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
$99
$49
from REI
51% off
These gloves are a staple in columnist Jakob Schiller’s year-round gear rotation. “With a waxed and baked leather outer, waterproof-breathable membrane, and Thinsulate insulation, they’re great for frigid resort ski days while being breathable enough for long backcountry missions,” he writes. “Once summer rolls around, I use them to collect firewood or move burning logs in the campfire.”
$100
$75
from REI
25% off
One of our editors just bought on of these for use on family camping trips and swears by it. Why? No more hiding behind trees or being surprised by guests while going to the bathroom in busy areas. It has a steel hook for hanging a water bag and four drain holes so you can use it as a shower too. Plus, it’s a breeze to set up.
$500
$400
from REI
20% off
This version of the popular action cam was the one that finally converted one of our testers—a professional photographer—to add one to his kit. “It’s ideal for ultrarunners, mountain bikers, surfers, kayakers, scuba divers, dirt bikers, and climbers who want to dip their toes in pro-level photo and video editing, without dropping thousands to get their feet in the door.”
$40
$30
from REI
25% off
This trusty headlamp has gotten Outside editors through many adventures both close to home and far afield. It’s easy to use, compact, and runs on three AAA batteries (we like to use rechargeables). The red light mode is great for not blinding tent mates and the IPX8 waterproofing has proven itself time and again in downpours.
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.
$70
$56
from Backcountry
20% off
Once you try a changing poncho, you’ll never go back to a normal towel—they’re that useful. This 100 percent cotton number from Vissla is soft, absorbent, and makes swaps to bathing suits a breeze. And you can’t go wrong with the halcyon, ‘70s-inspired print.
$550
$330
from Outside Shop
40% off
You’d be hard pressed to find a better adventure companion than the Fenix 6. This do-everything GPS watch is packed with features for every kind of activity, whether in town or high in the mountains: wrist-based heart rate, a gajillion sport modes, smart notifications and of course, excellent navigation.
$200
$160.93
20% off
Worn by two Canadian marathon runners in the Tokyo Olympics, these road running shoes are known for their soft roll and comfortable upper. As one of our testers noted, "I was pleased to have these late in the test because they are a blend of many of the best qualities of super shoes with stride-lengthening zippiness paired with float, cushion, and an exceptionally comfortable upper."
$100
$70.97
29% off
Bring style and warmth to the campfire with the Poler Poncho. We love the fun color combos and the fact that it offers a kangaroo pouch pocket to keep your hands warm, plus two snap pockets to stash all your cargo. The Thermastuff synthetic insulation acts like a blanket but with a bonus hood for ultimate coziness. O+ members can also use their additional 10% off perk on top of the sale.
$150
$74.93
50% off
Stay safe and cool on the trails with this polycarbonate helmet. The Lightweight 360° size adjustment system, plus SPIN technology to reduce rotational motion during impact, allows riders to find a snug and exact fit for improved protection.
$189.99
$161.49
15% off
These durable, breathable, and ultra comfortable hiking boots are Biocircular, meaning they are made only using materials with 100% proven paths back to nature. They also feature deep 6.0mm tread lugs to support stability over rocky, loose desert terrain. Save 15% sitewide with the exclusive code OUTSIDEJUNE22.
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.