Local outfitters reveal their top picks for must-have fall gear.

By Pat Grubb

There’s never a shortage of outstanding gear for the adventure seeker to covet. We’ve listed the manufacturer’s websites for more information, but we encourage you to support your local retailers. These items can be found at American Alpine Institute, Backcountry Essentials, Fairhaven Bike & Ski, Mountain Equipment Co-op, REI, Sportsman’s Chalet, Yeager’s Sporting Goods and other quality retailers in Washington and British Columbia. Be local, buy local.

Specialized Demo 8 Bike

The guys at Fairhaven Bike and Ski are pretty stoked with this downhill bike. The features are too long to list but highpoints include 200mm of front and rear travel, an M5 alloy FSR frame with eight inches of rear wheel travel, and a Fox Van RC coil shock with adjustable rebound, compression and preload.

specialized.com

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Mattress

Whether it’s a casual campout after a long hike ora climbing trip in the Cascades, you want a backcountry mattress that keeps you warm and confortable. And if that comes in an extra light package, all the better. This NeoAir gets high marks on all three qualities. Three sizes, regular weighs 325 g.

cascadedesigns.com

Helly Hansen Men’s Odin Light Softshell Jacket

This jacket won high praise on a recent Mt. Baker climb. Highly breathable, super stretchy softshell with low bulk. No membrane – just an extra durable double weave, making it super stretchy. The hood accommodates a climbing helmet. Weighs 561 g.

hellyhansen.com

Helly Hansen Women’s Odin Traverse Jacket

This too got high marks on the Mt. Baker climb. Features breathable three-ply fabric with adjustable cuffs, hemmed bottom and vents to control body heat. Sealed seams and zippers will keep you dry. The hood fits over helmets and has a laminated visor. Weighs 550 g.

hellyhansen.com

Universal Stove

This stove received a 2012 Guide’s Choice award from the American Alpine Institute (AAI). Field-tested under harsh conditions on AAI’s Denali West Buttress expeditions, the guides liked how easy it was to switch from one fuel type to another. Even at 17,200 feet, they were able to heat two liters of water for hot drinks within 10 minutes. The stove can use white gas, kerosene or unleaded gasoline. Weighs 549 g.

cascadedesigns.com

Patagonia Rain Shadow Jacket

This jacket not only kept its wearer dry during self-arrest practices, it and a silk-weight undershirt was enough to keep him warm on
the way to Mt. Baker’s summit. Meant to be
one element of your layering system, it has a
tear-resistant, lightweight 2.5-layer H2No Performance Standard nylon fabric with a waterproof/breathable barrier and a Deluge
water repellent finish. Sealed zippers and
seams, microfleece lining on the neck and chin, waterproof handwarmer pockets, and a roll-down, two-way-adjustable helmet-compatible hood round out the feature list. Weighs 362 g.

patagonia.com