Versatility is one of the most coveted attributes of outdoor gear and apparel. If your backpack can’t transition from the office to the mountains, and your running shirt is too sporty to blend in at the local bar, you’re screwed. That’s what all the marketing lingo would have you think, anyway.
The problem is, that same flexibility too often comes at a detriment to technical specialization. Those sidewalk-friendly hiking boots probably aren’t suited to an eight-day thru-hike. That sleek, pared-down backpack has a laptop sleeve, but do you really need a laptop when you’re out in the forests and mountains?
Luckily, most outdoor gear is already multifunctional. If an item is optimized to be rugged, deal with harsh weather conditions, or be lightweight and packable, it’ll probably make life around town easier in the same way it would improve backcountry living. Getting your fancy camping gear to transcend the boundary of urban and wilderness utility just takes a little thinking outside the box — or, in this case, the product description.
1. Helinox Chair Zero Camp Chair
A great, stowable extra seat for the living room, this chair doubles as a comfy perch when you’re waiting in line to score concert tickets. (Hey, those days could come back… maybe!)
