Our outdoor gear highlights of 2010

As 2010 draws to a close, we thought it was a good time to round up some products we have tested, read about or handled that offer something special. Presented in no particular order, the list includes our clothing and equipment highlights of the year.

Easton Carbon ION pole system with AirLock connectors

We came across these incredibly light tent poles at SOD while taking a closer look at the Easton Kilo Tent. The general feeling was that Easton had taken tent pole manufacturing to a new level. http://www.eastonmountainproducts.com

Lundhags EXA

The skating revolution is here. EXA’s unusual design deserves a closer look. It may not suit heavier skaters, but it feels like the start of a new approach to skate construction that uses less material and, in turn, reduces the risk of broken skates. www.lundhags.se

Mammut Kompakt Recycled sleeping bag

Mammut is far from the only company recycling plastic bottles and thinking about the environment. Still, we think this sleeping bag, made from 40 PET bottles, deserves a little extra attention. www.mammut.ch

Marmot Variant Jacket

The Variant Jacket combines windproof insulation from recycled PrimaLoft over the chest and abdomen with the flexibility, moisture transport and ventilation of Power Stretch on the arms and back. This inventive, close-fitting garment was a real hit with the editorial team when we tried it. www.marmot.com

Fresh thinking from Mile High Mountaineering

MHM plans to release its backpacks on the US market in March or April 2011. We were among the first to highlight several inventive details in a range that has attracted considerable attention at home. These include the Back-Hugger Internal Compression System for heavy loads, a hydration system in the lid and side access to the sleeping bag compartment. www.mhmgear.com

Nalgene Multidrink: Gulp It. Sip It. Lock It.

Members of our team have used Nalgene bottles for years. Once we got hold of the Multidrink, the older bottles were quickly forgotten. Like most Nalgene models, it is very easy to fill, and there are several ways to drink: through the straw, through the wide opening with the lid removed, or through the soda-bottle-sized opening built into the lid. www.nalgene.com

Primus EtaSolo

The EtaSolo is a very light Primus stove for solo adventures. Its high efficiency delivers quick boiling and lower fuel consumption. We think this little stove gives Jetboil a run for its money. www.primus.se

Tierra’s ski collection

During our visit to Tierra, we tried its new ski collection and liked it. The men’s version is called Rond and the women’s Laub. Both the pants and jackets use two-layer Gore-Tex, and the jackets also come in a version with PrimaLoft Infinity insulation. The design, fit and colors all felt right. Ski clothing is a new direction for Tierra, and perhaps a bold move, but a successful one. www.tierra.se

Platypus Origin 5

The Origin 5 has space for five liters of gear and is designed for activities lasting around three to four hours. A separate compartment holds a two-liter Big Zip SL reservoir. Tough ripstop fabric and taped seams remove the need for extra dry bags. Read our full review › www.platy.com

GoGirl

GoGirl is a handy funnel that allows women to urinate standing up. Simple and ingenious, though the idea itself is not new: similar products have been available for a long time. What stands out here is the material and, above all, the packaging. www.go-girl.com

SPOT

SPOT is a clever system for tracking your GPS position during all kinds of activities. Friends and family can follow your progress through Google Maps, and in a serious emergency you can alert rescue services directly from the device. www.findmespot.eu