Gear Closet: More Gear From Sea To Summit

A couple of weeks back I shared my thoughts on a host of gear from Sea to Summit, a company that makes great equipment that you can literally use from sea level to the top of your favorite mountain. But all of the stuff that I wrote about last time was just the tip of the iceberg and I'm back with even more useful, affordable and high quality gear that will make your next adventure that much better. And if you have an outdoor adventurer on your holiday gift list, then take note. Any one of these items would make a great stocking stuffer come the end of December.

Nano Mosquito Pyramid Net -Double ($52.95)
Looking for a lightweight, warm weather mosquito net to keep the bugs out while you're sleeping in your tent, then look no further than the new Nano Mosquito Pyramid Net. Weighing in at just 4.85 ounces (137 grams), this net will keep out pesky intruders without adding undue bulk to your pack. Perfect for backpacking, camping or trekking, this net comes treated with Sea to Summit's Insect Shield, which only enhances its ability to keep the bugs at bay. The double version sleeps two comfortably and in warm, dry summer conditions, it could even be used without a tent at all. (Not available until March 2013)

Compression Sack - Large ($27.95)
Compression sacks are one of those pieces of gear that you don't now you need until you already have one. As someone who has to pack more frequently than most people, and is always trying to squeeze everything into as small a space as possible, compression sacks always come in handy. Made from durable, waterproof polyurethane nylon, this bag features a great flip top lid that stays in place without tangling and it has four compression straps that actually shrink it down to just one-third its normal size. Whether you're using it in a backpack or standard luggage, these sacks come in handy for maximizing the amount of space you have available for packing your gear. They're also happen to be great for keeping everything well organized while on the road, which is always a plus.

TPU Guide Waterproof Case For Smartphones ($29.95)
Smartphones have become indispensable these days and it is not uncommon to carry them with us everywhere we go, including the backcountry. Fortunately, Sea to Summit makes a high quality, thin and functional case to protect our favorite devices from the elements no matter where we take them. The TPU Guide Case features a three-step closure that makes it both dust and water proof up to 10 meters for one hour. Both sides of the case feature clear, touch sensitive plastic that allow us to operate our phones even while they remain safely inside. That same clear material makes it easy to view what is on the screen and doesn't impede the use of the camera either. Unlike most similar cases from competitors, this one doesn't add any kind of extra bulk and it is versatile enough to be used with a variety of smartphones in varying sizes. Available in a variety of colors, the TPU Guide Case is an affordable way to protect your pricey electronic device under even the worst of conditions.



Traveling Light Travel Lock ($13.95)
Living in a post - 9/11 world has made travel a challenging affair to say the least. Now, more than ever, we need to secure our baggage from prying eyes, although the Transportation Security Agency won't allow us to lock our luggage. In fact, they'll go out of their way to cut padlocks off our bags in order to see what is inside. That is unless it is a TSA "Red Diamond" approved lock, which grants security access through the use of a universal master key. The new Travel Light locks from Sea to Summit meets those requirements in a small, compact unit. The lightweight, yet very sturdy, lock is just 1.4 ounces (41 grams) and yet remains strong and durable. These locks provide a measure of comfort that your bags will arrive at their destination in one piece and with all of their contents safely in place. It is even simple to set your own personal combination so you never have to strain to remember exactly how you open the lock. (Not available until March 2013)

Ultra-Sil Nano Drysack - 13L ($21.95)
Another lightweight and durable sack from Sea to Summit, the Ultra-Sil Nano Drysack is an excellent option for keeping your gear dry while traveling through wet environments. The bag is built out of 15D nylon fabric that is incredibly durable but is also 30% lighter than other drysacks. The bag seals up tight thanks to a roll-top closure that does an excellent job of keeping moisture at bay under nearly all circumstances short of full immersion. I found this drysack performed amazingly well for fabrics that are so incredibly thin. While not quite as rugged as some of the other bags that Sea to Summit offers, the Nano is so whisper-thin that you'll want to keep a couple on hand for those times you want to travel light and yet still keep your gear well protected from moisture. Available in a variety of colors and sizes, the Nano Drysack is yet another example of high quality products that are available at great prices.