Father’s Day Gift Guide: Rugged Essentials

Not for everyone – but for the man who doesn’t think watching vintage Star Trek reruns is the way to explore the cosmos.  Active Junky’s mustered some full-speed ahead options for the realities of an uncertain but extraordinary world.

Fishpond River Bank Backpack: Wisdom for under $150 

Fishpond River Bank Backpack Starting at: $143.96

Active Junky picked a product well within this brand’s image but far short on the technology side vis a vis newer collections.  Or perhaps not as the 16oz waxed cotton canvas exterior cloaks a CYCLEPOND interior made, in part, from ingeniously upcycled nylon fishing nets.  At 20” x 12” x 7,” this pack carries far bigger than the 1,525 cu. in. lets on.  Testers got more attention from jaded millennials with this one than when toting metro-magnetic messenger bags from au courante brands (or is that, “eau current” for you anglers?).  Small notebook computers and tablets get cradled in a padded interior sleeve while needed accessories reside in the flap-top zippered pocket.  Aluminum hardware buckles complete the ruggedized package that, fully-loaded, stayed comfortable with a padded back panel.  Rust orange stitching is the final, thoughtful touch here. Be the smartest one on the stream, online or anywhere by reeling in River Bank. 

Best For:  Commuting, carry-on travel, making your own kind of legacy

myCharge AllTerrain+ Portable Charger: Rebirth on the road

Substance over appearance.  Performance over perks.  AT+ is a new Active Junky favorite, an endorsement that comes on the heels of extensive evaluation of two fistfuls of options in the past 90 days. Rated output of 6000mAh at 2.4 amps turns the unimposing, palm-sized unit into enough capacity to simultaneously charge two devices.  The 5-volt input and output is well suited to smartphones, tablets, and Bluetooth speakers (did we mention how much BT sound systems fit our approach to life?).  The “rugged exoskeleton” is no joke when weather strikes or impact occurs.  Testers valued the single thumb-lock mechanism and soft protective cap: some care is advised not to rip the cap from the integrated hinge. Four LEDs keep tabs on remaining capacity on a unit that’s ideal for adrenaline activities as well as more traditional, field-and-stream outdoor pursuits.  Know that the packaging is impressive for attention-getting gifting.

Best For: Back-up power in pack, bike pannier and luggage including international travel

Check out the myCharge AllTerrain+ >

Griffin Survivor All-Terrain Phone Case:  Endure to prevail

Here’s another case of not giving up.  Even with competitors circling the perimeter with amped up iPhone covers, Griffin charged the enemy with a growl, a strong arm and a product that takes the hill – even if dropped on the way up or down.  Active Junky appreciated the four-layer construction that recognizes the power of over-built redundancy in a backcountry worthy offering.  For example, how many cases step in with a rotating camera lens cover, much less lining a silicon shell with foam-enhanced polycarbonate?  For phone users living for sparkling unicorns and emoji-bedecked covers, step away before your world is shattered by a Mil-Spec 810G option rated for a 2meter impact.  This, along with dodging screen trauma while still being sensitive enough for fingerprint scanner applications.  Complete with a rotating clip attachment, Survivor’s been subjected to pounding rainstorms along with 40mph sandstorms. Really. 

Best For:  Everything but full submersion, daily use for smarter phone owners

Earn Cash Back on the Survivor All-Terrain Phone Case >

FITS Light Tactical Crew Sock:  Mileage Mauler

If this is about making progress, in spite of life’s obstacles, then Tactical is more than practical.  Few armored additions to the outdoor wardrobe carry the cushioned comfort of this model.  Try 62% Merino wool on for size, leaning on 28% nylon, 7% poly and 3% Lycra Spandex for shape retention from sea to summit.  While not issued for military deployments, Active Junky’s ready to draft this one into continued service thanks to the “full contact fit” attached to the under-$20 wonder.  Sizing runs true, moisture gets managed and the heel lock keeps the sock organized in trail shoe or taller boot for no-bunch wear. That includes in waders, where the socks slightly-plumped profile added enough insulation to handle early spring submersion for hours on end.  Testers are used to the FITS brand by now, where elevating even basic product categories delivers performance with lasting value.  

Best For: Trail, travel and expedition use where prolonged wearing is expecte

Check out the FITS Light Tactical Crew Sock >