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The 12 Best Outdoors Products of Summer 2022

When it comes to high-performance outdoor gear, this is the pick of the litter.

summer gear awards outdoors

By Hayley Helms and Zen Love

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Every product is carefully selected by our editors. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more

This story is part of the 2022 Summer Gear Awards. To see the full list of winners, click here.

Do you smell that? The subtle perfume of sunscreen, the sweet aroma of freshly cut watermelon, the earthy and reassuring scent of freshly chopped wood: these are the scents of a summer spent outside.

Summer in the outdoors means camping, backpacking, hiking and cycling; this season of sun ushers in beach days, bucket hats and bonfires, and with it, we’re ushering in our Summer Gear Awards. Here you’ll find the best and brightest gear the outdoors has to offer, made specifically for your upcoming adventures.

The Z/1 Classic boasts both the ability to walk in water as well as look good on city streets thanks to monochromatic colorways and a supportive, grippy footbed.

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With its two-layer, stretchy yet durable Gore-Tex material, this jacket is perfect for fending off surprise summer showers on the trail. At just 9.6 ounces, it’s also eminently packable.

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High-end EDC knives can get expensive. But even with a smooth slide-lock mechanism, a corrosion-resistant VG-10 stainless steel blade and stunning good looks, the Carter comes in at a price lower than many rivals.

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Notable features like dimming, red light for night vision, 350 lumens of bright-ness and waterproofing good for up to one meter, along with an affordable price point, make this headlamp an easy sell.

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Reinvented to include thoroughly modern updates like added recycled, sustainable materials, this do-it-all hiking short still manages to maintain a classic feel.

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These waterproof, fog-proof, smartphone-compatible dynamos feature a Swiss-designed phase coated Bak4 Prism lens, delivering optics that are on par with binocs that cost two to three times the price.

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This class act marries refined style and technical details, bringing together the best of both worlds. It’s light, breathable, UPF-rated 50+ and looks super cool, which can’t be said for many sun shirts.

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Proving that sunscreens don’t need nasty chemicals to work, this organic, reef-safe paste uses thanaka, coconut oil, beeswax and shea butter to moisturize and protect skin from the sun and elements.

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Incorporating technical attributes — like a rocker midsole and carbon plate — from high-octane road models, these kicks up the ante when it comes to performance off the beaten path.

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Drawing on Hamilton’s history making watches for American soldiers, the Khaki Field’s utilitarian design includes luminescent numerals and a sturdy NATO strap. It’s an incredible value for a Swiss mechanical watch.

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This tent is easily the best option for most people. Made from a planet-friendly fabric, it sets up quickly with a single pole, weighs less than three pounds and accommodates up to three sleepers.

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Yeti is the biggest name in coolers for a reason. The Haul holds its temperature longer than competitors and is built to last basically forever. It’s a considerable investment — but worth every penny.

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