Editorial · 2026 edition
The best outdoor gear of 2026 in every category
Category-by-category picks — backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, stoves, knives, rain shells, and everything else worth carrying this year.
Best of 2026
Backpacks
Multi-day packs that carry weight well and last past the warranty.
Picks for this category are on the way.
Best of 2026
Tents & Shelters
Freestanding tents, tarps, and bivvies for every season.
Picks for this category are on the way.
Best of 2026
Sleeping Bags & Quilts
Down and synthetic bags matched to real overnight temps.
Picks for this category are on the way.
Best of 2026
Sleeping Pads
R-value that actually holds up on frozen ground.
Picks for this category are on the way.
Best of 2026
Stoves & Cook Systems
Canister, liquid-fuel, and wood stoves that boil in wind.
Picks for this category are on the way.
Best of 2026
Water Filters & Purifiers
Field-proven filtration from clear streams to silty rivers.
Picks for this category are on the way.
Best of 2026
Headlamps
Runtime, beam pattern, and cold-weather battery honesty.
Picks for this category are on the way.
Best of 2026
Fixed-Blade Knives
Belt knives that split kindling and process game without chipping.
Picks for this category are on the way.
Best of 2026
Axes & Saws
Camp axes, hatchets, and folding saws for firewood and shelter work.
Picks for this category are on the way.
Best of 2026
Rain Shells
Hardshells and packable rain jackets that keep breathing wet.
Picks for this category are on the way.
Best of 2026
Insulated Jackets
Down and synthetic puffies for camp and cold days out.
Picks for this category are on the way.
Best of 2026
Base Layers
Merino and synthetic base layers that manage sweat and stink.
Picks for this category are on the way.
Best of 2026
Hiking & Bushcraft Boots
Leather and synthetic boots for trails, snow, and heavy loads.
Picks for this category are on the way.
Best of 2026
Trekking Poles
Poles that survive scree, mud, and tarp-ridgeline duty.
Picks for this category are on the way.
Best of 2026
Fire & Ignition
Ferro rods, lighters, and tinder that light when everything is wet.
Picks for this category are on the way.