The Great Outdoors

Flying in the islands is the epitome of fun flying. Here's how to maximize the fun.

1. Picture perfect: AOPA Columbia Shirt
   Stay cool and protected from the sun in this Columbia Men’s Bahama II long-sleeve shirt. $68, aopapilotgear.com
   Also consider: Tees, hats, and other gear from AOPA’s store. aopapilotgear.com
   
   
2. You might need this: Browning High Noon Rechargeable Spotlight
   Enjoy nights on the water with this clear, bright light; offers 550-yard beams. $99.99, cabelas.com
   Also consider: Biolite headlamp 200 $44.95, bioliteenergy.com
   
   
3. Smart choice: Hydro Flask Insulated Tote
   Stuff this cooler with tuna fish sandwiches and your beverage of choice and easily store this long-suffering, hard-working tote behind the pilot’s seat. $64.95, hydroflask.com
   Also consider: Sovaro backpack cooler $299.95, theoutdoorstore.co
   
   
4. You’ll have fun with this: Divelux Snorkel Mask
   Full-face snorkeling and diving mask with 180-degree panoramic viewing—watch out, fishies. $39.99, amazon.com
   Also consider: Air conditioning for your airplane. $475, arcticaircooler.com
   
   
5. Must have: Garmin InReach mini
   Handheld satellite communication with GPS navigation. $399.99 plus subscription, garmin.com
   Also consider: ACR ResQLink PLB $349.95 from sportys.com

Take to the desert on your N-numbered steed—backcountry flying in destinations like Burning Man and High Sierra have become high on everyone’s bucket list.

1. Picture perfect: AOPA Neck Gaiter
   Keep the dust off with this seamless tube design in several fabrics, which easily twists into many configurations. $20, aopapilotgear.com
   Also consider: Pilot Gear store offers five designs.
2. You might need this: MREs (Meals Ready-to-Eat) Genuine U.S. Military Surplus
   The ultimate in survivalist gear, MREs are also easy to have on hand when rations are in short supply. $35, amazon.com
   Also consider: Emergency food rations $3.95-$7.90, aircraftspruce.com
3. Smart choice: Goal Zero Nomad 5 Power Bank Solar Panel
   Five-watt panel gives you the solar collecting capability needed to charge your phone anywhere the sun shines. $59.95, amazon.com
   Also consider: Emergency solar hand crank radio $89.99, sharperimage.com
4. You'll have fun with this: Celestron Travel Scope 70 DX Portable Refractor Telescope with Altazimuth Mount
   Turn on the night sky and see the moon, the stars—wait, is that Russia? $89.95, amazon.com
   Also consider: Sportys Laser Tag Gun set $69.95, preferredliving.com
5. Must have: Randolph Engineering Aviator Sunglasses
   Goose! Is that you? Worn by military aviators since 1978 and set to their exacting standards. $169, randolphusa.com
   Also consider: Sporty’s also carries a wide selection of aviator shades. sportys.com

Hiking in the mountains, communing with nature, fresh-air fun—it’s all out there whether in the mountains of Colorado or West Virginia.

1. Picture perfect: Oboz Firebrand II Low B-Dry waterproof hiking boots
   Our local outdoors store, The Trail House in Frederick, Maryland, says purple is the “in” color for outdoor wear. $140, obozfootwear.com
   Also consider: Altra Lone Peak 4, altrarunning.com
2. You might need this: Iridium Extreme satellite phone
   Established by Iridium to support anyone who might be in a life-threatening situation with communications you can count on, whenever you need them. $999.99, plus subscription, iridium.com
   Also consider: Spot X Bluetooth 2-way satellite messenger $249.99, findmespot.com
3. Smart choie: Off Grid Tools Survival Axe Ultimate Outdoor Multitool-Hatchet Hammer Saw
   Tool includes a hatchet blade, hammer, nail claw, pry bar, nail puller, replaceable 6-inch saw blade, multiple hex wrenches, bottle opener, and more. $44.99, offgridtools.com
   Also consider: Leatherman Squirt PS4 $39.95, aircraftspruce.com
4. You'll have fun with this: Synch Fly Rod Outfit
   Experience the unique thrills of casting and catching fish on the fly. $129.97, cabelas.com
   Also consider: Sportys Tournament Bocce Set $179.95, preferredliving.com
5. Must have: Cloudveil Animas 45-degree sleeping bag
   Warmth for cool evenings, trapping heat with synthetic insulation, a drawstring hood, and a touch-fasten draft flap. $39.99, sierra.com
   Also consider: Revelation quilt bag $280, enlightenedequipment.com

Flying into town for business? Look the part, arrive in style, and prepare for whatever Gotham may throw your way.

1. Picture perfect: Eddie Bauer TraveX Voyager 2.0 blazer
   Looks rugged, wears refined. Arrive looking like you didn’t just get out of the cockpit. $149.99, eddiebauer.com
   Also consider: Tactical Jacket from AOPA Gear $144, aopapilotgear.com
2. You might need this: NewHey Waterproof Canvas Overnight Bag
   Sturdy but fashionable and able to hold just about anything you’ll need for a day in the city. $49.99, amazon.com
   Also consider: CG Gear Bag $99, scheyden.com
3. You'll have fun with this: Nikon Z 6 camera
   Adaptability. It’s about remaining fluid, open. Preparing for nothing but being ready for anything—marketing speak for an easy-to-use camera. Starting at $1,799.99, nikonusa.com
   Also consider: Canon EOS R5 $3,899 (plus lens), usa.canon.com
4. Smart choice: Breitling Aviator Chronograph 43 Mosquito
   Honoring the fastest aircraft in World War II. $7,710, breitling.com
   Also consider: Tissot T-Touch Expert Solar $1,150, tissotwatches.com
5. Must have: Outdoor Research face mask kit
   You need to be prepared in this COVID-19 world. $20, outdoorresearch.com
   Also consider: The Montana Mask 3-D printable, free, makethemasks.com

Flying in to grass strips is a perfect way to spend a weekend. Be prepared to relax.

1. Picture perfect: Men’s Quilted AOPA Vest
   Throw on this ultra-light, quilted vest when the temperature takes a dip. Synthetic down fill keeps your core warm and dry. $78, aopapilotgear.com
   Also consider: Buy one for your spouse!
2. You might need this: Goal Zero Yeti 150 Portable Power Station
   This plug-and-play power bank is for emergencies, camping, or wherever there’s a need for power. The fully charged unit charges smartphones up to 12 times, tablets up to six times $199.99, yeti.com
   Also consider: Sportys Solar-Powered Lantern with Preparedness Kit $29.95, preferredliving.com
3. Smart choice: Advanced Elements 2.5 Gallon Solar Shower
   Enjoy your daily ritual even when you camp under the wing—the sun warms the water for your a.m. shower. $23.99, amazon.com
   Also consider: Have a better morning with SiriusXM Radio, siriusXM.com
4. You'll have fun with this: AlphaBeing Inflatable Lounger
   Grab a front-row seat to takeoffs and landings at that grass strip or cozy up around the campfire. $35.99, amazon.com
   Also consider: Air Boss Joey chair $65.85, aircraftspruce.com
5. Must have: The Claw Tie-Down Kit
   The harder you pull, the more it grips the earth. $119.95, sportys.com
   Also consider: Big Screw EZ tiedown $159.95, aircraftspruce.com