The Gear Guy has winnowed down his absolute faves in the world of lightweight equipment, trailside chic, and must-have gadgets.
Find out what ten items made the Gear Guy's all-star Hall of Gear!



  IT'S OK—RELAX. We've got your big holiday score all wrapped up: Shiny toys,   sharp tools, and smokin' threads to help you keep your adventure resolutions.   read

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Get the award-winning Off Chute 35 Ski Pack. It's the perfect ally for backcountry adventures.
Adventure clothing and equipment: The North Face
 





Ex Officio's Buzz Off Insect Repellent Apparel chases away mosquitoes and ticks to help you enjoy the outdoors more comfortably.
Travel and Adventure clothing: Ex Officio
 





"If the mountains are my church, then Freedom is my bible."—Will Gadd, champion climber
Travel and Adventure books: The Mountaineers Books
 





Send an original gift AND help World Wildlife Fund protect our living planet.
Adopt-a-Polar Bear for the Holidays: World Wildlife Fund
 



Outdoor Gear, Camping Tents Image TENTS
See the Gear: our 2003 tent reviews
Keep it Alive: taking care of your tent
Short Course: tents explained


Outdoor Gear, Sleeping bags image SLEEPING BAGS
See the Gear: our 2003 sleeping bag reviews
Keep it Alive: taking care of your sleeping bag
Short Course: sleeping bags explained
What Lies Beneath: ground pads to help you sleep soundly


Outdoor Gear, Backpacks image BACKPACKS
See the Gear: our 2003 backpack reviews
Short Course: backpacks explained


Outdoor Gear, Adventure electronics image ADVENTURE ELECTRONICS
Wrist and Computer Watches: our 2003 wrist and computer watches reviews
Gadgets: our 2003 gadget reviews
Music: our 2003 music equipment reviews
Navigation: our 2003 navigation equipment reviews


Outdoor Gear, Road & mountain bikes image ROAD & MOUNTAIN BIKES
See the Gear: our 2003 road and mountain bike reviews
Keep it Alive: taking care of your road or mountain bike
Short Course: road and mountain bikes explained
The Essential Cyclist: cycling gear you can't live without


Outdoor Gear, Jackets image JACKETS
See the Gear: our 2003 jacket reviews
Keep it Alive: taking care of your jacket
Short Course: jackets explained


More in The Buyer's Guide 2003
Cameras & Camcorders // Camp Stoves // Sunglasses // Trail Runners // Optics // Hikers // Hydration Systems // Kayaks // Sport Racks/luggage


  Q1:Should I have my husband try on a pack before I buy it as a gift?  [answer]

  Q2:What's the best-value GPS unit on the market?  [answer]

  Got a question of your own for the Gear Guy? Click here