Spring Gear Guide 2015 Table of Contents
The year's best new trail-tested products in every category.
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Features
Editors’ Choice Awards
We torture-tested scores of products to separate the great from the merely good. From lighted tents to a jacket you’ll never take off, here are 13 winners that raise the bar higher than ever.
Packs
Big days. Fast-and-light weekends. Peakbagging vacations. Weeklong epics. Whatever your plans, you’ll find a pack to match among these 17 picks.
Footwear
We suffered more than a few blisters over 10,000 miles of testing. Result: field-proven trail runners, light hikers, midweights, and heavy-duty boots. Don’t say we never do anything for you.
Tents
Minimalist campers will love the latest crop of ultralight shelters. Storm-seekers will appreciate the bombproof fortresses. Value-hunters will dig the bargains. And everyone will like staying dry.
Sleeping Bags and Pads
We took these bags below their temperature ratings to find out just how warm they really are. Bottom line: We lost sleep so you won’t. Hit snooze with one of these toasty sacks (and cushy pads).
Shells
This year’s best jackets sound too good to be true—lighter, more breathable, stretchier, even cheaper—but we’re happy to report that wearing is believing. Stay comfortable in all conditions with these 14 hard- and softshells.
Essentials
Cook better. Boost camp comfort. Protect your eyes and improve your photos. Upgrade every trip with these 78 field-proven products.
Kitchen
We tested every new camp stove, cook pot, and more to bring you these top picks in backcountry camp kitchen gear.
Canoeing
This starter setup costs less than $1,300 and will last for years.
Sunglasses
We tried dozens of pair to bring you our top 3 new sunglasses for hikers, plus lenses that could actually lift your mood.
Climbing
Start right with this bargain kit—helmet, harness, shoes, rope, and belay device—assembled by the editors of Climbing magazine.
Men’s Apparel
Durability meets comfort in this year’s best new trail apparel for guys.
Women’s Apparel
Our crew of pro testers review their top picks for the best new women’s hiking clothes, including pants, shirts, jackets, sports bras, and more. Plus: Top trends in women’s hiking apparel this year.
Electronics
The best new backcountry cameras, long-lasting GPS units, and our picks for the hottest new portable power.
Kids’
Outfit your aspiring backpackers with these five new must-have pieces of kids’ gear.
Still coming: Knives and food! Stay tuned…
