Every year backpacking and outdoor publications and websites come out with their top ten products. It's a great way to learn about a new cutting edge products, old tried-and-true favorites or find an idea for that perfect gift. Here are some of my favorite rugged products (and some that are still on my wish list). Maybe you can use them while you are out backpacking or hiking this year.
10. Felt Virtue Two - This bike features an awesome new suspension design, great for the most hard core of riders. If you're more of a traditionalist however, you can't go wrong with a Santa Cruz Superlight.
9. The Bakoda Light Speed rugged day pack, while lightweight and small in size, can stand up to the elements with its 600-denier polyester fabric.
8. Keen Targhee boots really protect your feet as you beat the trail. They come in both men's and women's versions to keep everyone happy.
7. Staying out overnight? Be sure to grab a Kelty Radiant 2. This tent is perfect for all weather conditions and really stands up to high winds. Whether I'm camping at the beach or headed up in the Cascades I can be sure I'm ready with this tent.
6. Be prepared with the Benchmade Mini-SkirmishTM knife. With superior corrosion resistance and ultra-premium grade blade steel it's definitely rugged enough to tackle anything. Great for fishing trips also!
5. The Brunton Firestorm lighter is both water and wind proof making it an ideal choice to pack along on your outing. I will never bother trying to take a regular lighter camping with me again.
4. The Julbo Trail Sunglasses use Zebra photo chromic lenses to adapt to almost any lighting condition. These will definitely keep you men seeing clearly as you travel through the mountains. For ladies, I'm a fan of Oakley Polarized Half Jacket® glasses, they're customizable and offer interchangeable lenses.
3. Stay dry and warm, throw on a Patagonia Rain Shadow Jacket as you blaze trails. Patagonia has awesome cold weather and waterproof jackets. They're never out of style either.
2. Don't forget a snack. Snickers Marathon bars... seriously tasty.
1. Don't get lost. Take a Nomad! With GPS and a host of other helpful features, no adventure would be complete without it.
