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Outside ‘Gear of the Year’ 2012

Written by Stephen Regenold Apr 25, 2012 12:48 p.m. ET

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The twice-annual “Gear of the Year” awards were announced by Outside magazine this week. Unveiled in the publication’s Spring/Summer 2012 Buyer’s Guide, the best-of-the-best list is culled from “several months of torture-testing the latest crop of rugged cameras, tents, shells, boats, packs, and just about every other piece of gear you need to play outdoors this summer.” Here is the full list, the 2012 “Gear of the Year” award-winning products.

TENT: Easton Kilo 3

SHELL: Outdoor Research Axiom

SLEEPING BAG: REI Igneo

BACKPACK: Eddie Bauer First Ascent Alchemist 40L

TRAIL SHOES: Danner Crater Rim

ROAD–RUNNING SHOES: New Balance Minimus Zero Road

Eddie Bauer pack, REI sleeping bag, OR jacket — all winners

TRAIL–RUNNING SHOES: Montrail Rogue Fly

CAMERA: Canon PowerShot G1X

LUGGAGE: Tumi Ducati Due Porte

Specialized Stumpjumper

SUNGLASSES: Oakley Radarlock

MOUNTAIN BIKE: Specialized Stumpjumper Expert FSR Carbon 29er

ROAD BIKE: Blue AC1

BOAT: Sterling Reflection

STAND-UP PADDLEBOARD: Pau Hana Crossfit

—The Spring/Summer 2012 Outside Buyer’s Guide goes on sale May 1.

Stephen Regenold

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Stephen Regenold is the founder of GearJunkie, which he launched as a nationally syndicated newspaper column in 2002. As a journalist, writer, and gear nerd, Regenold has covered the outdoors industry for over two decades, including as a correspondent for the New York Times. A father of five, Regenold and his wife, Tara, live in Minneapolis.