It’s that time again, where we look back at the best gear that we tested and reviewed for 2014. From sleeping bags to boots, skis and jackets, we put new gear through the wringer in Utah’s mountains and deserts. After testing, some gear collected dust on the shelf, while other became our go-to, use everyday, favorites of our favorites. So here it is, our top gear choices of 2014:
Solomon has thrown down the gauntlet with these stiff, all-mountain skis. They shred in the groomers and absolutely kill it in the chop. The Salomon Q-LAB are confidence inspiring and actually turned me into a better skier. They are almost dangerous in that regard. I would trade any of my current skis for a pair of Salomon Q-LAB sticks. Read the full review.
Atomic Cliffline Stormfold Jacket and 3L Pants
Atomic’s upper shelf Cliffline Stormfold Jacket system is impressively built, and is all you’ll ever need to wear when skiing in bounds. The 3L pants, however, are useful for just about any winter activity and are the best performing, comfortable and good-looking technical ski pants that have ever graced my chicken legs. Atomic’s first foray into apparel is impressive. Read the full review.
Sierra Designs Backcountry Bed
Maybe the most comfortable bag we have ever used. The Backcounty Bed is ideal for the packer that seeks one bag for a wide array of adventures. The innovative design actually works in the backcountry, and it’s reasonably priced at $249. Read the full review.
Mountain Khakis Camber 105 Pants
Uber-comfortable, excellent range-of-motion, durable stitching, stretchy, fits true-to-size, comes with bottle opener. The Mountain Khakis Camber 105 are the ultimate climbing, hiking, backpacking, bar hopping, couch lounging pants money can buy. Read the full review.
Mountain Hardwear Compulsion OutDry Glove
The Mountain Hardwear Compulsion OutDry Gloves are pretty damn awesome ski gloves, especially if you have chronic cold fingers and like wearing leather while throwing yourself at the mountains. Overall, these are my favorite new gloves and will totally replace the old Kincos for sure. Read the full review.
Lighweight yet bomber backpacking boots that rip through mud and water without fail. The St. Elias GTX can take a ton of abuse without breaking down. If you need backpacking boots without all the bulk, give these a serious look. Read the full review.
KOA collars from Dublin Dog are the burliest, highest quality collars our dogs have ever worn. In the past, we’ve had to throw out collars every few months depending on the level of disgusting-ness. But I think these Dublin Dog collars may actually outlast the dogs. Read the full review.