The Very Best Outdoor Gadgets You Should Buy Right Now

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APPAREL FOOTWEAR ACCESSORIES CAMP PLAY GADGETS

Remember the height of Covid when everyone was obsessed with hiking (when they weren’t busy pretending to be sourdough bread bakers)? Well, that kind of stunk. A whopping 26 percent of people say they’re now regularly doing recreational activities outside, according to the Outdoor Foundation’s 2022 Outdoor Participation Trends Report. (That’s actually the highest number ever in the report’s 15-year history.)

And, as you probably learned from your Covid hikes, the right gear can make all the difference. That’s true no matter what your favorite flavor of outdoor adventure is, from hiking to biking to kayaking to running to walks in the dog park to—well, you get the picture. Which is why our editors rounded up an RV’s worth of outdoor adventure products and field-tested every last one to find the best stuff to fuel your next summit, ride, stargaze, fishing trip, campsite cookout, or throwback hike.

We also chatted with several of the world’s foremost experts in outdoor living, survival, and gear, including Michael Easter, author of The Comfort Crisis and the upcoming Scarcity Brain, and Don Nguyen, a mountaineering guide, elk hunting guide, survivalist, and founding member of Climbers of Color, a nonprofit dedicated to “creating leaders of color in mountaineering and climbing.” Men’s Health advisory panel member Jedidiah Ballard, D.O., an ER physician and former Army Ranger, also weighed in with his sage advice.

This is the best new outdoor gear worth buying this year. This is the 2023 Men’s Health Outdoor Awards.

Faber Hoody

Hiking in the rain sucks, but hiking in rain and wind is a special kind of hell. That’s why Canada Goose’s Faber Hoody relies on AcclimaLuxe—a proprietary fabric that’s wind- and water-resistant, with a plush, soft hand feel that beats the crispy, crinkly feeling of hard or semihard outer shells any day

Odin 9 Worlds 3.0 Shell Jacket

For the no-nonsense adventurer, this eco-friendly jacket incorporates recycled ocean plastics in a stormproof three-layer design for combating the hardest wind and rain. It’s cut to make room for helmets and backpacks, and there’s tons of pocket space (with durable YKK zippers) to stash all your essential goods.

Essential Zip Hoody

Best known for its premium hunting gear, Sitka also offers high-quality apparel that’s evolved to make the brand a favorite across the entire outdoor industry. Start with the Essential zip hoodie and watch how this comfortable and versatile piece becomes part of your everyday wear

Jockey Outdoors Short Sleeve Fishing Shirt

In addition to great underwear, Jockey makes some pretty sweet outdoor apparel. The Outdoor Collection fishing shirt is our new go-to shirt for angling days. It’s soft, lightweight, and cleverly designed with plenty of mesh and breathable fabrics to keep your time on the water nice and breezy.

Big Sur Coastal View Tee

Dressing for the elements isn’t just about hardcore technical apparel. Sometimes you want to actually look good, too. Parks Project’s lineup of one-of-a-kind graphic tees is inspired by wildlife, the great outdoors, and all the national parks that nature enthusiasts love most

Sawpit Henley LS Thermal

We’re suckers for a good Henley (up to and including Don). Seager Co.’s Sawpit Henley is made from 100 percent cotton with a slub waffle knit that’s durable yet oh-so-buttery soft. When you’re reaching for one shirt to rule the day—chopping wood in the backyard, crushing a quick summit before breakfast, or making s’mores with the kids at your favorite campsite—this is the perfect do-it-all top.

California Sweatshirt

A sweatshirt is a sweatshirt is a sweatshirt… unless it’s Outerknown’s unique California sweatshirt. This versatile and innovative top is made with 100 percent Climate Beneficial cotton that’s grown, dyed, and sewn in the Golden State. Flatlock seams and loose-knit French terry construction ensure it’s buttery soft right out of the package

Campover Corduroy Shorts 17"

Roark took its perennial-favorite Campover shorts and gave them a classic corduroy upgrade. A shorter, 6.5-inch inseam, zippered pockets, and a built-in belt make this pair as functional as they are casual. While they look great in stock gray, we especially love the summer-friendly sandstorm colorway.

Salto Ripstop Pants

When you like your technical pants a little more casual than utilitarian, there’s Cotopaxi’s Salto pants. The slim-fit design is made from a Better Cotton Initiative blend that’s soft yet durable. An elastic drawcord, zippered fly, and travel stash pocket all help to keep the fit and your essential items tight.

The "Radikl" Outsider Pant

For serious outdoor adventures, the rugged “Radikl” Outsider pants are durable, comfortable, and breathable. They’re built with Kuhl’s own Dynawax Ripstop fabric, which is wind- and water-resistant and designed to take a beating and keep moving with you, even in the most demanding technical environments.

ShirtJac

A shirt jacket is a versatile garment that can help keep packing to a minimum. “Cozy wool is warm, it’s breathable, and there are no microplastics. Plus, this shirt is made in the U.S.A.,” says Don Nguyen.

Terra Canyon

Teva upgrades its classic sneaker silhouette with a cotton-and-hemp canvas upper. The result? Go-anywhere footwear that’s casual enough for everyday use yet plenty rugged for hitting the trails for a quick after-work hike. Bonus: Recycled material throughout makes this a solid eco-conscious buy, too.

Ursa MS

A Vibram Mont outsole, a Gore-Tex liner, and an abrasion-resistant TecTuff polyurethane-infused leather upper are just a few of the premium design notes in this pair of boots. They’re made to go far, and according to Michael Easter they’re “boots you can conquer the world in.” Challenge accepted.

Scenario Slip-on

Ditch the Crocs this season in favor of a featherweight, no-frills alternative. The Scenario slips on easily and protects your feet with 100 percent waterproof comfort. And the IP-EVA sole is light, durable, and extremely comfy, too.

Transport

A lightweight design, neutral stability, and balanced cushioning—Hoka’s latest Transport offers it all in a single package. It’s designed with active commuters in mind: anyone who might walk, jog, or run to work, spend a solid nine hours at the office, then hit the trail afterward. Plus, we dig the sub-$150 price tag.

Catamount 2

Some days you want to run; some days you want to trek. Some days you want to do both. Brooks’s new Catamount 2 is a modern trail runner that’s ready for it all. It’s lightweight, responsive, and ultra-grippy, so you can run faster, farther, and more sure-footed.

Kicker Rain Chelsea II

When traditional Chelsea boots aren’t enough but legit galoshes are just too much, there’s the Bogs Kicker Rain Chelsea II. These low-slung kicks are waterproof top-to-bottom, but with an understated aesthetic that makes them casual enough to wear even on the sunniest days.

Mountain Clog Leather

A wise man once said, “Not all clogs are created equal.” Bedrock’s Mountain Clog is a testament to that, with a one-piece oiled Ecco nubuck leather upper that’s ultra-durable and offers a dash of “mountain man chic.” A Vibram Megagrip outsole and a three-point strap system make sure you and your clogs never slip.

Mantra Climbing Shoe

La Sportiva reinvented the wheel—er, shoe—more than 20 years ago with its revolutionary Mantra climbing shoe. Now the Mantra has reemerged with an all-new, technically advanced design that makes it lighter and more sensitive than almost any climbing footwear on the market.

405 Boots

Nothing beats a good pair of leather boots for the great outdoors. Nguyen’s favorite pick is the made-in-the-U.S.A. Alden 405—the boot worn by Harrison Ford in the Indiana Jones movies. “Most times on an expedition, I’m not in the field; I’m in a rural town. Nice leather-lined boots are better for foot health than foam and synthetic line,” Nguyen says.

Go Stick Clear Sunscreen

Spray-on sunscreens are messy and not especially eco-friendly. Oars + Alps’ sunscreen stick remedies that with a deodorant-style application that lets it glide on clear and easy. Plus, it’s spill-free and nonstaining, and it resists water and sweat for up to 80 minutes—all of which make it perfect for travel.

The Facekit

We get it, all you Paul Bunyan types: Skin care isn’t exactly top of mind. But all that time outdoors can be brutal on your skin. Jackfir’s skin-care set is designed for avid outdoorsmen. Shaving, cleansing, and moisturizing—this complete three-piece kit has you covered.

Antibacterial Body Wipes

If you frequently get funky in the most remote of places, where showering and running water might be distant memories, you need Brava Sierra’s body wipes. The disposable, antibacterial cloths are military-tested in the toughest conditions and designed to keep you clean literally anywhere.

Brown Trout II Strapback

Protecting your skin starts with protecting your dome. No one does it with more outdoors-inspired swagger than the Ampal Creative and its solid line of old-school hats. Plus, they’re crushable, so they pack neatly into a duffel or even a back pocket in a pinch.

Medic Impact Alpenglow Insoles

Good footwear is a hiker’s best friend, and nothing elevates your boots or trail runners like a solid pair of insoles. Remind Insoles’ Impact 6mm Mid-High Arch insoles feature a high-arch design for maximum support and incredible cushioning for next-level comfort on the trail and beyond.

Damascus

If you really want to conquer the world, pair those LaCrosse Ursa MS hiking boots (above) with a set of cushy Damascus trail socks from the U.S.A.-made brand Farm to Feet.

Atlas Stretch Belt

If shoes make the man, a good belt can make the pants. For the perfect accompaniment to your activewear pants, there’s Arcade Belts’ A2 stretch belt. It’s deceptively simple, with a combination of high-performance stretch webbing and a contoured buckle for a comfy, lasts-forever design.

Guide's Choice

For serious eye protection, Smith Optics’ Guide’s Choice sunglasses are the pinnacle of

eyewear—the closest thing to wearing snow goggles off-mountain. These boast Smith’s flagship technology, including lenses that are glare reducing, scratch resistant, and color enhancing

Camp Arrowcrest - Crater Lake Edition

For a more casual eyewear alternative, CAMP Eyewear’s National Parks Collection shades are inspired by the great outdoors. We especially love the Arrowcrest, Crater Lake Edition, which combines a crystal-blue-lake-colored frame and lenses with genuine walnut inlays for a handsome, one-of-a-kind design.

Suunto 9 Peak Pro Titanium Slate

Suunto’s Peak series pulls no punches. If you’re a serious outdoors lover and you can’t get enough of tracking your body metrics, the latest Suunto 9 Peak Pro is your man. It’s fast and powerful, and it features military-grade durability with a whopping 21-day battery life. So it’ll probably outlast even you in the wild.

Bear Grylls Survival Outdoor Explorer Watch 45mm

It’s a watch, but it’s so much more. The rugged rubber watchband is made to Bear Grylls approval, and comes with a chronograph and a compass on the band. The case is water-resistant up to 300 meters and is made from Luminox's ultra-tough CARBONOX material. And the watch face itself glows in the dark with self-powered illumination tech.

Time Teller OPP

Nixon’s iconic Time Teller gets a 2023 glow-up with more eco-friendly manufacturing in the all-new Time Teller OPP. (That would be other people’s plastic—get it?) Painted hands and indices and a bevy of eye-popping colorways make this stand out even more.

Lake+ Kayak

For city dwellers and other space-strapped water-sports enthusiasts, Oru solves the perennial kayak storage problem with the Lake+. This full-sized kayak has an ultra-rugged design that’s stable and comfortable for paddlers of all levels. When you’re ready to pull it from the water, it folds down, origami-style, to about the size of an extra-large briefcase that fits neatly in your trunk or closet.

2 Paddles and 1 Bag Set

Ditch the boring, $10 department-store pickleball set and upgrade to Tangerine. The retro-inspired paddles and bags are a perfect throwback to ’70s-era tennis tourneys and too-short shorts and skorts.

Front Range Dog Harness

Pupper deserves the best outdoor gear, too. Ruffwear’s Front Range dog harness is our favorite of 2023. The padded design makes it comfortable for dogs to wear, yet easy for their humans to put on and take off. Two leash attachment options add versatility for walking and running with almost any doggo personality, including persistent “pullers."

Diverge E5

Specialized’s Diverge E5 is designed to be “all things to all people.” It tackles road races, gravel races, and hybrid races with aplomb. The alloy construction makes it fast, capable, and comfortable on just about any terrain. Handlebar tassels sold separately.

Sportsman 570 ATV

Whether you want it for checking the fences on your ranch, racing with the boys in the woods, or taking weekend “mudding” trips, Polaris’s Sportsman 570 Quad tackles it all. Even the entry-level model boasts on-demand AWD, almost 10 inches of rear suspension travel, and beefy 25-inch tires, while the upgraded trim levels are even more tricked-out.

2x2 Electric Bike

The aesthetic of UBCO’s 2x2 neatly straddles the line between Vespa and old-school dirt bike. But don’t let its quirky-cool looks fool you. This next-gen electric bike is better than both, with all-wheel drive, a 75-mile range, and over 300 pounds of carry capacity. Plus, it just looks so damn fun.

Salos Spinning Reel

For the angler who takes his casts and catches very seriously, Florida Fishing Products’ latest Salos spinning reel is a dream. The featherweight design uses stainless-steel bearings for easier, more reliable casts, with a nice clean drag that just works.

Vapor Climbing Helmet

Few things matter more on the mountain than safeguarding your skull. Black Diamond’s latest Vapor climbing helmet is lightweight yet ultra-durable, with better head protection and ventilation than most. And it looks pretty badass to boot!

Inspire 100AZ Refracting Telescope

For astronomy buffs and proud NASA nerds, there’s nothing cooler than a good telescope. Celestron’s latest Inspire model is dead-simple to set up and comes with a red LED flashlight and a smartphone adapter to take your astrophotography to the next level. Now you can prove that we really did land on the moon!

Full Carbon Travel Guitar

Campfires, sunsets on the beach, and lazy days in the park are all made better with an impromptu acoustic set. KLOS’s full-carbon travel guitar is a lightweight hybrid model with a full-scale detachable neck and a compact body designed to go wherever you go.

LoadOut GoBox 30 Gear Case

For multiday trips, you’re going to need a place to stash your valuables and supplies. This portable safe from Yeti weighs 12 pounds empty and measures 20.5 by 14.6 by 11.1 inches. It’s not also a

cooler, but it sure beats a bear bag.

Dry Backpack

Like everything in Filson’s deep catalog of outdoor gear, the latest iteration of its waterproof backpack is built seriously tough. The flexible 840-denier nylon shell (coated with thermoplastic polyurethane) and welded seams ensure it’s completely submersible—the perfect storage bag for washed-out summit pushes and hardcore paddling adventures.

Bridger 45

Made for both casual day hikers and weekend warriors, this four-season backpack is all about thinking smarter, not harder. A moisture-wicking recycled-nylon shell (perfect for unexpected rain showers), a dedicated sleeping-bag compartment, and a mesh front pocket system (for easy food and water access) will come in handy as you navigate tricky inclines and set up picturesque mountaintop hangs.

Waterproof Bag

For hauling food to the campsite, making a quick grocery stop, and wrangling all the loose bits in the back of your truck, few bags are more versatile than a good tote. Rux’s waterproof bag boasts a 25-liter capacity and a wide roll-top opening for easy access.

Field Pouch V2

Peak Design’s latest sling bag, the Field Pouch V2, is durable, minimal, and versatile. The compressible design lets it double in size to wrangle all your loose electronics, your first-aid essentials, or your travel Hummel collection. Plus, true to its name, it works as a streamlined carry-all, too

Multipass Sling Bag

With just a two-liter capacity, Janji’s Multipass sling bag is the perfect size for stashing your essentials, whether out for a run or

walking the dog. It’s streamlined, versatile, and, best of all, weather repellent, so you can wear it rain or shine.

Nano 18 H2O Hydration Pack

When you want to go ultralight for a day hike or weekend-long festival, Gregory’s Nano 18 H2O is the perfect hydration pack. It combines 18 liters of gear storage space with room for three liters of water, so you can quench your thirst and keep going with all your essentials.

Mountain Waist Pack

Sometimes pants pockets aren’t enough but a backpack is overkill. Find a happy medium with Topo Designs’ Mountain Waist Pack. With a two-liter capacity and heavy-duty YKK zippers, it’s designed to keep your most essential EDC within easy reach. (Just don’t call it a fanny pack.)

Trail Pro 36 Hiking Backpack

Deuter’s Trail Pro 36 is streamlined and perfectly sized for short overnight camps or longer day hikes with the fam. The lightweight construction (a little over three pounds), coupled with a cleverly designed back system and quick-drying Air Spacer mesh, makes it plenty comfortable for all-day wear.

Gear Duffel

One duffel to rule them all—that’s Klymit’s simply named Gear Duffel. Available in capacities from 65 to 125 liters, it has plenty of storage space for even the longest outings. Plus, the water-resistant design and versatile carry straps (duffel or backpack) mean you can tote this comfortably anywhere, in any weather.

Foamy Camping Mattress Pad

A good night’s sleep makes all the difference when we’re camping. For that, we look to Hest’s Foamy—a comfortable, camp-friendly mattress pad with two layers of memory foam and durable, integrated compression straps so you can pack it down tight when you’re ready to break camp. The best part? No air pump required.

EL55 Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller + Glow Light

What looks like an original-trilogy Star Wars prop is actually a skeeter shield that turns away the nasties within a 20-foot radius using only a safe and odorless chemical. There’s a built-in light and USB charger, too.

Ikos TR2 Two Person Tent

Even with a packed weight of roughly five pounds, this just-right-sized dome is roomier than it looks. Plus, the swooping-tent-pole construction and stainless-steel tent pegs plant this thing firmly in the turf—no matter the conditions.

Breeze-Thru Screenhouse

Triple or quadruple your livable camp space with Kelty’s Breeze-Thru screenhouse. It’s a legit portable “screen porch” that’s 7.5-feet high and protects you and yours from sun, showers, and skeeters, so you’ll always have a space for dining or relaxing in the heat of day or long after the sun goes down.

Copper Spur HV UL2 Tent

Considering its scant three-pound weight, Big Agnes’s Copper Spur HV UL2 tent yields a surprising amount of living space for two people. That’s thanks to two awning-style vestibules and a clever “mezzanine” bin in the foot for serious gear storage—all of which make it perfect for everything from backpacking to overlanding.

FireCan Deluxe Fire Pit & Grill

Designed in the shape of a carry-friendly ammo box, this camp-friendly grill sets up in seconds and has enough cooking space to feed three people. It runs on propane, so you won’t have to forage for tinder and even boasts a post-meal “firepit” mode.

Tactical Field Office

Leave the department-store camp tables to lesser men. Helinox’s Tactical Field Office is built for serious backcountry work—everything from charting your next summit push to gutting your last catch. The integrated 15-liter cargo bag provides plenty of storage for all the gear required to get those jobs done.

Peak Series Gravity Filter System 8L

LifeStraw’s latest water-filtration system defends against bacteria, parasites, microplastics, and plain old dirt. You can hang the Gravity 8L on a car or tent and deliver fresh, potable water to the whole crew. Need H2O for a quick solo hike? Remove the filter from inside the bag and use it as a straw or with a LifeStraw water bottle.

GB1000 Portable Power Station

Today’s car campers like to pack plenty of tech. Generac’s GB1000 generator is perfectly sized with a capacity of 1086Wh—more than enough to keep a family of four going on a long weekend in the bush. Plus, at less than 30 pounds, it’s surprisingly portable.

Stargaze Reclining Camp Chair

Most folding camp chairs are designed for maximum portability. But Nemo’s Stargaze reclining chair is portable and actually comfortable. We’d venture to say it’s the closest you’ll get to having a legit La-Z-Boy—complete with cup and smartphone holders—in the wild.

Clip 4 Eco

This palm-sized, lightweight Bluetooth speaker has a built-in clip that secures it to your pack—and it’s waterproof and dustproof, just in case you forget it’s on there. The speaker sounds great, too, especially considering that it’s built with 90 percent recycled plastic, and it has a battery life of 10 hours.

P0 Ultralight Travel Coffee Press

The stainless-steel body of this French press is both lightweight and tough—and it makes a mean cup o’ joe in just four minutes. Bonus: Our tests found that the Espro P0 keeps everything hot inside for well over an hour.

Camp Axe

Few outdoor tools are as versatile as an old-school hatchet or axe. SOG’s aptly named Camp Axe is compact and light enough to stash in a backpack, but strong and sharp enough to tackle all your ‘round-the-campsite tasks, from prepping firewood to clearing light brush to slashing your steak like a caveman (well, maybe not that).

Mini Stash Light

When a headlamp isn’t quite enough but a traditional flashlight is overkill, there’s VSSL’s Mini Stash Light. It’s compact, durable, and plenty bright. But we especially love the hollow interior, designed for stashing small essentials or VSSL’s own refill and gear tins.

Mini 3

For beginners and anyone who loves to go ultralight, DJI’s Mini 3 is the best, most compact drone we’ve tested this year. It weighs almost nothing (just 249 grams!) and it’s a breeze to fly, plus it features incredible battery life, 4K HDR video, and Level 5 wind resistance (up to 24 miles per hour).

Galaxy S23 Ultra

The main camera in Samsung’s flagship S23 Ultra packs 200-megapixel resolution (the iPhone 14 has only 48), 100x digital zoom, and eye-popping 8K video quality. Not only can you capture every hair on that moose from a safe distance, but you can process and edit using professional tools right on the phone.

inReach Mini 2

A two-way satellite communicator is great for keeping in touch with loved ones and for having in emergencies when you’re far off-grid. Avid outdoor enthusiasts will love the latest inReach Mini 2 for its easy learning curve, marathon battery life, and strong global satellite coverage. “I’ve found my inReach Mini to be very helpful on many different trips,” says Michael Easter.

Nosler Titanium Water Filter & Purifier

The Grayl Nosler might seem costly. But when you consider how effective this bottle is at purifying water and how long it’ll last due to its titanium body, the up-front investment is well worth it. Easter confirms it: “I use this all the time and it hasn’t failed me yet.”

Mini Speedgoat

“A knife is incredibly important to have for safety,” says Easter. His current go-to is the Montana Knife Company’s Speedgoat: a thin, lightweight fixed-blade knife from a brand that prides itself on low cost and reliability. It’s also made with a paracord handle that can be unwound for emergencies.

Sherpa 100PD Power Bank

“A powerful base-camp bank. An outdoor guide needs their electronics charged at the airport or at base camp, and this device can charge a laptop or a set of earbuds easily,” says Nguyen.

Särmä TST Map Pouch

No, you shouldn’t just count on your phone to tell you where you are. Nguyen agrees: “Navigation is hot. Administration of the expedition happens in the field, and this case can help you navigate and keep notes behind flexible dry-erase panels.”

Airlock

A good starter knife doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive. Former Army Ranger Jed Ballard has used his Kershaw knife for years. “The Kershaw assisted-opening pocket knives—like the Kershaw Airlock—are incredible,” he says. “They snap open like a switchblade, come out of the box sharp enough to shave arm hair, and generally cost less than $50. Best pocket knife for the money, period.”

Williams Defense Pen

On the surface, it’s a modern, stylish, low-profile writing instrument. But if danger strikes—and you find yourself unarmed and needing a self-defense tool—the Williams Defense Pen is sharp and sturdy enough to wield as a legit weapon. Ninja lessons not included.

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