As we wind down the year and prepare for the upcoming shopping season, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the outdoor gear that hit the markets this year. The landscape of outdoor equipment has seen a flurry of innovation, with some items excelling in practicality and design, while others fall short.
One of the top-rated items this year is the Zimbivi double bed, a part of the Zimbivi sleep system. This item caters to couples, providing exceptional comfort for shared outdoor adventures. Its high-quality quilt and double bed design make it an excellent choice for those who occasionally camp with a partner. However, its specialized nature has kept it from ranking higher on our list.
Contrastingly, the Big Agnes Copper Spur has been a disappointment. Its 2022 update brought a 43-inch wide floor that, unfortunately, fails to accommodate two wide pads. Essentially, it’s a one-person tent that could have comfortably housed two with a few more inches.
On a surprising note, the Outdoor Vitals Ventus Jacket gained favor over time. Initially, its design didn’t impress, but its super light, warm, and comfortable nature, along with the convenience of a full zip, has won over many outdoor enthusiasts, earning it a fourth place on the best gear list.
The Big Agnes Lost Ranger Ultralight Sleep System, however, with its hefty price tag of $650, failed to impress. Its three-in-one bag with layering for different temperature ratings only has one ISO-certified configuration, making it the fourth worst gear item of the year.
An often overlooked but crucial component of outdoor gear, synthetic socks, and underwear also made the list. Brands like Bombas offer these essentials, providing moisture-wicking and chafe-preventing capabilities. Their commitment to social causes, such as donating a pair for each pair bought, adds value to their products.
The third worst gear, however, was the LifeStraw Peak series filter. It appeared to be an ill-conceived attempt to rival the Canada B3, with issues of cross-contamination and ineffective filtering design plaguing its usage.
The second-best gear item was the updated Nemo Insulated Tensor, boasting a 4.2 R value and metallic film technology for heat reflection. Its comfort, warmth, and low weight make it a favorite among users.
The MSR Freelite tent, despite its innovative diagonal zipper, disappointed users due to a design flaw that allows water to drip into the tent, making it the second-worst gear this year. The ZPacks Plex Solo, with its ultra-lightweight and ample space, took the title of the best gear for the year.
The Get Out Gear Trek Chair, despite its innovative concept of incorporating trekking poles into the chair frame, was deemed the worst gear of the year due to repeated failure of its front pole hub.
Two honorable mentions were the Durston X-Mid Pro 2 and Coqua 40, exceptional gear that unfortunately isn’t available due to high demand and supply chain issues.
This year has seen a mixed bag of outdoor gear, some enhancing our connection with the great outdoors, and others falling short of expectations. As we head into the shopping season, it’s important to make informed decisions, bearing in mind that the value of outdoor gear lies in its utility, comfort, and durability.