The 40 Best Pieces of Outdoor Gear in 2021 (2024)

In the past year, the world has operated on a different frequency, but outdoor gear makers have hardly slowed down. Instead, companies are breaking into new categories, reimagining what their modern classics can be and refining designs to create equipment that’s innovative and intuitive. Among the results: hiking packs that haul heavy loads without slowing you down, an e-bike that makes shredding trails practically effortless, and some of the most comfortable, ultralight backpacking gear we’ve tested. ¶ Our test team got their hands on the most promising standouts and rigorously evaluated it all on trails, on roads, and at camp. Through this real-world testing and some head-to-head comparisons, they determined which new products lend performance advantages. Whether you’re building your kit or replacing worn-out equipment, this gear can make your next hike, camping trip, or bike ride easier and more fun.

Camping | Hiking | Cycling | Gadgets

Innovation Spotlight: Sea to Summit Telos TR2

Ultralight backpacking tents aren’t prized for their livability. Despite manufacturers’ best efforts, these pint-size shelters can get stuffy fast. Sea to Summit found another way in the Telos—part of the Australian outfit’s first line of tents—by rethinking traditional tent architecture.

The Telos’s V-shaped Tension Ridge pole, which supports the ceiling and fly, is a striking contrast to other ridge poles that curve down. By flipping the design, Sea to Summit achieves a relatively lofty 43.5-inch peak height that made the two-​ person, 28-square-foot tent feel less cramped. The Tension Ridge also helps create the fly’s massive lofted ceiling vent, which—along with a vent on each vestibule—reduces condensation inside. In the company’s testing, the Telos had over 30% better airflow and at least 17% less humidity compared to other popular tents. We didn’t verify those numbers, but we didn’t wake up to find our duds had grown soggy overnight, either. Importantly, the unconventional construction is also strong. The 3.3-pound tent didn’t falter sans guy lines during a night of persistent gusts on an exposed hilltop. It’s a pricey shelter but worth it if you don’t want to sacrifice weight or comfort.

Innovation Spotlight: Matador Beast18

Most stuffable daypacks consist of little more than fabric and zippers, which is why they fold down so discreetly, then feel terrible on your back after just a few miles. The 18-liter Beast, though, has a clever design trick that allows the spring steel suspension frame that snakes around the perimeter of its padded back panel to fold down and then regain its shape once unpacked.

Spring steel is common in mid-size and large pack frames, but Matador selects a thinner version, then heat-treats it to increase resilience so it’s flexible enough to twist and bend in half. On the trail, the Beast felt as comfortable as any traditional framed daypack we’ve tested.

Granted, it comes with sacrifices of weight and space. The Beast measures 1 pound 5 ounces—hefty for a travel-ready pack—and it looks more like an extra-thick frisbee when stuffed inside its mesh storage sack. But given that it’s suitable for summit pushes and less-intense day trips, the Beast is a one-quiver pack that’s worth making a bit of extra room for.

Innovation Spotlight: Specialized Levo Pro Carbon

Specialized is one of the few brands that develops its own motor and software for its e-bikes. Armed with this level of control over ride feel, the company doles out some pretty great electric models with intriguing features. One such detail: the new MicroTune pedal-assist mode on the third-generation Levo.

Part of the revamped MasterMind Turbo Connect Unit, MicroTune let us adjust the assistance in 10 percent increments using the handlebar switch. We had more control as compared to alternating between the Levo’s three preset levels or relying on an auto-adjust setting like Bosch’s eMTB mode. Implementing the software changes was relatively straightforward, but Specialized needed the inspiration. Beyond an improved ride experience, rider research showed a tunable system could extend battery life and increase traction by not over-torquing the motor on slippery climbs. Mostly, though, it’s great for group rides when the people you’re with are on different equipment and of various fitness levels.

Innovation Spotlight: CRKT Bona Fide

The Bona Fide is a simple enough folder, save for the sliding button on the aluminum handle that’s part of CRKT’s newly redesigned Field Strip technology. The Oregon company first debuted this tool-free disassembly, invented by knife maker Ken Onion, in 2016. That wheel-based system made thoroughly cleaning a knife dead simple, but it required two steps—disengaging the pivot by moving a lever and spinning a release wheel—before each side of the handle separated from the blade.

Gen two is even simpler. All we had to do was slide the lever up and to the left to release the new internal hook mechanism. CRKT also upgraded the pivot to its very smooth IKBS bearing system, so the 3.6-inch D2 steel blade glided open before locking securely in place without any play or wiggling. The Bona Fide is on the bigger side for an everyday carry, but that makes it well suited for light-duty outdoor tasks. And when it inevitably gets dirty, there’s no excuse not to clean it.