
Happy New Year! In the outdoor world, January is already the season when new products for the coming season are unveiled to the world one after another. Winter sports are also in full swing, so the time to get into the New Year's mood is only a short one
Outdoor Gearzine, which selects and introduces great mountain gear from around the world, is running its first 2016 issue, a traditional roundup project that also serves as a look back at this season's outdoor gear scene. We've rounded up 45 noteworthy items from the 2015 Best Outdoor Gear specials published by major outdoor media around the world, including the US and UK, up until the end of last year! (Some items may overlap.)
*For BACKPACKER magazine, Outside magazine, and National Geographic magazine, which publish their lists in two periods, spring/summer and fall/winter, we have selected the best from the fall/winter edition
BACKPACKER: Editor's Choice Snow
Clothing and shoes
Patagonia Dual Aspect Hoodie
Patagonia
This soft shell offers stretch, breathability, and warmth, and can also be used as an outer layer on warm days. It can be used as both a mid-layer and a shell
Arc'teryx Zeta LT Jacket
Arc'teryx
A lightweight hard shell suitable for all seasons, made with Gore-Tex C-KNIT for flexibility, waterproofness, and durability
Backpack
Mountain Hardwear Ozonic 65 OutDry Pack
Mountain Hardwear
This backpack for mountain climbing is made with OutDry, a unique lightweight and durable waterproof fabric, so there is no need for a rain cover
Snow Sports
Giro Range Helmet
GIRO
With cutting-edge fitting technology, the shell itself fits the rider's head shape simply by turning the dial
Camping Gear
UCO Titan Stormproof Match Kit
UCO Titan Stormproof Match Kit
UCO
It is the ultimate survival match, as it can ignite in any harsh environment and is unlikely to go out even if it is submerged in water or buried in snow
Source: BACKPACKER
Outside: 2015 Winter Gear of the Year
Clothing and shoes
The North Face Fuse Brigandine
THE NORTH FACE
Named after medieval "armor," this outerwear combines high durability, four-way stretch, and light weight thanks to a unique technology (FuseForm) that eliminates the need for seams
Salomon S-Lab Fellcross 3
Salomon
This model is designed for serious racing, with an emphasis on off-road performance with high grip on rough terrain, making it ideal for competitive trail runners
Patagonia Nano-Air Hoody
Patagonia
A big hit since last year, this next-generation mid-layer offers warmth, breathability, and ease of movement, replacing fleece
Backpack
Deuter Pace 36
Deuter
This winter backpack is designed to accommodate snow gear, and is also perfect for weight-conscious athletes in adventure races, alpine climbing, and other activities
OSPREY KODE 32L
OSPREY
It's packed with reliable features that will enhance your backcountry adventures, including back panel access, dedicated pockets for snow gear, and attachments for skis, helmets, and goggles
Snow Sports
SCARPA F1 EVO manual
SCARPA
Combining lightweight technology developed through mountain racing with downhill performance, this boot sets a new standard for touring boots. It's equipped with all the features needed for fast and light skiers
Reference source: Outside
GEAR INSTITUTE:BEST IN CLASS 2015
Clothing and shoes
RAB MUZTAG JACKET
Rab
The outstanding breathability of eVent has made it lightweight at just 340g. The highly durable and rain-resistant hood is suitable for both fast and light trekking as well as full-scale trekking
LOWA HUDSON GTX MID
Lowa
These all-leather boots are made with plenty of exposed leather and are lightweight, providing full-fledged protection, grip, and comfort that can withstand heavy loads
SALEWA MOUNTAIN TRAINER L
Salewa
It offers excellent fit, grip on off-road terrain, ease of walking and lightness, and all the essential elements of a hiking or approach shoe at a high level
Backpack
OSPREY ATMOS 65 AG
Camping Gear
JETBOIL MINIMO
JETBOIL MiniMO Burner
JETBOIL
The wider mouth of this cooker overcomes the previous drawback of making it difficult to cook with. Its consistently high combustion efficiency and smart packaging make it unrivaled
BIG AGNES RATTLESNAKE SL2 MTNGLO
BIG AGNES Rattlesnake SL2 mtnGLO
BIG AGNES
Last year, it dominated the headlines of many outdoor media outlets. It is a freestanding tent with a completely new concept, incorporating (integrating) an indoor LED light
Source: GEAR INSTITUTE
GEAR JUNKIE: 'Top Gear' Of The Year 2015
Clothing and shoes
Patagonia Merino Air
Patagonia
Completely revised in 2015, Patagonia's new Merino wool base layer offers the warmth and comfort of Merino wool, as well as a comfortable fit and feel. Its unique stitching technology ensures breathability, making it comfortable even in extreme cold
KEEN UNEEK Sandal
KEEN
This literally unique pair of shoes is made up of only two cords on the upper, and is designed to be simple and move freely, adapting perfectly to the shape of your foot and providing a sense of freedom and stability
Backpack
OSPREY ATMOS 65 AG
Camping Gear
Big Agnes mtnGLO Collection Tents
BIG AGNES Rattlesnake SL2 mtnGLO
BIG AGNES
Last year, it dominated the headlines of many outdoor media outlets. It is a freestanding tent with a completely new concept, incorporating (integrating) an indoor LED light
Sea To Summit Comfort Plus
SEA TO SUMMIT
This uniquely designed sleeping mat features two layers of tiny air spring cells, providing excellent performance even on uneven ground. The double-walled inner wall allows for precise air pressure adjustment for comfort, while minimizing damage if one side is punctured
Source: GEAR JUNKIE
GEAR PATROL: The 100 Best Products of the Year
Clothing and shoes
Berghaus BAFFIN ISLAND JACKET
Berghaus
By using Berghaus' proprietary waterproofing technology, Hydroshell, in the right places, such as in areas where durability is required and areas where greater breathability is needed, we have achieved the ultimate in protection and breathability
Patagonia Merino Air
Patagonia
Completely revised in 2015, Patagonia's new Merino wool base layer offers the warmth and comfort of Merino wool, as well as a comfortable fit and feel. Its unique stitching technology ensures breathability, making it comfortable even in extreme cold
ADIDAS TERREX ULTIMATE BOOST CH
adidas
The company's advanced technology has enabled it to achieve the contradictory requirements for winter hiking: high thermal insulation, breathability, and ease of walking. The sole was developed in collaboration with Continental, a manufacturer of automobile tires and parts
Backpack
OSPREY ATMOS 65 AG
Camping Gear
BIG AGNES MTNGLO TENTS
BIG AGNES Rattlesnake SL2 mtnGLO
BIG AGNES
Last year, it dominated the headlines of many outdoor media outlets. It is a freestanding tent with a completely new concept, incorporating (integrating) an indoor LED light
SEA TO SUMMIT X-POT
SEA TO SUMMIT
The latest model in the silicone X series, which has attracted attention for its compact foldability and storage. The aluminum base provides excellent thermal conductivity, allowing it to be placed directly over a flame
LEATHERMAN SIGNAL
LEATHERMAN
This revolutionary and original high-spec multi-tool is not just for outdoor use, but is designed with harsh survival situations in mind, including a fire starter and rescue whistle
NEMO SONIC DOWN SLEEPING BAG
NEMO
This sleeping bag features 850-fill high-quality down and strategically placed stitching around the feet for superior warmth. The side ventilation and stretchy material allow for temperature regulation, improving comfort in a wide range of environments. The waterproof and breathable outer fabric makes this a truly comfortable sleeping bag
BIOLITE NANOGRID
BioLite
BioLite offers a portable "Off-Grid" system. It uses a power light that can also be recharged and up to four site lights that can be connected together to illuminate a wide area inside a tent or site
Reference source: GEAR PATROL
Outdoors Magic: Gear Of The Year 2015
Clothing and shoes
The North Face Summit L5 Jacket
The North Face
The latest hard shell in the Expedition line, designed for extreme use, is an ambitious product that uses the company's latest weaving technology, FuseForm, which minimizes stitching, improving strength while reducing breakage and making the garment lighter
Rab Flashpoint Jacket
Rab
Waterproof and breathable fabrics have long been dominated by Gore-Tex, but this jacket
seems to signal the end . Lightweight, breathable, and waterproof, it's perfect for summer hiking.
Berghaus VapourLight HyperTherm Hoody
Berghaus
This incredibly lightweight synthetic mid-layer jacket features a hood and zippered hand pockets for added versatility. Its reversible design allows you to adjust the warmth to your liking
Arc'teryx Bora 2 Mid GTX Boot
ARC'TERYX
Arc'teryx's latest functional hiking and trekking boots, which I reviewed here before, offer comfort and excellent grip thanks to their dual construction, and the moderate rigidity of their soles, making it hard to believe they are a newcomer to the shoe market
Salomon X Alp Mtn GTX Boot
Salomon
This year, the company has expanded into the serious mountaineering category with this lightweight and versatile leather model. It combines the lightness and comfort of hiking shoes with the durability that are often contradictory, making it suitable for a wide range of activities
Backpack
Boreas Muirwoods 30
Boreas
This panel-loading backpack is ideal for day hikes, featuring a simple structure and compact body that doesn't compromise on functionality. Its light weight of just 1kg makes it incredibly comfortable
OSPREY ATMOS 65 AG
Camping Gear
THERMAREST NeoAir XTherm
THERMAREST
This flagship model uses four Thermacapture layers (heat-reflecting plates) to provide exceptional insulation while remaining ultra-lightweight. The smooth, even surface provides excellent comfort, so much so that you can even reduce the weight of your winter sleeping bag
thumbs up Panoramic Pod
thumbs up
A stand that enables blur-free panoramic photography
Reference source: Outdoors Magic
National Geographic: Gear of the Year: Fall/Winter 2015
Clothing and shoes
Black Diamond Mission Pro Pants
Black Diamond Mission Pro Pants
Black Diamond
These are Black Diamond's most technical and premium ski pants, crafted with Gore-Tex Pro for exceptional waterproofing and breathability
Hoka One One Tor Ultra Hi Waterproof Boots
Hoka One One
The familiar curved thick sole provides smooth foot movement and a unique concept of enhanced cushioning and heel protection. The waterproof and breathable eVent construction and mid-cut construction provide just the right amount of support, making it suitable for a wide range of activities from trail running to hiking
Snow Sports
Arc'teryx Lithic Glove
Arc'teryx
Arc'teryx never compromises on quality, creating the ideal backcountry glove. It's warm and breathable, with three-dimensionally curved fingers designed for gripping and a palm with excellent grip
Giro Range
GIRO
With cutting-edge fitting technology, the shell itself fits the rider's head shape simply by turning the dial
Camping Gear
Sony Alpha 7R II
Sony
It boasts performance comparable to that of a full-fledged professional SLR, but its built-in image stabilization and compact (albeit larger) body make it ideal for outdoor use. It's one of the digital cameras that represents 2015
Source: National Geographic