National Geographic is a trusted international authority on travel, nature and the outdoors so it’s a great pleasure to check out what they deem the best gear.
The esteemed journal has named approximately 20 or so winners in various categories from tents to cameras to optics saying that
You won’t see a lot of revolutionary ideas (although there are a few), but, rather, a long list of improvements and clever tweaks that make these must-haves smarter, more comfortable, and easier to use”
Although not all the goods are available here in Southern Africa, you’ll certainly spot a few familiar names and do unmentionable things to get your hands on the others.
Read the full National Geographic article here
List of winners
Sunglasses: Smith Optics Approach Sunglasses
Tent: Big Agnes Fishhook UL2 Tent
Sleeping Bag: NEMO Nocturne 15 Sleeping Bag
Action Camera: GoPro Hero3 Black Edition > read Getaway Review here
Tough Camera: Pentax WG-3 Camera
Hoodie: Salence Chord Hoodie
Cooling Shirt: Columbia Omni-Freeze Zero
Trail Runner: Hoka One One Bondi B
Minimal Runner: New Balance Minimus HI-REZ
Casual/Water Shoe: Astral Buoyancy Brewer
Flashlight: LED Lenser F1
Headlamp: Black Diamond ReVolt > read Getaway Review here
Running Vest/Pack: Ultimate Direction PB Adventure Vest
Water Filter: Vapur Microfilter Water Bottle
Portable Shower: NEMO Helio
Light Shell: Westcomb Crest Windshell
Down Puffy: Patagonia Encapsil Parka
Shirt: Pladra Elli Flannel
Bike-Friendly Pants: Beta Brand Cycling Commuter Pants
Mountain Bike: Specialized S-Works Enduro 29 SE
Cyclocross Bike: Raleigh RX 2.0 Cross
Bike Seat: Fizik Kurve Saddle
Pedals: Cirrus Ti
Rope Bag: Arc’teryx Haku
Duffel Bag: Filson Classic Duffles
Wetsuit: Rip Curl Flash Bomb Plus
Solar Unit: Brunton Ember Solar Battery
HR Watch: MIO Alpha Strapless Heart Monitor
