Our Favorite Gear of 2025: The Greatest Gear of the Year
OUR WRITERS SHARE THE SINGLE BEST OUTDOOR GEAR THEY TESTED THIS YEAR
To wrap up another year of testing and reviewing outdoor gear, we asked our writers to choose their single favorite item out of everything they tested in 2025. Out of the hundreds of pieces of gear they’ve tested this year, they’re sharing new gear that is innovating, game changing, a cut above, or just plain fun.
Given the challenge to pick just one singular item that stood out to them this year, our writers considered gear that impacted their comfort, safety, convenience, or maybe ability to perform to their peak outside. They also thought about how the gear was made, designed, and how it stands out from other items in their respective categories.
Our top gear and apparel from 2025 ranges from smartwatches to sandals, backpacking stoves to rain jackets, running shoes to ultralight quilts, and more. With such a range in outdoor activities represented, there’s something really cool for everyone.
Read Our Favorite Gear of 2025 to find out which 17 gear items our writers named their favorites of the year.
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Best Gear of the Year Comparison Table
| GEAR ITEM OF THE YEAR | TREELINE WRITER | CATEGORY |
|---|---|---|
| Jetboil Flash 1.0L | Liz Thomas | Backpacking and camping stove |
| Suunto Vertical 2 Smartwatch | Chris Meehan | Outdoor smartwatch |
| ZenBivy Ultralight Sleep System | Kate Hoch | Ultralight backpacking quilt / sleeping system |
| Yakima Skybox NX LG | Mary Beth Skylis | Cargo box for on top of vehicles |
| Outdoor Research Foray 3L Rain Jacket | Elliot Koeppel | Rain jacket |
The winners
Why it deserves to win: extremely efficient and easy to use
In almost a decade of professionally testing backpacking stoves, the Jetboil Flash 1.0 L is one that just really gets it right. This year saw the first update in nearly a decade to the Jetboil Flash. It was well worth the wait. It's this year's new gear item that I actively look for excuses to bring along. Overnight trip? Check. Car camping trip where we'll need coffee pronto? Check. Might be chilly enough to warrant cocoa on the summit during a day hike? Check.
Every time I look at the Flash, I think, "Clever." The switch turns on and off just like a stovetop at home. The pot screws in and out of the heating element without effort. It changes color to let you know it is boiling. The base and fuel can all fit inside and are secure with a lid that stays put. The leakproof pour spot yields a nice arc. There aren't any exposed edges that can burn you. I've shown it to friends who have never seen a backpacking stove before and they respond, "Want." I've shown it to friends who know backpacking stoves far too well, and they say, "Wow, that's actually really nice for a heavier stove."
Since it came out this year, I've made countless cups of instant coffee, freeze-dried backpacking meals, and hot electrolytes on the Jetboil Flash 1.0 L. It's not the lightest stove, but it is so freakin' easy to use, it has become my comfort gear item. Without reservation, my Best Gear of the Year 2025 award goes to the Flash.
Why it deserves to win: 115 available sport modes, AMOLED screen, improved face
One of the coolest pieces of gear I’ve tested out this year is the Suunto Vertical 2 smartwatch. Since receiving it in October I’ve used it for tracking hikes, rock climbs, mountain biking, gravel biking, packrafting, and more. I don’t know if I’ll ever use every single one of the 115 available sport modes—but I’ll give it a go! Definitely can’t wait to take to the slopes and icefalls this winter!
The Vertical 2 is a significant upgrade to the Suunto 9 Peak Pro that I’d previously been using. With the move to a bright and vibrant AMOLED screen and an online “shop” for more watch faces, Suunto is really offering a premium adventure watch. The newer faces are much better designed with useful, customizable complications that can show things like health and recovery data, elevation and more. The watch is a serious contender for Garmin’s higher-end smartwatches. However, Suunto doesn’t have satellite SOS or messaging features.
Suunto also continues to upgrade its app for the device. With each exercise offering a Strava-like flyover report that syncs the adventure flyover to metrics I can choose like heart rate and elevation.
Zenbivy Ultralight
I tested the Zenbivy Ultralight Bed this year and it has become my go-to sleep system, even after official testing wrapped. Backpacking quilts are typically lighter than traditional sleeping bags, but as a rotisserie side-sleeper, I’d never had a good experience using a quilt due to drafts flooding in every time I moved. The Zenbivy’s unique system uses a sheet with flaps that clip to the quilt, sealing out drafts while still allowing comfortable body movement.
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A pre-race photo before running the Moab Half Marathon in the La Sportiva Prodigios.
The system I have, a 25F quilt with the uninsulated sheet weighs just 19.7 oz, which is comparable to other high-quality quilts with a similar temperature rating. I’ve been very comfortable with this combo to just below freezing temps, even while snow camping on a circumnavigation of Crater Lake. Thanks to the clip attachment system, it’s also very versatile. I can simply unclip some or all of the attachment clips in warmer weather to allow for more airflow, or even forgo the sheet altogether.
Even when weight is not an important factor, such as car camping, I find myself reaching for my Zenbivy because it’s just so comfortable to sleep in. It feels less constricting than a full sleeping bag, and the way it attaches with the sheet to the pad allows for rolling around without getting all twisted up. I love the system so much, I now want to get the 10F version so I can use a Zenbivy for even colder winter trips.
Why it deserves to win: game-changing organization for car travel
I spend a lot of time on the road, and my car is usually filled to the brim with the latest hiking boots, backpacks, and tent releases. Before I started using the Yakima Skybox NX LG, the interior of my little Subaru Crosstrek looked like a volcanic eruption, with pieces of equipment flying everywhere. It was irreverent, and difficult to navigate. But this spring, I mounted my newest rooftop box on the top of my car using Yakima’s Skyline FX mounting system, and it completely transformed the way I travel.
This box opens on either side of the vehicle, giving you the tools you need to stay organized no matter what outdoor adventure you’re plotting. It also comes with integrated interior tie-down points to keep your equipment from slipping while you’re whipping through mountain roads.
While I had to wrangle my roommate to help with the actual installation process because of the bulk and complexity of the centering process (and because my car didn’t have built-in mounting bars), I’d do it 100 times over again simply because of the convenience that this rooftop box provides. An earlier rooftop box I owned had a mind of its own, refusing to open without leveraging the grip strength of an automotive engineer. But the Skybox pops open with the simple twist of a handle, and a lot less gumption than former boxes. While the Skybox isn’t my first rooftop box, it’s definitely my favorite because of its ease of use and convenient organization.
Why it deserves to win: reliable, versatile, and environmentally friendly
From spring, summer, and winter, I’ve tested and grown to greatly appreciate the environmentally friendly Outdoor Research Foray 3L rain jacket. Constructed from 100% recycled nylon with a PFAS-free durable water repellent (DWR), the Foray is not only the first rain jacket certified carbon neutral by Climate Impact Partners but has also become my favorite cool and cold weather rain shell!
On foggy, rainy days on the Appalachian Trail working at a hostel in Virginia and all the way into hailstorms working and living as a ridgerunner on the AT in Maine, the Foray jacket was a convenient and solid shield from the wind and the rain.
Men’s Foray
Women’s Aspire
On day hikes and shorter walks, I love to bring a few key items with me–water bottle, wallet, candy bar, gum, A Complete Field Guide to the Birds of North America, etc.–and don’t necessarily want to bring a whole bag, which is where the large zippered hand pockets and chest pocket come in very handy. Pun semi-intended. One of the side pockets has an attached key clip, which is convenient for not losing my key while walking my dog. Perhaps most importantly, all three pockets are actually effective at keeping their contents dry even in drenching conditions.
Two other standout features I enjoy are the hood’s built-in brim and the hem-to-bicep ventilation zippers. The brim is effective at steering precipitation away from my face–and more to the point, my glasses–and the zippers are outstanding at dumping surplus heat immediately, an integral feature for use in warm weather since the PFAS-free waterproofing is not as breathable as its predecessor. The fit of the jacket is true to size, if not a little generous, which has been excellent for layering a fleece and puffy under when the temperatures drop. I’m so looking forward to taking this fellow on many a snowy adventure this coming winter–I have no doubts I’ll be grateful for it on the Maine mountains I’ll be exploring.
Why it deserves to win: bike tire outsole makes for versatile road-to-trail running shoe
I test and review a lot of shoes–road running shoes, trail running shoes, recovery shoes, snowshoes, and hiking boots–and have been most intrigued this year by the Craft Xplor 2 running shoes. Designed as true crossover shoes, the Xplor 2 seamlessly transitions from road to trail. This is thanks to the Terreno mountain bike tire outsoles that grip well on most terrain without feeling too clunky or sticking too much on the roads.
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Women's
I tend to prefer moderate to maximum midsole cushioning, and I found Craft’s proprietary PxFoam midsole to provide plenty of comfort over long runs (plus it's made with a single natural foaming agent, which has a lighter environmental footprint than traditional EVA foam).
Because the Xplor 2 shoes don’t fit neatly in the “road running” or “trail running” categories, some retailers and reviewers have labeled them as “gravel running” shoes (and, in fact, we did name them Best Gravel Shoes in our Best Women’s Trail Running Shoes guide). However, I think that label is misleading, too narrow, and sounds overconsumer-ish (“Oh great, now we need shoes specifically for gravel, too?”).
But in reality, I find the Xplor 2 to be just the opposite–this is a do-it-all shoe that allows you to have one pair for multiple scenarios. I particularly appreciate them for travel–if I might run on both roads or trails, I only need to pack one pair.
The limitation of these shoes, though, is that they don’t perform well on muddy trails. Since the outsoles are just like mountain bike tires, they do not have big lugs for traction in the mud or super loose scree.
Nevertheless, the idea that I can pack one pair of running shoes for almost any terrain is very appealing to me and has been one of the most interesting gear innovations I’ve tested this year.
Why it deserves to win: comfortable, versatile sandals with great style
I am thrilled Becca handles recovery shoes for Treeline Review, because I can’t do most recovery footwear. Recovery shoes and sandals are comfortable to slip into after a long run. But I often find myself in public after a run, and recovery shoes are not my vibe. Enter the Bedrock Cairn Evo C.
When Bedrock released these sandals, I was mildly interested, but I already had a well-loved, twice-resoled pair of the Bedrock Cairn Evos. As I would slip on my original Cairns after a run, I would jokingly call those very uncushioned sandals my recovery shoes. But after sustaining a foot injury this summer, I finally admitted to myself that I need real recovery shoes to actually cushion my bruised feet. And while the Cairn Evo C aren’t actually marketed as recovery sandals, they’re almost as cushioned as the real recovery sandals I do have. And since they match my vibe, I actually wear them.
If you’ve never worn Bedrock Sandals, you’re in for a treat. Their Y-strap system locks your foot in place so well that you can run, ride a bike, backpack, or raft a river in them. I’ve done all this and more in my original Cairns. Since getting the new Cairn Evo Cs this summer, I can also wear Bedrock sandals after long adventures on my feet when I need to activate recovery mode, too. And anything that allows for more time in Bedrock Sandals deserves to be called the gear of the year, in my opinion.
Why it deserves to win: roll-top compression that also zips for easy gear access
The Zipsacks come in three common stuff sack sizes, and have a full-length waterproof zipper down the entire length of the sack, plus fully taped seams. Another reason I’m sold is its versatility outside of backpacking—I used the Zipsacks as a drop bag multiple times at trail races, as an organizer to roll and pack clothes for road trips and both local and out-of-state travel, and as a gym bag to easily bring shorts, spare socks, and miscellaneous items to the gym before or after work. It’s so easy to pack into a backpack, or stash in my car.
Zipsacks’ slogan is 100% spot on: “Backpacking is hard. But accessing your gear shouldn’t be.” Sure, this is a niche item that seems to solve a fairly small/inconvenient problem, but if I factor in the time I spend packing for a trip, accessing my gear when outdoors, and maintaining organization every time I travel…yeah, the investment in this well-designed stuff sack is completely worth it.
Why it deserves to win: comfortable fit, tons of pockets, and Gnara GoFly technology
LIVSN Designs and Gnara answered the people’s Kickstarter cry to make the stylish yet utilitarian Ecotrek Overalls with GoFly technology. If you are new to GoFly, it is a front to back pant zipper which “allows everyone to answer nature's call without removing clothing.” Something to be literally “obsessed” about in the body I’m in.
With a bit of practice, any GoFly bottom becomes your adventure go-to, and the Ecotrek Overalls are no different. I personally love the inclusive sizing which ranges from 00-22; being 5’4”, curvy, and around 150 lbs, I wear a size 8 with some room for light base layers. And I can wear both the 27” inseam ankle-length or the 29” inseam for full length pants.
The 70% recycled fabric rocks a 4-way stretch that makes pants feel (and fit) like home, topped with a PFC-free coat to keep you dry and protected from common stains. Let it rain, you’ll be ok. Whether running errands or on a hike, between the 4-way stretch, well-designed articulated knees, and elastic plus adjustable shoulder straps, moving around in these overalls is super comfortable.
Many bonus points: the Ecotrek Overalls have pockets for days. We’re talking 11 pockets!. Several with specific uses in mind (like a pen/glasses pocket), but all for you to explore many possibilities. My favorite pocket is the one on the back of the left thigh: it’s zippered and my medium sized smartphone fits perfectly in it, staying easily accessible for navigation or photo taking (though to be fair there are like 5+ more options to carry one’s phone in these overalls). While working in the field, or on short walks outdoors, the ability to be backpack-free and carry all sorts of things in the many pockets–from snacks to battery packs to a first aid kit–has been priceless.
Last but not least, these overalls feel like they would last a lifetime, and I’m sure they will or they wouldn’t be backed by LIVSNs lifetime warranty and repair program. So many reasons to love the Ecotrek Overalls, but if you need more: read both LIVSN’s and Gnara’s values, sustainability, and labor standards. On my end, all I need is to decide what other color I like best to get me a second pair.
Lems Switchback Sandals
I say without hesitation that one of my most vexing gear issues over the last ten years, is that, try as I might (and boy, did I try), I couldn’t find a single minimalist hiking sandal that felt comfortable, didn’t become slippery when wet, wasn’t too bulky or heavy, didn’t aggravate my arthritis, and was not just easy to adjust, but also stayed adjusted.
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Women's
I’m pleased to say that the Lems Switchback Sandals, which I’ve been testing since June, proved the ticks-all-boxes solution to my decade-old problem. I’ve put them through several hundred miles of thru-hiking and weekend backpacking trips, along with day hikes, urban walkabouts, and even some light jogging, and the Switchbacks have rightfully earned their spot as perhaps the most comfortable and versatile shoe I’ve worn all year.
There’s a lot for me to love, starting with the winning combination of a wide, anatomically friendly, contoured footbed and a very lightly cushioned EVA midsole, which contributed to out-of-the-box comfort for me. I also appreciate that small microfiber and neoprene inserts hidden under the straps help reduce chafing in high-friction areas.
While truly devoted minimalists might scoff at the Switchback’s sole, with its 3mm drop and 14-17mm stack height, I find that it offers just the right combination of grip, ground feel, and protection for my needs; I can hike in these for hours on unforgiving Sierra granite and other rocky trails without developing any hotspots or foot fatigue. I also appreciate that they handle well in water; I’ve never found the footbed slippery after water crossings or during rain, in part due to the slight channels embedded in the footbed that help with runoff.
My favorite feature, however, and the reason the Lems Switchbacks came out on top for me, is their proprietary Switchback Slydr, a buckle-like piece of hardware that allows for easy adjustments and that holds those adjustments in place without things loosening up as you move—my personal holy grail!
- Shawnté Salabert, Contributing Writer
Why it deserves to win: ultralight and packs down super small
When I first saw the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack at Cascades Outdoor Store in Winthrop, I thought, Why would I ever need that? Turns out, it was my most used piece of gear in 2025. And I love it. Here's how I used it:
On the Western Wildlands Route for temporary capacity on long water or food carries
On the Western Wildlands Route as a grocery bag for resupply
On short bike rides to the grocery store when I don't want to put on my bike frame bags
On a trip to Japan to carry back some extra purchases
On a daily basis at home; I keep it in my main bag just in case I need it (which turns out to be all the time)
It's incredibly light and packs down to a ridiculously small size. It took up so little space in my bikepacking kit that it's earned a permanent spot there.
My partner and I each bought one, that's how good these day packs are!
Why it deserves to win: ultralight and extremely warm
Last season, after five years together with an Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt, I knew our time together had come to an end. It had accompanied me for my entire 4-year section hike of the Pacific Crest Trail, and thru-hikes of the Cohos Trail, John Muir Trail, Arizona Trail, and Colorado Trail. It was tired, and no longer gave me the warmth I needed for my three-season trips into the mountains. I was torn on which quilt to pick for my second long-distance relationship. After chatting with many Treeline Review colleagues, I chose the Katabatic Gear’s Alsek.
The Alsek is the 22-degree cousin of the 30-degree Katabatic Palisade Quilt, which won Best Overall for our Best Backpacking Quilts. Katabatic Gear’s fabric and down supplier, Allied Feather and Down, is bluesign approved and their down is also Responsible Down Standard approved and certified to be ethically sourced, and even receives a water-resistant treatment. The Alsek is offered in a number of lengths (5'6", 6', 6'6"), with each offered in regular and wide widths and with 850 and 900 fill power.
When Katabatic offered a holiday sale last December, I sprung for this warm hug of a sleeping bag! As a short hiker with broad shoulders, I have been delighted with the wide 5’6” Alsek in a dashing slate teal blue. Weighing 1.5 pounds, the Alsek helps keep my base weight low while compacting down into such a tiny bag. The loft is truly a thing of beauty.
I’ve taken Alsek on the CDT with me over my two LASHs this year, covering 800 miles over two separate 2-week trips, walking through portions of New Mexico, Colorado, and Wyoming together. And despite setting up camp chilled many times, the Alsek always enthusiastically greeted me at the end of my long day with the softest loft and the most cozy warmth. I confidently hiked through many tough days, like wading through the Gila River 75 times over 30 miles in one day in April or enduring thundersnow, rain, and wet snow at 12,000+ feet in the Rocky Mountains in September, secure in the knowledge that I always had Alsek to keep me warm in my tent at the end of the day.
Why it deserves to win: truly versatile, well-rounded all-mountain skis
This past winter, we had our first ever official Treeline Review ski test—a humble gathering of our staple ski testers riding around together on a dozen or so different skis on a couple spring days at Arapahoe Basin. And throughout the season, I spent a good deal of time long-term testing multiple ski models, all for our Best All-Mountain Skis and Best Beginner Skis guides. This was my first season finally riding the K2 Mindbender, now a well-known staple in the brand’s lineup.
I spent several days out on the Mindbender 99 Ti, from firm groomers to surprise spring pow, and they quickly became a new favorite in my quiver (and came in as a very close runner up for our best overall all-mountain ski award).
All-mountain skis are designed to be versatile first and foremost, and the Mindbender 99Ti is definitely versatile. But what makes it a little unique in this category is how remarkably good it is at all of the different things an all-mountain ski is meant to do; this ski makes fewer compromises than most skis in its category. It carves exceptionally well with excellent edge hold and there’s enough rocker in the tips and tails to make it lots of fun to ski in a few inches of fresh powder, and nimble enough to pivot in tight terrain. And the layer of titanal in the layup makes the ski very stable at high speeds without losing its pop and liveliness. You’d be hard pressed to find a more well-rounded ski in that 100-ish underfoot range.
After multiple fun spring days on these skis last season, I’m itching for many, many more as the snow finally starts to fly here in Colorado. The Mindbender 99Ti is going to remain a top choice in my quiver, putting a smile on my face every time I ski them.
Why it deserves to win: sustainable and well-thought-out design
This spring, I was in the gear shop telling my friend that I didn’t believe there was such a thing as a comfortable camp pillow. He showed me the HEST Camp Pillow that he had just bought for car camping. In the store, it felt more comfortable than my home pillow—so I bought it. When I got home and tried it out, it felt amazing. But after laying on it for a while, I realized it was too thick for me. I collected my receipt to return it and realized that I hadn’t even paid attention to the price. I had shelled out $100 for a pillow for car camping. Yikes! The next time I saw my friend, he asked me how I liked the pillow and I admitted only that it had been too thick and that I had returned it. “You can take some of the foam out”, he informed me. At that point, I admitted the other half of the story.
Every time I saw the pillow, I felt…returner’s remorse…? It really was a well-thought-out design. They’re filled with leftover memory foam pieces from the manufacturing process of their mattresses. It is the right amount of airy and supportive. I also like the dog bone shape, since I am a side sleeper. And, it zips outside-in to its durable cover for packability and cleanliness.
During the next sale, HEST products were 30% off and I couldn’t resist. I bought it back. Since then, the HEST pillow (and now its silky cooling pillow case) has come on every camping trip. My envious partner now has one, and HEST customer service was nice enough to send him extra fill at no charge. But, the final straw in admitting a pillow is my favorite piece of gear for 2025 is that it has been the only pillow I have on my bed for at least a month now.
- Melissa “Treehugger” Spencer, Fact Checker and Contributing Writer
Why it deserves to win: best and easiest-to-swap lenses
It is hard for me to choose a favorite piece of gear for the year, especially when I have so many activities and types of gear to choose from. When I think back over all the gear I have tried in the last year, nothing stands out more than the ANON M5S Ski Goggles. These ski goggles are the best I have ever tried and made a huge difference in my ability to see on the snow. I didn’t realize how much goggles would make a difference in my skiing, but these goggles really made me realize that I was missing out.
The goggles come with two lenses and a magnetic face mask. As someone who is worried about sunburn, the magnetic facemask is a welcome bonus. I have used a Buff in the past but it has always been difficult to make sure the tip of my nose gets covered. With the magnetic facemask I am fully covered up to the bottom of the goggles and fully protected from the sun and wind.
The dark lens is the best I have ever tried and works in anything from bright full sun to those overcast, flat-light, late afternoons. I was able to ski and see in the afternoons on runs where normally I had to slow down due to lack of visibility. These lenses allow you to see all the texture and bumps in the snow in almost any lighting condition.
With a squeeze to the frame you can pop off the dark lenses and switch to the lighter lenses–no clips buckles to worry about, just magnets to hold the lenses in place. I appreciated the easy lens swapping especially for powder days that turn into magical bluebird afternoons. I don’t want to waste time with complicated lens swaps.
Having an increase in my visibility has allowed me to ski faster and have more fun on the slopes, something that I didn’t even realize I was missing. So that is why these goggles are my favorite piece of gear this year–they have really made the biggest difference in my skiing/snowboarding and allowed me to enjoy my time outside a lot more.
- Sara Kruglinski, Operations Coordinator and Contributing Writer
Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX
I’ve tested a lot of hiking shoes over the last decade, and I always find myself coming back to Salomon. It’s partly the performance, but I also love the aesthetic, and the Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX is the pair sitting at the top of my rotation right now. It’s one of those shoes that works for most conditions and most trails, yet still has the right vibe to pair with most of my closet.
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Performance-wise, the X Ultra 5 GTX hits all the marks of a dependable hiker: reliable traction, solid support, good stability, and real protection, without feeling too overbuilt for casual, everyday wear. There’s no break-in period, and the GORE-TEX waterproofing has been a standout in the rainy PNW where I’m based. I wear these as much for soggy dog walks and errands as I do for proper hiking days. The fit is accommodating and suits my high-volume, D-width feet well.
For outdoor lovers, I think the Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX is an easy win. It works for new hikers, seasoned hikers, dog-park regulars, rainy-commute walkers, travelers, and, dare I say, the fashion focused. The Kevlar-reinforced upper means they’ll hold up for many seasons, making them a gift that’s both practical and long lasting.
Arc’teryx Beta AR (Men's and women's)
Why it deserves to win: durable and long-lasting investment piece
I have a confession. I actually enjoy hiking in the rain. I know, I know… weirdo. But I do. Once you’ve committed to being wet and dirty, anything goes. I always end up exploring more and having a grand ole time. That’s why my favorite gear of 2025 is my Arc’teryx Beta AR rain jacket.
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This thing is invincible. It makes hiking, paddling, and even walking my dog in the rain infinitely better because you don’t actually have to get wet. And look, I know Arc’teryx is an investment, but I’ve worn this jacket for years. I’m not known for being gentle with my gear (I’m firmly in the camp of “gear is meant to be used”), and this jacket just keeps going.
Arc’teryx knows how to make great gear. The fit is immaculate, flattering but still roomy enough for layers. I’ve worn a light fleece with a thin down vest under it and didn’t feel like Randy from A Christmas Story. I always get compliments when I’m wearing my Beta AR.
It’s the perfect outer layer in my minimalist system, which is clutch when you live in a small space like a van (like I do) and deal with wildly different conditions. My Arc’teryx Beta AR works as a rain shell, wind shield, and protective outer layer over a fleece and/or down vest. That combo has handled almost every kind of condition I’ve come across. On really cold days, I add a wool base layer and never suffer. I feel invincible.
Anyway, I recommend investing in GREAT gear with an exceptional guarantee like Arc’teryx. I’m not the kind of gearhead who wants all the things (okay… sometimes I want all the things), but I love gear I reach for again and again because it works, fits great, and looks good too. That’s the Arc’teryx Beta AR.
How We Chose This List
We had a team of 17 Treeline Review testers weigh in on the singular best, most impressive, or most impactful piece of gear they’ve tested all year. Our testers and writers spend their days running, biking, climbing, backpacking, thru-hiking, paddling, skiing, and gear testing year round. With so much gear to test, picking their single favorite from the year is a tough task, but after considering innovations, improvements, safety features, and how much fun this gear made spending time outdoors, they each settled on their single favorite piece of gear from the year.
End of the Year Reflections
Our Treeline staff and testers are passionate about the outdoors and finding the best, long-lasting gear. So when we get excited about something, we want to make sure we share it with our readers.
And it’s not just about cool new innovations or fancy tech—many of our Treeline Gear of the Year winners help each of our testers get outside bolder, longer, safer, more comfortably, more frequently, and in more creative ways. Whether you’re planning a major thru-hike or trying to get out the door more, it’s important (and more sustainable) to find the right gear for you. This is why we love our winning gear the most out of what we’ve tested this year—it helps us fulfill one of our core missions of getting outside and thriving outside, and inspiring more people to do the same.
