{"id":283607,"date":"2025-06-09T12:36:36","date_gmt":"2025-06-09T12:36:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/uncategorized\/spring-2025-outdoor-gear-new-books-guide\/"},"modified":"2025-06-09T12:36:36","modified_gmt":"2025-06-09T12:36:36","slug":"spring-2025-outdoor-gear-new-books-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=283607","title":{"rendered":"Spring 2025 Outdoor Gear & New Books Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n<\/p>\n

\n

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your gear kit and get inspired for the seasons ahead. New gear and great trail reads all fuel the excitement of the coming months outdoors. Whether you\u2019re planning your first overnight hike, organizing gear for summer paddling trips, or prepping for fall adventures, a few smart additions can go a long way. For spring 2025, I\u2019ve rounded up some standout pieces built for performance and simplicity, including the ultra-lightweight MEC Spark 1-Person Tent<\/strong>, the rugged yet stylish Odyssey waterproof totes<\/strong>, the ever-reliable Katadyn BeFree Water Filter<\/strong>, and the versatile Arcade Futureweave Belt<\/strong>. For those who thrive in wet conditions (hello coastal BC), the MEC Slogg 35L Dry Pack<\/strong> is a game-changer as is the MEC<\/strong> Odyssey Dry Tote<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Alongside the spring 2025 outdoor gear, I\u2019ve picked three books that fuel my dreams of new trails and wanderlust. \u201cUrban Trails: Vancouver, BC\u201d<\/strong> is full of ideas for accessible local hikes, while the newly updated \u201c105 Hikes in and Around Southwestern British Columbia\u201d<\/strong> remains a go-to for exploring the best of SW British Columbia. And if you love reflective trail writing, \u201cThe People You Meet\u201d by Melissa Rodway<\/strong> is a beautifully written reminder of how travel, whether near or far, connects us. Here\u2019s a look in more detail at the spring gear and books I\u2019m excited about in 2025.<\/p>\n

This post includes some affiliate links. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, I will receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you. Thank you very much for your support.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"If\"If
If you\u2019re looking for an ultralight one person tent the MEC Spark one person tent should do the trick but if you want your pack inside get the two person tent<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Katadyn BeFree Water Filter<\/h2>\n

In summer on backcountry trips where I don\u2019t want to carry a lot of water or I\u2019m worried about running out of it, I pack Katadyn\u2019s ultra lightweight (76g) BeFree water filter<\/strong> system<\/strong>.<\/a> It packs down into almost nothing and can filter water at a rate of up to 2 L per minute.<\/p>\n

This new version of BeFree comes with a carbon filter to remove bad tastes and odours. To clean the filter, simply give it a shake or swish \u2013 no back-flushing needed. It comes in two sizes, 0.5 L and 1.0L. <\/p>\n

\"The\"The
The Katadyn BeFree water filter available at MEC<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I already have the MEC Spark \u2013 2 person tent<\/a><\/strong> which I absolutely love when it\u2019s just me and my dog. But for those times when you\u2019re backpacking solo \u2013 or you\u2019re a single within a group \u2013 the MEC Spark \u2013 UL 1 person tent<\/a><\/strong> is the way to go. My son-in-law is taking the tent on the West Coast Trail <\/a><\/strong>\u2013 and I know he\u2019s thrilled with how little it weighs (979 grams) \u2013 and the fact that he doesn\u2019t have to sleep with one of his buddies.<\/p>\n

Apart from being ultralight, the tent should do well in rain. It comes with a 15-denier ripstop nylon rainfly with a silicone coating for excellent waterproofness, it\u2019s fully seam taped and a storm flap on the door zipper prevents drips.<\/p>\n

There is also an internal mesh pocket so you can find essentials like your headlamp quickly in the middle of the night. The footprint for the<\/a> <\/a>tent<\/a><\/strong> is sold separately.<\/p>\n

\"My\"My
My daughter trying out the MEC Spark one person tent<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"With\"With
With the rainfly attached there is room on either side of the tent to put boots and a backpack under the rain fly<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Arcade Futureweave Stretch Belt<\/h2>\n

The stretchy Arcade Futureweave Belt<\/a><\/strong> is built for travel with a contoured, low-profile buckle that sits comfortably and a metal-free design that makes airport security hassle-free. Stretch webbing is made with 85% recycled REPREVE\u00ae\ufe0f polyester. The belt is durable, lightweight, and even machine washable and dryable.<\/p>\n

At MEC it comes in a standard width of 3.8 cm (1.5 inches) and a standard 101 cm or up to a 40-inch waist. It\u2019s fully adjustable to fit a range of sizes. You can purchase the belt here<\/a><\/strong> for under $50.<\/p>\n

John wore the belt over the duration of a one-week canoe trip. He finds it very comfortable \u2013 and loves the fact you can lengthen or shorten it with little effort.<\/p>\n

\"\"
John sporting the Arcade Futureweave belt<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

MEC Odyssey Dry Tote<\/h2>\n

My favourite piece of new spring gear in 2025 is the MEC Odyssey Dry Tote<\/a><\/strong>. The wide opening makes packing a breeze, and the heavy-duty 600-denier polyester \u2013 both inside and out, means it\u2019s built to last, all without using PVC, so it has a lower environmental impact than traditional dry bags. It holds a lot, and thanks to the broad straps, I was able to portage it along with all the other gear you see in the photo \u2013 for over a kilometre in one go without stopping.<\/p>\n

I also love the lightweight rolltop closure, which is quick and easy to use. The bag cleans up beautifully, and while I used it just for food on a week-long canoe trip, it could easily double as a camp sink or a way to haul wet towels and swimsuits. It feels tough enough that I\u2019ll be using this tote for years to come.<\/p>\n

\"The\"The
The MEC Odyssey Dry Tote is an amazing piece of gear and super on canoe portages<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"The\"The
The MEC Odyssey Dry Bag will be joining us on a lot of adventures over the years<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

MEC Slogg 35 L Dry Pack<\/h2>\n

MEC\u2019s Slogg 35L Dry Pack<\/a><\/strong> is a rugged and waterproof backpack designed to keep your gear dry during outdoor adventures. Made from durable 840-denier, high-tenacity nylon coated with PVC-free polyurethane, it features radio-frequency welded seams to ensure water resistance.<\/p>\n

The pack includes padded shoulder straps and a hip belt so you\u2019re comfortable carrying gear whether its on a canoe portage or hiking into a campsite. The roll-top closure provides a secure seal, though you should know that while it\u2019s highly water-resistant, it\u2019s not intended for prolonged submersion.<\/p>\n

\"Sporting\"Sporting
Sporting the MEC Slogg 35L Dry Pack<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Odyssey Dry Bags \u2013 assorted sizes<\/h2>\n

When water is involved whether it be on paddling, biking, or camping trips, dry bags are essential. I like to have a variety of sizes and colours, so I know exactly what\u2019s in what.<\/p>\n

MEC offers Odyssey dry bags<\/a><\/strong> in four sizes \u2013 3 L, 5 L, 10 L and 20 L. They are fully waterproof made with 420-denier recycled nylon ripstop\u00a0though they recommend hard cases with gaskets for electronics. <\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"
The 3L Odyssey dry bag was perfect for my zoom lens wrapped in bubble wrap<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Three\"Three
Three of the four sizes of the MEC Odyssey dry bag<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

105 Hikes in and Around Southwestern British Columbia<\/h2>\n

This is the second addition of Stephen\u2019s popular book \u2013 105 Hikes in and Around Southwestern British Columbia<\/a><\/strong>. There\u2019s lots that\u2019s new in this must-have book:<\/p>\n