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Editors Choice

Editors' Choice Awards 2009

The best new gear. That's what earns our seal of approval, and only after months of hardcore testing. This year, we subjected dozens of products to heinous trail conditions from Alaska to Wales. In the end, 18 survived to take our top honor.

Editors' Choice 2009 Gold Award: The North Face Base Camp Duffel

There might be a journey too daunting for this load hauler. But it's not on this planet.

Editors' Choice 2009 Gold Award: MSR MugMate Coffee Maker

The ultimate solution for backcountry coffee–fast, ultralight, and fuss-free.

Editors' Choice 2009 Green Award: Big Agnes Salt Creek Recycled Tent

"Habitat for humanity" gets a new meaning with this eco-friendly tent.

Editors' Choice 2009: New Balance 1500 Rainier Boot

Bring us your narrow feet, your wide feet, or the freakishly long–these boots are the answer.

Editors' Choice 2009: Kayland Zephyr Boot Review

Can't decide which boots are right for the trip? Stop wondering and start hiking with this all-purpose midweight.

Editors' Choice 2009: PackIt Gourmet Austintacious Tortilla Soup

Put this meal on the menu for any trip: It's easy-prep trail food that will wow every palate.

Editors' Choice 2009: Osprey Sprint Series Backpacks

Tell the kids–finally, real packs for them, too

Editors' Choice 2009: Nikon Coolpix P6000 Camera

Backpackers get a made-to-order digital camera with the first affordable GPS-enabled shooter.

Editors' Choice 2009: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Sleeping Pad

Carry less, sleep more with this light-and-luxe mattress.

Editors' Choice 2009: Sierra Designs Lightning XT 4 Tent

Four is not a crowd in this family-size featherweight.

Editors' Choice 2009: Sanyo Xacti VPC-E2 Video Camera

This light and totally waterproof camcorder changes the game for backcountry moviemaking.

Editors' Choice 2009: Gibbon Slacklines

Here's a cheap, crazy-fun way to build mountain skills.

Editors' Choice 2009: Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews

Our favorite new fast snack proves that healthy can be tasty, too. Oh, and it's not a bar.

Editors' Choice 2009: Mammut X-Zoom Headlamp

Forget brightest or lightest–get the most versatile headlamp. Ever.

Editors' Choice 2009: Garmin Oregon 400t GPS

Meet the ultimate GPS: simple enough for beginners, wonky enough for experts, powerful enough for all.

Editors' Choice 2009: MontBell UL Spiral Down Hugger #1 Sleeping Bag

Ultralight meets ultra-comfortable in this roomy sleeping bag.

Editors' Choice 2009 Video Blowout

Join the Backpacker Editors on a rip-roaring tour of Wales for the 2009 Editors' Choice Awards. Hit the mountains and the coast and learn what it takes to be an Editors' Choice Award winner.