Gear Review: The big three of summer

News News | Aug 13, 2023

When I’m not traveling in my van, high alpine lakes and forests are where I like to spend my summers. Here are the big three items that have enhanced my summer excursions:

Kokopelli Twain Lite Inflatable Kayak

I’m used to lugging my first-generation, very heavy, stand-up paddleboard around, so when I picked up this baby, I couldn’t believe how feather-light it is. What’s even better is that the 8.8-pound kayak (weight includes seat/accessories) is durable and packable (at 16 x 8 inches rolled), which makes it great for backpacking up to a high-alpine lake, where you can hopefully escape the crowds. It easily fits into my Tribeca for a quick jaunt, and its 840d nylon, reinforced TPU floor is truly impressive. At first, I wondered if it would hold up to my dog, but sure enough, her claws didn’t make a mark. Hani fits her Hawaiian name to a tee — she likes to “surf” while I drive. She’s used to hopping up on my SUP and sticking her head and upper body out the sunroof, which consistently makes other drivers and passersby laugh. So, of course, that’s the first thing she did with this kayak when I loaded it in the car. I winced, wondering if the flooring of the upside-down boat would handle it, but, like I say, it remained unfazed.

The interior, which measures 61.5 inches long and 14 inches wide, is roomy, at least for my 5’5″ frame and my long-bodied dog. It’s made for flat water but can handle Class I rapids. Kokopelli designed this kayak with explorers’ gear in mind. Extra deck space actually carries a bike or hefty bags. The inflatable seat and four-way, adjustable back support are very comfortable, even on long paddles, and a large, zippered pocket in the back holds keys, phones, and more, which I greatly appreciate.

It glides along at a nice clip, turning quickly whenever you want. The new bow and stern profiles allow for better tracking and speed. The removable fin also helps, though the first time I took it out, I thought the fin remained securely on — it seemed to track well. But when I pulled the boat out of the water: no fin. Turns out that upon my entry, a rock dislodged it. I thought I had attached the fin properly, but between chatting and doggies running around, it’s completely possible that it fell off due to distracted-user error. That said, I nervously checked the second and third times I ventured out, and the fin remained secure, and, yeah, it did track a little better. This is my go-to boat for lake adventures. $1,099. Kokopelli.com

Rovr Rollr 60 Wheeled Cooler

One of our friends, who lives in — and bikes all through — Washington, D.C., day after day, flipped when he saw our Rovr Rollr wheeled cooler. Though I didn’t get the Bikr Kit, a $69.99 tow arm that connects the cooler to the bike, he couldn’t wait to order the set for his urban adventures. I use my Rollr cooler mostly for camping in my primitive van, but it’s also great for tailgating at a concert. Though it’s not light, at 40 pounds, it rolls so easily, you’d never know it weighs that much. Plus, its offset design prevents it from hitting your heels. I’ve watched people struggle in the sand with other brands of rolling coolers, but these 9-inch, all-terrain, puncture-resistant tires rolled through grainy sand; you can also purchase interchangeable wheels designed especially for beaches.

The most impressive aspect of this cooler is its ice retention. I’ve only tested it for a few days so far, but the company boasts up to 10 days of ice retention, due to its rotomolded, elevated body with an airtight gasket and thick foam insulation. I especially love the fact that it comes with a trademarked DeepFreeze dry bin, so my gluten-free bread stays dry (It’s a crumbly mess when it gets jostled around in normal bags), along with all my other food. Without the bin, it holds 60 cans and 20 pounds of ice; with it, you’ll fit 40 cans and 10 pounds of ice in the main compartment and up to six bottles of spirits upright. It’s also certified bear resistant. And the coolers come in really fun colors, from the most popular glacier (sorta a modern turquoise that still provides a retro vibe) to red, orange, yellow, dark blue, and moss green. $449.99, rovrproducts.com

Eddie Bauer Stargazer 2.0 3-Person Tent

The minute I assembled this tent in my house (because I’m not a fan of fumbling around in the field, even though this one turned out to be easy), I couldn’t wait to sleep in it under the stars. I love tents with mesh from floor to ceiling to showcase all of nature’s wonder because, after all, that’s why I’m out there — to soak in the beauty, not to envelop myself in nylon. That said, bundling the tent with its hefty fly sheet provided excellent protection during this summer’s rainy afternoons, along with the tent’s “tub” floor.

As the new and enhanced version of Eddie Bauer’s award-winning three-person backpacking tent, this Stargazer offers a slightly larger footprint and more interior space. The steep wall design allows me to sit up without crouching, even at the lowest side, and the middle of the tent is so high that I can sit and reach my arm up, fingers just touching the ceiling. All that room makes for ample bag storage and easy changing of clothes inside the tent. In addition, four side pockets inside hold headlamps, glasses, and phones. There’s plenty of room for pretty much the largest of dogs to curl up at your feet as you stretch out and sleep. Overall, the tent measures 88″ x 70″ x 62″ and weighs 4 pounds, 5 ounces, making it a great option for overnight backpacking trips.

The color-coded, single-pole system — constructed of strong DAC Featherlite aluminum — makes it quick and easy to set up. Likewise, the lightweight and durable fly just slips on the pole bottom through holes in the tabs of each corner. Two, large entries on each side of the tent become convenient when two or three people sleep, and one rises earlier or lingers by the campfire later. In my case, I can sleep, uninterrupted, as my husband takes Hani out for her 5 a.m. pee (We’re still waiting for her to outgrow that puppy habit, but she’s almost 3 now). The doors also lend great ventilation. To me, it’s the best tent, especially when it comes to price point. $499, on sale for $299.40. Eddiebauer.com

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