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 reported that 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, 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 Board member Dr. Jedidiah Ballard, 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.
For the no-nonsense adventurer, this eco-friendly rain jacket incorporates recycled ocean plastics into 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.
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 feel of hard or semi-hard outer shells any day.
Best known for its premium hunting gear, Sitka’s high-quality apparel has evolved to become a favorite clothing brand across the entire outdoor industry. Start with the Essential Zip Hoody and watch how comfortable and versatile this piece becomes as part of your everyday wear.
Great underwear notwithstanding, Jockey makes some pretty sweet outdoor apparel too. The Outdoor Collection Fishing Shirt is our new go-to shirt for fishing days. It’s soft, lightweight, and cleverly designed with plenty of mesh and breathable fabrics to keep your days on the water nice and breezy.
Dressing for the outdoors isn’t just about hardcore technical apparel. Sometimes, you want to actually look good too. Parks Project’s line-up of one-of-a-kind graphic tees is inspired by wildlife, the great outdoors, and all the National Parks that outdoor enthusiasts love most.
We’re suckers for a good henley (up to and including Don). Seager Co’s Sawpit Henley is made from 100% 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.
Roark took its perennial favorite Campover Short and gave it a classic corduroy upgrade. A shorter, 6.5-inch inseam, zippered pockets, and a built-in belt make this one as functional as it as casual. While it looks great in stock grey, we especially love the summer-friendly Sandstorm colorway.
When you like your technical pants a little more casual than utilitarian, there’s Cotopaxi’s Salto Pant. 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.
For serious outdoor adventures, the rugged Radical Outsider Pant is durable, comfortable, and breathable. It’s built with Kuhl’s own Dynawax Ripstop fabric that’s wind- and water-resistant, and is designed to take a beating and keep moving with you in even the most demanding technical environments.
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% Climate Beneficial cotton that’s grown, dyed, and sewn all in The Golden State. Flatlock seams and a loose-knit French terry construction ensure it’s buttery soft right out of the package.
When traditional Chelsea boots aren’t enough, but legit galoshes are just too much, there’s Bogs Kicker Rain Chelsea II. These low-slung kicks are waterproof top-to-bottom but with an understated aesthetic that’s casual enough to wear even on the sunniest days.
Teva upgrades its classic sneaker silhouette with a cotton-and-hemp canvas upper. The result? Go-anywhere footwear that’s casual enough for everyday wear yet plenty rugged for hitting the trails for a quick after-work hike. Bonus: Recycled material throughout make this a solid eco-conscious buy too.
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 on 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.
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, for 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.
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 with a dash of “mountain man chic.” A Vibram Megagrip outsole and three-point strap system make sure you and your clogs never slip.
La Sportiva reinvented the wheel—er, shoe—more than 20 years ago with its revolutionary Mantra Climbing Shoe. Now, it’s remerged with an all-new, technically advanced design that’s lighter and more sensitive than almost any climbing footwear on the market.
Some days, you want to run; some days, you want to trek. Some days, you want to do both. Brooks’ 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.
Nothing beats a good pair of leather boots for the great outdoors. Don’s favorite pick is the made-in-the-USA Alden 405—a boot that was actually worn by Harrison Ford in the Indiana Jones movies. “Most times on an expedition I am not in the field, I am in a rural town. Nice leather-lined boots are better for foot health than foam and synthetic line,” he says.
Spray-on sunscreens are messy and not especially eco-friendly. Oars + Alps Sunscreen Stick remedies that with a deodorant-style application that glides on clear and easy. Plus, it’s spill-free, non-staining, and resists water and sweat for up to 80 minutes—all of which make it perfect for travel.
We get it, all you Paul Bunyon types: Skincare isn’t exactly top-of-mind. But, all that time outdoors can be brutal on your skin. Jackfruit’s Skincare Set is designed with avid outdoorsmen in mind. Shaving, cleansing, and moisturizing—this complete three-piece set has you covered.
If you frequently get funky in the most remote of places where showering and running water might be a distant memory, you need Brava Sierro’s Body Wipes. The disposable, antibacterial cloths are military-tested in the toughest conditions, designed to keep you clean literally anywhere.
Protecting your skin starts with protecting your dome. No one does it with more outdoor-inspired swagger than 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.
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.
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 USA-made brand Farm to Feet.
If shoes make the man, a good belt can make the pants. For the perfect accompaniment to your activewear pants, there’s Arcade Belt’s A2 Stretch Belt. It’s deceptively simple with a combination of high-performance stretch webbing with a contoured buckle for a comfy, lasts-forever design.
For serious eye protection, Smith Optics Guide’s Choice are the pinnacle of eyewear—the closest thing to wearing snow goggles off-mountain. These sunglasses combine Smith’s flagship technology, including lenses that are glare-reducing, scratch-resistant, and color-enhancing.
For a more casual eyewear alternative, CAMP! Eyewear’s National Park Collection sunglasses are inspired by the great outdoors. We especially love the Arrowcrest – Crater Lake Edition that combines a crystal blue lake-colored frame and lenses with genuine walnut inlays for a handsome, one-of-a-kind design.
Suunto’s Peak series pulls no punches. If you’re a serious outdoor lover and you can’t get enough of tracking your own body metrics, the latest Suunto Peak Pro 9 is your man. The outdoor watch is fast, powerful, and features military-grade durability with a whopping 21-day battery life. So it’ll probably outlast even you in the wild.
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.
For city-dwellers and space-strapped watersports enthusiasts, Oru Kayaks solves the perennial kayak storage problem with the Lake+. The full-sized kayak features an ultra-rugged design that’s stable and comfortable for paddlers of all levels. When you’re ready to pull out 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.
Whether you want it for checking the fences on your ranch, racing with the boys in the woods, or weekend “mudding” trips, Polaris’ 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.
The aesthetic of UBCO’s 2×2 neatly straddles the line between a Vespa and an 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.
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.
Pupper deserves the best outdoor gear too. Ruffwear’s Front Range Dog Harness is our go-to favorite of 2023. The padded design is 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 personality of doggo, including persistent “pullers.”
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.
For amateur astronomy buffs and proud NASA nerds, there’s nothing cooler than a good telescope. Celestron’s latest Inspire model delivers a dead-simple setup, an included red LED flashlight, and a built-in smartphone adapter to take your astrophotography to the next level. Now you can prove that we really did land on the moon!
Campfires, sunsets on the beach, and lazy days in the park are all made better with an impromptu acoustic set. KLOS’ Full Carbon Travel Guitar is a lightweight, hybrid model with a full-scale detachable neck and a compact, portable body designed to go wherever you go.
For multi-day trips, you’re going to need a place to stash your valuables and supplies. This portable safehouse from Yeti weighs 12 pounds empty, and measures out to 20.5 x 14.6 x 11.1 inches. It’s not a cooler, but it sure beats a bear bag.
Peak Design’s latest Field Pouch Sling Bag V2 is durable, minimal, and versatile. The compressible design can double in size to wrangle all your loose electronics, first aid essentials, or travel Hummel collection. Plus, true to its name, it works as a streamlined carry-all sling bag too.
Like everything in Filson’s deep catalog of outdoor gear, its latest generation Dry Backpack is built seriously tough. The flexible 840D nylon TPU shell and RF-welded seams ensure it’s completely submersible—the perfect storage bag for everything from washed-out summit pushes to hardcore paddling adventures.
With just a two-liter capacity, Janji’s Multipass Sling Bag is perfectly sized 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.
When you want to go ultralight for a day hike or weekend-long festival, Gregory’s Nano 18 H20 is the perfect hydration pack. It combines 18 liters of gear storage space with extra room for three liters of water, so you can stay hydrated and keep going with all your essentials.
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 extra coverage for unexpected rain showers), a dedicated sleeping bag compartment, and a mesh front pocket system for easy hydration will help you navigate tricky inclines and set you up for the most picturesque mountain-top hangs.
Sometimes pants pockets aren’t enough, but a backpack is overkill. Go even lighter 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.”)
Deuter’s Trail Pro 36 is streamlined and perfectly sized for short overnight camps or longer day hikes with the fam. The lightweight design (a little over three pounds), coupled with a cleverly designed back system and quick-drying Air Spacer Mesh make it plenty comfortable for all-day wear.
One duffel to rule them all—that’s Klymit’s simply named Gear Duffel. Available in capacities from 65L to 125L, it has plenty of storage space for even the longest outings. Plus, the water-repellent design and versatile carry straps (duffel or backpack) means you can tote this comfortably anywhere, in any weather.
Even with a roughly five-pound pack weight, 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.
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 to pack it down tight when you’re ready to break camp. The best part? No air pump required.
Triple or quadruple your livable camp space with Kelty’s Breeze-Thru Screenhouse. It’s a legit portable “screen porch” with a 7.5-foot height that protects you and yours from sun, showers, and skeeters, so you’ll always have a space ready for dining or relaxing long after the sun goes down.
Considering its scant three-pound pack weight, Big Agnes’ Copper Spur HV UL2 Tent packs a surprising amount of living space for just 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.
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.
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.
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 a filter for a quick solo hike? Remove the Lifestraw from inside the bag and use it directly or apply it to a Lifestraw water bottle.
Today’s car campers like to pack plenty of tech. Generac’s GB1000 solar generator is perfectly sized with a 1086wH capacity—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 too.
Most folding camp chairs are designed for maximum portability. But Nemo’s Stargaze Reclining Camp Chair is actually portable and 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.
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).
This palm-sized, lightweight Bluetooth speaker has a built-in clip that secures to your pack—and it’s made to be waterproof and dustproof just in case you forget it’s on there. The speaker sounds great, especially considering that it’s built with 90 percent recycled plastic and has a battery life of 10 hours.
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 that’s designed for stashing small essentials or VSSL’s own Refill and Gear Tins.
For beginners and anyone who loves to go ultralight, DJI’s Mini 3 is the best, most compact drone we’ve tested this year. The featherweight (just 249 grams!) design is dead-simple to fly, plus it features incredible battery life, 4K HDR video, and Level 5 wind resistance up to roughly 24 miles per hour.
The main camera in Samsung’s flagship S23 Ultra packs a 200-megapixel design (the iPhone 14 has only 48) with a 100x zoom lens and eye-popping 8K video quality. So, not only can you capture every hair on that moose from a safe distance, you can process and edit using professional tools right on the phone.
A two-way satellite communicator is a great way to keep in touch with loved ones and to have for emergencies when you’re far off-grid. Avid outdoor enthusiasts will love the latest inReach Mini II due to 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.
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 upfront investment is well worth it. Easter confirms, “I use this all the time and it hasn’t failed me yet.”
“A knife is incredibly important to have for safety,” says Michael Easter. His current go-to is the Montana Knife Co’s Speedgoat: A fixed-blade knife that prides itself on being thin and lightweight. It’s also made with a paracord handle that can be unwound for emergencies.
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. 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,” he says.
On the surface, it’s a modern, stylish, low-profile writing instrument. But if danger strikes—if you find yourself unarmed and need a self-defense tool in a pinch—the Williams Defense Pen is sharp and sturdy enough to wield as a legit weapon. Ninja lessons not included.
Gear and Commerce Editor
John Thompson is the Gear and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health, where he covers fashion, grooming, gear, and technology. He was previously the Style & Gear Editor at BroBible.com, and a commerce writer for TheManual.com. His interests include shopping for rare vintage clothes and following his favorite baseball team, the Kansas City Royals.
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He’s kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South Africa, and survived a near-miss great white shark attack in Mexico. His travel advice has appeared on the websites for Forbes, Travel + Leisure, CNET, and National Geographic. He loves the great outdoors and good bourbon, and (usually) calls Tulsa, Oklahoma home. Mike also enjoys speaking in the third person.
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