Unveiling the 2025 Men’s Health Outdoor Awards: The Surprising Champions Redefining Strength and Endurance!

Light enough for the backcountry but insulated enough for four-season camping, this ultra-packable air mat is a jack-of-all-trades that’s built for tent camping, car camping—any type of camping, from the wilderness to the backyard.

The 600-lumen output is bright enough for all your routine campsite tasks. But the clever 360-degree, multidirectional illumination makes it ideal for ambient lighting too. Bonus: The 5200 mAh capacity lets it double as a portable USB power bank.

Level up your car camping game with this next-gen camp pillow. The plush memory foam fill makes it as comfy as your pillow at home, but the super-packable design means it’s portable enough anytime you need a good night’s sleep on the go.

All the cozy warmth of a three-season sleeping bag with the comfort-maximizing versatility of a camp blanket. Rumpl knocked this one out of the park (and a 24-hour sold-out presale proves it). The innovative layering system helps you dial in your perfect sleeping temperature and allows for easy adjustment. If your current mummy bag has you feeling like a too tightly wrapped burrito on every camp outing, this game-changing bag is the antidote.

Helinox reinvented the packable camp chair again with the next iteration of its fan-favorite Chair One. It’s lighter, stronger, and somehow even more comfortable than its predecessor, making this likely the last camp chair you’ll ever need to buy.

Ditch the old-school elastic tent poles for this easy-peasy alternative. The inflatable design allows for a lightning-fast two-minute setup, so you can make camp and still have time for an afternoon nap before dinner. Plus, it packs down into the included car-camping-friendly bag just as easily. While some air tents are much more expensive, Zempire keeps this one affordable while bringing serious durability.

Exped’s beloved MegaMat Duo remains the gold standard for car-camping couples (or space-greedy solo campers). The four-inch-thick mattress is the next best thing to sleeping in your own bed, while the clever self-inflating design makes for quick setup and teardown at camp.

Keeping clean in the backcountry doesn’t have to be a struggle. These no-nonsense, unscented wipes (yes, unscented is the way to go when camping) are great for keeping your “balls, butt, and body” refreshed on the trail. Plus, they’re 100 percent flushable if you ever do make it back to civilization.

Dial back the heavy-handed 100 percent DEET approach to repelling insects with this more balanced formula from Off!. It goes on dry and smooth with 25 percent DEET to keep away bitey bugs like ticks, gnats, chiggers, and skeeters for up to eight hours.

Jetboil loads many of the same great features of its bestselling camp stoves into the ridiculously packable Stash Cooking System. At only 7.1 ounces, it’s perfectly sized for backcountry treks while delivering a two-and-a-half-minute boil time from a standard fuel canister.

If wet wipes aren’t up to the task of keeping your dirty bits clean, this soap bar from Bravo Sierra is the real deal. It’s specially formulated with plant-based oils to clean and hydrate your entire body. Plus, it’s fragrance-free so as not to attract bears and other unwelcome forest friends.

This ain’t your grandpappy’s old-school Coleman. This flagship model in the all-new premium Pro lineup holds more than 90 cans, with extra-thick insulated walls to keep your beer, bacon, and ice cream cold for up to five days. Built-in wheels make quick work of getting this fully loaded beast from A to B.

When a two-person tent is a little too tight but a three-person is too much, there’s the Copper Spur UL2 XL. It’s purpose-built with extra room for you, your SO, your dog, your gear, and more. Upgraded HyperBead fabric ensures this latest model is even lighter, more durable, and more waterproof.

Upgrade your warm-weather camp with this four-speed fan from Nestout. With automatic oscillation, powerful airflow, and compatibility with virtually any portable battery pack, it’s the next best thing to camping with air-conditioning.

Breeo brings the heat (literally) to any backyard or campsite with its clever Y-Series smokeless firepit. The lightweight design and built-in handle maximize portability, and the long list of accessories (including the all-new electric rotisserie!) allows you to cook just about anything with it too.

When you need legit, damn-near-bulletproof storage for your camp loadout, Yeti’s GoBox series delivers. Just like the company’s industry-leading coolers, these gear cases are dustproof, waterproof, and practically indestructible. With a removable divider and cargo tray, they’re perfect for keeping your outdoor kit sorted.

Nothing screams “glamping” like a portable fridge. This dual-zone model from BougeRV is a legit go-anywhere fridge/freezer combo good down to subzero temps. It’s durable, lightweight, and designed to run all day with two built-in battery ports (although only one battery comes standard; for a second it’s another ~$300).

For keeping our favorite hot foods hot and cold foods cold, nothing beats Thermos. This compact, vacuum-insulated food jar features a built-in serving bowl, so it’s perfect for coffee, soup, celebratory summit ice cream, or…whatever you’re into. With a wide-mouth opening, it’s easy to fill, eat from, and clean too.

Do you really need a voice-activated headlamp? Maybe not, but that doesn’t make this one from Coast any less cool. The touch-free operation means you’ll never have to fumble for buttons and switches in the dark or when your hands are full. We’ve found it a breeze to operate with the voice commands, and the four light colors and different types of beams mean it’s up to any task where you need lighting.

For a more traditional lighting approach, this tactical penlight packs some eye-popping brightness. The 1,400-lumen power is enough to light up trails, campsites, truck beds, you name it. Plus, we love that it’s ultra-compact and runs for hours on just two standard AA batteries.

Packing a solid multitool is almost as important as bringing clean underwear and a toothbrush. This model from longtime MH favorite Leatherman features everything you need and nothing you don’t: Scissors, three screwdrivers, tweezers, a 420HC knife, and, of course, a bottle opener are all built in.

Garmin packs everything serious outdoorsmen could ever need in this rugged, up-for-anything smartwatch (like a flashlight and a highly accurate compass). It’s loaded with a long list of software for tracking whatever sports, exercises, and adventures you’re into. An 18-day battery (though in our testing it lasted 21 days without charging) and a beautiful 1.2-inch AMOLED display ensure it’s built to keep up with you, and you’ll love looking at it too.

Yeti’s all-new hybrid Ranchero bridges the gap between travel backpack, commuter bag, and day pack. It’s none of these and all of them, with a clever layout (including Yeti’s extremely handy Rip-Zip opening) and versatile storage options for wrangling everything from laptops and water bottles to climbing shoes and trail maps. This bag has handled everything we’ve been able to throw at it.

JBL’s newest go-anywhere speaker is just as versatile and durable as its predecessors, with an IP68 rating making it a great option for the canoe paddles, beach days, and day hikes we’ve taken. The sound is surprisingly big, clear, and bold (for such a compact design), and the battery packs enough juice for up to 14 hours of play time.

The retro-cool Army canteen-inspired design aside, this portable power bank is surprisingly capable. It’s waterproof, dustproof, and shock-resistant, making it perfect for any outdoor adventures. The 15,000 mAh capacity is enough to keep your favorite mobile gadgets powered up in the backcountry, with two USB-A ports and one USB-C port for 32W of power.

Mammut’s sleek, streamlined Neon Light is built for obsessive minimalists, with a 12-liter capacity that’s exactly as big as it needs to be. The interior features an open design with a hydration-reservoir-compatible sleeve and a mesh pocket for your smallest essentials. If you’re looking to go pared down for a hiking backpack, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better one.

Katadyn’s latest water filter bottle combines durable, leakproof water storage and a two-stage filter into a single device to ensure you’re never without clean hydration. With a flow rate of two liters per minute, it’s fast enough to keep you and your hiking buddies topped up on the trail.

BruMate levels up the traditional hydration pack with a leakproof, 40-ounce alloy-insulated reservoir designed to keep your water (or any beverage of choice, really) chilled for up to 24 hours. While the weight (3.3 pounds empty, 5.9 pounds full) might make this unideal for ounce counters, the unique hose and valve system solves one of the most dreaded issues with hydration packs: lukewarm bevvie sips.

Good binoculars shouldn’t cost a fortune. This value-minded option from Nocs Provisions delivers all the essential features we look for in a decent pair, including 8×25 magnification, clear optics, and a lightweight yet rugged design that’s built with outdoor adventuring in mind.

Big enough for overpacking day hikers yet compact enough for minimalist overnighters. The 100D ripstop nylon is ultra-durable and features a DWR coating for when the weather turns south. The 45-liter capacity with thoughtful pockets and storage options throughout makes this an easy choice for those looking to buy just one great hiking pack.

GoPro’s Hero series just keeps getting better. The 13th iteration sets the standard with 5.3K 60fps video, 27-megapixel photo capability, and some insane video stabilization. It’s all wrapped in a rugged, go-anywhere housing that’s waterproof, shockproof, and just-about-everything-proof.

When you want the next-gen capability of a Yeti cooler in a compact, portable package, there’s the Hopper M12 backpack cooler. It’s big enough for 20 cans or 12 pounds of ice, and it’s even wine bottle compatible. But the built-in handle and shoulder straps make it easier than ever to haul from the garage to the campsite and back again.

Lightweight, quick-drying, and water-resistant—everything we look for in good hiking pants. The side tab adjusters maximize trail comfort, while multiple carry pockets (and a pocket knife clip) keep whatever you need—maps, snacks, smartphones—within reach. Bonus: Permanent Odorblock treatment neutralizes bacteria and helps keep funk at bay.

When legit hiking shoes are too much, but “barefoot” footwear isn’t enough, hiking sandals are the next best thing. Teva’s open-toe Grandview Max helps keep your dogs light and airy on the trail. The waterproof design and Vibram MegaGrip sole maximize durability and traction in any condition, whether you’re bouldering, scrambling to your next summit, or fording a backcountry river.

Danner’s latest N45 is one shoe to rule them all—a hiker that moves seamlessly between city streets, urban trails, and extended backcountry treks. It’s built for maximum breathability, abrasion resistance, and traction on any terrain with aggressive lugs and a nitrogen-infused midsole. It’s also resoleable, meaning you’ll have it for a long time.

Salomon brings its considerable ski boot design chops to bear on the latest iteration of its X Ultra. With a combination of Kevlar, technical yarn, and GORE-TEX, it’s like waterproof battle armor for your feet on the trail. We especially love the OrthoLite insoles that mold to your feet like a pair of custom orthotics.

A valiant upgrade to one of Arc’teryx’s best trail running shoes. By reducing the stack height (and giving us a firmer midsole), the LD 4 provides more ground feel and control, and we especially love the 4mm Vibram lugs that maximize stability and grip over uneven terrain.

Path Projects upends the “ordinary” UPF hoodie with something altogether different. The Wadi Hooded Long Sleeve offers a more athletic fit that’s closer to the body, and a proprietary, Japanese-designed fabric that’s more structured yet stretchier than most. It’s airy, moisture-wicking, durable, and oh-so-comfy. The two-snap hoodie and welded sleeve cuffs are also nice touches to keep this garment in place.

When the going gets technical, Arc’teryx’s new Sima Hoody is designed to keep you protected from the rain, snow, and sun (with a UPF 40 rating to shield against harmful UV rays). The 100 percent recycled synthetic fiber wicks away sweat like a champ, maximizes airflow, and boasts a featherweight feel to keep you moving freely. As our tester noted, this is one of the lightest pieces of clothing they’ve ever worn.

It’s everything we love about Brooks’ Divide 5—buttery soft cushioning, maximum breathability, and stick-to-anything traction—but with GORE-TEX Invisible Fit tech baked in. The result? A run anytime, anywhere trail shoe that’s built to handle your toughest outings.

Built for the trails, the streets, and everything in between—our tester can confirm these are great from the city commute to easy weekend offroad treks. By limiting sewn panels in the upper, this shoe maximizes flexibility and moldability around the top of the foot. With a secure, webbing-style lacing system and Omni-MAX cushioning, these kicks feel locked in and comfy as a cloud with gobs of energy return to help keep you moving.

The new Refugio lives somewhere in the space between retro wraparound ski goggles and the hard-charging sunglasses of today’s endurance athletes. The bold, full-wrap silhouette maximizes UVA/UVB protection, while an integrated nose pad increases ventilation to reduce fogging and prevent smudges from face sweat and oils.

Golfing, hiking, HIIT gym sessions—whatever you’re into, this is the go-to athletic sock to protect and cushion your feet. It’s extremely breathable and offers extreme cushioning in high-impact areas where it matters most.

When your pockets aren’t enough, but a messenger bag is overkill, the Kanken Hip Pack has you covered. It’s just roomy enough for a phone, a wallet, keys, and maybe a bit more. We love the easy-catch buckle clasp that makes donning and doffing a breeze. The durable, no-frills exterior makes this an option you’ll likely have for years to come.

OR’s Sunbriolet is everything a good sun hat should be: It’s breathable, water-resistant, quick-wicking, and so lightweight you’ll probably forget you’re wearing it. Plus, the UPF 50+ fabric protects your dome, face, and eyes from all those nasty UVA/UVB rays.

This deceptively simple top is the one shirt we’d buy if we could only buy one. It’s lightweight, quick-drying, and incredibly versatile for, well, just about anything. The Capilene fabric with HeiQ Mint odor control offers tons of stretch for maximum mobility, and it’s designed to keep you fresh and cool too. Bonus: It’s made in a Fair Trade Certified factory.

With an assist from founder Kelly Slater, the next iteration of Outerknown’s bestselling technical board shorts gets even better. An improved, no-bunch, cinching waistband, reinforced seams, and no-slip braided drawcords combine to make these your new go-to summer bottoms for those that require the most technical boardies you can buy.

With the Allpa 60L, Cotopaxi elevates the lowly tote bag to a gear-hauling beast. It’s big and roomy, with top compression straps and plenty of interior pockets to organize your loadout. Two sets of handles allow for carrying over the shoulder or by hand—your call.

Another Kelly Slater brand, this mineral sunscreen is designed to protect during all-day sessions on the water. It goes on a little thick but absorbs quickly into the skin. The formula is purpose-built to be water- and sweat-proof for up to 80 minutes and 40 minutes, respectively.

For those long blazing days in the water, a hooded rashguard is a must. Florence Marine X makes some of the toughest, most purpose-built gear for watermen and its hooded rashguard is second to none. We tested it down in Costa Rica and can confirm it kept us burn- and chaff-free and always comfy—and with UPF 50+ fabric and a three-panel hood, it’s designed to hold up against even the longest surf, swim, and paddle outings.

Shorts that move seamlessly from the ocean to the gym and back again. The stretchy, partially recycled fabric is quick-drying and moisture-wicking to keep you looking and feeling fresh all day.

If the traditional rashguard fit (like a wetsuit) feels too constricting—or if you don’t actually need it—O’Neill offers a simpler alternative with this everyday sun shirt/rashguard that offers maximum 50+ UPF sun protection. The four-way stretch and smart seam placement mean a design that moves with you, both on the water and off.

Big, beautiful coolers shouldn’t have to weigh a ton. RTIC upends the beach cooler game with this featherweight option (less than 20 pounds) that promises up to four days of ice and puncture- and impact-resistant, all-terrain wheels for transporting your favorite snacks and bevvies with ease. The all-terrain wheels and sturdy telescopic handle mean this one can go wherever you want it to.

It goes on thick and very white, but that might just be why it lives up to its promise. Our editors agree that, even after a five-hour, sun-drenched golf sesh, it kept the arms, legs, and necks of all involved supremely protected. And ultimately, that’s what a spray sunscreen should do.

Like Yeti’s overengineered coolers, its all-new Hondo Beach Chair is a serious upgrade to the lowly sand sitters. The webbing and back are next-level comfy and supportive with a featherweight design that’s a breeze to carry. Translation: It’s the most stable, comfortable, and rugged beach chair we’ve ever sat on. And never having to deal with rickety or rusted beach chair mechanisms alone justifies the hefty price tag.

Sleek, lightweight, and airy, these are the perfect companion for long days on the sand and the water. The adjustable grooved rubber nose pads and temple tips are extremely comfortable while ensuring the frame stays firmly seated.

With a condensed frame that’s lighter and more compact than most, the RadWagon 5 is surprisingly nimble and easy to maneuver, especially for a cargo hauler. But with a solid 750-watt rear hub motor, it’s got the juice to haul up to 120 pounds of gear without breaking a sweat.

Having a changing towel for water pursuits is a must. With a light stretch fabric and a fit that accommodates most body types and falls just below the knees, this is everything a changing poncho should be. We also love the built-in hood and pockets you can actually use.