Here at UtahOutside.com, we test a lot of outdoor gear. From skis to jackets, shoes and more, the whole gamut is covered summer through winter. While some of the gear we test is pretty run-of-the-mill, a select few is so good, so innovative, and so high-quality, it becomes stuff we fell like we couldn’t live without. 2016 saw a lot of new gear, so here it is, the cream of the crop, our 2016 Gear of the Year.
Mountain Hardwear Dragon Hooded Jacket
While I have not posted a review yet (check back in the coming days) I did test the Mountain Hardwear Hooded Jacket over December and have fallen in love with it. This “AirShield” softshell is literally soft, but also flexible, weather resistant, breathable, and very comfortable. I’ve used it backcountry skiing on cold/clear days, and resort skiing on sunny, warmer days and it has never failed to impress. From booting up Mount Baldy at Alta to skinning in the Big Cottonwood Canyon Backcountry, the Mountain Hardwear Dragon Hooded Jacket has proven itself to be a standout piece of winter gear.
I’m too broke to spend nearly $450 on ski pants, but I thought about doing just that when I tried these bibs on. Everything is top-notch from the materials used, to the construction of the zippers, buttons, suspenders, scuff guards – these bibs seem to be built to last for years of abuse. It is obvious why the Environ is Stio’s flagship line. On the mountain, the Environ Bib pretty much made me hate the ski pants I currently own. There is a freedom of movement with these pants that almost makes me forget I am wearing them. From skiing through bumps, to sitting on the chair lift, not once did I experience any tightness or lack of comfort.
There is a lot to like about the Klymit Luxe Pillow. First of all, it is still the biggest camping pillow I’ve ever seen. The Luxe also comes with a plush, soft, quilted cover that totally takes away any rubber feeling against the face. Second, this pillow inflates pretty thick, with a combination of air, and polyester fill on the inside that gives it added loft and insulation. Third, welded seams create an X pattern on the pillow, like channels. The effect is that the pillow cradles the head for awesome stabilization. Fourth, the Luxe Pillow has an easy to use valve, so I can add or release air to raise or lower the pillow height and adjust the firmness to my liking. Show me another pillow that can do that! Also, the pillow packs down really small for something so plush, so it’s still appropriate for backpacking trips.
Atomic Hawx Ultra 130 Ski Boots
In a nutshell, the Hawx Ultra are 25% lighter, have a 98mm last, and features Memory Fit on all three boot parts: shell, cuff and liner. This Frankenstein of a boot combines all the power and precision of a 130-flex Atomic racing boot, with the feather weight and comfort of an alpine touring boot. All I can say is that the Hawx Ultra turn me into a better skier. Hell, they even make bad ski conditions a lot of fun. They are not only the best new ski boot of 2016, they may be the best ski boots ever made!
The JBL Clip+ is a very cool portable speaker. Considering its small size, the sounds quality is impressive, you can hang it from just about anything for on-the-go soundtracks, and it’s super packable. I’d say this is a solid choice for anyone needing some tunes on backpacking trips, yurt trips, or just rolling around town.
Basin and Range Guardsman Jacket
The Basin and Range Guardsman Full-Zip Jacket is pretty much the ultimate layer for the Wasatch Mountains for spring, summer and fall. Wear it in the skin track. Wear it around the camp fire. Wear it at the brewery. Wear it to bed! I can’t think of a single situation where I wouldn’t want to have my Guardsman on hand.
Diamondback Mason 27.5+ Mountain Bike
From easy cruising on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, to steep climbing on the WOW Trail, and epic loops off the Wasatch Crest, I discovered that the Diamondback Mason 27.5+ can handle everything put in front of it. The reason lies in both the frame geometry and the plus wheels. The frame is slack and low, with a 67-degree head tube angle. The bike isn’t the most efficient climber as a result, but the hardtail means it’s still far faster than a full suspension. Pedaling hard over punchy climbs is much easier as the rear end takes off like a rocket.
Another piece of gear IO am currently testing but have not yet reviewed is the Salomon QST 106 skis. I’ve only had them for two weeks, but in that time I have been blown away by how awesome these ski. Cruising groomers, floating on powder, and bashing moguls, these sticks are damp, stable, lively, floaty, and fun. For skis that are so light weight, they are remarkably capable. With the QST 106, Salomon has discovered the witches brew to make a perfect one-ski-quiver.
Mountain Hardwear StretchDown Jacket
The Mountain Hardwear StretchDown Jacket is truly innovative. The welded baffles, coupled with stretchy materials, creates a coat unlike anything else on the market today. I’ve been wearing it all of last spring and this winter and I think welded baffles are the future of down coats.
The Strider Rocking Base is a cool solution to getting even the youngest toddlers excited about riding a bike someday. This nifty invention basically gives your kiddo a rocking bike instead of a traditional rocking horse. You simply take the Strider 12 bike for ages 18 months-5 years, and install it onto the Rocking Base. It’s very easy to put the bike on the base using the included hardware and tools. Once on, the Strider bike is super stable on the rocking platform so the child can get used to sitting and playing on their bike before they are even old enough to ride it.