Self-Preservation: Tools to Stay Safe

Published on 07/30/2012

By Peter Reese

When you're exposed to high-alpine climates, keeping your face protected and your body hydrated is essential to your well-being.  Keep your water clean and your face happy with these great outdoor tools.

DEUTER STREAMER HYDRATION SYSTEM

Maintaining clean hydration bladders, tubing and mouthpieces during warmer times of year.  Active Junky testers have experienced the stomach-churning effects of soured systems multiple times.  Spending too much time scrubbing and drying is not the answer, nor is getting a clumsy in-pack water delivery system.

The STREAMER from Deuter is an ideal complement to their branded packs or as a retrofit to other backcountry brands.  When testers got tired of their current technology, STREAMER showed up with a BPA-free 3 liter solution.  With a nearly indestructible roll-and-clip design, Deuter made the switch a no-brainer.  The twist mouthpiece made for less accidental leakage during snowshoeing and first-aid training outings.  Inside of taking over the sink, STREAMER got clean and got out of the way with continued confidence in the antimicrobial coating.  A second pack was retrofit after testing demonstrated Deuter’s competence in the crowded hydration category.

Earn cash back on the Deuter Streamer Hydration System

BUFF POLARTEC BANDANA

Push through wind and cold while shedding a ragtag collection of balaclavas, neck gaiters and scarves in the process.  Finding a multi-season method to protect neck, face and even ears can spawn confusion and a drawer full of poor choices that don’t see much on-trail or on-road action.

Time to let it rip with the Buff POLARTEC BANDANA.  Sure to spur conversation and perhaps a little friendly intimidation, this slightly off-center option from the reliable folks at Buff plays to win.  The sample tested came with half-skull graphics floating above a twisted paisley pattern with three vent holes penetrating the fuzzy Polartec interior lining.  The extended triangle-shaped bandana makes up for shortcoming in base and mid-layers while permitting easy adjustment as the day warms.  Because there’s no right (or single) way to wear it, personal preferences take control to make the BANDANA a customized piece.  Fast, early-season bike descents and wind-torn ridgeline treks are welcome homes for Buff’s fabric origami form.  With no bias to age or gender, this Active Junky pick is the ideal gift that makes it easier to laugh in the face of marginal weather all year long.

Earn cash back on the Buff Polartec Bandana