2018 is starting to wind down and we now only have a little more than a month before we make the transition to the New Year. That means we’re likely to continue to see plenty of “year in review” retrospectives around the Internet in the days ahead as we look to reflect on the year that has passed before turning our attention to 2019. Our friends at Gear Junkie have done just that by presenting their 2018 Gear of the Year awards, shining a spotlight on the outdoor products that have impressed them most over the past 12 months.
All told, 13 pieces of gear made the cut, with some very impressive items standing out from the crowd. In fact, pretty much no matter what your favorite outdoor sport is, you’re likely to find something on this list that applies to you. Mountain bikers, trail runners, skiers, hikers, backpackers, and just about everyone else will find some object to lust over. And since each and every product comes with the Gear Junkie stamp of approval, you can bet its a high quality piece of gear that you’ll want in your closet.
Of course, I won’t spoil the list by giving too much away, but I will share a couple of items earned a spot on the “Gear of the Year” list. For instance, Merrell’s Thermo Rogue Boots got the thumbs up for their use on winter hikes, while the inReach Mini GPS tracker was lauded for its size, weight, and functionality. Costa’s innovative sunglasses made from recycled fishnets got a mention too, as did Gore-Tex’s new stretch fabrics which bring new functionality to an already iconic product.
All-in-all, this is a pretty great list of some of the best outdoor products to hit the market this year. To check out everything that made the cut, visit the GJ 2018 Gear of the Year awards here.
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