Fresh from the Field

July/August 2008

Wet Goods
Sunshine? Check. Water? Yep. Supplies? Right here.
By Karina Evertsen and Corrynn Cochran

*Looking for gear that was featured a while back? Check out our article archives. And take a minute to meet the testing crew that checks out all this gear for you.

Paddling: Sea Kayaking
Kavu Sol Shade Hat

Kavu Sol Shade Hat

You’ll be made in the shade with this fantastic hat. A 4-inch brim of 100% cotton canvas provides plenty of coverage for your face and neck, and a chinstrap with adjustable draw cord won’t let it blow away. $26. www.kavu.com

NRS Dri-Stow Bag

NRS Dri-Stow Dry Bag

Pack your kayak with these transparent bags and you’ll be able to locate that fleece with ease as well as protect your gear from getting wet. A fold-down vinyl closure tightly secures your cargo and makes for a perfect carrying handle. Choose from six different sizes. $13–$24. www.nrsweb.com

Smith Talent Sunglasses

Smith Optics Talent Sunglasses

These shades are designed to handle anything, whether you are hard at play or out on the town. The scratchresistant lenses are shatterproof and curve around the face for optimum coverage. We love them because they are stylish but still supertough. $109; Polarized $139. www.smithoptics.com

Helly Hansen Swimsuit

Helly Hansen Swimsuit

Leave it to Helly Hansen to know how to kick out great water wear. Here is the perfect suit for riding the waves hard. The halter top is ultracomfortable and will stay in place. The cute boy-short cut on the bottom adds some playfulness to the look. $50. www.hellyhansen.com

Rip Curl Bye Bye Bahamas

Rip Curl Bye Bye Bahamas

You can’t get any more classic than these shorts. They are the perfect item to throw on while playing in the water or on dry land. $44. www.ripcurl.com

Beyond Costal Sun Block

Beyond Coastal Sun Block

A little goes a long way with this stuff. If you are looking for sunscreen that doesn’t leave a slick behind you in the water, this is a good choice. It goes on smoothly and soaks in quickly without the gooey leftovers. It’s waterproof and has an SPF 30 rating. 4 ounces $18. www.beyondcoastal.com

Paddling: River Kayaking
Shred Ready Vixen Helmet

Shred Ready Vixen Helmet

A helmet made just for women means you can still boat like a boy—you just don’t have to look like one. The Vixen features a strong fiberglass shell that will protect your head from any unexpected run-ins with rocks or branches. Much like a bike helmet, it has interchangeable foam-fitting pads and highly adjustable straps, allowing you to customize the fit. It is accented with a fun dragonfly graphic and comes in six sweet colors. $125. www.shredready.com

Kokatat Women's Tropos Super Breeze Jacket

Kokatat Women’s Tropos Super Breeze

This splash jacket is designed to keep you dry and protect you from the sun when paddling in warm weather. Water is kept out with the adjustable wrist and neck closures. To top it all off, it has a great fit for the female form. $105. www.kokatat.com

NRS Women's Hydroskin Shirt

NRS Women’s HydroSkin Shirt

The HydroSkin shirt is a neoprene insulator that’s perfect for keeping you warm while paddling in cold water. It has a comfy fleece lining, which retains little water and dries quickly. And the underarm stretch panel maximizes mobility while paddling. $70. www.nrsweb.com

Astra Bella PFD

Astral Bella PFD

The Bella has everything we look for in a personal floatation device. Adjust the two-panel system up or down to fit your torso and the innerpanel sports bra to accommodate your cup size. Side zip entry makes it easy to get on and off, and we love the cargo pockets for extra storage. $157. www.astralbuoyancy.com

Chaco Hipthong

Chaco Hipthong

The Hipthong combines a casual flip-flop with Chaco’s signature straps that adjust and secure to your foot, making this free-heel sandal a perfect fit. The new EcoTread outsole is made from 25% recycled rubber and is ultrasticky when it comes to treading on slippery rocks. This sandal delivers funky style and peak performance. $70. www.chacousa.com

 

Fly Fishing
Char Bloom Fishing Vest

Char Bloom Fishing Vest

This one-of-a-kind fishing vest is designed by Colorado fly-fisher Char Bloom. It features pockets that store within reach everything you will need. The lightweight nylon fabric sheds water, and the buckle closer makes getting it on and off easy. The best part, other than its precision functionality, is the assortment of fun colors you won’t find in any other women’s fishing vest. $95. www.charbloom.com

Ex Officio Reef Runner Lite

ExOfficio Reef Runner Lite

The Reef Runner is made to cover you for all kinds of summer adventures. Its mesh side panels provide ample ventilation for warm days, and the quick-drying, wrinkle-resistant nylon fabric blocks UV rays with UPF 30+. $65. www.exofficio.com

Simms Women's Gore-Tex Stockingfoot Fly-Fishing Wader

Simms Women’s Gore-Tex Stockingfoot Fly-fishing Wader

Finally a wader made just for women. Rest assured, you will stay dry in these waterproof Gore-Tex overalls. The neoprene booties are attached to keep your feet warm inside your wading shoes. A spacious zippered pocket on the chest leaves room for extra fishing necessities. $330. www.simms-flyfishingoutfitters.com

Patagonia Canyonwalker

Patagonia Canyonwalker

This shoe, designed to be worn with waders, is perfect when you are up to your waist in river water. The polyester felt soles make for sure footing and prevent slippage on rocks and uneven river bottoms. The highfiltration mesh upper keeps out sand and sediment, and the fast-drying synthetic leather is lightweight and comfortable. $120. www.patagonia.com

Keen Zerraport

Keen Zerraport

Get ready to scramble on rough terrain in these sandals. The Zerraport have an ultracomfortable foot bed that is both contoured and lightweight. It also boasts beefy rubber toe guards, which prevent stubbing on trickier terrain. And the straps adjust to give a supportive fit. $80. www.keenfootwear.com

Ryder Sonnet Sunglasses

Ryders Eyewear Sonnet Polarized

These Polarized lenses are lightweight and flexible. They’ll keep their stylish shape no matter what you throw at them. $70. www.ryderseyewear.com

Surfing
Patagonia R2 Jacket

Patagonia Women’s R2 Jacket

A fleece jacket is just the thing to cozy up in after a long day on the water. Not only is the stretch polyester knit warm and breathable, it’s also lightweight and slim fitting. Better yet it’s designed with partly recycled material as well as being 100% recyclable. To find out more, check out the Common Threads program on Patagonia’s website. $160. www.patagonia.com

 

Lole Surf Top

Lole Maui Surf Top

Pure bliss describes this surf top. A blend of spandex and nylon creates a thin, soft, superslick layer between you and your surfboard. The barely there seams and the UPF 50+ sun protection make it a must-have. $48. www.lolewomen.com

Lole Swimsuit

Lole Swimsuit Sumatra Surplice Top/Riviera Bottom

Debuting this season, Lole swimsuits combine style and function perfectly. The crisscross top is flattering and supportive (no worries about losing it in strong surf), and the bottom provides effective coverage. In addition to your sunscreen, these pieces give you added UPF 50+ protection. Top $34; bottom $32. www.lolewomen.com

Freestyle Watch

Women’s Freestyle Tide 3.0G Watch

Monitor tidal information for 75 beaches worldwide. The time, height, and direction of the waves can be yours at the touch of a button, with the option of switching between present and future. This watch is smaller than the average tide watch and displays all you need to know on a clear, simple screen without the bulk. It features dual time zones, preset heat timer for surf competitions, and two alarms. It’s water resistant to 100 meters and easy to read in the dark. Go forth and surf. $90. www.freestyleusa.com

Sanuk Sidewalk Surfers

Sanuk Sidewalk Surfers

Tap in to your inner surfer with these ultracomfy loafer-style kicks. Made for lazy days when you just want to slip something on and go. The funky artistic detail adds a nice touch. $48. www.sanuk.com

Body Glove Sanddollar Boardshort

Body Glove Sanddollar Boardshort

The fit of these boardshorts makes them one of our favorites. They sit low on the waist, with a comfortable drawstring and a 9-inch inseam. The brushed polyester fabric is ultrasoft and quick drying, and the contrast stitching sets them apart. $35. www.bodyglove.com

Landlubbers
Horny Toad Mali Dress

Horny Toad Mali Dress

Dressed up or down, this is the perfect pick for summer days while cruising the farmers’ market or warm nights at an outdoor café. With typical soft Horny Toad fabrication, the 100% cotton is perfect for a warm sunny day. The contrast embroidery adds a touch of detail and sass. $88. www.hornytoad.com

San Diego Ribbon Crusher Hat

San Diego Hat Company Ribbon Crusher Hat

A sunny day isn’t complete without this stylish hat. The wide brim does the trick, you’ll be safe from the rays and looking good. It’s 100% polyester and comes in nine fun colors. $42. www.sandiegohat.com.

Athleta Reversible Satchel

Athleta Reversible Summer Satchel

Toss your beach-going necessities in this stylie satchel, which features adjustable tie straps and a magnetic closure. And it’s reversible between a solid Coco Bean brown and a superfun print. $49. www.athleta.com

Colorscience Sunforgettable Brush

Colorescience Sunforgettable SPF 30 Brush

The Sunforgettable powder sun block is long lasting, extremely water resistant, odor free, and easy to apply. A simple swipe of the brush and you are covered. It is safe enough to use on your kids too. The zinc and titanium oxides and the sea minerals protect from UVA and UVB rays. It works instantly and won’t rub off on your clothes or burn your eyes. $50. www.colorescience.com

Maui Jim Hibiscus Sunglasses

Maui Jim Hibiscus Sunglasses

These top-of-the-line shades are the epitome of luxury for your eyes. Maui Jim coined the term SuperThin to describe the glass used in their lenses. What does it mean? Crystal clarity and effective protection. The scratch-resistant polarized technology blocks UV rays and glare from every angle. Choose from three different lens shades. $209. www.mauijim.com

Dermalogica After Sun Repair

Dermalogica After Sun Repair

To soothe overexposed skin, we recommend this treatment balm, which repairs damage caused by UV rays. A combination of botanicals and homeopathic herbs reduces painful irritation and redness brought on by sunburn. At the same time, it restores moisture and protects cell proteins from more damage. $30. www. dermalogica.com

Waterproof your World
GSI Outdoors Waterproof Dry Box

GSI Outdoors Waterproof Gear Dry Box

Got something you want to keep dry? It will stay safe and secure in our favorite utility box. Perfect for keeping your gadgets safe and moisture-free, the GSI Gear Box is watertight and crush proof. $28. www.peak62.com

Chisco Waterproof Camera Floater

Chisco Waterproof Camera Floater

Let's face it: a waterproof camera won’t do you any good at the bottom of the lake. This bright foam-filled neoprene floater will save the day. A detachable short lanyard clip stays on your camera and connects to the floater when in use. $10. www.chisco.com

Olympus Stylus 1030 SW

Olympus Stylus 1030 SW

Whatever water sports you find yourself drenched in this summer, capture the action on the Stylus 1030 SW. This waterproof, crush-proof, shock-proof, freeze-proof digital camera can keep up with your active lifestyle. Take underwater video down to 33 feet. A wide-angle lens and 10.1 megapixels provide premium images. Don’t leave home without it. $400. www.olympusamerica.com

Atlantic IceBar2 iPod Nano Waterproof Speaker System

Atlantic IceBar2 iPod Nano Waterproof Speaker System

This pocket-sized speaker system is waterproof and shatterproof, keeping your Nano safe and completely dry. Your iPod is cradled in the tightly sealed insulated shock-absorbing case. Waterproof speakers and click-wheel membrane let you jam out in the wettest of conditions. We love the flip-out stand and the removable nylon wrist strap. It is compatible with earphones and accommodates all three Nano generations. $80. www.atlantic-inc.com

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