2023 AWESOME GEAR Guide

Our 2023 Awesome Gear Guide highlights a collection of awesome gear we’ve chosen to applaud for breaking new ground, providing reliable functionality, or for simply offering exceptional value. Whether you are a hardcore backpacker, casual camper, goal-oriented athlete, or a recreational runner, you will find the best equipment, apparel, and footwear to help you make the most of your time outdoors.

Every winner in our Awesome Gear Guide has been reviewed and thoroughly tested by the team of real people here at Enwild. Since 2004, we’ve been helping people get the inside edge on the outdoors with our combination of high-quality gear and amazing service.

Have any questions or comments about our Awesome Gear Guide winners? Need some help preparing for your next adventure? Give us a call at (800) 617-0643 or visit www.enwild.com for complete specifications and details, informative video reviews, and helpful customer feedback.

See you on the trail!

Enwild Employee FavES

Jeff’s Pick: Big Agnes Skyline UL

I find myself using the Skyline UL more than I first imaged! This chair has been useful on many occasions, whether it was a weekend camping trip, day hike, or even a family cookout. The setup is a breeze, while also being packable, and can easily be tossed into a day pack. I’m also impressed with how tall the chair sits off the ground. It certainly is much easier to get in and out of after a long day, and the overall stability adds a lot of comfort. The pack size is so small, I always have this chair with me for any occasion!

Check out the Skyline UL at Enwild »

Audrey’s Pick: GSI Outdoors Escape HS 3L Pot

I’ll admit I was a bit skeptical of silicone cookware at the start, but this pot was the perfect size, so I gave it a try- and I’m so glad I did! The collapsible design is a huge space saver when stowed, but the sides are surprisingly supportive and sturdy when extended. Even when full, I have never worried about it collapsing or tipping during use. On a camp stove, it functions like a standard hard-sided cookpot, but I wouldn’t use it over an open fire. After dinner, it doubles as a nice-sized wash basin for efficient cleanup without wasting water.

Check it out at Enwild »

Malory’s Pick: Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Hoody

I’ve been hooked on Patagonia’s Capilene line for a while and finally added the Cool Daily Hoody to my collection; I wear it every chance I get! It’s cool enough to wear on the hottest days, yet slim enough to layer during the cooler months. I take this with me on almost every trip because it packs down super small, leaving plenty of room for my other clothes and gear. Even when I wear my hair up or in a bun there is plenty of space for the hood to cover my head, yet when I don’t need it, I barely notice it’s there. It dries quickly and even after hours on the trail it doesn’t have an odor. I’ve had a couple of these for years and they wash and wear so nicely that they still look almost new!

Check it out at Enwild »

Morgan’s Pick: Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter System

Safe water is something we take for granted all too much, and I’d prefer to not roll the dice. The Platypus Quick Draw is what I task to handle my needs when I want to be sure what I’m drinking won’t take me out. I find the included dirty bottle is easy to fill with the removable wide mouth and the output lid is designed to stay clean. This unit is portable enough that I’ll even throw it in my travel bag, and it works in a pinch if I only have the hotel sink or a suspicious water fountain at the airport when I’m trying to hydrate.

Check out the Quickdraw at Enwild »

Cassie’s Pick: NEMO Helio LX Pressure Shower

You can get clean just about anywhere with the NEMO Helio LX Pressure Shower! I use it to rinse off after running or biking before pulling on clean clothes or to get a complete shower when camping off the grid. It holds plenty of water for several uses or a weekend trip, so it’s also a great way to be the most popular person after a muddy group trail run!

Check it out at Enwild »

Steven’s Pick: OR Tundra Aerogel Socks

Down booties have long been part of my winter backpacking kit and have been essential to keeping my feet and toes warm even on bitter cold nights outdoors. Over the years, they’ve proven valuable all year round not just in the dead of winter. After long hiking days, fatigue can lower your body temperature and cold digits make me feel even more tired. Being able to slip into booties helps reset my thermostat and changing into comfy “slippers” at the end of the day is just a nice way to relax. My favorites are the Outdoor Research Tundra Aerogel Socks. They weigh next to nothing, live inside my sleeping bag until I need them, and have just enough underfoot protection for sneaking out of the tent for midnight bathroom breaks without having to pull on wet boots or worry about rocks and roots.

Check them out at Enwild »

Mandy’s Pick: Darn Tough Hiker Boot Sock Cushion

Just the best socks ever. They’re like a warm hug for my feet, they keep me cozy on long hikes or just chilly days around the house. The cushion is perfect for all day comfort and they are truly the highest quality and most durable socks I’ve ever owned, I’ll never go back! I love that they’re made in the USA and guaranteed for life, which is perfect for anyone trying to reduce their environmental impact. Plus the amazing colors and cool designs…what’s not to love?

Check them out at Enwild »

Dave’s Pick: Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite Sol

The simplicity, versatility and durability of this pad make it a vital piece in my backpacking kit. I attach it to the outside of my pack to quickly deploy as a sitting pad for a dry and comfy base during breaks. At camp, I lay it out and stage all my gear on top to stay dry while setting up my shelter, then use it as a sleeping pad until sunrise. In the morning it is my pre-hike stretching mat. And it is an excellent soft splint in an emergency! When the pad finally comes towards the end of its camping life, I upcycle it at home in a variety of ways: a yoga mat, a base for my dog’s beds, or even DIY camp slippers. This pad can’t be beat!

Check out the Z-Lite Sol at Enwild »

2023 AWESOME GEAR Guide

Best of Backpacking Gear

Best of Camping Gear

Best of Trail Running Gear

Best of Apparel

Best of Backpacks

Best of Footwear

Best of Sleeping Bags

Best of Sleeping Pads

Best of Tents

Best of Other Gear

Enwild Employee FavES