Outside Announces 2008 Gear of the Year Awards

After months of rigorous testing, Outside magazine has announced the 2008 winners of the coveted Gear of the Year awards to be featured in the first-ever Winter edition of the Outside Buyer’s Guide. The Buyer’s Guide is available on newsstands October 2.

With comprehensive reviews of more than 300 proven products, the Winter Outside Buyer’s Guide is the authoritative handbook for the latest active-lifestyle gear and apparel as well as the top resorts, lodges, and hot spots for the winter season. The Buyer’s Guide highlights the very best in adventure gear, from sports equipment, tools, and gadgets to footwear, outerwear, and sunglasses. Organized according to sport and activity, the Buyer’s Guide is the ultimate resource for product reviews, technology news, and tips.

“We tested ski jackets and packs in Europe and snowshoes in Vermont, and last spring our largest crew of experts spent a week at Colorado’s Copper Mountain reviewing the latest skis, snowboards, boots, gloves, and more, including après shoes and casual apparel,” said Outside senior editor Sam Moulton. “And that’s just the start. On snow-packed trails and backcountry slopes across the country, our testers throttled everything from winterized trail runners to telemark and alpine-touring setups.”

The Buyer’s Guide has also devoted a section to gear designed and tested specifically for women. Outside is the first national magazine to give such significant space and resources to a women’s guide of this type.

2008 GEAR OF THE YEAR WINNERS

• ALPINE SKIS: Head Monster 88
• SOFT SHELL: Arc’teryx Hercules Hoody
• SNOWBOARD: Palmer Honeycomb 164
• STORM SHELL: Cloudveil Koven Plus
• BACKCOUNTRY SKIS: Black Diamond Verdict
• SNOWSHOES: Atlas 12 Series
• PACK: The North Face Patrol 35
• TRAIL RUNNER: Salomon SpeedCross 2

posted October 8, 2007