On June 12, 2025, Men’s Journal revealed its highly anticipated 2025 Outdoor Awards, showcasing the best gear for outdoor enthusiasts seeking quality, performance, and innovation in their adventures. The awards highlight a meticulously curated list of products, tested under rigorous conditions to ensure they stand up to the demands of serious outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and backpacking. This year’s selection features cutting-edge gear that promises to enhance the outdoor experience, offering adventurers durable, reliable, and high-performing tools to tackle the great outdoors.
With outdoor recreation becoming increasingly popular among individuals of all ages, the need for reliable gear has never been more crucial. Whether embarking on a weekend camping trip or a strenuous multi-day trek, having the right equipment can make all the difference in ensuring safety, comfort, and enjoyment. In response to this growing trend, Men’s Journal has spotlighted a range of products that meet these needs while incorporating the latest technology and design trends.
One of the standout categories in this year’s awards is hiking gear. The selection includes advanced footwear that combines lightweight materials with durability, offering support for rugged terrain while remaining comfortable for long distances. Hiking backpacks also make an appearance, with several models chosen for their ergonomic designs, ample storage capacity, and weather-resistant features, which help adventurers stay organized and prepared for any conditions.
Camping enthusiasts are not left out, with Men’s Journal also recognizing tents and sleeping bags that boast improved insulation, compact designs, and enhanced weather resistance. These products are built to withstand harsh environments, ensuring that campers stay warm, dry, and secure, even in unpredictable weather. Additionally, portable cooking gear and innovative lighting solutions were highlighted for their practical features, such as fuel efficiency and easy setup, which enhance the camping experience without adding unnecessary weight to a backpack.
Beyond traditional gear, the 2025 Outdoor Awards also reflect the increasing trend of technology integration in outdoor equipment. Several of this year’s awardees incorporate advanced tech features such as solar-powered charging capabilities, integrated GPS systems, and smart fitness tracking. These innovations help adventurers stay connected and informed, even in remote locations where traditional communication methods may be unavailable. For example, GPS watches equipped with real-time weather alerts and mapping tools were celebrated for their ability to guide hikers and trekkers through challenging landscapes safely.
While the gear selected for the awards is top-notch in terms of functionality, Men’s Journal also focused on products that demonstrate environmental responsibility. Many of the brands featured this year prioritize sustainable practices in their production processes, using eco-friendly materials and minimizing waste. This commitment to sustainability aligns with the growing consumer demand for products that not only perform well but also have a minimal environmental impact.
The 2025 Outdoor Awards also emphasize the importance of comfort and user-friendliness, with several items chosen for their ability to make outdoor activities more accessible to all levels of adventurers. This includes gear designed for beginners, such as easy-to-set-up tents and simple-to-use navigation tools, as well as products that cater to seasoned outdoor enthusiasts looking for high-performance equipment.
“We’ve seen incredible innovation in the outdoor gear space, and our 2025 Outdoor Awards celebrate products that elevate the outdoor experience to new heights,” said Men’s Journal Editor-in-Chief, Greg Williams. “Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just starting your outdoor journey, the products we’ve selected this year are built to perform in real-world conditions, providing reliability and peace of mind no matter where your adventures take you.”
The 2025 awards also recognize a growing interest in more niche outdoor activities, such as trail running, kayaking, and rock climbing. Specialized gear for these pursuits, including lightweight trail running shoes, high-performance paddles, and advanced climbing ropes, have been selected to cater to the evolving interests of outdoor adventurers. With these products, enthusiasts can take on a wide variety of outdoor challenges with confidence.
As the outdoor industry continues to grow, Men’s Journal’s annual Outdoor Awards provide valuable insight into the latest and greatest gear available for outdoor pursuits. For those looking to elevate their outdoor experiences in 2025, the products featured in this year’s awards serve as a comprehensive guide to the best equipment on the market.
For those interested in exploring the full list of award-winning gear, be sure to check out Men’s Journal‘s 2025 Outdoor Awards for an in-depth look at the top picks and insights into the most innovative outdoor gear available today.