Five Outdoor Gear Suppliers for Every Kind of Summer Adventure

Because soaking up the last few glorious weeks of summer is a whole lot easier with the right gear.


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FOR BEACH CHAIRS

Cape Cod Beach Chair Company

This is it—this is the summer you finally ditch that vinyl nightmare of a beach chair that’s been collecting dust in your garage and upgrade to one of these durably crafted wooden beauties, built right here on Cape Cod. Choose among a taller model, a nautical style made from genuine racing sailcloth, and even a pint-size kids’ version. New this season is the option to add an under-mounted bottle opener to the armrest, ensuring that no matter where you’re traveling this summer—even if it’s just to your backyard—the good times are never far off.

1150 Old Queen Anne Rd., Harwich, 800-809-1750, capecodbeachchair.com.

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FOR KAYAKS AND PADDLEBOARDS

Paddle Boston

With outposts throughout the area, this kayak and paddleboard outfitter is best known for its Charles River rentals, but if you’re looking for new toys to add to your permanent collection, visit the main store in Waltham, which stocks a wide range of new and used boats and boards. You can even consign or trade in your old floatables for something shiny and new.

160 Riverview Ave., Waltham, 617-965-5110, paddleboston.com.

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FOR BOOTS AND BACKPACKS

Arc’teryx

Investing in quality hiking gear makes more sense when you buy products that can be integrated into your everyday life. This Vancouver-based adventure brand’s purpose-built hiking boots look just as good strolling in the South End as they do climbing Mount Monadnock, and its understated, roomy backpacks and waist packs make sense for just about any occasion where you need to haul extra stuff.

352 Newbury St., Boston, 617-421-8601, arcteryx.com.

FOR FISHING

Fishing Finatics

Fishing is one of those hobbies that requires a huge amount of expertise about what to bring, and where—and when—to go. Thankfully, Fishing Finatics owner Pete Santini has four decades of fishing experience, making him an invaluable adviser when it comes to building your quiver of poles, flies, hooks, lines, and sinkers. In addition to kitting you out, Santini can also draw on his extensive network of local guides and gurus to set up lessons and charters.

90 Main St., Everett, 617-381-1997, santinitube.com.

FOR CAMPING

Natick Outdoor Store

Sleeping under the stars this month? Make sure you swing by this 25,000-square-foot temple to the outdoors first. A family-run business since 1947, the store offers warm, knowledgeable service to adventurers of all stripes, from backpacking pros in search of ultralight essentials for their next overnight trek to families just trying to pull together some first-time camping essentials.

38 North Ave., Natick, 508-653-9400, natickoutdoorstore.com.