We got to test a lot of new gear throughout the year. Between myself and Utah Outside contributor, Ryan Malavolta, we have dozens and dozens of stuff that arrives at our doorsteps that we take up into the mountains and deserts and abuse the hell out of them. The result? The cream rises to the top, and we tell you about it. So as we near the end of 2012, we’re taking a look back at the equipment that really caught our attention. Whether it’s because the gear is innovative, comfortable, or just flat-out works beyond expectations, the bets of the best is honored here. So below is our top 10 outdoor gear of 2012.
Salomon Guardian 16 Backcountry Binding
The Salomon Guardian 16 (along with the Atomic Tracker 16 bindings) are a game changer in the backcountry. The alpine look and feel, with a ski/tour switch that is by far the most efficient on the market, equals a do-everything binding from back and side country tours and in-bounds ripping. While the weight and style of this binding won’t appeal to the light-and-fast touring crowd, anyone who is looking for a one-binding quiver will find it in the Salomon Guardian 16.
Platypus Gravityworks Water System
The Platypus Gravityworks Water System weighs just 12.7 ounces (right on par with many pump-action filters) so it’s not a burden to carry, the reservoirs are labeled “dirty” and “clean” so there will be no chance of tainting the system with impurities, and the first time Ryan Malavolta used this filter with his fellow backpacker, they were simply stunned at how efficient it was. If you want to filter as much water as possible with as little effort as possible, then the Platypus Gravityworks Water System is for you. Your fellow hikers will be stoked when you tell them to leave their filters at home, and it will be hard for anyone not to be impressed with the ingenuity behind this gizmo.
Suunto Ambit
The Suunto Ambit is the be-all, end-all GPS watch on the market today. It’s a game changer. And (trust me) it’s not a want, but a need. With tons of features, intuitive menus, good battery life, on-target GPS tracking, and software that can be updated for free from Suunto’s Movescount.com website, the Suunto Ambit is the only watch you’ll ever need for outdoor adventure. This baby is by far at the top of the list for gear-of-the-year in 2012.
Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite Mattress
The NeoAir XLite sleeping pad is light, warm and comfortable. This pad is minimalist to the core, but is tough and comfortable enough to earn a place in your pack. At 12oz it passes the weight test with flying colors, and is constructed with 30d High Tenacity Nylon on the top and bottom with a core made of nylon. If you’re looking to cut weight without sacrificing a good night’s sleep, this could be the mattress for you.
Icebreaker Apex Zip
Long have I worshiped at the altar of polyester base layers, they of the plasticy stink-after-a-few-hours-of-activity long underwear. But Icebreaker has opened my eyes to a new world of moisture wicking, insulating base layers with their merino wool offerings, like the Icebreaker Apex Zip. After skiing in it every ski day in 2012, I can honestly say that this is one base layer that you will use for years, and once you experience the bliss of a merino wool base layer, you’ll never go back to “ploy pew.”
Sierra Designs Rohn 15 Backpack
After using the Sierra Designs Rohn 15 backpack for several months, we can confidently give it a thumbs up. It’s the perfect bag for day trips, bike rides or days in the city. It’s also an ideal small capacity backpack with loads of attachment points and pocket space combined with great comfort that make this bag a winner. Ideal for bike commuters, trail riders and even lightweight peak-bagging, the Rohn 15 delivers a lot of performance in a small package.
Keen Incline Mid Boots
I have fallen in love with the Keen Incline Mid boots. They are simple, comfortable, warm and versatile. They were great trudging through the snow in the Salt Lake Valley while shoveling the sidewalks, and at the trailhead they excelled in below-freezing temperatures in deep snow until I could get my ski boots on. Plus, after a day on the planks, the Incline Mid were toasty and comfy for my tired dogs. Due to the comfort, toasty insulation, good looks, and excellent traction, we think you’ll love them.
Helly Hansen Odin Lifa Knit Sweater
The Helly Hansen Odin Lifa Knit is comfortable, well designed, field proven and has a cool chunky knit- pretty much everything Ryan Malavolta looks for in a mid layer sweater. This piece will keep you warm and dry and do it in style with its 60% merino wool and 40% polypropylene (a plastic polymer used in everything from rope to stereo speakers), a combo that Helly Hansen has dubbed “Climayarn.” Sure, it might be an “outdoor” garment, but it’s still stylish enough to wear at work or your favorite watering hole.
Osprey Escapist 30 Hydration Pack
We’d say the Osprey Escapist 30 can be your go-to pack for just about anything. Although its features make it look like a bike-specific pack, with ad-ons like the rain cover, ventilated back panel, and myriad pockets on both the shoulder and waist straps make this gear hauler efficient for anything the outdoors call you to partake in. So is the Escapist 30 a one pack quiver? If you need a pack for long bike trips and hiking, we’d say most definitely.
MSR Surelock UL-2 Trekking Poles
Light and sturdy, the MSR Surelock UL-2 Trekking Poles made our list because they are bomber. The Surelock system is simple for expanding or collapsing the poles, and the grips and wrist straps are soft and cushioned against the skin. During several treks we found these poles to be tough enough for the mountains, light enough for the desert and all-around solid trekking poles with good design.
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