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Backpacker Magazine Editors' Choice Award Winners
Backpacker Magazine has announced their Editors' Choice 2008 awards. Get the best prices on the award-winning products from this year and previous years, and then head for the Great Outdoors!
MontBell UL Spiral Down Hugger #1
It's warm, dry, and packs down smaller than a football, earning the MontBell UL Spiral Down Hugger #1 a Backpacker Editor's Choice Award for 2009. And since it weighs only 2 lbs., this sleeping bag won't weigh you down when you're carrying it on your next outdoor adventure. Backpacker says the "bag felt roomy to everyonedespite different body shapesbut it never had excess space to heat."
Garmin Oregon 400t
While you may be a pro working all the gear that helps keep you on the trail and heading in the right direction, it's nice if the less experienced hikers can too. That's the case with the Garmin Oregon 400t, a GPS that has all bells and whistles to impress the gear-head, but that Backpacker's novice testers "were navigating within minutes of turning it on." We especially like the integration with map software and... more
Mammut X-Zoom
If you've been looking for the perfect headlamp, but haven't been happy with those you've tried so far, pay heed to Backpacker's recommendation for the Mammut X-Zoom. Their editors call it "groundbreaking" and "the most versatile headlamp. Ever." From a flood light for spotting dangers in the dark to a soft light for reading a book when you're tucked into your sleeping bag, this headlamp does it all.
Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews
Most campers and hikers know it's hard to find food that tastes good, is nutritious and easily fits in a backpack. But Backpacker has found a trail snack that covers all three bases. Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews come in a variety of flavors and, according to Backpacker, they "beat all comers in the taste department." In fact, you might find you keep these around for a snack even when you're carrying a briefcase... more
CAMP FUN: Gibbon Slacklines
In the city, losing your balance on rain-slick streets can be embarrassing but isn't usually fatal. On a steep trail overlooking a cliff, it's a different story. If your next trip includes some sketchy stretches of trails, Gibbon Slacklines are a great way to build up your balancing skills in your backyard. If you're not familiar with slacklines, think of a tightrope that's only a couple feet off the ground. Backpacker chose the Gibbon... more
BACKPACK: REI Flash 65
Streamline your gear by getting rid of all those backpacks you have for different types of trips and try the REI Flash 65, which got top marks from Backpacker for its versatility. Their editors noted that, "Every tester who carried the Flash 65whether for fast-and-light weekends or long-and-overloaded weeksthought it worked perfectly for the job." It hugs the back, has wide straps for comfort, and adjusts to keep any load balanced. You can pack... more
VIDEO CAMERA: Sanyo Xacti VPC-E2
Although you'll need to take along extra batteries, Backpacker recommends the Sanyo Xacti VPC-E2 as the perfect companion to capture video on your outdoor adventures. On trips that included a swim through a slot canyon and "pounding rain in Wales" they found it produced "quality video in conditions that fried a lesser unit." Their only caveat is that the rechargeable batter is only good for a couple hours. Still, the camera comes in at... more
Sierra Designs Lightning XT 4
While you don't wish for inclement weather when your camping, it's always good to have gear that can handle it. Backpacker put the Sierra Designs Lightning XT 4 to the test and came up with their favorite for 2009. In their tests in the harsh climate of Snowdonia National Park in Wales, it withstood "40-mph gusts that knocked testers off their feet." And unlike some tents that claim to fit four, this one actually... more
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir
It may cost you more than the average sleeping pad, but the inflatable Therm-a-Rest Neo Air got rave reviews from Backpacker testers. We were impressed that the Neo Air deflates to "pint-glass size" and weighs around 13 ounces, but that was just the beginning. Backpacker notes "the pad is in a class by itself in terms of warmth and comfort for the weight." And, if you've had a pad that slides around on the... more
Nikon Coolpix P6000
There are plenty of cameras that take great pictures, but it takes more than that to make Backpackers Editor's Choice list. With its internal GPS, the 13-pixel Nikon Coolpix P6000 digitally stamps your pics with latitude and longitude, which Backpacker testers say puts this camera "in a class by itself." Tests on "200 geotagged photos shot in two countries and three states" proved the Coolpix was right-on when compared "with a high-end handheld GPS."... more
