2024 AWESOME GEAR Guide

Our Spring/Summer 2024 Awesome Gear Guide is full of apparel, footwear, and gear that breaks new ground, provides reliable functionality, or simply offers exceptional value that our Gear Specialists find worth celebrating. Whether you are a hardcore backpacker, a casual camper, a goal-oriented athlete, or a recreational runner, this collection is sure to help you make the most of your time outdoors.

Every item we’ve highlighted 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 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

Cassie’s Pick: Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL3 Bikepack Tent

I love having a little extra space when camping, and the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL3 has that in abundance while remaining incredibly lightweight! It had enough space for me and my partner to share on a bikepacking adventure, but it’s so light I can take it out on my own and store all my gear inside. The inner mesh pockets in the canopy are super convenient for keeping things organized so you don’t have to dig through a pile of stuff near your sleeping bag to find your headlamp or an extra layer. I do make sure to use the footprint since the tent uses lighter materials, but it’s held up great for me!

Check it out at Enwild »

Morgan’s Pick: NEMO Stargaze Reclining Camp Chair

The Nemo Stargaze is a chance for me to have my very own portable porch swing without having to share. Smaller than a comparable quad chair, its size-to-comfort ratio has me grabbing it often for activities like festivals, picnics, and of course the campsite. The gentle rocking motion is ideal for adding that extra touch of relaxation after a long hike and can even lead to the occasional afternoon siesta. Getting in and out is easy thanks to the height of the side supports and connected web handles, but you need to remember to watch your fingers around the mounting points. The onboard small item pocket works great, but I stick to closed containers and bottles with the drink holder when it comes to moving chairs.

Check it out at Enwild »

person holding Fjallraven Keb Trekking belt

Nicholas’ Pick: Fjallraven Keb Trekking Belt

I enjoy bells and whistles, but when I’m choosing something to secure my pants, I need it to be simple, comfortable, and reliable. Last year I picked up this tactical style belt for outdoor pursuits. But, within just one use, it became my first and only choice for nearly every activity. The elastic webbing balances perfectly between stretch and rigidity – which sounds simple, but not feeling squeezed or having to adjust the length between activities and pant styles is really convenient. The single color design is classic and discrete, blending in on my outdoor adventures, urban outings, and even business casual meetings. It also contains no metal, making it perfect for frequent flyers. Anything that’s so comfortable I forget I’m wearing it is a major win in my book. If I’m not wearing sweatpants or a two piece suit, it’s a good bet I’m wearing this belt.

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Audrey’s Pick: GSI Outdoors Santoku Knife Set

This was a bit of a splurge item, but I always seemed to leave something behind and was tired of coming up short with the right utensils for camp cooking. The three different sizes and types of knives pretty much cover all the bases, and we have never been unprepared since! The foldable cutting board is not exceedingly large, but has been completely sufficient for our culinary endeavors thus far. I slipped in a few additional cooking utensils, like a serving spoon and spatula, for a whole prep kitchen in a convenient carrying case.

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Steven’s Pick: Granite Gear Blaze 60

I consider time to be a precious commodity and with the obligations of work and family and life in general, there are only so many opportunities to steal away for extended backpacking trips. The last thing I want is to spend that time weighed down or irritated by an underperforming pack. Which is exactly why the Blaze has been my go-to for years on end. Despite weighing just three pounds, it’s big and well-built enough to comfortably haul anything I might choose to bring along and that included all of my daughters’ gear when they were too little to carry their own! I also don’t want or need extraneous pockets and the utilitarian Blaze nails it with two big bellows side pockets and a massive stretch sleeve. And the Blaze is tough as nails too, so I always know it’ll hold up to whatever I subject it to.

Check it out at Enwild »

Woman wearing Fjallraven High Coast Pocket

Malory’s Pick: Fjallraven High Coast Pocket

The High Coast Pocket is a must-have and is so comfortable to wear! From touring new cities to days on the water, this little bag keeps my daily necessities close by. The four loops on the back and the hooks on the strap allow me to configure it in multiple ways for a custom fit on each adventure. The strap can be removed entirely turning it into a small packing cube, which keeps things organized when tossed in my travel bag. It’s even compact enough that I was able to bring it into several indoor events that had bag requirements!

Check it out at Enwild »

Man outdoors wearing Osprey child carrier pack

Dave’s Pick: Osprey Poco Plus Child Carrier

My favorite aspect of this pack is the anticipation of putting it to good use. It’s a hand-me-down from some backpacking friends, it has seen plenty of miles and has plenty of good miles left. I’ve been using Osprey packs since the late 1990’s, and I have the utmost trust in quality from this brand. I love the highlighted safety features, which makes me feel at ease with the idea of walking, hiking, and backpacking with my child in this pack. The quick and easy adjustable fit allows my wife and I to share carrying responsibilities, and the adjustable child cockpit and harness means we can use this for years while our child grows.

Check it out at Enwild »

Cheyne’s Pick: Katadyn BeFree

I’ve used a variety of water filtration options over the years, and for fast and light trips, I haven’t found anything that beats the Katadyn BeFree Microfilter. Whether I’m backpacking, running, or hopping on the bike for a day out in the sun, this lightweight, packable setup delivers on reliable filtration. Frankly, I love the fast flow rate because I’m impatient and I prefer gear that does its job quickly and efficiently! It’s so simple to stop at a water source, fill the soft flask, filter into a secondary bottle, and then refill the flask. Then I can be on my way and back to the adventure.

Check it out at Enwild »

Becky’s Picks: Optimus Crux Lite and Sparky

The Optimus Crux Lite was my first backpacking stove in 2013 and it’s still going strong today with absolutely zero maintenance over the years. Initially I used it for weekend and multi day backpacking and canoeing trips to heat water for coffee and backcountry meals. Now it’s my trusty coffee stove for family car camping. It stows away nice and small with the foldable pot supports and burner controller. It’s always at the ready with the convenient sparky igniter by its side and everything nests neatly in my cooking pot. Fun fact, the sparky igniter saved the day when one of my kayaking buddy’s auto igniter on their stove failed. The Crux Lite and Sparky have never let me down, so if you’re looking for your first, or next, ultralight backpacking stove, look no further!

Check them out at Enwild »

Mandy’s Pick: GSI Outdoors Collapsible Java Drip

This little Java Drip has been my camping and traveling coffee companion for years! It’s incredibly versatile, fitting perfectly over any cup or mug I bring along. It’s just a matter of adding a filter, some grounds, pouring in hot water, and within minutes I’m enjoying a perfectly brewed cup of coffee. It’s also a breeze to clean and collapses down flat. I can toss it in my backpack or suitcase without a second thought, knowing it won’t add any bulk. This thing is a game-changer for anyone who loves their coffee on the go.

Check it out at Enwild »

person walking outdoors in Asolo hiking boots

Torian’s Pick: Asolo SuperTrek GTX

As someone who’s both a backcountry dweller and a city roamer, I’m always looking for pieces I can use in both settings. I’ve found the SuperTrek GTX to be a great all-weather boot for on and off the trail. The boots offer me good traction on a variety of surfaces and have a classic design that makes them a nice addition to both my gear closet and my wardrobe. The support and cushioning keep me comfortable, and they’ve become a staple for quick treks in the woods and across wet or snowy sidewalks.

Check them out at Enwild »

2024 AWESOME GEAR Guide

Best Backpacking Gear

Best Camping Gear

Best Trail Running Gear

Best Apparel

Best Backpacks

Best Footwear

Best Sleeping Bags

Best Sleeping Pads

Best Tents

Best Trekking Poles

Best Other Gear

Enwild Employee FavES

Cassie
Enwild Web Team Leader

Cassie’s Pick: Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL3 Bikepack Tent

Morgan
Enwild Senior Gear Specialist

Morgan’s Pick: NEMO Stargaze Reclining Camp Chair

Nicholas
Enwild Videographer

Nicholas’ Pick: Fjallraven Keb Trekking Belt

Audrey
Enwild Customer Support Manager

Audrey’s Pick: GSI Outdoors Santoku Knife Set