The Best of the Best Outdoor Gear of 2022

Best Day Hiking Boots: Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX (Men’s & Women’s)

• The award-winning Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX is a fan-favorite for day hikes because of its great mix of weight savings and wet terrain performance. 

Best for Hiking Boots for Ankle Support: Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX  (Men's & Women's)

• Built to last throughout endless adventures in the mountains, the Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX is a high top hiking boot that offers exceptional ankle support in nearly any terrain. Learn more in our in-depth review.

Best for Hiking Boots for Flat Feet: Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX  (Men's & Women's)

• Hiking long distances with flat feet can be a painful experience. Thankfully, the Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX are designed to support your foot throughout your stride, giving you the comfort you need on longer hikes.

Best Hiking Boots for Wide Feet: Keen Targhee III Mid (Men's & Women's)

• Comfortable and durable, with a wide toe box make the Keen Targhee III Waterproof Mid-top a classic hiking boot choice for those with wide feet.

Most Affordable Hiking Boots: Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof (Men's & Women's)

• The Merrell Moab 2 Mid WP is a highly popular, affordable, mid-top hiking boot, loved by hiking enthusiasts all over the world for decades. Learn more in our in-depth review.

Best Hiking Shoes: Arc'teryx Aerios FL GTX Shoe  (Men's & Women's)

• Famed gear manufacturer Arc'teryx really brought their A-game with the Aerios FL. This high-end performance-driven hiking shoe has a minimalist flair, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts that prioritize quality in their gear.

More: Check out our Best Hiking Boots Buying Guide for full reviews and buying considerations.

Best 2-Person Camping Hammock: ENO Double Deluxe

• The Double Deluxe is ENO’s most spacious hammock, making it perfect for adventurous couples. It has a maximum weight capacity of 400lbs, thanks to its durable 70D high tenacity nylon taffeta fabric.

Best Heavy Duty Camping Hammock: Hennessy Hammock Deep Jungle Zip

• The Hennessy Hammock Deep Jungle Zip is a must-have hammock for trips into extreme environments. This hammock is built with double-thick fabric, designed to prevent any bug bites in the middle of the night.

Best Ultralight Camping Hammock: Hennessy Hammock Explorer Ultralight Zip XL

• The Hennessy Hammock Explorer Ultralight Zip XL is for outdoor enthusiasts that want a lightweight but fully featured hammock. This model is built using 70D nylon taffeta, which is strong, yet lightweight.

Most Affordable Camping Hammock: ENO SingleNest

• ENO SingleNest wins our award for the best budget hammock because it is lightweight, durable, and doesn’t eat away at your life’s savings. This hammock is both robust enough for frequent use and soft to the touch.

More: Check out our Best Camping Hammocks Buying Guide for full reviews and buying considerations.

Runner-Up Best Overall: Lazy Daze Double Hammock and Stand

• The Lazy Daze is a comparable alternative that includes a hammock and is slightly more affordable. However, it doesn't have as high of weight capacity and isn't as durable as the Zupapa stand.

Best Budget-Friendly Hammock Stand: Best Choice Products Hammock Stand

• If you are looking for a lightweight hammock stand to bring camping, but you're on a budget, then the Best Choice Products hammock stand may be a good option. 

Best Hammock Stand for Backpacking: ENO Nomad Hammock Stand

• ENO designed this light and compact stand to make it reasonable to take on short trekking excursions. Depending on if you use the stand or use the Nomad Shelter, you could potentially use this hammock stand set up to replace your backpacking tent. 

Best Hammock Stand for Car Camping: Grand Trunk Hangout Hammock Stand

• Although it is a bit too heavy to bring backpacking, at just over thirty pounds, the Grand Trunk Hammock Stand is ideal for car camping excursions or even a day at the beach. It is easy to set up and can work with virtually any hammock you have on hand. 

Best Hammock Stand for Multiple Hammocks: ENOpod 3-person Hammock Stand

• This is hammock stand is well worth it when you have a group of friends or family out for an extended camping trip. It is easy enough to set up and take down that it is feasible to bring to the beach or a festival. 

More: Check out our Best Portable Hammock Stand Buying Guide for full reviews and buying considerations.

Most Affordable Rain Pants: Marmot PreCip Full Zip (Men's & Women's)

• Combining performance and affordability into one neat package, the Marmot PreCip Full Zip is a quality option for budget-wary hikers.

Most Breathable Rain Pants: Arc'teryx Beta SL (Men's & Women's) 

• Performance-driven for those soggy uphill climbs in the alpine, the Arc'teryx Beta SL is a pair of technical rain pants that offer maximum breathability.

Best Heavy Duty Rain Pants: Arc'teryx Beta AR (Men's & Women's) 

• When you get caught in the worst weather conditions, the Arc'teryx Beta AR is the pair of rain pants that you'd hope to have in your pack.

Best Lightweight Rain Pants: Outdoor Research Helium (Men's & Women's)

• For ultralight forays into the mountains, the Outdoor Research Helium is a set of highly packable rain pants that are crafted to keep you dry.

Most Comfortable Rain Pants: Helly Hansen Dubliner (Men's & Women's)

• Designed to provide you with maximum comfort without breaking the bank, the Helly Hansen Dubliner is an athletically-fitting pair of rain pants that doesn't feel constricting on the trail.

More: Check out our Best Rain Pants Buying Guide for full reviews and buying considerations.

Best Hat for Summer Hiking: Outdoor Research Sombriolet 

• The Outdoor Research Sombriolet is a modern take on a classic hiking hat design. This hat features a full brim, which provides ample sun protection for the head and the very top of the neck.

Most Affordable Hiking Hat: Columbia Bora Bora II Booney

• The Columbia Bora Bora II Booney is an affordable hiking hat that offers decent sun protection for hikers on a budget. It is made with Columbia's Omni-Shade nylon fabric with UPF 50 sun protection.

Best Hat for Trail Running: Outdoor Research Swift

• The Outdoor Research Swift is a high-tech version of a standard baseball cap. It's made with 100% Supplex nylon that's both durable and water-resistant. 

Best Bug Repellent Hiking Hat: ExOfficio Bugs Away Sol Cool Brim Hat

• When you're hiking somewhere with a whole lot of mosquitos or other creepy crawlies, a hat that's designed to ward off bugs is a good choice. The ExOfficio Bugs Away Sol Cool Brim Hat is made with 100% nylon that's treated with Bugs Away technology to repel any buzzing insects.

Best Hat for Winter Hiking: Outdoor Research Transcendent Beanie

• The Outdoor Research Transcendent Beanie is a great option for winter hikers that need the ultimate in warmth for cold-weather adventures. This hat is crafted with an ultralight 20D ripstop polyester shell that's packed full of 650 fill goose down.

More: Check out our Best Hiking Hats Buying Guide for full reviews and buying considerations.

Best Gloves for Summer Hiking: Outdoor Research ActiveIce Spectrum Sun Gloves

• If you spend enough time outside, at some point, you’ll get sunburnt. A proper pair of sun gloves, however, like the Outdoor Research ActiveIce Spectrum Sun Gloves can help protect your hands from the sun’s harmful rays.

Best Gloves for Winter Hiking: Black Diamond Mercury Mitts

• The Black Diamond Mercury Mitts are a pair of premium winter hiking mittens for cold weather use. They feature a durable Pertex shell that provides complete waterproofing protection against the snow and foul weather. 

Most Affordable Hiking Gloves: Black Diamond Lightweight Fleece Glove

• The Black Diamond Lightweight Fleece Glove is an excellent addition to any backpacking gear list. At just 1oz (28g), these gloves are some of the lightest on the market, so they’re easy to throw into your pack before hitting the trail.

Best Lightweight Hiking Gloves: Black Diamond Lightweight Softshell Glove

• The Black Diamond Lightweight Softshell Glove is a performance glove for use during chilly weather conditions. Thanks to their softshell fabric, these gloves are highly weather-resistant.

More: Check out our Best Hiking Gloves Buying Guide for full reviews and buying considerations.

Most Affordable Camping Table: Coleman Compact Table

• For budget-conscious campers, the Coleman Compact Camping Table is a solid choice. Made with a steel frame and an aluminum slat top, this table is designed to hold up well, even in windy conditions.

Best Lightweight Camping Table: Helinox Table One Lightweight

• When weight savings are a top priority, the Helinox Table One Lightweight is a must-have. This folding table has a tiny packed size and fits into its included stuff sack, which is just 16" long.

Best Side Table for Camping: Helinox Side Table

• The Helinox Side Table fills a vital role in any comfortable camping set up. It provides the perfect on-the-go storage area for your water bottle snacks, books, and other pieces of gear when you're in the mountains.

Best Camping Table for Cooking: GCI Outdoor Slim-Fold Outdoor Cook Station

• Backcountry gourmet meets functionality with the GCI Outdoor Slim-Fold Cook Station. This multi-purpose camp table features everything you need to cook up a storm in the outdoors.

Best Camping Table for Dining: Camp Time Roll-a-Table

• One of the biggest complaints that people have with camp tables is that they just aren't tall enough to sit under comfortably. Thankfully, the Camp Time Roll-a-Table is specially designed for comfort at the dinner table.

Best Multi-Purpose Camping Table: Camp Chef Sherpa Camp Table & Organizer

• If you often find that you have a lot of cooks in the kitchen, the Camp Chef Sherpa Camp Table & Organizer might just be what you need. Built with aluminum telescoping legs and a roll-up aluminum tabletop, this multi-purpose table is an excellent choice for any car camping adventure.

More: Check out our Best Camping Tables Buying Guide for full reviews and buying considerations.

Most Comfortable Camping Cot: Byer of Maine Swedish Bed

• When comfort is key, the Byer of Maine Swedish Bed is hard to beat. This extra plush cot system allows you to be just as cozy in bed while you're outside as you are at home

Most Affordable Camping Cot: Coleman Camping Cot Kit

• Designed to appease your wallet without getting in the way of your sleep, the Coleman Camping Cot Kit is a budget-friendly option for price-wary campers.

Best Camping Cot for a Bad Back: Coleman ComfortSmart Cot

• A bad back can really be a downer when you're trying to get some rest during a camping trip. Thankfully, a well-padded option like the Coleman ComfortSmart Cot can often help alleviate some of the problems.

Best Heavy Duty Camping Cot: TETON Sports XXL Camping Cot

• If durability is your top priority, a cot like the TETON Sports XXL Camping Cot is a great companion to take on a camping trip. Thanks to the steel alloy frame in a unique S-leg design it can accommodate a staggering 600lbs of weight.

Best Lightweight Camping Cot: Therm-a-rest Mesh Cot

• The Therm-a-rest Mesh Cot is a go-to piece of lightweight gear. Boasting an ultra-compact design, this cot rolls up into an impressively small stuff sack for use on backpacking trips or any adventure where weight and space are an issue.

Best Double Camping Cot: Coleman Deluxe Double Camping Cot

• Crafted with a sturdy steel frame that can support up to 600lbs, this camping cot is ideal for couples that prioritize comfort and durability in their gear.

More: Check out our Best Camping Cots Buying Guide for full reviews and buying considerations.

Best Overall Honorable Mention: Nemo Fillo Elite

• For a pillow that provides even more comfort than the Exped Air Pillow at nearly the same weight, the Nemo Fillo Elite is a solid choice. 

Best Budget-Friendly Backpacking Pillow: Therm-a-Rest Compressible

• In the world of camping pillows, the Therma-a-Rest Compressible is a veritable classic. This compressible pillow is both affordable and comfortable, so it offers a good value for campers on a budget.

Best Inflatable Backpacking Pillow: Sea to Summit Aeros Premium

• The Sea to Summit Aeros Premium pillow provides excellent performance in a compact package. This inflatable pillow weighs just 2.7 oz (79g) and packs down to about the size of a small medicine bottle.

Best Backpacking Pillow for Side Sleepers: Therm-a-Rest Air Head Down

• Side sleepers often feel that they're getting the short end of the stick when it comes to camping pillows, which mostly seem to be made with back sleepers in mind. 

Best Lightweight Backpacking Pillow: Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight

• When weight savings are key, the Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight is hard to beat. This pillow tips the scales at a measly 2.1oz (60g), making it one of the lightest offerings available.

More: Check out our Best Backpacking Pillows Buying Guide for full reviews and buying considerations.

Best Ultra-fast Boiling Cook Set: Jetboil Flash Cooking System

• The name says it all - the Jetboil Flash is the fastest option we’ve seen for boiling water. Imagine waking up and having fresh hot coffee in 100 seconds.

Best 2-Person Cook Set: GSI Outdoors Halulite Microdualist II Cookset

• Beginner backpackers and couples prefer cookware sets that include bowls, mugs, and utensils. They’re good for backpacking as well as car-camping getaways. As they include almost everything you’ll need to cook and eat in a convenient set.

Best Ultralight Pot: TOAKS Titanium 1100ml Pot

• For minimalists and gram counters, the TOAKS Titanium 1100ml pot is for you. We love the ultralight pot with convenient folding wire handles and minimal lid. It does exactly what you need it to do and nothing more

Best Cook Set for Hot Beverages: Snow Peak Titanium Single 450 Cup with HotLips

• Sometimes all you need is a hot beverage to get you going in the morning or wind down the evening. When we don’t need a full-sized cook pot, the Snow Peak Titanium 450ml cup is our favorite go-to mug. Pair it with the MSR Pocket Rocket 2 for a total of 5 oz.

Best Stand-Alone Skillet: MSR Quick Skillet

• If you’re hiking with a buddy and can split up gear weight, consider taking along a skillet. This skillet is also great for adding to your car-camping cook setup. It is the perfect size for a hot cooked breakfast of eggs and sausage before a day of exploring.

More: Check out our Best Backpacking Cook Sets Buying Guide for full reviews and buying considerations.

Best GPS Watches Under $200:

• Garmin Forerunner 45S -  An affordable hiking and running GPS watch for outdoor enthusiasts that love to keep track of their health and fitness stats. It is lightweight and nestled into a sleek housing that looks as good as it functions.
• Coros Pace Multisport GPS Watch - For budget-conscious hikers that are more concerned with health stats and route tracking, the Coros Pace is a solid choice. This user-friendly watch provides a lot of functionality without adding in complex technology.

Best Mid-Range GPS Watches: 

• Suunto Ambit3 Peak HR - This GPS watch is for hikers that prioritize navigation and functionality over fitness stats. It features a burly housing made from steel, mineral crystal glass, and an elastomer strap for extra ruggedness.
• Garmin Instinct - Rugged and resilient, the Garmin Instinct is a GPS watch built to handle any trail. This watch has a fiber-reinforced polymer bezel and case with chemically strengthened glass for extra durability.

Best High-End GPS Watches:

• Garmin Forerunner 945 - When fitness stats and functionality are your top priorities, the Garmin Forerunner 945 is hard to beat. This high-tech GPS watch includes pretty much any feature you can think of when it comes to tracking your fitness and stats.
• Garmin Fenix 6 Sapphire - With everything you need and want, and some extra features thrown in on top, the Garmin Fenix 6 Sapphire is one of the most technology-packed GPS watches on the market.

More: Check out our Best GPS Watches Buying Guide for full reviews and buying considerations.

Honorable Mention: CamelBak Crux 2L

• CamelBak revolutionized the world of hiking when they first introduced their hydration bladders, and the Crux 2L is no exception. It’s a great runner-up to the Platypus Big Zip Evo because it’s slightly less expensive. 

Best Budget Hydration Bladder: Platypus Hoser 3L

• The Platypus Hoser 3L is a minimalist version of Platypus’ water reservoirs. It’s a great, affordable option for hikers on a budget because it includes everything you need and no extraneous bells and whistles.

Best Lightweight Hydration Bladder: Osprey Hydraulics LT 2.5L

• The Osprey Hydraulics LT 2.5L is a lightweight option for minimalist hikers that want a fully-functional hydration system. It is built using a 2.5 Hydrapak bladder and is specifically designed to offer maximum versatility for avid outdoor recreationalists.

Best Lumbar Hydration Bladder: Platypus Big Zip Evo 2L Lumbar

• The Platypus Big Zip Evo 2L Lumbar is the lumbar pack version of Platypus’ award-winning Big Zip Evo. It features Platypus’ reliable zip-top opening system, which is easy to both open and to seal to prevent leaks.

Best Hydration Bladder for Winter Sports: CamelBak Mil Spec Antidote 3L

• Made specifically with the harshest environments in mind, the CamelBak Mil Spec Antidote 3L is an excellent choice for use during the winter months. It was designed for the US Marine Corps and is highly adaptable for extreme conditions.

More: Check out our Best Hydration Bladders Buying Guide for full reviews and buying considerations.