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We’ve tested thousands of outdoor products over the years. Here is the gear we recommend across 80 categories.
Nature is worth preserving. But we’re not ones to get sentimental about our kits. Innovations in tents, jackets, boots and backpacks make outdoor recreation safer, more comfortable and, importantly, easier on the planet.
Over the years, our team has tested thousands of products from just as many brands. We’ve trekked through rain-soaked valleys, scaled rocky ridges, skied backcountry couloirs and spent countless nights under the stars, all to distinguish between the good and great when it comes to outdoor equipment and accessories.
For the 2025 Gear Patrol Outdoor Awards, we’ve collected our top recommendations across 80 categories, prioritizing durability, value, sustainability and performance.
So whether you’re a seasoned explorer or brand-new to camping, here is the gear to elevate your next adventure, no matter how near or far you’re headed.
Why You Should Trust Us: Covering products is our core mission, not a side hustle. And we use real-world testing to inform our recommendations. Learn more about our methodology.
Bags & Storage
Best Travel Pack
Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC Backpack 22
The perfect travel backpack: tons of functional features, tiny footprint. Designed specifically to meet more stringent carry-on standards but rugged enough for a backcountry day hike.
Best Adventure Duffel
Filson Scout All-Weather 50L Duffle Bag
Filson’s take on a rugged adventure duffel is more stylish than a Black Hole but just as functional and versatile. Yet, it still boasts a comparable price.
Best Backpacking Bag
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest
This popular lightweight backpacking pack is more durable (thanks to a new Dyneema fabric) while maintaining all the same versatility, adaptability and capability.
Best Crossbody Bag
Peak Design Outdoor Sling
A minimalist, hands-free sling with a weatherproof coating built for just the essentials. Available in three sizes.
Best Daypack
ULA Equipment Ultra 30L Dragonfly
Crafted from fabrics 15 times stronger than steel by weight, twice as abrasion-resistant as same-weight nylons and waterproof to 200 psi, this daypack is literally ready for anything.
Best Gear Hauler
Yeti Camino
An ultra-tough, all-purpose bag built to handle every adventure’s dirty work. Far more versatile and organization-friendly than typical totes … if you can find it in stock. The bag’s popularity has made it a hot-ticket item.
Best Packing Cube
Peak Design Ultralight Packing Cube
Doubles as a crossbody bag after you arrive at your destination. Packs down incredibly small when empty.
Best Touring Pack
Ortovox Switchback 32
Meet the unrelenting demands of the alpine with this technical, lightweight ski touring pack, which includes quick access features, ergonomic design and a separate safety compartment.
Best Dopp Kit
The North Face Base Camp Travel Canister
A durable, 3.5-liter take on the traditional dopp kit, modeled after TNF’s iconic Base Camp Duffel.
Best Running Vest
Salomon ADV Skin 12
Salomon’s cult classic hydration vest is better than ever, thanks to revamped adjustability, more pockets, better access to redesigned soft flasks and enhanced freedom of movement.
Camp Accessories
Best Camp Chair
Helinox Chair One High-Back (re)
Helinox’s iconic camp chair now features new weight distribution tech, dispersing weight around the frame for increased comfort and support.
Best Camp Coffee
No Normal
Attention ounce counters and coffee aficionados: one tube of this dark roast coffee paste contains 20 cups of coffee. So go ahead and leave the French press at home.
Best Hard Cooler
Dometic Recon Hardside
Stackable, ergonomic and packed with functional features, including a lid that can open from both sides (or come off entirely), this thrives cooler thrives packed in your rig.
Best Outdoor Oven
Gozney Tread
The propane-powered Tread might bill itself as the “world’s most portable pizza oven” but that’s selling it short, as it functionally works as an all-around cooking solution for camping, overlanding and any other type of adventure in-between. It features a lateral gas burner that helps the oven reach 950 degrees in 15 minutes, while a tripod stand (sold separately) means it can work in a variety different locations, regardless of whether or not the ground is even.
Best Outdoor Stove
Camp Chef Kodiak
More power than the average home stove, packed into a compact, 11-pound package.
Best Portable Shower
Nemo Helio Portable Pressure Shower
Anyone who has ever camped knows what a godsend 5-7 minutes of continuous, steady spraying power is. Shower in luxury anywhere you roam.
Best Sleeping Bag
Rumpl Wrap Sack 20° Sleeping Bag
Wrappable and adaptable, Rumpl’s multi-layered sleep system flips the script on campsite slumber.
Best Backpacking Tent
Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 XL
Proprietary HyperBead fabric makes this award-winning tent lighter, stronger and more waterproof than ever before.
Best Family Tent
Zempire Aerospeed Air Tent
The worst part about camping? The setup. Zempire’s Aerospeed inflates in minutes via airframe, not poles, creating a sleek shelter with standing height, tunnel-like flow and room for the whole crew.
Best Camp Game
Helinox YutNori
Helinox reimagines a 1,000-year-old Korean board game with ultralight, campfire-ready flair. It’s packable, playful and proof that gear doesn’t always have to be about going far but having fun.
Best Portable Firepit
Ignik FireCan Deluxe
The FireCan Deluxe brings clean, controlled propane flames to your tailgate, overland rig or beach hang.
Best Portable Toilet
Joolca GottaGo Toilet
It might seem excessive bringing a toilet to the campground. Until you wake up in the middle of the night. This one seperates solids from liquids, keeping smells at bay, and it’s easier to empty than a standard toilet cassette.
Apparel
Best All-Around Mountain Jacket
Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket (Revised)
This classic maintains its workhorse mentality and streamlined aesthetic while upping its sustainability and durability.
Best Base Layer
Patagonia Capilene Thermal Weight Crewneck
This breathable baselayer with built-in odor control is proof basics don’t have to be boring.
Best Beanie
Ciele VLVBeanie
Over-engineered? Maybe. The most insanely functional and capable beanie ever? Absolutely.
Best Winter Parka
Paka Apu Parka
Innovative Pakafill insulation that’s not just warm but thermoregulates, even when wet. Very sustainable and all-around great value.
Best Hiking Socks
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks
More-than-average amounts of wool in these mid-cushioned outdoor socks means above-average comfort, mositure wicking and temperature regulation.
Best Glove Liners
Icebreaker Unisex 260 Tech Glove Liners
Never miss a text with these touchscreen compatible, merino wool glove liners.
Best Neck Gaiter
Smartwool Active Fleece Neck Gaiter
Merino and polyester play well together in this cozy, protective and breathable neck gaiter.
Best Lightweight Insulated Jacket
Patagonia Nano-Air Ultralight Full-Zip Hoody
Perfect for days that call for a heap of breathability and a touch of coziness.
Best Trekking Pants
Sitka Traverse Pant
Need pants that are breathable, durable, quiet, stretchy and protective against wind and water? Grab these.
Best Board Shorts
Wellen Sevens Sport Short
Wellen packed this short with carefully considered details, like a thick secure waistband, an in-pocket phone pouch, zipper plackets and rubber-tipped drawstrings and zipper tabs. That doesn’t even cover the flyweight ripstop fabric or optional compression lining. Available in two inseam lengths and four colors, this is the ultimate does-it-all short for hot-tub season.
Footwear
Best Approach Shoe
The North Face Clyffe Shoes
A durable, comfortable sneaker you can rock on easy approaches or city streets.
Best Walking Shoes
Hoka Transport
A high-traction Vibram outsole, an abrasion-resistant Cordura upper and stability, security and comfort right where you need them: the Transport has it all, and then some.
Best Hiking Boot
The North Face Offtrail Hike LT Mid
Maintain stability and style in unpredictable terrain with these rugged, waterproof hiking boots.
Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes
Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX
A bulletproof new Matryx upper, deeper lugs on the Contagrip outsole and upgraded construction amplify this beloved hiking shoe.
Best Trail Runner
Norda 005
Norda’s latest trail shoe combines all of the brand’s learnings with modern materials, resulting in a featherlight, incomparably grippy, hell of a good time.
Best Travel Shoe
Arc’teryx Kragg
Technically these are approach shoes, but the single layer upper made of breathable, stretchy Spacermesh and collapsible heel scream “comfort on the road”.
Best Camp Clogs
Crocs Echo RO
A new rubber outsole brings capable traction to these comfy clogs.
Cycling
Best Value Mountain Bike
Specialized Epic 8 EVO Comp
Light, capable and affordable, this downcountry beast boasts a wide-ranging 1×12 drivetrain, 120mm of suspension travel and updated kinematics that boost bump absorption, reduce pedal bob and help you keep ripping no matter how gnarly the single track gets.
Best Budget E-Bike
Priority Glide E-Bike
Built for simplicity and silence, the Glide ditches chains for a belt, pairs it with a smooth 350W hub motor and delivers pedal-assist bliss with minimal upkeep. It also has up to 60 miles of range, making it ideal for long rides and urban chores, alike.
Best Gravel Bike
ENVE MOG
The Mother of Gravel’s light weight, bomber tire clearance, generous downtube storage and numerous mounting points make for a fast, fun ride that can tackle technical terrain and load up for a bikepacking adventure with equal aplomb.
Best Bike Helmet
POC Cytal
The Cytal blends aerospace-inspired design with big ventilation and one of the most dialed fit systems on the market. It’s also the safest road helmet in the world, according to Virginia Tech’s world-recognized Helmet Lab.
Best Bike Rack
Thule Verse
This burly rack can haul two bikes or e-bikes weighing up to 60 pounds (each), with wheelbases up to 53 inches and tire sizes up to 5 inches. The patented outboard release handle lets you access rear cargo without removing them, too.
Best Bike Tool
Wolf Tooth 6-Bit Hex Wrench Multi-Tool
More than just a multi-tool, this clever design nests six essential bits inside an anodized aluminum handle that doubles as a lever.
Best Mountain Bike Shoes
Ride Concepts Tallac
These flat pedal shoes blend enduro-ready toughness with all-day hikeability. A grippy outsole and breathable upper make them ideal for riders who earn their descents … or don’t mind a push now and then.
Best Saddle
Selle Italia SLR 3D Carbon
A futuristic take on a classic silhouette, the SLR 3D combines printed lattice cushioning with a full carbon base. It’s ultralight, breathable and firm in all the right places.
Best Clipless Pedals
Shimano PD-M520
Unfussy and bulletproof, these SPD pedals are the quiet workhorses of trail, gravel and commuter bikes. They’re also affordable, offering zero-nonsense performance at a zero-nonsense price.
Snow Sports
Best Ski Bib
686 Gore-Tex Dispatch Shell Bib
One of the few bibs that feels so well-designed and comfortable, you’ll almost forget you’re wearing it. It just so happens to be perfectly pocketed and pretty much bombproof too.
Best Ski Boots
Tecnica Mach1 MV 120
One of the best-selling expert-level ski boots of all time now features a snappy T-Drive rear spine and new, anatomically-shaped performance liner.
Best Ski Socks
Smartwool Ski Over The Calf Socks
“Dang, these feel really good” is what you will be thinking after pulling on these max cushioned, breathable, body-mapped merino wool ski socks.
Best Skis
Nordica Enforcer 99
The Enforcer’s 2025 design update injects playfulness into this stable ski. Increased tail rocker and a livelier character result in a more responsive ride.
Best Snow Mitts
Oyuki EZO GTX Mitt
Like little down jackets for your hands, these well-made mitts include 750-fill recycled goose down, PrimaLoft insulation and a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane. Plus, they look nice.
Best Snow Goggles
Smith 4D Mag
Smith’s largest field of view (25-percent more than other lenses) ChromaPop lens and crystal-clear optics come together in one comfy package.
Best Snow Helmet
Salomon Husk Pro MIPS
Minimalist design, say hello to meet top-notch safety, ventilation and comfort. The adjustable fit offers instant comfort and better hearing.
Best Snowboard
Jones Mountain Twin
This quiver-killer features a surfy design that will have you bringing high vibes to every turn. Camber in between the bindings and rocker in the tip and tail combine power and playfulness.
Best Snowboard Boots
Vans Hi-Country
Ride all day and still stay comfortable with this classic boot, redesigned with a superior moisture-wicking liner, supportive PowerCuff strap and an improved thermal retention layer.
Gadgets
Best Camp Lighting
Devos Lightranger 2000
Forget those fussy string lights. This telescoping lantern is quick to set up, easy to move around and packs down in seconds. It boasts 2,000 lumens (enough for 80 feet of illumination) and four hours of runtime.
Best Bike Computer
Wahoo Elemnt Bolt 3
Now with dual-band GPS, a sharper color screen and expanded memory, the updated Bolt remains a top-tier bike computer for data-hungry cyclists. It’s aero, intuitive and syncs seamlessly.
Best Bluetooth Tracker
Apple AirTag
Who brings an AirTag into the woods? Smart, savvy campers, that’s who. Keep track of valuables like coolers, bikes and other expensive gear by attaching one of these trackers with a compatible mount.
Best Headlamp
BioLite Range 400
BioLite’s updated headlamp offers 400 lumens of brightness, USB-C fast charging and a comfortable, moisture-wicking band. Its IP67 waterproof rating and one-handed tilt make it a versatile choice for a variety of settings.
Best Power Bank
NestOut Power Bank
Small but tough, this 5,000mAh charger is the pocket-sized lifeline for your devices. It’s rugged, splashproof and compatible with a range of add-on accessories, such as lanterns and fans.
Best Power Station
Anker Solix F3000
This powerstation might look beefy but it’s a silent, suprisingly mobile off-grid solution or at-home fallback. It’s also Anker’s first portable powerstation with an Anderson port for RV use.
Best Bluetooth Speaker
Ultimate Ears Everboom
The IP67-rated UE Everboom isn’t just waterproof. It floats. The Bluetooth speaker also comes with a carabiner to attach to a daypack, making it one of the best choices for outdoor tunes.
Best Satellite Messenger
Garmin InReach Messenger Plus
The InReach Messenger was already backcountry survival staple, giving users the ability to send short texts without wi-fi or cell service. But addition of photos and voice messages makes the Plus version a true backcountry communication tool.
Best Portable Projector
Nebula Mars 3 Air
Tiny, mighty and truly portable, the Nebula Mars 3 Air is a bright, battery-powered projector with 1080p HDR and built-in Netflix. Campground movie nights never looked so good.
Best Portable AC Unit
EcoFlow Wave 3 Portable Air Conditioner
Camping with dogs or little ones? Keep them cool and comfortable with this portable AC unit that’s easy to set up and a breeze to control, thanks to an intuitive mobile app.
Best Walkie Talkie
Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio
Designed with climbers and skiers in mind, this rugged radio has a range of up to 35 miles and a four-day battery that’s cold-rated for -20 degrees Fahrenheit. It also comes with a built-in carabiner and is ready to use right out of the box.
Best GPS Watch
Garmin Fenix 8 Pro
The Fenix 8 Pro might be the most capable smartwatch across Garmin’s entire roster, now with satellite connectivity to compete with the likes of the Apple Watch Ultra 3. While its AMOLED display already leads the indsutry in trerms of brightness and visibiliy, the Fenix 8 Pro also comes with a MicroLED option for unparralled legibility — even on the brightest days.
Tools
Best Backcountry Shovel
SOG Entrenching Tool
Stay prepared for anything with SOG’s folding shovel, designed with a tempered steel blade with teeth cut in for cutting and slashing. Folded up, you’ll barely notice it.
Best Hatchet
Gerber Bushcraft Hatchet
This ergonomic hatchet’s genius isn’t in its blade; it’s in the hidden, water-resistant storage compartment built to house fire-starting material.
Best Carabiner
Matador BetaLock
This nifty, aircraft-grade aluminum carabiner can be locked to deter theft. Just don’t lose the keys.
Best Fire Starter
UST BlastMatch
Start fires with one hand (if necessary) thanks to this unique, flint-based fire starter. Lasts up to 4,000 strikes, and works while wet.
Best Muilti-Tool
Leatherman Signal
Nearly two-dozen functional tools, including the first built-in ferro rod, hammer and emergency whistle in a compact multi-tool. In other words: 4.5 inches of pure utility.
Best Pocket Knife
Benchmade 710
The new 710-25 SEVEN | TEN combines the 710’s classic recurved blade profile with new details, including black 6061-T6 aluminum handle scales and a satin-finished M390 steel blade.
Best Survival Knife
SOG Hidaka FX 3V
As elegant as it is effective, this survival knife is styled by Kiku Matsuda with a Japanese design influence, featuring a hybrid drop point and tanto blade shape.
Best Water Bottle
RTIC Outback Bottle
The ceramic lining on this leak-proof insulated water bottle maintains fresh taste and smell, so every sip goes down easy.
Best Water Filter
HydraPak Seeker+ 3L
This almost-weightless backcountry water storage can now be used as a go-to water filtration solution. Collect water, then roll and squeeze to filter. Pack it down to pocket size when your thirst is quenched.
Uncharted Supply Co. Triage Kit
Designed with expert input, this collection of first aid essentials packs into a water-resistant, pocket-sized pouch.
