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The 2023 Outdoor Awards: 60 Products You Need for Your Next Adventure

Meet the products most worthy of praise in the worlds of camping, hiking, cycling and beyond.

By Hayley Helms

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Updated

Far too often, we see quality time outdoors as a luxury rather than necessity — something to be sought out every once in a while, as the rest of modern life allows. But after food, water and shelter, few things are healthier for the human spirit than breathing fresh air, sleeping under the stars and seeking peace among the chaos.

Of course, stepping out into the great unknown can be easier said than done, especially for folks new to camping, hiking and all manner of outdoor recreation. Our advice? Start with what you do know: a kit full of products that empower you to get out further, stay out longer and spend more time in the wild.

Below, you’ll find a selection of items that can carry you through a variety of endeavors — whether that’s prepping for your next gravel race, injecting a little ruggedness into your EDC or lacing up the best hiking boots for a long trek.

How We Chose the Winners

Ample research, tons of hands-on experience and adventures — both big and small — played a role in curating the inaugural Gear Patrol Outdoor Awards. Our team of testers across the country has literally spent years testing (and retesting) the products included below, many of which you may recognize from our growing roster of buying guides and reviews. Simply put: when it comes time to move outdoors, this is the stuff we count on most — and think you should, too.

ski poles in a mountain landscape with a hike headline and outdoor badge icon

Click here to read our full reviews

Darn Tough Hiker Boot Sock Cushion Socks

Best Upgrade Hiking Socks

Darn Tough Hiker Boot Sock Cushion Socks

Hydro Flask 20 oz Coffee with Flex Sip Lid

Best Travel Mug for Backpackers

Hydro Flask 20-Ounce Coffee with Flex Sip Lid

a helmet on a road landscape with a bike headline and outdoor badge icon

Click here to read our full reviews

Adidas Five Ten Sleuth DLX

Best Budget-Friendly MTB Shoes

Adidas Five Ten Sleuth DLX

a knife in a field landscape with a carry headline and outdoor badge icon

Click here to read our full reviews

CRKT Pilar III Frame Lock Knife Black G-10 (3" Stonewash D2) 5317D2

BEST OVERALL POCKET KNIFE

CRKT Pilar III

With its brilliant balance between materials and price, CRKT’s Pilar III is an achievement in EDC excellence — and it’s the best daily knife for most people.

READ ABOUT THE BEST POCKET KNIVES

Work Sharp Guided Field Sharpener

Best Pocket Knife Sharpener

Work Sharp Guided Field Sharpener

pocket knife

Editor's Pick

Chris Reeve Knives Sebenza 31 Plain Drop Point

The Sebenza is seriously nice. You can disassemble (and reassemble) it with ease, highlighting the knife’s simple elegance. There aren’t gimmicks or “special features” on this knife, and that’s what makes it so appealing.
binoculars in a desert landscape with a camp headline and outdoor badge icon

Click here to read our full reviews

Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker Medical Kit

Best First Aid Kit for Camping in Groups

Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker Medical Kit

Nocs Provisions Standard Issue 8x25 Waterproof Binoculars

Coolest Looking Binoculars

Nocs Provisions Standard Issue 8×25 Waterproof Binoculars

Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe

Best All-Around Wood Axe

Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe

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