Welcome to a special Destination Issue installment of Gear Spotlight from FREESKIER. Here, we provide a close-up look at the equipment and accessories that everyone should know about before their next big ski trip. Can’t get enough gear? Click here to see our entire 2019 Buyer’s Guide.
Zeal Optics Ace Sunglasses
Elevate your view on your next vacation and do Mother Nature a solid with the Ace sunglasses from Zeal Optics. In partnership with the Mazzucchelli family–one of Italy’s premier sunglass designers–these specs are earth-friendly, as they’re made from 100-percent, American-grown cotton and plant-based lenses. Available in three colors, these shades make you feel as good on the inside as you look on the outside.
YETI Rambler 26 oz Bottle
The eight ounce cup of water you get on the plane is never enough for any flight. With the Rambler 26 from Yeti, carry on 26 ounces of whatever beverage you choose. The double-wall vacuum insulation will keep your cold drinks frosty and your hot drinks piping, ensuring you enjoy every sip on your way to your final destination. Made from kitchen-grade stainless steel, this water bottle resists rust and puncturing. The Rambler also fits snugly in most backpack bottle holders. Major key.
Dragon Meridien Sunglasses
Inspired by retro surf heritage, the Meridien sunglasses from Dragon are a modern take on a classic style. Subtle sophistication is the name of the game with a concave construction at the temples for a more refined look. The lightweight, yet durable injection-molded Grilamid frame and polycarbonate lenses ensure reliability for years to come, too.
Matchstick Productions’ All In
Skip the traditional in-flight entertainment and download Matchstick Productions’ All In for your next stint on the steel bird. For 59 glorious minutes, the incredible skiing performances–and infectious personalities–of Angel Collinson, Elyse Saugstad, Michelle Parker, Tatum Monod, Johnny Collinson, Cody Townsend, Mark Abma and Wiley Miller will make you forget all about that lack of legroom. Now available on iTunes, All In can be yours to rent ($4.99) or own ($12.99).
Topo Designs Dopp Kit
The Dopp Kit from Colorado-based Topo Designs is made for the travel minimalist but still boasts an interior large enough for all of your bathroom essentials. The triangular design of the Dopp Kit means the bag will never tip and spill its contents while the Cordura exterior and pack-cloth lining make it ultra-durable and easy to clean when you’re on the move.
Life Elements Action Wipes
Travel life doesn’t always cater to personal hygiene but that doesn’t mean you can’t arrive to your next destination feeling fresh. Action Wipes from Life Elements are plant- and essential oil-based cleansing wipes made for those on the go. A shower in your pocket, these 9-inch-by-10-inch wipes are pre-moistened, so just take one from the pack, give yourself a wipe down and you’re good as new. The tea tree and eucalyptus oils will leave a soothing, natural scent on your clean skin.
QALO Strata Mountain Silicone Ring
As hard as we try to stay organized when we’re traveling, sometimes items get lost in transition. To make sure that item is never your cherished (ahem, expensive) wedding ring, get yourself a silicone one from QALO. With dozens of designs at incredibly reasonable prices, you can still rock the symbol of commitment without risking losing something that can’t be replaced. Also, there are plenty of horror stories of broken fingers, detached skin and worse stemming from adventure accidents with metal rings… don’t let that be you!
Grand Trunk Hooded Travel Pillow
Catch those mid-flight Zs like a Jedi master with the Hooded Travel Pillow from Grand Trunk. Über-soft micro fleece encases 13 ounces of drool-inducing memory foam for the most comfortable sleep you’ve ever had sitting up. An adjustable hood keeps unwanted disturbances to a minimum, taking your nap game up a few notches. When it’s time to pack up and move on to your next flight, toss this neck cloud in its carrying bag and get goin’.
Leatherman Skeletool
Combat gear malfunctions on the road with the Skeletool from Leatherman. The Skeletool has seven tools in a 5-ounce package, including regular and needle-nose pliers, wire cutters, a stainless steel combo blade, carabiner, bottle opener and a large bit driver. Made from 420HC stainless steel–the preferred material for hunters, fishermen and other outdoorsmen for its durability and resistance to rust–the Skeletool has the fix to every problem, just don’t forget to take this tiny multi-tool out of your carry-on when it comes time to fly. Knives + TSA = no bueno.
