Gear Picks
5 Items Under $20 to Help You Ditch Single-Use Plastic
Why use a throw-away plastic fork and spoon when you can simply BYOS (spork)? Here are five items that will help you build a zero-waste kit that you can keep in your backpack or car.
Featured
$12.00
There are some fancy, expensive totes out there built by some of our favorite outdoor companies, but if you’re looking for a simple option that can help you use less plastic at the store, keep this one in your trunk. It’s made from unused hammock material and can hold up to 25 pounds.
$10.00
from Backcountry
If straws are wreaking havoc on our wildlife, imagine what all those plastic forks and spoons are doing to our fauna. Yes, the titanium build might be overkill for a to-go lunch, but it won’t rust and it’s so light you won’t even notice it in your pack.
$15.00
Eliminate your personal latte waste with this 12-oz. coffee cup. It has a spill-proof and screw-tight lid that collapses into a tiny disc, so you can keep it in your pack all the time. The best part? It’s made from dishwasher-safe food-grade silicone.
$18.00
from Amazon
Got leftovers? Or maybe you want to take a sandwich on the road? Skip the plastic wrap and containers with this organic option made with beeswax. The reusable wrap seals tight around bowls and containers, keeping food fresh. This starter pack comes with three.
All Gear
$85
$63.75
25% off
Tough enough to withstand days in the backcountry and comfortable enough to wear while doing projects around the house, these pants were designed to do it all. They are ultra light and pack down super small, so you can throw them in any bag for your adventure excursion. The DWR finish repels moisture while the two-way stretch nylon moves with you.
$49
$29
41% off
Made with quick-drying recycled polyester, this versatile top is designed to keep you cool while you're working up a sweat. The hint of stretch from the jersey cross-dyes and minimal seams allows you to comfortably without restriction or chafing.
$700
$455
35% off
As one tester put it, “It rides like a fat carving board when you want it to, but you can just as easily scrub speed and bang out short swing turns too. The balance of flex and sidecut is perfect.”
$80
$64
20% off
This hoodie has been one of our favorite sun shirts for years now, thanks to the UPF 50+ rating and lightweight, breathable fabric. We love it for days in the desert, on the water, above tree line, or at a spring après.
Sponsor Content
Revo Descend N
$199
Revo's best-selling Descend N glasses features NASA-based polarized lens technology with a rimless design with panoramic views for when you need to see it all.
$80
$44
45% off
As the name implies, this hip pack is ideal for looping through a trail system to gain miles over a long day in the backcountry requiring more supplies. This 5L pack offers multiple pockets and attachment points to accommodate the essentials, and the Hydrapak two-liter reservoir provides plenty of water without weighing you down. Take 25 to 45 percent off select colors and patterns.
$89
$45
49% off
Designed for wet and windy runs this time of year, these tights are made with WindWall™ fabric and a DWR finish to block out the elements (meaning no more excuses to skip your daily jog). Meanwhile, the interior FlashDry™ technology wicks away sweat to keep you warm and comfortable once you get going. Also available in a men's version.
$159
$112
30% off
This bag has repeatedly made its way into our list of best duffel bags, and with good reason. Testers love how light it is (just over 2 pounds) without compromising durability, thanks to the 900-denier postconsumer recycled ripstop polyester. There's plenty of room for storage and mesh pockets for organization.
$130
$105
19% off
Named the best all-terrain trail running shoe in the 2022 Summer Gear Guide, the Saucony Peregrine 12 offers a redesigned rock plate, allowing for more contoured flexibility along the trail. The lug pattern was also improved to increase traction and avoid debris clogging on rugged terrain.
$169
$118
30% off
Woven in the Pacific Northwest and inspired by blankets early shepherds used, the quality construction of Pendleton blankets have inspired a cult-like following. This blanket is a 86 percent wool/14 percent cotton blend, adding a hug of softness to a warm and durable layer both indoors and at camp.
$349
$244
30% off
Constructed for bracing the elements during chilly commutes, this extra-long parka packs plenty of warmth in a 750-fill sleek design. Better yet, the Allied line is made with sustainable materials, like the 100 percent recycled nylon shell and RDS-certified down insulation. The exterior is also coated in a PFC-free water-repellant finish to block against freezing rain and snow.
Gear Picks is a curated selection of products we’ve tested and heartily recommend. We stand by this gear—and the brands that sell it—and many of our editors and writers use this stuff weekly. Whenever possible, we provide a link to a past review so you can make sure it’s something that suits your lifestyle—ideally at a steeply discounted price. Happy shopping—and gear-picking.