WHERE TO USE IT: Cold water and stiff currents make Washington’s San Juan Islands a serious destination for kayakers. But with good forecasts and maps from Anacortes’s Sea Kayak Shop (seakayakshop.com), they can also be the most rewarding, with frequent orca and humpback sightings. Take a lap around rugged San Juan Island, basing out of the mod Earthbox Motel & Spa, in Friday Harbor (from $177; earthboxmotel.com). Not ready to go on your own? Let an experienced outfitter, like Outdoor Odysseys, show you how it’s done (three-day trips from $549; outdoorodysseys.com).
1. Perfect for whitewater and coastal use, Kokatat‘s Ronin life jacket offers full range of motion, spinal protection, and a snug fit. $158; kokatat.com
2. Eagles Nest Outfitters‘ two-person DoubleNest hammock has an optional mosquito net and rain fly. $65; eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com
3. With removable and minimally padded shoulder straps and waist belt, Watershed‘s Animas drybag can double as a backpack. $119; drybags.com
4. With a bright 60-lumen spotlight, an adjustable flood, and red-light mode for night vision, Energizer‘s waterproof Micro LED is a simple and lightweight camp light. $30; energizer.com
5. A classic intermediate/advanced day-trip or multi-day touring boat, the Wilderness Systems Tsunami 165 Pro comes with a rudder and both day and overnight hatches. $2,695; wildernesssystems.com
6. At 7,150 BTU, the Primus ExpressSpider stove packs some serious heat for only seven ounces. $60; primuscamping.com
7. Pass the time in style with Mulholland‘s leather domino set. $135; shopmulholland.com