Wild Earth Gear of the Year 2025 | The Winners and Why They Earned It

Based on what our ambassadors and staff actually used, loved, and trusted in real conditions from the Manaslu Base Camp in Nepal to Kayaking in Patagonia and surfing in remote Northern Sumatra. This is not about the most hyped launches. It is about the gear people reach for when it is dark, windy, wet, steep, sandy, or all of the above.

How we picked the winners

We reviewed the Gear of the Year 2025 survey responses from our community and looked for products that were praised most consistently for:

Performance in real conditions (not just on paper)
Comfort over a full day/night (gear that lasts)
Reliability (the stuff you trust when plans change)
Value (not always cheapest, but worth what you pay)

The Gear of the Year 2025 winners

Best overall gear 2025: Icebreaker Merino 260 Tech

Best for: cold starts, winter missions, and anyone who wants one reliable base layer for hiking, camping, and early morning training
Why it won: With 37.9% of the votes, the Merino 260 Tech wasn’t just a category winner, it was the most-voted single product in the entire survey. That says a lot, because base layers are the kind of gear you only rave about after you’ve really put them through it.
Voters kept coming back to the same reasons, it regulates temperature without feeling sweaty or clammy, it’s comfortable against the skin for long days, and it layers easily under everything from puffer jackets to shells. The other big theme here, was longevity, multiple people mentioned they’ve owned theirs for years and they’re still going strong.

“The Icebreaker thermals have served me for years. They work really well to keep me warm and have not sustained any damage even with bringing and using them on nearly every trip I have gone on over the last couple of years.” - Michelle Molgaard Dittmann

Best pairing: Patagonia Torrentshell
A dialled base layer with a reliable rain shell is the easiest way to stay warm and dry when the weather turns. The Icebreaker 260 Tech keeps your temperature steady on the inside, while the Patagonia Torrentshell blocks wind and rain on the outside, so you stay comfortable whether you are hiking in drizzle or getting hit with a proper downpour.

Best in footwear 2025

Footwear can make or break a trip. These winners are the shoes and boots people keep coming back to because they stay comfortable when the kilometres add up, handle rough terrain without drama, and help you finish the day with feet that still feel good.

Best trail running shoe 2025: Altra Lone Peak 9+

Winner: Lone Peak 9+ by Altra
Best for: trail runners and hikers who want a natural, stable feel with maximum toe room for long days and longer weeks on foot
Why it won: People stick with Lone Peaks because the wide toe box gives toes room to spread your toes, which can mean fewer hotspots on big mileage. This version also delivers the grip and toughness people have been asking for, which matters on wet rock, loose dirt, and mixed trail conditions. The zero drop platform keeps you feeling connected to the ground, which is exactly why it shows up in so many big effort stories.

"The Lone Peak is my top trail shoe of 2025 due to its continued evolution of Altra's wide toebox and natural ergonomics. Furthermore, it's has been the shoe of choice for more and more big efforts outdoors, most recently being used by Cameron Bostock to set the new unsupported FKT on the Bibbulmun Track" - Miles Pennings

Best pairing: Icebreaker merino crew socks
A snug heel and midfoot fit helps reduce slippage on long descents, and merino helps manage moisture, temperature and odour when the heat and distance build. The crew height also adds extra coverage against grit and ankle rub.

Best road running shoe 2025: Altra Escalante 4

Winner: Escalante 4 by Altra
Best for: Road runners who want a barefoot feel with enough cushion for pavement, perfect for daily miles, speed work, and walking
Why it won: The knit upper feels natural and flexible, so the shoe moves with your foot instead of feeling stiff. Underfoot, it is soft enough for easy days but still responsive when you pick up the pace. It stays light, agile, and easy to wear across a full week of training.

"Put it on and rip. Super light, comfy and loves hard surfaces." - Beau Miles

Best pairing: Icebreaker Merino 260 Tech
Early morning road sessions can start cold and warm up fast. A breathable merino base layer helps you stay comfortable without overheating once you get moving.

Best hiking shoe 2025: Merrell Moab 3 GTX

Winner: Moab 3 GTX by Merrell
Best for: Hikers who want reliable protection and out-of-the-box comfort for weekend treks and longer walks.
Why it won: The Moab keeps earning its reputation because it feels supportive and robust on rough trails. The protective build helps on rocky ground and trail debris, and the waterproof lining gives confidence when the track is damp or the weather turns. It is a simple, dependable choice that our community reaches for again and again.

"Just a solid hiking shoe, comfortable, durable and looks cute." - Saskia Geraghty

Best pairing: Nalgene Sustain Wide Mouth 1L Water Bottle
Like the Moab, a Nalgene bottle is a classic for a reason. It is tough, simple, and reliable, which is exactly what you want on long days outside.

Best hiking boot 2025: Altra Lone Peak 9 Mid hiking boots

Winner: Lone Peak 9 Waterproof Mid by Altra
Best for: fast and light hikers who want the stability and ankle coverage of a boot without the usual boot weight and stiffness
Why it won: The mid-height collar adds ankle coverage for loose, rocky terrain while keeping the natural feel people love from Altra. The waterproof build helps on wet tracks and messy conditions without pushing you into a heavy traditional boot and the roomy toe box also helps when feet swell late in the day, especially on big mileage trips.

"Super light, beautiful support, great front end, excellent to keep on for river crossings." - Beau Miles

Best pairing: Traverse Lightweight Dry Bags
If your boots are built to handle wet tracks, protect what cannot get wet. Dry bags keep sleep gear, insulation, electronics, and food safe so one river crossing does not ruin the trip.

Best climbing shoe 2025: Scarpa Instinct VSR

Winner: Instinct VSR by Scarpa
Best for: Climbers who want a high-performance shoe that still feels usable across bouldering and sport climbing.
Why it won: This shoe kept coming up as the do-it-all pick for people who climb a lot. It feels sensitive enough for technical movement but still supportive when the climbing gets steep. It also holds up well over time, which matters when you are putting in regular sessions.

"On my 4th set of SCARPA VSR’s. Sensitive, flexible and hard-wearing. Perfect blend for hard sport climbing and bouldering." - Simon Goodburn

Best pairing: Petzl Swift RL headlamp
When a session runs late, a reliable headlamp keeps you safe on approaches and pack up. It is also handy for early starts and long days that end after dark.

Packs and travel bags

Backpacks and travel bags are the unsung heroes of many adventurous trips. When the fit is right and the layout makes sense, everything feels easier, from water bladders sitting where they should, to layers that are easy to grab, and little touches that mean your gear stays organised instead of exploding every time you open your bag. These winners are the packs and bags our ambassadors and staff have on lock for in 2026 because they carry comfortably, handle real wear and tear, and make travel or trail days feel smoother from start to finish.

Best hiking day pack 2025: Osprey Talon/ Tempest 22L

Winner: Talon/ Tempest 22L Hiking Backpack by Osprey
Best for: Day hikers who want a stable, comfortable carry with smart storage for water, layers, and snacks
Why it won: The Tempest (designed for women)/ Talon (designed for men) are made for use out on the trail. They carry weight well, stay steady on the move, and have practical organisation that makes it easy to access the essentials on the go. It is the pack you grab when you want comfort without overthinking it.

"Big enough to carry what you need for a day without being too big. Amazing quality!" - Andrew Boyle

Best pairing: Osprey Hydraulics Reservoir 2L
A reservoir turns the Talon into an easy sip and go setup for hot hikes. It keeps water weight close to your back and frees up pocket space for food and layers.

Best carry on travel backpack 2025: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

Winner: Allpa 35L Travel Pack by Cotopaxi
Best for: Travellers who want one carry-on bag that keeps everything organised and easy to live out of
Why it won: The Allpa wins because it simplifies your travel set up. The suitcase style layout keeps your gear tidy, the compartments reduce rummaging, and it carries comfortably through airports and cities. It feels like a bag designed for real travel days.

"I have the Cotopaxi 35ltr - Black (non Del Dia) and it love how easy it is to organise everything in the one carry on pack, its also super comfortable and durable" - Dani Lewis

Best pairing: Cotopaxi Cubos packing cubes
Packing cubes keep outfits, chargers, and small items sorted, and they make repacking faster when you are moving between planes, buses, and accommodation.

Best duffel bag 2025: The North Face Base Camp Duffel

Winner: Base Camp Duffel by The North Face
Best for: travellers and campers who want a tough duffel for road trips, flights, and gear hauling
Why it won: This bag wins because it survives rough travel. It carries a lot, packs easily, and handles rough handling without falling apart. It is the kind of duffel that becomes your default because it works for nearly everything.

"These duffels last a lifetime and fit everything." - Mohali Wyatt

Best pairing: The North Face Base Camp Travel Canister
It keeps toiletries and small essentials contained, easy to grab, and protected from getting crushed at the bottom of the bag. It also helps stop leaks turning into a mess.

Sleep and shelter

When the sun goes down, your sleep and shelter setup decides how you feel tomorrow. These winners are the pieces people trust when the weather shifts and the day has been long.

Best synthetic sleeping bag 2025: Enlightened Equipment Revelation Apex quilt

Winner: Revelation Apex Sleeping Quilt by Enlightened Equipment
Best for: wet weather trips and hikers who want dependable warmth with easier moisture tolerance than down
Why it won: Synthetic insulation is the safe bet when damp conditions are part of the plan. This quilt keeps things simple, stays comfortable, and makes temperature control easier through the night. It is a solid choice when you want reliability without adding bulky weight.

"Great for wet weather and added bonus that it is cruelty free." - Duncan Roberts

Best pairing: Nemo Tensor All Season sleeping pad
A warm pad is the foundation of any sleep system. The Tensor adds insulation from the ground and stays comfortable when you move around at night.

Best backpacking tent 2025: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2

Winner: Copper Spur HV UL2 by Big Agnes
Best for: hikers and backpackers who want an ultralight tent that still feels liveable, easy to pitch, and genuinely comfortable to spend time in
Why it won:
This tent kept getting called out as the one that makes ultralight feel easy. It balances low weight with a spacious feel, and the pitch is simple even when you are tired or racing daylight. It is the kind of shelter people trust for big trips because it just works night after night.

“I remember the first time I pitched a Big Agnes Copper Spur. I was amazed at how easy the set up was and how well thought out the design was.” - Lauren

Best pairing: Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated Sleeping Pad
If you are investing in a premium tent, pairing it with a warm, packable pad makes the whole sleep system feel dialled. The Rapide SL adds insulation from the ground and stays comfortable through the night.

Best 4 season mountaineering tent 2025: Hilleberg Nallo 4

Winner: Nallo 4 by Hilleberg
Best for: serious four season trips where weather can turn nasty fast and you need shelter you trust
Why it won: The Nallo 4 is built for trips where shelter is not optional. The pitch is practical, the shape holds up in rough weather, and it feels liveable when you are stuck inside for longer nights. It is the kind of tent people buy when they want confidence, not compromise.

"I trust Hilleberg with my life. Saved me on numerous occasions. Other brands haven’t stacked up in extreme conditions where you can’t afford mistakes." - Simon Goodburn

Best pairing: Hilleberg Nallo footprint
A footprint protects the floor on abrasive ground and adds an extra buffer against moisture on soggy campsites.

Best down sleeping bag 2025: Sea to Summit Spark series

Winner: Spark Series by Sea to Summit
Best for: Ultralight hikers and travellers who want a reliable, warm down bag that packs down tiny
Why it won: The Spark Series shows up again and again because it delivers strong warmth for the weight, compresses small, and suits long distance trips where sleep quality matters. It is the choice for people who want to move light but still wake up ready to go.

“Spark offers a great pack down size and weight ratio whilst still keeping you super warm. Also pretty hard wearing for such a lightweight bag, always kept me warm even on the coldest of nights.” - Simon Ennals

Best pairing: Sea to Summit Aeros pillow
A small pillow is one of the easiest comfort upgrades you can carry. Better sleep equals better days.

Best sleeping pad 2025: Nemo Tensor All Season

Winner: Tensor All Season by Nemo
Best for: hikers who want a warm, packable pad that stays quiet through the night
Why it won: This pad won because it balances warmth, packability, and comfort without the loud crinkle some ultralight pads are known for. It feels stable when you move and supports proper rest, which is the whole point.

“It's still relatively light weight considering its super high R rating of 8.5, I'm a very cold sleeper and especially during adventure races when I feel the cold even more due to fatigue.” - Dani Lewis

Best pairing: Nemo Fillo backpacking pillow

A good sleeping pad plus a good pillow is the fastest way to upgrade sleep quality without adding much weight!

Apparel and protection

This category is about staying comfortable in any conditions. The winners balance warmth, weather protection, and durability.

Best waterproof jacket 2025: Arc'teryx Beta AR

Winner: Beta AR by Arc'teryx
Best for: hikers and mountaineers who want a hard-wearing shell for serious weather that still works for everyday use
Why it won: The Beta AR is the jacket people reach for when the forecast looks ugly. It stays dependable in heavy rain and strong wind, and it feels tough enough for real mountain use. It also looks clean and wears well day to day, which is part of why people love it.

“Perfect in Alaska as an outer jacket. Nice and light and durable.” - Sean Scott

Best pairing: Icebreaker Merino 260 Tech

A good shell works best with a breathable base layer. Merino helps regulate temperature and reduces that clammy feeling on sweaty climbs.

Best insulated jacket 2025: Arc'teryx Atom

Winner: Atom by Arc'teryx
Best for: active days where you want warmth without losing breathability
Why it won: The Atom wins because it is the jacket people actually wear the most. It adds warmth without feeling bulky, breathes well enough for movement, and layers easily under a shell. It is a reliable mid-layer for cold starts, steady climbs, and everyday wear.

“Soo comfortable and warm while remaining breathable. My all time favourite jacket.” - Andrew Boyle

Best pairing: Arc'teryx Beta AR
Together they make a clean layering system for cold, wet weather, with warmth underneath and storm protection on top.

Best down jacket for mountaineering 2025: Mont Icicle Hyd-XT Down Unisex Mountaineering Jacket

Winner: Icicle Hyd XT by Mont
Best for: alpine and winter missions where you need serious warmth at stops, on belays, and around camp
Why it won: This was a niche category with a smaller sample size, but the feedback was aligned. People want big warmth when the pace drops, a build that feels dependable in harsh weather, and a fit that works over layers. It is the down jacket you pack when you want a safety margin.

'The Mont Icicle kept me warm, dry and comfortable on my Winter Overland, whilst still compressing down to the size of a Nalgene bottle.' - Miles Pennings

Best pairing: Julbo Vermont Classic Spectron 4 Mountaineering Sunglasses

They’re built for high-alpine glare, with Cat. 4 lenses (7% VLT) and leather side shields that help block harsh sun and reflective snow when you’re in cold, exposed conditions.

Best thermal base layer 2025: Icebreaker Merino 260 Tech

Winner: Merino 260 Tech by Icebreaker
Best for: Cold starts, winter missions, and anyone who wants one reliable base layer for hiking, camping, and early morning training
Why it won: This winner stood out because it blends performance with long term use. It regulates temperature, stays comfortable against the skin, and layers easily. Many voters also called out how long theirs have lasted, which is one of the most practical forms of sustainability.

"The Icebreaker thermals have served me for years. They work really well to keep me warm and have not sustained any damage even with bringing and using them on nearly every trip I have gone on over the last couple of years." - Michelle Molgaard Dittmann

Best pairing: Arc'teryx Beta AR
A great base layer plus a proper shell is a simple formula for staying warm and dry when the weather turns.

Hydration and essentials

These winners are the small things that make a big difference when you are hours from the car. They are the pieces that keep you moving, fuelling, and sorted.

Best water bottle 2025: Nalgene Sustain Wide Mouth 1L

Winner: Sustain Wide Mouth 1L by Nalgene
Best for: hikers and campers who want a tough, simple bottle that can handle years of use
Why it won: The Nalgene Sustain keeps the classic wide mouth design people trust, with an eco friendlier build. It is durable, easy to fill and clean, and works for everything from daily water to mixing salts. People also love the camp trick of using it as a hot water bottle at night.

“Can’t go past a trusty Nalgene. Multi purpose use always makes it a winner. Is it a camp light, a hot water bottle or just a regular old bottle?” - Kate Alice

Best pairing: Sodii Everyday Hydration Salts
A reliable bottle is only half the hydration story. Add salts for hot days and long efforts so you stay steady when sweat loss builds.

Best hydration product 2025: Sodii Everyday Hydration Salts

Winner: Everyday Hydration Salts by Sodii
Best for: hot days, long days, and recovery when you want hydration to feel easy
Why it won: This winner stood out because it supports hydration in heat and humidity, tastes great and helps people keep their strength up across long efforts. It is simple to use, easy to carry, and it fits into everything from training runs to hiking days.

"SODii Hydration is ideal for working in hot environments and training in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, or Ipswich, where heat and humidity hit hard" - Amelia Tsikleas

Best pairing: Nalgene Sustain Wide Mouth 1L
The wide mouth makes mixing fast, cleaning easy, and carrying simple.

Best water filter 2025: Katadyn BeFree

Winner: BeFree by Katadyn
Best for: Solo backpackers and travellers who want a fast, packable filter that is easy to use
Why it won: The BeFree keeps winning because safe water feels simple with it. It packs down small, sets up fast, filters microorganisms and works well for hiking and travel where convenience matters. It is the kind of essential you can bring everywhere without thinking twice.

“By far the simplest, lightest and easiest to use of any water system. Perfect for solo backpackers, drinking on the trail or filtering water.” - Simon Ennals

Best pairing: Osprey Hydraulics Hydration Bladder 2L
Filter straight into your reservoir, pack it away neatly, and keep drinking hands free on the move.

Best headlamp 2025: Black Diamond Storm 500 Rechargeable

Winner: Storm 500 Rechargeable by Black Diamond
Best for: Hikers, campers, and runners who want a tough, weather ready headlamp with a rechargeable setup.
Why it won: This is the dependable all rounder pick. It is bright enough for night hiking, secure when moving on uneven ground, and built to handle rough conditions. People trust it when a headlamp cannot fail.

"Ultra light. It has lovely warm light and red light settings which is perfect for reading or winding down in the tent." - Michelle Molgaard Dittmann

Best pairing: Black Diamond Spot 500 Rechargeable

A backup headlamp is cheap insurance on overnight trips and long missions.

Best first aid kit 2025: AMK Ultralight and Watertight Medical Kit 0.7

Winner: Ultralight and Watertight Medical Kit 0.7 by Adventure Medical Kits
Best for: hikers and runners who want a compact kit that covers the essentials without extra bulk
Why it won: It is small enough that people actually pack it, and that is the whole point. It covers the basics, handles rough handling, and suits everything from day hikes to multi day trips.

Best pairing: Traverse Snake Bite Compression Bandage
A kit handles everyday issues, and a compression bandage adds confidence for Australian conditions, especially on remote trails.

Camp setup, coffee, and food

This is the gear that makes camp feel easy. It is what helps barista level camp coffee coffee happen, and what makes dinner feel like a reward instead of a chore.

Best camp stove 2025: Jetboil Flash 1.0L Cooking Pot Camp Stove System

Winner: Stash by Jetboil
Best for: Hikers and campers who want a light, fast stove for boil water meals and simple cooking
Why it won: It keeps camp cooking simple. It is light in the pack, quick when you are hungry, and efficient enough that fuel lasts well. It is the stove people trust for quick dinners and hot drinks after a long day on the trails.

“Been using it for years and still boils water in no time at all. Must have for any camping trip.” - Garrett Optland

Best pairing: Jetboil TrailSpoon Extendable Cooking Spoon

The Jetboil TrailSpoon is designed to easily extend and reach inside a Jetboil cookpot or dehydrated meal so you can scrape every morsel while minimising scratches to the pot surface.

Best camp coffee 2025: AeroPress Go

Winner: AeroPress Go by AeroPress
Best for: anyone who wants genuinely good coffee at camp or while travelling without bulky gear
Why it won: It won because it makes coffee that people actually look forward to. It packs easily, cleans quickly, and fits into travel and camp routines without hassle.

"Definitely a luxury but the Aeropress coffee is great. Easy to clean and store on the trail." - Michelle Molgaard Dittmann

Best pairing: AeroPress reusable metal filter
It reduces waste, removes the need to carry paper filters, and keeps the setup simple for travel and long trips.

Best camping chair 2025: Helinox Chair Zero High back

Winner: Chair Zero High back by Helinox
Best for: campers and hikers who want real comfort with minimal weight
Why it won: It nails comfort per gram and gives the back support people actually want. It is light enough to justify, and comfortable enough that you will use it every single time.

"Helinox chairs are the best. Always carry a few in the 4WD and perfect to pull out when I get a chance for a quick break." - Sean Scott

Best pairing: Luci Outdoor inflatable solar lantern
A good chair plus soft camp light is an instant morale boost. It makes dinner, sorting gear, and winding down feel calmer after dark.

Best camp meal 2025: Real Meals

Winner: Real Meals by Real Meals
Best for: hikers and campers who want a proper dinner that tastes good and feels satisfying
Why it won: It feels like real food at the end of a big day. People loved the flavour and the portion feel, and it became the meal they look forward to when morale is low.

"OMG these taste like real food and are so yummy. I only wish we had more flavours in store. They are my go-to meal now." - Stacy Clark

Best pairing: Sea to Summit AlphaLight long spoon
A long spoon makes pouch meals cleaner and easier, especially when you are scraping the bottom.

Best trail snack 2025: Clif Energy Bar PB Banana Chocolate

Winner: Energy Bar PB Banana Chocolate by Clif
Best for: A crowd pleaser of a snack that lives in the pack and saves the day when energy dips
Why it won: It is easy to carry, easy to eat, and reliably gets you through the flat moments. It is the snack that ends up in packs because it just works.

"Who doesn’t love a Clif bar at the crag or climbing gym." - Ava Williams

Best pairing: 8BPlus Flint Monster Chalk Bag

A chalk bag monster is the perfect addition to big sessions at the climbing gym or the crag.

Special awards

Best budget friendly gear 2025: Traverse Lightweight Dry Bag

Winner: Lightweight Dry Bag by Traverse
Best for: simple waterproof protection for critical gear without spending big
Why it won: It does the job with no fuss. It packs down small, protects essentials, and delivers value that people notice immediately.

"Much cheaper than other brands, still the same materials."- Jesse Pultar

Best pairing: Traverse Snake Bite Compression Bandage
Dry bags protect your gear. A compression bandage protects you. It is light, small, and worth carrying in Australian conditions.

Best sustainable gear 2025: Patagonia

Winner: Patagonia
Best for: people who want performance gear backed by long term responsibility
Why it won: Patagonia won because the community rewards consistency. People mentioned recycled materials, fair labour practices, and repair and reuse as reasons they keep backing the brand.

"Built to last from recycled material with a real warranty and the most ambitious company ethos." - Sean Martin

Best pairing: Patagonia Worn Wear patch kit
The most sustainable gear is the gear you keep using. A patch kit helps you repair small damage fast and extend the life of what you already own.

Best ultralight gear 2025: Hyperlite Unbound 40L backpack

Winner: Unbound 40L Backpack by Hyperlite Mountain Gear
Best for: hikers who want to trim pack weight hard while still carrying enough for lean multi day trips
Why it won: This pack is built for people who take grams seriously. It carries close, stays streamlined, and encourages a dialled kit instead of overpacking.

Best pairing: Hyperlite Unbound 2-Person Ultralight Tent
When your pack is ultralight, your shelter matters even more. Keeping the sleep kit lean helps you get the full benefit of a fast and light setup.

No hype, no fluff...just gear that’s proven itself when it counts. Start with these winners, build your system around them, and you’ll be set for the messy, unpredictable days that make for the best campfire stories. Have you got a favourite piece of kit we should test for 2026? Send it through.