Reach Your Peak With the Best New Outdoor Gear of August

Did you know you can marry the Earth? That’s what Annie Sprinkle and Beth Stephens first did in 2008, kicking off a movement that fights homophobia and xenophobia while supporting environmental activism.

The inspiring story is detailed in the new book Assuming the Exosexual Position: The Earth as Lover, but you don’t need a formal ceremony to declare your love for the planet. All you need to do is get out and explore it, respectfully. Maybe even bag a peak while you’re at it.

The following items, many of which are quite deliberately made with sustainable materials, will help you do just that.

Zeal Optics Pescadero

Zeal Optics

The Pescadero is the flagship of Zeal’s new Metals collection, three Aviator-style frames (plus three lens tints) featuring recyclable and plant-based materials. The Hexetate used in the temple tips is BPA-free and lighter than traditional plastics, helping the shades weigh in at well under an ounce.

Price: $199

Osprey Heritage Scarab

Osprey

Dipping into 46 years of history inspired Osprey’s new Heritage Collection, six pieces with old-school looks and new-school touches. The reimagined Scarab is a 30-liter pack with a sleeve for laptops or hydration reservoirs and sustainable materials like a PFC-free DWR treatment to keep your goods high and dry.

Price: $150

Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Light Pullover

Mountain Hardwear

Mountain Hardwear has expanded its popular Stretchdown offerings to include a parka, pants, jacket and this packable 14-ounce pullover. Durable stretch-woven fabric (87% nylon and 13% elastane), a three-piece hood and 700-fill RDS-certified down insulation ensure you not only stay warm but also free to move.

Price: $240

Pearl Izumi Summit Hooded Thermal Jersey

Pearl Izumi

Intended for mountain biking, this technical fleece can function as an outer layer in the fall, then transition to a cozy mid-layer as the weather gets colder. A 60g high-stretch grid fabric transfers moisture while retaining heat, a two-way main zipper helps you regulate ventilation and the hood fits under your helmet when needed.

Price: $120

Salomon Ultra Glide​​

Salomon

This trail runner weighs just over 9 ounces yet is packed with comfort- and performance-enhancing features. Highlights include the cushy Energy Surge midsole and a responsive rocker profile highlighted by foam in the forefoot that combines with the outsole geometry to increase ground filter and ward off rocks.

Price: $140

Teva Revive ’94 Mid

Teva

Sort of like the Scarab, this retro-styled hiker is another throwback getting a modern treatment. The first drop in Teva’s Archival Revival Collection features REPREVE recycled straps, a comfy memory foam insole, a TPU toe bumper with drainage ports and a stretchy neoprene collar that makes it easy to slip on and off.

Price: $160

Snow Peak Living Lodge

Snow Peak

Looking for a shelter/tent you can use to, say, host a wedding reception? This massive, modular structure might just fit the bill. At 22 feet long by 13 feet wide, it’s one of the biggest we’ve seen, and there are plenty of ways to configure to accommodate everything from large group gatherings to, yes, actual camping.

Price: $1,749.95

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