Outdoor Gear that Inspired Me to Get Outside More

Spring is upon us, and with the nicer weather comes more time outdoors.

Looking over the closet of gear that I’ve acquired over the last few years, I asked myself, If I had to pick a few pieces of gear that directly influenced me to spend more time outdoors, what would it be?

Those pieces of gear are my Salomon Sense Marin Trail Running Shoes, my Garmin Fenix 5 multi-sport watch, my Deuter Speed Lite 20 backpack, and my Spyderco knife. Let’s get into why I prefer them over other brands.

Salomon Trail Running Shoes

The shoes have held up great for both trail running and hiking. The reason I prefer shoes over hiking boots is pretty simple. I used to be a pretty avid trail runner and prefer the agility and lighter weight in the shoes. Yes, I risk rolling my ankle because of the lack of ankle support, but I have personally never had an issue with rolling my ankle. I suppose some of that has to do with my fitness level and body composition.

The bottom of the shoes are aggressive and almost give the appearance of being a cleat. The soles, even though aggressive, are a softer rubber that allows your feet to grip the ground beneath them. The material vents well preventing my feet from sweating all that much. That also comes in handy when the shoes get wet from a stream crossing or just being out in the rain or other inclement weather.

The Salomon trail running shoes have always held up for me well. So much so that they are the only outdoor trail shoe I buy these days. I’ve tried other brands over the years and they just don’t have what the Salomons have. Now that may be different for you. We all have different feet and shoe preferences. For me, Salomon is where it’s at. If you cannot source the Salomon Sense, the Speedcross 5 shoes are equally as badass.

The key to wearing this year around is your socks. I prefer Darn Tough over all others. In the summer I wear lighter-weight running socks, and in the colder months, I’ll go for the thicker trail or boot-type socks.

The only consistent complaint you’ll see in reviews of these is the narrow toe box. If you have wider feet you’re going to want to go with the wide sizing options, otherwise, your feet are going to be uncomfortable. The narrowness of these shoes does not bother me as I prefer a tighter-fitting shoe. That probably stems from my running days.

Garmin Fenix 5 GPS Watch

After doing some research and asking questions, I’ve settled on the Garmin Fenix 5 as my watch of choice for all outdoor activities and even at the office.

Yes, it’s a significantly more expensive watch, but the technology under the hood and its durability makes it worth the purchase.

I’ve used the watch on many trail runs, a few bike rides, kayaking, and swimming in the ocean over the course of almost 2 years, and it continues to impress.

Due to the number of features available on this watch that comes enabled by default, your runtime on a single charge could be reduced. To maximize the battery life on my personal Fenix 5, I followed this document on how to disable certain features and configure the watch to extend the battery life between charges.

Under the hood, there was some specific technology that piqued my interest with this watch, whether I used them or not. First, the Fenix 5 supports the American GPS, Russian GLONASS and European Galileo navigation systems. This truly is a watch for world travel and adventure.

Deuter Speed Lite 20 Hiking Backpack

The Deuter Speed Lite 20 is an amazing backpack for hiking that’s lightweight, adaptable and feels great on your back. It’s just the right size for day trips or short overnight stays, with a 20-liter capacity.

One thing that makes the Speed Lite 20 special is the way it fits you. The shoulder straps and back panel have soft padding with mesh for airflow, and you can adjust the waist belt to make sure it’s snug. Even better, it has load-lifter straps that help spread out the weight, so you don’t get tired as fast.

This backpack is also smartly designed, with plenty of pockets and compartments for all your gear and necessities. The top-loading main compartment is roomy and easy to get into, and there are stretchy pockets on the front and sides for holding water bottles or anything else you need to grab quickly.

And let’s not forget how tough this backpack is! It’s made from ripstop nylon material that can take a beating from harsh weather and rocky paths.

So if you’re a hiker or adventurer looking for a backpack that’s light, versatile, and comfortable, the Deuter Speed Lite 20 is an awesome choice.

What gear have you purchased that influenced you to spend more time outdoors?

Honorable mentions:

• Gatorz Eyewear
• Spyderco Delica 4

Conclusion

To sum it up, spending time outdoors can have a huge impact on your life. And if you have the right gear, it can make the experience even more enjoyable and easier to access.

Whether it’s hiking boots or a durable backpack, the equipment you choose can influence how often you go outside and what activities you can participate in. By investing in quality gear that matches your preferences and needs, you can unlock a plethora of opportunities for exploration and adventure.

So, regardless of whether you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or just starting to appreciate nature, it’s essential to think about how your gear can enhance your outdoor experiences.