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Even city slickers will go wild for this outdoor gear

Escaping city life for the great outdoors is easier than ever, thanks to innovative outdoor gear that can make a walk on the wild side an exciting experience even for die-hard urbanites. Nothing ruins a jaunt into the country like being uncomfortable and unprepared for the rigors of a hike, bike ride, or camping trip—so being properly equipped with appropriate outdoor gear can be the difference between an inspiring, invigorating reprieve, and a tiresome, frustrating one.

The innovative tools and equipment we’ve selected here are examples of how a few smartly chosen outdoor products are well worth investing in, even if they’re only going to be used a few times a year. Whether planning on a single summer camping trip or regular weekend escapes, the key to gearing up for an adventure, is, well, the right gear.

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This oversized waterproof bicycle cover is big enough to protect 2 bikes from the elements. Crafted from UV protected 210D fabric, it features a 600D polyester heat shield, sealed seams and air vents that combine to protect bikes from both heat and moisture. Elasticized hems and 2 buckled drawstrings ensure that bikes are kept safe from rain and strong winds, while reflective strips enhance visibility at night.
At a whopping 58 inches, this is all the umbrella you’ll need in rain, wind, or sun. In rain, the umbrella’s double canopy won’t let a drop of water in, and the non-slip handle ensures that strong winds won’t compromise your grip. While large enough to provide shelter for 2 people, this heavy-duty umbrella nevertheless folds down to 23 inches, and weighs just over a pound. A simple press of a button smoothly opens the canopy to provide instant protection from sun or rain.
Relaxing in a hammock can be an idyllic experience—until the bug squad comes calling. Keep bugs and random debris at bay with this versatile hammock net from Wise Owl Outfitters, which is lightweight, roomy enough for diagonal napping, and cinches easily to any size hammock. Lots of head room and see-through netting keeps you comfortable and communing with nature, while the double sided zipper makes entering and exiting the hammock a piece of cake.
Never sweat rain or moisture with these invaluable waterproof bags that remove inconvenience and uncertainty from any outdoor activity—camping, kayaking, fishing, white water rafting—in which weather can play spoiler. Fashioned from lightweight, yet strong and puncture-resistant, PVC fabric, these innovative dry bags are built to stay watertight enough for even the most avid outdoor adventure—and a choice of 3 sizes means a single bag, or all 3, can come along for the ride.
Folding down to the size of a hockey puck, this collapsible camping lantern is both solar powered and USB chargeable, so you’ll never need to worry about running out of juice. 3 different light modes make this camping lantern versatile enough to be an overhead reading lamp when inside a tent, or a high-powered flashlight when walking at night. Built-in protection against overheating or overcharging brings an added dose of safety and peace of mind.

Moving our bodies, breathing fresh air, and slowing down to take in the wonders of the natural world are, we know, enormously beneficial to both body and mind. Thankfully, embarking on a new outdoor regimen doesn’t have to be a massive (or expensive) undertaking. By taking advantage of new and innovative tools and products, specifically designed to make outdoor adventuring more accessible, leaving the city for greener terrain may very well have the power to entirely change the landscape of a life.

Promila Shastri
Promila is a New York-based writer, editor, and content creator, whose focus is on visual culture—product design…
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