The holy grail for pack design? Perfectly balancing weight, comfort, and durability. The new nails that elusive sweet spot, thanks to cutting-edge materials and a redesigned suspension system. The 40+5 offers hikers outstanding carrying capacity and a cushy feel—all in a sleek, sub-three-pound package.

The Aircontact Ultra’s design story starts with an impeccable pedigree. In 2022, şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Magazine staff gave the 40+5’s predecessor—the Aircontact Ultra 50+5—an Editor’s Choice Award for its innovative lightweight design. Now, thanks to some major updates, the new 40+5 is even lighter and more breathable than its big sibling. The new model also boasts smart organizational features, an intuitive adjustment system, and durable, eco-friendly materials. Here’s how deuter did it.

Outstanding Comfort

The Aircontact Ultra 40+5 owes its impressive comfort-to-weight ratio to a clever suspension system. The back panel sports a spring-steel frame, which gets its strength not from beefy materials, but from its shape: the steel wire has a slight zigzag that creates stability in the vertical plane. In the horizontal plane, the wire is 3D-contoured to trace the curves of the spine, giving it just enough flex to move with the body without buckling under heavy loads. The system allows the Aircontact Ultra 40+5 to support up to 35 pounds of cargo without issue. Foam padding in the hipbelt wings and lumbar region help prevent hot spots, and channels in the back panel’s molded foam boost breathability.

Superior Adjustability

The pack also boasts an easy-to-use adjustment system. Two carabiners hook into a nylon webbing ladder in the back panel, making it easy to fine-tune fit on the fly. The range of adjustment is also impressive: the Aircontact Ultra 40+5 fits torso lengths from 13 inches to 22 inches, a significantly wider fit spectrum than most packs.

Thoughtful Organization

Unlike some other lightweight packs, the Aircontact Ultra doesn’t skimp on features. Dual hipbelt pockets, a roomy top lid, stretch-mesh side pockets, and a large external shove-it pocket make it easy to keep gear organized. The modular compression straps and top lid are also removable, letting weight-conscious hikers trim extra ounces for light-and-fast outings.

Durable, Lightweight Materials

The men’s Aircontact Ultra 40+5 clocks in at 2.7 pounds, and the women’s version, the Aircontact Ultra 35+5 SL, is even lighter at 2.5 pounds. To shave weight without sacrificing durability, deuter uses an array of cutting-edge materials. The main body of the pack is a light yet strong 150-denier polyamide. This fabric is reinforced with a ripstop grid made of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), a thread that’s stronger than steel by weight. Better yet: all these materials are Bluesign certified and free of toxic chemicals. The pack is also ClimatePartner and Green Button certified, which means it meets rigorous environmental standards.

Put it all together, and you have an elegant, durable pack that’s versatile enough for almost anything you’d care to throw at it—including thru-hikes, minimalist weekends, and gear-intensive day hikes alike.

For 125 years, has been making high-quality, reliable backpacks for year-round outdoor adventures. As a pioneering backpack innovator, deuter introduced the first mountaineering backpacks for women. The is the German brand’s commitment to sustainability and a responsible approach to people and planet throughout its entire production chain.

The post First Look: deuter Aircontact Ultra 40+5/35+5 SL appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

Holly Phillips grew up in Ona, West Virginia, exploring the outdoors on fishing trips with her dad. The two would set out on a Friday evening, camp near a river, and start casting the next morning. Their gear consisted of what they could afford at the local Kmart or Walmart. “I always got cold in cheap sleeping bags. And if it rained, the tent walls would soak through,” says Phillips. As a result, Phillips’s earliest outdoor experiences were a combination of joy, because she was outdoors, and sufferfests, because her gear was so low quality. “But even as I grew older, I didn’t know any better because people like me—low income and outside the normal demographic of backpackers, climbers, or even avid hikers—are left out of the outdoor conversation,” she says.

It wasn’t until she moved to Boulder, Colorado, in 2012 at age 29, that the single mom even heard of Patagonia or Black Diamond. One day, she ventured into one of the town’s premier outdoor stores, Neptune Mountaineering. “When I saw the price tags, I was so bummed,” says Phillips, who was making roughly $16 an hour at the time (which is more than five dollars above the national average minimum wage). “I knew I could never afford that stuff.”

She is not alone. Outdoor Foundation’s 2018 Outdoor Recreation Report shows the high cost of gear is the second most common deterrent for getting outside. (“Too busy” was number one and “Places for outdoor recreation cost too much” is number six.) For years, the outdoor industry has claimed it wants to be more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. If affordability is one of the biggest barriers to inclusion, are we really addressing it?

What Does Affordable Mean?

When Phillips struck out at Neptune, she headed to REI and was overwhelmed by the prices there, too. It’s a common problem says activist Cianna Walker-Flom, who has criticized the outdoor industry for being “intimidating and exclusionary for those who are underrepresented.” She believes a key way to welcome them in is for brands to partner with nonprofit organizations that serve underrepresented populations to offer them upcycled (or new) gear at greatly reduced prices for lending libraries.

The fact is, “affordable” is a relative term. But you could say several brands in the industry are already delivering. In the sleeping bag realm, for instance, Marmot, Kelty, The North Face, and Slumberjack have produced sub-$100 bags for years. But even a $79 bag would be pushing it for a minimum wage earner. [Patricia Cameron reported on this problem in our Winter 2020 issue: “It would take a minimum wage worker two full eight-hour days to afford new hiking shoes from most outdoor brands,” she wrote.] And there remains an undeniable performance gap between a $69 Kelty bag that works as a legitimate (albeit bulky) backcountry option and the $25-dollar Walmart variety that left Phillips cold.

Gear Everyone Can Afford

Brands have very different views on what’s possible when it comes to price versus performance. Durability, for example, is subjective (see p. 48), and Big Agnes founder Bill Gamber acknowledges that even his $200 “entry-level” tent is out of reach for many people like Phillips. But, he says, skimping is risky. “Check the dumpsters in Moab. They’re full of Costco and Walmart tents,” he says. “It’s just not possible to make a $100 tent that will last. At least I haven’t figured out how to do it.”

Kelty has almost cracked that nut—it offers several quality two-person tents that are just north of 100 bucks. Senior vice president and general manager Russ Rowell is content in that middle market and doesn’t intend to chase even lower prices. “Once a brand presents itself downstream, it’s very hard to go upstream,” he says. That creates a hole in the market which is precisely where two companies—Decathlon and Walmart—see opportunity.

In 2017, the 43-year-old French sporting goods giant Decathlon entered the U.S. market. The brand takes pride in providing quality gear at extremely low prices, and its one-year, 352 percent sales growth in the U.S. proves that people are hungry for decent gear at rock bottom prices. Consumers flock to the 47,000-square-foot Bay Area store for daypacks as low as $3.50 (not a typo) and tents that cost just $59. The company’s scale—it has 93,000 employees worldwide—allows it to build gear at prices so low it’s easy to doubt the quality, but review after review, from the likes of şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř, BACKPACKER, and Runner’s World, praise the brand’s performance-to-price ratio.

And hot on Decathlon’s heels is the icon of affordability in the U.S.: Walmart.

Walmart’s Bid for Backpackers

Eoin Comerford, CEO of Moosejaw, which is owned by Walmart, made a splash in 2018 with his efforts to bring premium brands and premium prices to Walmart customers by creating a “premium outdoor store” online. At the time, Comerford believed he was introducing high-end outdoor products to people who’d never been exposed to them. But the project failed after brands including Black Diamond, Deuter USA, Katadyn, Therm-a-Rest, and Leki pulled out, insinuating that by selling on Walmart.com, they’d take the special out of specialty brands.

Comerford learned from the failure. In April, he told The Voice, “We [moved] away from the Premium Outdoor Store because the whole idea of premium versus everyday brands ran counter to our goal of inclusivity.” Instead, he wanted to create an “everyday” brand that would offer “specialty-level performance and quality” to customers of Walmart and fill what he says is a huge gulf between mass market and specialty backpacking gear. “The most likely source of beginner backpackers are car campers who already enjoy life in a tent,” he says. “The most recent KOA North American Camping Report shows car camping is already becoming more diverse. Non-white active camper households increased from 12 percent in 2012 to 31 percent in 2018. Even more encouraging, people of color made up the majority—51 percent—of first-time campers in 2018.”

Comerford believes that price is standing in the way of more people becoming backpackers. So in May, he led the Walmart launch of two “mid-tier” brands that sell through both Walmart and Moosejaw channels and cost the same on each website. Lithic is a backpacking equipment brand that includes tents, bags, packs, stoves, and cookware (also sold in Walmart stores) for prices ranging from $25 to $148. Allforth (online only) offers men’s and women’s fair-weather (nothing waterproof or insulated) hiking apparel in regular and plus sizes with prices ranging from $13 to $40.

The products are made in China by factories with experience manufacturing enthusiast-grade outdoor equipment, says Comerford. R&D was a team effort between Moosejaw experts, Walmart development and sourcing teams, and these factory partners.

The least expensive Lithic sleeping bag is a 35-degree synthetic that weighs just under 4 pounds and costs $64, which is comparable to many price-point bags already offered by established outdoor brands. The thing is, Walmart shoppers may not be familiar with Kelty and The North Face. This effort is about bringing new and better-performing alternatives to Walmart’s huge audience—many of whom may be people who, as Phillips says, are left out of the outdoor conversation.

The new brands launched just a few weeks before press time. Reviews are still coming in, and some of them are not glowing (google it for yourself).

Performance aside, some skeptics, like Walker-Flom, see Walmart’s move as opportunistic, not altruistic. “This is an issue of stores realizing they’re missing out on a whole market segment of passionate campers with limited funds. It’s great to have access to more affordable gear, but when it’s lower quality, you’ll pay now and then pay again when it wears out or breaks.”

But Comerford remains adamant that Lithic and Allforth will break down barriers by leveraging Walmart’s massive, loyal customer base and introducing them to better quality gear. “With the current backdrop of Black Lives Matter, it’s never been more important to grow the outdoor pie by making participation more inclusive,” he says.

The post Trend Report, Part 3: Going Low to Grow appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

After all but losing spring 2020 to the pandemic, retailers and consumers alike are looking for gear to get excited about in 2021. So excited, in fact, that we decided to add their votes to our ranking of next season’s top products. Together, we’ve pored over, narrowed down, and rated this year’s submissions to bring you the 50 most coveted products, ranked.

With all the supply chain disruptions and bleak sales during the pandemic, many brands and retailers are focused on selling through what’s currently in stock. So we opened up our TV50 nominations to select in-line products as well. They are indicated below with the label “Available Now.”

Breaking Down the Votes

How did we come up with this list? We received 359 submissions from 159 brands. Prices ranged from $2 (for a packet of energy gel) to $4,799 (for a kayak). We culled the list to the most interesting 65 products, then put these finalists out for a vote among three different user groups: our internal editorial team, a panel of retail shop owners, and consumers drawn from a group of superfans of BACKPACKER, our sister publication. Everyone voted on each product, assigning a rating from one (not interested) to ten (very interested).

Here are the top picks of each voter group.

TOP PICKS FOR RETAILERS: Big Agnes TwisterCane Pad; Nemo Roamer Double Sleeping Pad

TOP PICKS FOR CONSUMERS: PrimaLoft Gold with P.U.R.E. tech; Big Agnes TwisterCane Pad and Leatherman Free T4 (tie)

TOP PICKS FOR OUR EDITORIAL TEAM: PrimaLoft Gold with P.U.R.E. tech; Big Agnes Sidewinder bag

1. PrimaLoft Gold with P.U.R.E. Tech

$199 (for Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket, insulation pictured above)

THE PROMISE: This new synthetic insulation makes
a massive dent in carbon emissions.

THE DEETS: Patagonia’s Nano Puff will be the first jacket to feature the lightweight and highly compressible PrimaLoft Gold P.U.R.E. (Produced Using Reduced Emissions), a 100 percent recycled synthetic microfiber material. The production process saves roughly half the carbon emissions by binding the synthetic fill without heat, instead using an eco-friendly treatment to cure it with air.

2. Big Agnes Twister-Cane Bio Foam Pad

$50

THE PROMISE: This superlight pad (8 ounces) is made from sugarcane, not petroleum.

THE DEETS: For the first time, a closed-cell foam mat is made from renewable material grown with rainwater, reducing the industry’s dependence on EVA foam.

3. MSR Guardian Gravity Purifier

$250

THE PROMISE: Get pure water in minutes without breaking a sweat.

THE DEETS: The MSR Guardian Gravity Purifier uses two stages for purification. The hollow fiber technology removes viruses, bacteria, and protozoa, while the activated carbon reduces chemicals, tastes, and odors. The result: one liter of clean water in two minutes without any pumping. Bonus: no backflushing necessary, as the integrated purge valve does the work.

4. Leatherman FreeT4

$65; Available Now

THE PROMISE: Get a multitool with true one-handed operation.

THE DEETS: Twelve tools are accessible from the outside with simple magnetic closures, an architecture that eliminates fingernail use to deploy. Everything—from the four screwdrivers to the bottle opener—fit in this compact (3.6-inch) and light (4.3-ounce) package.

5. Osprey Aether/Aerial Plus 60L Packs

THE PROMISE: This updated version of a proven winner supports even heavier loads.

THE DEETS: The Plus version of the Aether (men’s) and Ariel (women’s) features a lighter frame that carries closer to the body to better stabilize heavy loads, yet remains breathable and comfortable. The lid detaches to convert into a daypack, or just to slim down the pack for shorter trips.

6. Primus Lite+

$115

THE PROMISE: Get a back- country stove for every kind of chef and every kind of meal.

THE DEETS: Versatility is the name of the game for the 16-ounce Lite+. It’s equally adept at quick-boiling (2:45 per half liter) and gentle simmering, plus it has a low center of gravity and even flame distribution. Bonus: includes a hanging kit.

7. Honey Stinger Protein Waffles

$27 (12 pack); Available Now

THE PROMISE: These snack waffles pack a protein punch.

THE DEETS: Now with ten grams of protein per pack, these anytime snacks aid muscle recovery and taste like a treat. Wild Berry or Apple Cinnamon filling is sandwiched between two thin, crisp waffles. Our taste testers keep asking for more.

8. BioLite HeadLamp 750

$100

THE PROMISE: It’s almost as bright as your car’s headlights yet weighs only five ounces.

THE DEETS: With six light modes, a burst option to briefly produce 750 lumens, and a 400-foot beam on max, this headlight screams safety and versatility. The battery lasts five hours using 500 lumens, but a full 100 hours on low, with an eight-hour reserve power mode and powerbank. Trail runners and mountaineers alike will love the constant brightness mode. Most lights using alkaline batteries dim, but the use of lithium batteries pre- vents the typical discharge curve and keeps the lumens in a steady state.

9. NEMO Roamer Double Sleeping Pad

$400

THE PROMISE: This plush pad for two is so comfy you just might forget that you’re camping.

THE DEETS: With four inches of open-cell foam and an R-value of six, this double-wide, self-inflating pad provides a deluxe mattress covered in soft, recycled polyester fabric. The included pump means speedy inflation.

10. Big Agnes Sidewinder SL

$280

THE PROMISE: It’s the ultimate sleeping bag for side sleepers.

THE DEETS: 70 percent of us sleep on our sides and now there’s a bag built
just for us. The Sidewinder contours to a side sleeper’s position while also allowing freedom of movement for rolling over. Even the foot box is contoured to the angle of the side sleeper’s feet. Body-mapped fill (650-fill DownTek with synthetic overlays near the hips and feet) optimizes warmth.

11. Klean Kanteen Food Boxes

$15-$60

THE PROMISE: These reusable, super-tough containers are ideal for storing snacks.

THE DEETS: Sold as a set or in three different sizes, these dishwasher-safe, stainless-steel storage containers don’t rust, shatter, or retain flavors (like plastic containers often do). The silicone lids are leak-proof and BPA-free, and the containers are sized for trail mix, sandwiches, or a whole picnic lunch.

12. PHOOZY Apollo II

$35; Available Now

THE PROMISE: Protect your phone in the wildest environments.

THE DEETS: If anything can protect your phone from the elements, it’s NASA space suit technology. The Phoozy combines a thick EVA foam with a patent-pending chromium thermal layer and UV coating that protects the battery from dying in the cold and overheating in the sun. The case is water-resistant and protects against drops up to eight feet.

13. POC Sports Tectal Race NFC SPIN Helmet

$250; Available Now

THE PROMISE: This helmet protects you during and after a biking accident.

THE DEETS: Thanks to a near-field communication (NFC) medical ID tag in the helmet, first responders can instantly read your medical profile via any NFC-enabled smartphone and use it to inform medical decisions when you’re unable to speak. The fully wrapped construction, combined with POC’s patent-pending SPIN (Shearing Pads Inside), silicone-injected pads, and precision straps, improves rotational impact and structural integrity, but the helmet still weighs less than 14 ounces.

14. Gregory Katmai/Kalmia 50-65L

$260 (55L)

THE PROMISE: This pack moves with your body to provide ultimate comfort.

THE DEETS: The Katmai (men’s) and Kalmia (women’s) packs feature a ventilated, suspended mesh backpanel that cradles your lower back for fit and comfort. The customizable 3D hipbelt hugs the body and decreases rubbing and hotspots.

15. Six Moon Designs Wild Owyhee 2P Tent

$600; Available Now

THE PROMISE: Even the tallest campers can sit up straight under this tarp tent.

THE DEETS: The dual-pole design affords 48 inches of headroom, and not just at the center point. Two doors and vestibules offer convenience, storage, and access. The No-See-Um mesh skirt perimeter provides full ventilation and bug protection, and of course you get complete rain protection, all for just one pound.

16. Patagonia Provisions Cacao + Mango Bar

$27 (12 pack); Available Now

THE PROMISE: This natural fruit bar breaks the granola bar mold.

THE DEETS: Our testers say these bars make you feel like you’re on a tropical island, thanks to the organic blend of sun-dried mangoes, cacao nibs, bananas, and almonds. The pocket-size bar delivers 140 calories.

17. Black Diamond Capitan MIPS Helmet $100

THE PROMISE: Maximum head protection doesn’t need to be hot, heavy, or uncomfortable.

THE DEETS: With a sleek, cradled fit and plentiful brain coverage, the Capitan is cool and comfortable without compromising noggin protection. The MIPS technology absorbs and redirects oblique impacts to the helmet.

18. SPOT Gen4 Satellite Messenger

$150

THE PROMISE: This one-way communication device stands up to the roughest elements.

THE DEETS: The newest SPOT Gen4 messenger has an upgraded outer casing and water-resistant rating (IP68), plus prolonged battery performance, all for less than four ounces. The new mapping option stores more than 50 waypoints for tracking.

19. Cusa Coffee

$6 (seven pack); Available Now

THE PROMISE: Get gourmet coffee on the go.

THE DEETS: Cusa took the instant tea world by storm a few years ago, and now it’s jumping into the instant coffee game. For cold or hot brew, just shake or stir with water for ten seconds to dissolve the blend. We got a sneak taste test and the verdict is thumbs up! Available in a variety of roasts and flavors.

20. Voormi Diversion Hoodie

$249; Available Now

THE PROMISE: It’s the cozy, stink-resistant hoodie you’ll reach for over all the others.

THE DEETS: This 21.5-micron merino wool jacket is reinforced with nylon fibers and finished with a DWR coating to deliver protection against the elements. Features include integrated thumbholes, a chest pocket with a headphone port, and a relaxed fit.

21. LEKI Cross Trail 3A

$150

THE PROMISE: These poles are purpose-built for both trail running and backpacking.

THE DEETS: At just over a pound per pair, the three-section Cross Trail 3A is a light and strong aluminum-shafted pole with a glove-like grip/strap system to help runners sail down the trail or trekkers power up big climbs, all while keeping a relaxed hand.

22. HOKA One One Clifton Edge

$160

THE PROMISE: The unique heel geometry creates a smooth impact and an un- matched gliding sensation.

THE DEETS: The newest Hoka debuts a lighter top layer of midsole foam paired with a radically extended heel section to absorb heel strike forces. The weight is just 7.2 ounces per shoe with 26mm of cushion in the heel and 21mm in the forefoot.

23. Big Agnes Goosenest Inflatable Cot

$150

THE PROMISE: This inflatable camp cot (pictured upside down to show the structural design) gets you off the ground for comfortable snoozing and packs down small for easy transport.

THE DEETS: The perimeter tubes elevate it 8 inches off the ground and stabilize the sleeper in the middle of the cot, even on uneven ground. The antimicrobial treatments inside the chambers prevent mildew, odors, discoloration, and degradation. At less than three pounds, it transports easily.

24. Superfeet Trailblazer Comfort Insoles

$50; Available Now

THE PROMISE: Give your feet extra protection and comfort on the trail.

THE DEETS: This insole enhances the stability and comfort of any trail runner or boot and offers retailers a great upselling opportunity. Built with heel impact technology, shock-absorbing, dual-comfort foam, and a carbon-fiber stabilizer cap, these will turn the miles into smiles.

25. Therm-a-Rest Air Head Pillow

$43 – $48; Available Now

THE PROMISE: Get a better night’s sleep with this lofty but light synthetic pillow.

THE DEETS: Backpackers will hardly notice the extra 5.6 ounces, but they’ll appreciate the comfort of this four-inch-thick baffled inflatable pillow after a long day. It comes in two sizes and is shaped to fit into the hood of a sleeping bag. The brushed polyester outer is machine washable.

26. Vasque Footwear Satoru Trail LT

$150

THE PROMISE: This minimalist shoe protects and supports like a midweight hiker.

THE DEETS: The Satoru Trail LT strips away everything but comfort and versatility. With zero drop for a natural stride and a one-piece molded mesh upper (no overlays, stitching, or glue), it’s lightweight but protective.

27. Cotopaxi Teca Calido Hooded Jacket

$150

THE PROMISE: A little bit casual, a little bit technical, this colorful jacket diverts scrap textile from the landfill.

THE DEETS: Made from a combination of repurposed and recycled materials, this two-ounce insulated wind- breaker is sure to pop off the rack. It’s also reversible. One side features Cotopaxi’s signature color-blocking; the other a more subdued solid hue.

28. Matador SEG42

$190; Available Now

THE PROMISE: This load hauler combines the best features of a backpack, duffle bag, and packing cubes into one.

THE DEETS: With five zippered compartments, this 42-liter travel bag keeps you organized. Carry it like a pack or stow away the shoulder straps and use the top or side straps for duffel duty. It’s carry-on compliant and the nylon shell is durable and water resistant.

29. GSI Outdoors Lite Cast Frypan

$29

THE PROMISE: Get cast-iron performance without the weight.

THE DEETS: Traditional cast iron fry pans are heavy, but, at three pounds, this thinner, ten-inch skillet is 30 percent lighter than most. The polished cooking surface prevents sticking and eases cleanup.

30. Smith Lowdown 2 CORE

$129; Available Now

THE PROMISE: Eco-conscious adventurers will wear these shades with pride.

THE DEETS: Created from recycled plastic bottles and castor oil plants, these are glasses you can feel good about. Even the microfiber bag comes from recycled single-use plastics. The polarized lenses reduce glare from sun and snow.

31. Kelty Grand Mesa

$130 (2P) / $190 (4P); Available Now

THE PROMISE: This spacious shelter won’t break your budget.

THE DEETS: Available in a two- or four-person version, this is an ideal three-season tent for entry-level backpackers. The color-coded corner pockets make setup a snap, and the large D-shaped single door and vestibule are roomy for easy entry/exit and gear storage.

32. Black Diamond Tag LT Shoe

$135

THE PROMISE: These approach shoes are so light and packable, they can send the route with you.

THE DEETS: The Tag LTs collapse readily into a flat package no bigger than their midsole, thanks to the two-way stretch polyester upper. A carry strap binds them together and the heel loop makes them a cinch to clip to your pack or harness once you reach the crag. They weigh 15 ounces per pair.

33. Danner Trail 2650 Campo

$140

THE PROMISE: This lightweight, breathable, and grippy low-cut hiker is built for hot, dry, and rocky terrain.

THE DEETS: The Campo’s EVA midsole provides welcome cushioning and drainage ports, while the Vibram outsole easily tackles the desert’s sandy and uneven surfaces. The mesh upper and multiple drainage ports in the toebox and heel provide airflow and breathability to beat the heat.

34. LifeStraw Go 1L

$45

THE PROMISE: Fill, filter, and drink with this affordable, all-in-one device.

THE DEETS: The lightweight, reusable LifeStraw Go 1L bottle has an internal membrane microfilter along with a carbon filter, which combine to remove bacteria, parasites, and harmful chemicals from up to 1,000 gallons of water.

35. Kurgo Tru-Fit Enhanced Strength Harness

$45; Available Now

THE PROMISE: Keep your best friend safe, both in the car and on the trail.

THE DEETS: This multitasking harness works for standard walking as well as for clipping your dog into your car’s seatbelt system for safe road tripping. With steel hardware and five points of adjustment, the harness passes crash tests designed for child restraints.

36. Helinox Incline Festival Chair

$120

THE PROMISE: It’s the ultimate festival chair.

THE DEETS: The DAC alloy frame offers stability and support, and the sliding front feet adjust the seat angle for optimal comfort and positioning. The broad, flat contact points minimize impact on festival grounds and without legs, the three-pound chair keeps a low profile, so you won’t block the action for people sitting behind you.

37. Merrell Moab Speed

$120

THE PROMISE: Merrell’s best-selling shoe just lost some weight.

THE DEETS: The trail running version of this popular shoe keeps a low profile and weighs just over a pound per pair. The hybrid design tackles varied terrain with a Vibram outsole, ten millimeter drop, layered mesh upper, and padded collar.

38. Hydro Flask Outdoor Kitchen Collection

$20 – $75

THE PROMISE: Kitchenware that’s ready to rough it, but sleek enough for fancy backyard cookouts.

THE DEETS: Eight pieces, including utensils, bowls, and lids, nest into a tote for easy portability. The stainless-steel construction is easy to clean and the double-wall vacuum insulation keeps foods hot or cold during travel.

39. Granite Gear Dagger 22L Pack

$100; Available Now

THE PROMISE: It’s the ideal pack for ambitious dayhikers.

THE DEETS: The Dagger utilizes Granite Gear’s arch system to anchor the frame
to the hipbelt and distribute the load evenly. The 22-liter nylon packbag fits day trip essentials inside, but the stretch side and front pockets give it a little extra capacity.

40. Deuter Future Air Trek 50 + 10L

$250

THE PROMISE: This pack’s calling card is versatility.

THE DEETS: One pack for all: The ventilated mesh back and fit system adjusts to any body shape or size, while the detachable toplid lets you add or subtract volume. A U-shaped front zipper means you can get to any part of the pack quickly and easily. And a roomy side pocket is big enough for a hydration bladder.

41. Sierra Designs Nightcap

35°F $150 / 20°F $170

THE PROMISE: This zipperless bag is built with salvaged materials.

THE DEETS: Recycled, post-industrial fabrics that would otherwise go to waste form the 20-denier ripstop nylon shell, while the synthetic insulation is sourced from recycled water bottles. The bag has a self-sealing foot vent and an integrated pad sleeve.

42. Karukinka Tase

$329; Available Now

THE PROMISE: This will be the midlayer you reach for time and again.

THE DEETS: Combining three types of wool—alpaca, llama, and merino—into a single fabric is exciting, but comes at a high price point. All these cold-weather fibers have the overlapping benefits of wicking moisture and staying warm when wet, but the longer fibers of merino increase durability. Alpaca and llama fibers are hollow, contributing to the fast-drying and moisture-wicking performance.

43. şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Inside Explorer Essential Kit

$50

THE PROMISE: This kit is perfect for any kid who dreams of adventuring.

THE DEETS: Get your kids started early and safely with these essentials for exploring the great outdoors, whether it’s the backyard or the backcountry. The set includes a pair of binoculars, a legit orienteering compass, LED flashlight, a four-in-one whistle/thermometer, instructions, and a protective carrying pouch.

44. Bogs Footwear Kicker

$45

THE PROMISE: Life hack for parents: These eco-friendly, closed-toed kids’ shoes are easy on, easy off, and machine washable.

THE DEETS: Kids can use and abuse these shoes, all while keeping their feet dry, sweat-free, and less stinky. The new Bloom insoles come from algae blooms, which are dried into flakes and mixed with EVA to create a comfortable footbed, while also cleaning up water habitats.

45. Moon Fab Moon Shade

$350; Available Now

THE PROMISE: Versatile attachment hardware makes it easy to create ample shade whenever and wherever you need it.

THE DEETS: This portable, 420-denier polyester awning can attach to any vehicle or door frame (with heavy-duty suction cups) or even mount to trees, fences, and railings. When deployed, there’s nine by seven feet of coverage with UV protection and reflective coating. At eight pounds (including its own carrying case), it can easily go from ball games to campgrounds.

46. Odlo Active F-DRY Light Eco Sports Baselayer

$45

THE PROMISE: This fast-dry- ing tee is ideal for serious aerobic activity.

THE DEETS: Combining polypropylene with recycled polyester, this short-sleeved baselayer has a push-pull effect to regulate body temperature and keeps you smelling like a rose. And it’s ultralight at less than half an ounce.

47. EDELRID Tommy Caldwell Eco Dry CT 9.3 Rope

$300-$380

THE PROMISE: It’s a rope as eco-conscious as Tommy Caldwell himself, with the first and only dry treatment that’s safer for the environment.

THE DEETS: Available in three lengths with a 9.3-mm diameter, the rope coils without tangles and has extreme abrasion resistance. The bi-color sheath makes finding the middle a cinch. And the Eco Dry 100 percent PFC core and sheath dry treatment are free of the fluorochemicals commonly used to provide water- and stain-resistance to climbing ropes.

48. Level Six Freya Drysuit

$900

THE PROMISE: This women’s drysuit has a unique rear access so she can answer nature’s calls, quickly.

THE DEETS: The zipper for the rear relief area is designed to be non-irritating when paddling in a kayak, sitting on a raft, or standing up on a paddleboard—so basically comfortable all the time. The waterproof/breathable fabric is articulated for unrestricted movement, with reinforced knees and elbows for durability. The adjustable waistband system provides a precise fit.

49. MTHD Traverse Trail Run Short

$95

THE PROMISE: These men’s shorts are built to beat friction and irritation.

THE DEETS: A stretchy, 20-denier nylon paired with an underlying Polartec Power Dry polyester built-in boxer brief grants the flexibility and breathability runners need. A Polartec NeoShell pocket keeps your phone protected from sweat even while you’re Strava-ing a full day.

KEEN Ridge Flex Mid*

$170

THE PROMISE: These boots actually make hiking easier.

THE DEETS: KEEN says that the pliable TPU inserts at key flex points (across the forefoot and at the Achilles heel) in this midweight hiker require 60 percent less energy to bend. That saves energy and combats foot fatigue, but it also nixes break-in times and improves durability, as leather tends to break down earlier at flex points.

*This last-minute entry missed our deadline for voting but we love the innovation and suspect it would have scored well, so we’re including it here without a ranking. 

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