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Back to School
There's no such thing as an endless summer. By the time hot August nights fade into cool September mornings, teachers and students across the Southwest are firing up their iPads and interactive white boards and prepping for the first day of school. As every student knows, balancing exercise with books is critical to a well-rounded education. Here are some of our top picks for the back-to-school crowd. Stay smart, stay in school, stay fit!
Arcteryx Aerios 14 Pack
Sleek enough for climbing and hiking but roomy enough for books and an iPad, this pack is ideal for students who divide their time between the backcountry and library. The lightweight (1 pound, 3 ounces) ripstop nylon pack features an easy-to-access hydration sleeve. With 854 cubic inches of load capacity, the panel-loading pack is a lightweight, functional alternative to heavier rucksacks. My youngest daughter carried the pack with a liter of water up a 9,000-foot peak this summer and never complained about the load. She liked the moisture wicking, breathable back panel as it didn't chafe or get sweaty. The shoulder straps are lightly padded, and the elasticized waistbelt, although ultralight, helps to stabilize the load. Favorite features: an interior zip pocket, an exterior bungee cord that's handy for stuffing an extra layer and an easy-to-access key fob. $119; arcteryx.com
Gramicci Mountain Jean
These are favorite go-to jeans for school, work and play. Climbers have sworn by the brand for years, and the mountain heritage is apparent in the virtually indestructible 100 percent cotton canvas. The fabric is soft off the rack. The jeans have a gusseted crotch that enables mobility for climbing, walking, Ultimate Frisbee and a host of other academic pursuits. The jeans have a relaxed, straight-leg fit and come in 30-, 32- and 34-inch inseam lengths, sizes 30 to 40. $58; gramicci.com
Reuseit.com I'm not a paper bag
Packing your own lunch is not only trendy, but it's a healthier and cheaper alternative to the standard fast food or café fare. Designed for daily use, the 75 percent recycled cotton, 25 percent recycled polyester bag is PVC and lead-free, with no phthalates or BPA and is printed with PVC-free ink! If that's not enough to leave you with a warm feeling in your belly, the bag actually works quite well. It has an easy-to-use, secure Velcro closure holds more than the standard "brown" bag. My kids stuff theirs with juice boxes, PB&J sandwiches, homemade cookies and carrot sticks. When it gets dirty, just toss it in the wash machine and hang it to dry. $14.95; reuseit.com
Goodhew Needlepoint Socks
Start your day right with good socks! We build our outfits from the feet up - whether it is for school, sports or style. The right socks will keep your feet more comfortable by wicking blister-causing moisture. Also, modern knitting techniques result in advanced arch supports, a better fit and fewer hot spots. The fashionable Needlepoint socks are all about function with equal amounts of merino wool and bamboo blended with stretch nylon and spandex for durability and fit. The socks have a knitted in arch support, comfortable Y-heel and classic toe link for a bump free fit. Bonus Feature: You can toss them in the washer and dryer with no fear of shrinkage. $14.99; goodhew.us.com
Haiku Backpack
We love this textured bag that features a removable, padded computer sleeve that's designed to hold and protect 15-inch laptops. In addition to the main compartment, there is a roomy front pouch that will keep even the most absent-minded student organized. Inside are fleece-lined pockets for sunglasses and electronics, plus a nifty key clip. The best features include shoulder straps and a cushioned back that make the pack as comfortable hauling Chem 101 texts as supplies for a weekend adventure. The twig and leaf decals on the front are made from recycled fabric, so no two patterns are the same. The 1,386-cubic-inch pack weighs 3 pounds, 10 ounces (with the computer sleeve). $118; haikubags.com
Betty Hoops Hula Hoop
Look around your local fitness center - hula hoops are back in style. We love the Betty Hoops model as it is supremely portable. Designed by a four-time hoola hoop world record holder, the 2-pound hoop breaks down into six easy-to-pack pieces and comes with its own carry bag. Adults will use all six pieces for a standard-sized hoop that swings like a dashboard Elvis. Kids can remove one piece for a smaller, easier-to-handle hoop. The convenient package straps easily to a backpack and is great for campsite or campus entertainment. The flame print on each segment glows in the dark and the neoprene casing is soft against your body. Karma boost: The hoops are made by Buddhist monks out of recycled plastics. $52; bettyhoops.com
Gargoyle Stryker Sunglasses
These glasses protect your eyes - from sun and sharp objects. They feature a helium-light flexible nylon frame and shatter-resistant ballistic defense lenses that utilize Carl Zeiss activity-specific technology for a clear, sharp and distortion-free image. The lenses exceed all ISO and ANSI test standards, in addition to the MIL- STD 622 ballistic test (capable of stopping a .22 caliber bullet at 20 feet!). We love the brand's scratch-resistant and anti-fog coating. The glasses can be refitted with prescription lenses and there are polarized styles available (a plus for boating or fishing). $95; gargoyleseyewear.com
Patagonia Atacama Pack 28L
Named for the vast Chilean desert, the Atacama is the perfect reservoir for soggy gym clothes and wet swim suits. The front compartment has a waterproof lining on the back so moisture doesn't seep through to the rest of the pack. The outside of the compartment is mesh for venting (and reducing that sweaty smell!). The main compartment of the pack is as orderly as a space shuttle control panel - every pen, key, iPod and phone has a designated pouch, plus there's a padded sleeve for a 17-inch laptop. This is the active student's go-to bag for a lifestyle that involves sports and books. Bonus feature: Airflow mesh on the shoulder straps and back panel prevent overheating, compression straps stabilize the load, and the sternum strap has a built-in emergency whistle. The pack has 1,709 cubic inches of packable space and weighs 1 pound, 14 ounces. $79; patagonia.com
Ex Officio ExO Dri Pointelle Scoop Tee
When it comes to tops, simple is good. This cute little T is perfect for those days when you ride to class, hike around campus, then catch a dinner and movie. The pointelled fabric is an odor-resistant blend of polyester and nylon (with a pinch of cotton and spandex tossed in for form-flattering stretch and comfort). The T offers 30+ sun protection and wicks moisture before you even know you're sweating. I've worn mine on multiple day camping trips; I rinse and hang it at night and it's never failed to be dry by morning. $38; exofficio.comPost a comment
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