Wanderlust Travel Magazine (UK)
Gear of the Year
Get the best for your money with our 2018 gear award winners
1 PÁRAMO, Acosta Trousers, £95 Judges’ comments: “You’d never know these were technical trousers, which makes them a superb choice for travellers.” Special mention: Renowned for their lifelong protection from biting insects, Craghoppers’ Nosilife Pro Trousers scooped second place. In third were last year’s winners, Fjällräven, with their handily convertible Abisko Shade Zip-off Trousers.
2 COLUMBIA, Outdry Ex Eco Jacket, £160 Judges’ comments: “It’s good to see a brand champion sustainability with removing pollutant causing PFCS and dye. Some may baulk at the colour, but when they hear the story, they’ll see white is the new black (or should that be green?).” Special mention: Berghaus’ Hyper 100 Waterproof Jacket came in second, offering the world’s lightest waterproof 3-layer fabric jacket that’s also breathable and packs small. Third is Páramo’s Velez Jacket – another hit sustainability story given they have been Pfc-free for years – also offering a soft feel, waterproof tech and Fair Trade credentials.
3 LIFESTRAW, Lifestraw Universal Water Filter Bottle Adapter Kit, £38 Judges’ comments: “Foolproof. This is vital for those heading off the beaten track or just staying in hotels with questionable water quality.” Special mention: Exped’s Transfer Wheelie Bag transforms a normal rucksack or duffel into rolling luggage. Third is Storm’s Tear-aid Pack, a handy little repair kit that will re-seal any tear in your kit.
4 FJÄLLRÄVEN, Splitpack, £150 Judges’ comments: “Great looking, wellthought-through design and suitably technical. A great option for travellers.” Special mentions: Eagle Creek’s Global Companion 65L came in second with its inventive, tough design while Osprey’s Europe Transporter came in third for its rugged exterior – perfect for the rigours of travel – and multiple carry options.
5 BERGHAUS, Tephra Down Jacket, £160 Judges’ comments: “It’s a great jacket with good features, and all at a very competitive price – making it a winner on all fronts.” Special mention: The runner-up is the great-value Alpkit Filoment Hoody, which offers an active cut. Montane’s Icarus Jacket, with its Primaloft Black synthetic insulation, came in third, providing a great alternative to more traditional down.
6 TEVA, Arrowood Utility Mid, £150 Judges’ comments: “Footwear that you can wear for walking or when travelling – without
shouting, ‘I’m sporty, look at me!’ – makes this a winning combination.” Special mention: In second place, Danner – new to the UK – ticks the right boxes with their classic leather walking boots, which are comfy straight out of the box. KEEN’S Newport Sandals make third for their versatility and comfort.
7 LOWE ALPINE, Aeon 27, £90 Judges’ comments: “A welldesigned and rugged pack, sure to last throughout many years of adventures.” Special mention: In second place was Rohan’s Stowaway Daypack 18 – tiny enough to fit into the smallest overhead bins; coming in third was Aquapac’s lightweight waterproof Wet & Dry Backpack 25L, with its internal pocket for keeping wet and dry gear separate.
8 CRAGHOPPERS, Nosilife Adventure Long-sleeved shirt, £65 Judges’ comments: “Adds in lots of features yet retains an enviable weight.” Special mention: In second, BAM’S Jersey shirt wowed judges, as it’s made from bamboo and offers anti-bacterial (non-smelly) protection, temperature control and the ability to move sweat away from the body. Rohan’s Trail Hooded Top, with in-built Insect Shield and a casual look, was a close third.