Emerging Gear: Paddleboard-Kayak Combo, Reebok Beer, Ultralight Portaledge, and More

For summertime camping in warm conditions, an open-backed quilt can be a good lightweight alternative to a sleeping bag. Stone Glacier’s Chilkoot 32° Quilt ($425) is loaded with 12 ounces of 850+ fill goose down and weighs just 1 pound, 6 ounces. The Chilkoot can accommodate individuals up to 6’5″. The 32-degree temperature rating is achieved when paired with an adequate R-value sleeping bag.

Sometimes you feel like paddling standing up, and sometimes you want to kick back and enjoy a little lumbar support. ISLE’s new Switch watercraft ($995) “converts from a paddle board to a kayak in seconds.” In “kayak” mode, the Switch has a seat (or two!) and a foot brace. According to the brand, switching into SUP mode only takes a few seconds. The total weight is 19 pounds, which is impressive given the 425-pound capacity. A full-length grip pad on the deck is designed with dogs and yoga in mind. We’ve got one in testing, so look for a review soon!

Inspired by the “bold colors of Nordic waters,” YETI’s new  colors are dark and deep. The brand’s ever-popular products haven’t changed, but these new colors create a wholly different aesthetic. The pictured purple color recalls a sea urchin’s shell. “Nordic Blue” is hazy and slightly muted. Both colors in the collection are available for a limited time only.

It’s the first official week of summer. Snow is melting, fruit is setting on the trees, and shorts have replaced pants. In typical Chubbies style, the Perforated Ultimate Training Shorts ($80) come with a short 5.5-inch inseam and bold style. The outer shell is full of tiny holes to increase breathability, and the compression liner offers support during active use. Four hidden pockets provide room for essential everyday carry items.

Zipping along at 35 mph, the Tarpon is among the world’s fastest fish. It’s also the inspiration behind Chaco and Huckberry’s new slip-on sandal. The Chillo Tarpon ($60) isn’t exactly built for speed, but it does feature a unique webbing strap with a fish scale pattern. Chaco’s contoured Luvseat — included on the Chillo — is known for arch support and as a recovery aid. An adjustable strap helps fine tune the fit.

According to High Mountain Gear, its Taco Inflatible Hammock ($240+) is the world’s lightest portaledge system. Unlike a traditional portaledge, the Taco does not have a rigid frame. Instead, the Taco is made from urethane-coated fabric and nylon webbing. Several different versions and sizes of the Taco are available, but all require the addition of an inflatable sleeping pad (not included). Accessories include zippered pockets and a rainfly.

For folks living the van life, laundry can be a constant conundrum. Laundry mats are expensive and inconvenient, and hang drying only works when the weather cooperates. The Morus Zero ($600) is a semi-portable countertop dryer designed for vans, boats, and tiny homes. Plug the Morus directly into a wall outlet, and it’ll complete a drying cycle in just 15 minutes. We haven’t tested the drying capabilities of the Morus yet, but it definitely looks cool.

Fellow Boston dwellers Reebok and Harpoon Brewery release a new collaborative beer: Harpoon Rec. League — the Reebok Edition ($15 for a 12-pack). The brew itself is a long-standing favorite of Harpoon’s followers, but the packaging has been fully Reebok’d. Every 12-pack sports the footwear brand’s logo. A portion of sales will go to BOKS, an organization that creates health and exercise resources for kids.