Every year, outdoor companies release new gear for the salivating masses looking to update their recreation equipment stockpiles. Thanks to UtahOutside.com, I’ve been very lucky to have companies send out the latest stuff for testing and review. Some gear turns out better than others, and a few pieces totally blow me away. It’s this act of discovery that makes testing gear so fun, especially if it’s a “eureka moment.” Below is a list of the Top 10 Outdoor Gear of the Year for 2010.
The gear list that follows isn’t in any particular order. Each review represents gear that not only is innovative and kicks ass, but has also become equipment that I ended up using (and loving) over and over again.
Camelbak Octane LR Hydration Pack
The Camelbak Octane LR hydration pack is a huge improvement on an already successful line of reservoirs. The Octane LR is a light weight pack that was designed around the new lumbar Antidote reservoir. Essentially, water is placed on the bottom of the pack (instead of the back) to center the weight where it is more stabilized on the hips and waist. It’s a new standard on the term, “wearable hydration” that worked well for mountain biking and trail running pursuits. Read the full review here.
###
Fleece is back! At least that’s an exclamation you might say as soon as you slip on the soft and warm R3 Hi-Loft Jacket from Patagonia. It’s a surprisingly toasty mid-layer fleece that is very light weight and minimalist. Made from hi-loft Polartec® Thermal Pro® polyester yarn, this jacket is an improved, modern version of the classic fleece. For more, read the full review.
###
Outdoor Research Helium Jacket
It doesn’t rain much in Utah. In fact, we live in one of the driest states in the country. But when the drops do come down hard and without warning, it’s best to have a lightweight rain jacket handy. The Outdoor Research Helium Jacket is ultra-packable, very light, and is made from 2.5-layer 20D Pertex® Shield DS ripstop fabric with fully taped seams. In short, water can’t get through no matter how hard it tries. Read the full review here.
###
Tecnica Viper Low Cross-Training Shoes
The Tecnica Viper Low shoes are unique runners with a rockered sole known as the TRS (Tecnica Rolling System.) The sole rolls with each step, powering the runner or hiker forward. The Viper Low shoes are also comfortable and breathable, making them a great all-around training shoe both on the trail and street. Find out more and read the full review.
###
Mountain Hardware Jalapeño Gloves
What makes the Mountain Hardware Jalapeño Gloves special isn’t the rugged leather construction, or the Thermic Micro™ insulation. No, it’s the OutDry membrane that gives these gloves a permanent place in my backcountry ski pack. OutDry is a waterproof, windproof, and breathable membrane on the inside of the outer most layer of the glove… and it works. Plus the gloves look cool too. Read the full review here.
###
Here’s a cool little number. The CGear Multimat is a great invention from Australia that keeps dust and dirt out of your campsite. A special weave allows sand and dust to fall through to the ground, but not come back up. We found it especially useful in the desert of southern Utah where sand is everywhere. From uses like sitting on the ground, to a floor mat for the tent door, the CGear Multimat found a spot in the back of the truck for every camping adventure. Get the whole review here.
###
Icebreaker Realfleece Aspiring Zip Sweater
Merino wool is expensive compared to polyester, which has always been a deterrent when shopping at gear stores. Ignorance is bliss I guess, because after testing out the Icebreaker Aspiring Real Fleece sweater, I don’t know if I can ever go back to oil-based garments. This Icebreaker fleece isn’t just warm – it’s a temperature regulator, like a thermostat for your body so you’re never too hot, never too cold. To find out more, read the entire review.
###
Waterbox Eastman Tritan Water Bottle
Water bottles are pretty standard fare, so it takes a damn cool bottle to make the Gear of the Year list. The Waterbox Eastman Tritan rises above the pack for its square shape (which makes it easier to hold and prevents it from rolling away,) and the strange-shaped lid for unparalleled grip and opening awesomeness. Plus they’re a local company based in Park City… extra bonus. Read the entire review here.
###
The GoPro Helmet HERO has been around for a long time, but the HD version came out in late 2009/early 2010. Overall, the HD version is way better than its predecessor thanks to many different resolution options, an improved microphone and waterproof case. No other helmet cam in the market compares to the durability, versatility, and video quality of the GoPro HD Helmet HERO. For a video demo and full review, click here.
###
Good photos of outdoor adventures requires a good camera. Digital SLRs have come down in price over the years, giving both amateurs and seasoned shuterbugs incentive to shlep heavy cameras into the woods. But a larger camera requires more packing space. Enter Click Elite and the SLR Chest Pack. Not only does it carry your camera, but it creates easy access so you can whip out the camera when that picturesque opportunity arises. For more info, check out the review in its entirety.
###
Backcountry skiing has exploded in popularity, causing alpine ski companies to branch out and grab a piece of the out-of-bounds pie. 2010 was a big year for new AT ski boots and the Salomon Quest 12quickly rose to the top. Despite a recall of the sold-seperately tech soles, the Quest 12 proved itself as the king of both resort and backcountry. Think a stiff alpine boot with the walkability of typical AT boots. The Salomon Quest 12 does it all. Read the full, detailed review here.
1 thought on “Outdoor Gear of the Year 2010”