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Backpacker Magazine – 2010 Editors' Choice/Gear Guide
BACKPACKER Editors' Toughest Gear
Thirty indestructible gear picks from two decades of hardcore field-testing.
Davis w/ Trails Illustrated Map & the Arc'teryx Bora (Genny Fullerton)
Readers constantly ask us: “What’s the most durable gear you’ve used?” Here’s our answer: A collection of rugged favorites voted on by 12 editors with 170 total years of field-testing experience. In our hands, these products have weathered howling storms, arctic freezes, slot-canyon scrapes, bug infestations, battery acid, weeks without showers, salt-water submersion, high-altitude UV exposure, and Alaskan grizzlies. Most are still on the market—durability will do that—and you can find the rest on eBay or Craigslist. Trust us, it’s worth your time to search: In the long run, durability is lighter on your wallet—and the planet.
Western Mountaineering Antelope Sleeping Bag
Patagonia Capilene Baselayer
CamelBak Omega Hydration Bladder
Garcia Machine Backpackers' Cache and MontBell Handy Scoop
Trails Illustrated Maps
Arc'teryx Bora Backpack
Smith Slider Sunglasses
Outdoor Research Crocodiles Gaiters
LOWA Trekker/Lady Sport Boot
Beyond Clothing Steel Shock
Patagonia Regulator Series
Ibex Icefall Jacket
ThorLo Classic Hiking Socks
Feathered Friends Helios Jacket
Nikon D70 Camera
Crazy Creek Original Camp Chair
MSR XGK-EX Stove
MSR Alpine Cookware and GSI Cascadian Bowls
Arc'teryx Alpha SV Jacket
Fox River X-Static Liner, Chaco Sandals, and MSR Dromedary
Therm-a-Rest Z-Rest Sleeping Pad
Magellan Meridian
Leatherman Juice C2 Multitool
Mountain Hardwear Transition Jacket
Sierra Designs Tiros Tent & MSR Tough Gear
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READERS COMMENTS
The numbers provided only give each of the Editors only 14 years experience on average. Problem is, many of the items that are listed appear to be less than 5 years old.
So the list is worthless...Now I still have and use my SEVA 123R Bought mail order from A-16 in San Deigo in 1973 for $17.00. My Victorinox Classic bought in 1980 and most of my Boy Scout Gear bought in 1962 and it all is still in perfect condition..So lets have a real list of time tested gear from the Readers and Posters instead of a marketing person...
Posted: Sep 06, 2011 meanolddog
Kelty Tioga external frame pack 1979 edition 4000 plus nights and 6 seasons at Philmont Scout ranch.
North Face Expedition Guide tent (VE 25 heavy duty version) Four continents, 15 years of extended use, still going strong!
Posted: Jun 09, 2010 Kevin
As a photographer, I wouldn't necessarily call the Nikon D70 a 'super tough' camera. I have nothing against Nikon, and I think they are great cameras, but as far as rugged bang-proof and weather-proof cameras go, Pentax DSLRs are significantly better.
Posted: Jun 01, 2010 Benjamin Pries
Good tuff stuff:
Kayland boots
Osprey aether packs
Black Diamond Trekking poles
MSR windpro stove
Posted: Jun 01, 2010 tim
Here are my two nominations for tough gear. I'm still sleeping warm and toasty in the navy blue North Face Superlight down bag my parents bought me for my 16th birthday. I'm 52 now. I also still own my old Kelty pack and frame, but I've outgrown it.
Posted: Jun 01, 2010 d.hitchcock
I got my thermarest Ridgerest when I started doing outdoor stuff - 16 years ago. still going strong and goes on all my trips - winter, summer, spring, fall. my boyfriend got his ridgerest in 1991 - so almost 20 years of frequent use!
Posted: Jun 01, 2010 Jo
Here are my two nominations for tough gear. I'm still sleeping warm and toasty in the navy blue North Face Superlight down bag my parents bought me for my 16th birthday. I'm 52 now. I also still own my old Kelty pack and frame, but I've outgrown it.
Posted: Jun 01, 2010 d.hitchcock
For the toughest grill...Check out the tough tripod grill. They have a website - www.ToughTripod.com
Posted: May 13, 2010 Shawn
For the toughest grill...Check out the tough tripod grill. They have a website - www.ToughTripod.com
Posted: May 13, 2010 Shawn
For the toughest grill...Check out the tough tripod grill. They have a website - www.ToughTripod.com
Posted: May 13, 2010 Shawn
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