A guide for what you need to buy, read or consume to enhance your recreation and travel experience

Backpacker Cologne

$60; http://juniperridge.com/collections/backpacker-s-cologne

Having recently spent several days in the desert, sans shower, the essence of me was the last thing my family wanted to experience. Yet, a cologne manufacturer has released Mojave, a scent that distills the aroma of the outdoor experience – presumably sans the sweat. Other options are Big Sur, Siskiyou and Sierra Granite. All are said to be made with scents common to the area. Ingredients for Siskiyou: “Tree pitch, plant sap/juice, steam-distilled essential oils. Extractions of coastal-forest plants, bark, needle and other things found hiking in the backcountry.”

SAGE ACCEL 486-4 Fly Fishing Rod

$289-$595; www.sageflyfish.com

The website Gear Institute recently convened a panel of fly-fishing gurus to determine the year’s best rod. The winner was this offering from Sage, which lead tester Dan Nelson said “offered me a smooth, progressive action that was able to push a lot of line a good distance, but with great tip flex suitable for long mends and delicate presentations.”

“8 Reasons Why Canada Should Be Your Next International Vacation”

www.smartertravel.com

1. The exchange rate

2. The scenery (37 national parks)

3. Safety (“The Global Peace Index ranks Canada the seventh most peaceful country in the world”)

4. The food (poutine, anyone?)

5. Experience a foreign language

6. The variety (offers both “urban metropolis and a vast, empty countryside”)

7. No visa or vaccinations required (you do need a passport)

8. Events (examples: Montreal International Jazz Festival, the Calgary Stampede)

Compiled by Sam McManis