Poler

If Patagonia and Volcom had a baby, it would be Poler. Sustainably-minded, with an urban+adventure vibe. The Poler team is based in Portland, and since 2010 has been bridging the gap between action sports, skate/surf, and the specialty outdoor world by making fun and practical outdoor gear: for everyday adventures, and for guys and girls like you and me.

Here's the thing: Why should you pay for tech you don't need? There are moments when you need it: summiting Rainier, or doing a multi-day hut route. And that's cool. But for most of the adventures that you and I pursue, what we need is something with a good price and durability, so we don't stress when dirt and mud get all up in it. If you're keeping your gear pristine, you're missing the point. Instead, save some coin so you can pick up chains for your beater adventure vehicle (they're super helpful for mud too, you know...not just snow). Your crew will appreciate staying mobile much more than they'll admire the extra dough you spent on useless tech for your sweet, sweet Gore-tex jacket.

This ethos burns bright in Kharma Vella, Poler co-founder and head of product. A fixture of the Mt. Hood ski and snowboard community for ages, Kharma's creativity and thoughtfulness come through in every piece. Case in point: The beloved Poler Sleep Sack. It's a great sleeping bag, in a rectangular format, for like $75 bucks. Which is totally great for 90% of the camping we do. At Gear.com, we really dig the vintage camping vibe of mid-century Americana. It was less about who has the latest Euro-tech in your gear. We don't always need $600 stretch mummy bags that are rated down to zero degrees. If it's below zero out, I just might re-consider whether I really need to sleep out in it...regardless of how much tech is in my sleeping bag. Another big bonus of the Sleep Sack? Zip two together to share, and let the body heat keep you warm. I don't care how much down you put in my sleeping bag, I'd rather have a plus-one with me.

Look...we've slept in ice caves. We've climbed glacier-covered volcanoes. We get it...yes, there's a time for that. But let's stop pretending that our too-cool tech is always essential for what we're usually out there doing. Spend too much on gear, and you won't have much left over to actually make experiences happen. And what are we doing this for, anyway? Camp vibes...roaming for the camp vibes.