed. The Camp Desk and Camp Coffee Table both weigh less than 40lbs and are made from durable plywood for a beautifully sleek and effective design.
With Labor Day on the way, we hope these great suggestions get you BBQing, camping, and getting prepared for tailgating season! If you are interested in featuring any of these stories in an article, please reach out!