The new year is almost here! Let’s look back at some of the best outdoor adventure gear our editors saw in 2022.
It’s that time again! As 2022 zaps past us into the rearview, our annual Gear of the Year list is finally complete. We’ve reflected, we’ve discussed and debated, and we’ve distilled the vast catalog of gear our editors saw this year down to the very best.
These picks don’t just represent our favorites, though. They represent the most innovative designs, the coolest tech, the highest sustainability, and the most creative engineering the outdoor industry brought us in 2022. These products were chosen because they’re breaking ground — because they’re bringing something new to the table.
And above all, they were chosen because they make outdoor adventures that much more enjoyable.
Considering the vast amount of gear our GearJunkie editors and writers have tested over the last 12 months, not everything we wanted to include made the cut. But this is the cream of the crop.
So, let’s dive in!
GearJunkie Gear of the Year 2022
Apple Watch Ultra and iPhone 14

Apple’s launch of the iPhone 14 and Apple Watch Ultra this fall made an especially large splash in the outdoor world. Both gadgets launched Apple into the world of off-grid, satellite SOS messaging.
While such services have long been available with Garmin, SPOT, and other devices, baking them into iOS products adds an unprecedented amount of coverage and accessibility. Especially among folks who might otherwise not know about such emergency services.
By partnering with Globalstar, Apple can access low-Earth orbiting satellites automatically when a user tries to connect to an emergency responder without a cellular or Wi-Fi connection. A few quick questions help pinpoint the nature and severity of the emergency. That is then relayed to local first responders along with the user’s location coordinates.
The system is still in its infancy for Apple (and its users). But it promises to vastly improve the number of people who can access an emergency responder when out of cellular range.
Check Apple Watch Ultra Price at Apple Check iPhone 14 Price at Apple
SCARPA 4-Quattro XT Ski Boots

Shimano 105 Di2

KUIU Women’s Lineup

REI Wonderland X Tent

Kokopelli Chasm-Lite Inflatable SUP

adidas RPT-02 Headphones

Revo Sonic 1

Dometic GO Hydration Water System

Norda 001 RZ Dyneema Shoe

Eddie Bauer BC Flyline Jacket and Bib
