THE SUMMER 2023 PEAK GEAR AWARDS

THIS HARDWARE IS THE REAL DEAL. WE ASKED OUR CORE CONTRIBUTORS TO PICK THE GEAR THEY USE THE MOST, THE GEAR THAT PERFORMS THE BEST FOR THEM, TO DETERMINE WHO WINS THESE BIANNUAL AWARDS. SO, WITHOUT FURTHER ADO, WE PRESENT THE OUTDOOR PRODUCTS THAT MAKE OUR LIVES BETTER.

CONTRIBUTORS: AARON BIBLE, LIAM DORAN, RADHA MARCUM, CAMERON MARTINDELL, ARIELLA NARDIZZI, DANI REYES-ACCOSTA, RYAN MICHELLE SCAVO, DOUG SCHNITZSPAHN, KIERAN SCHITZSPAHN, CHRIS VAN LEUVEN

Kokopelli Chasm Lite

$999; kokopelli.com

WHY IT WON: Being able to hike in to a spot stand-up paddleboard gives you access to high mountain lakes and other backcountry bodies of water, as well as tricky put-ins near roads— it’s a game-changer. This 10-foot inflatable SUP in a backpack makes those adventures possible, weighing in at just under 13 pounds and performing admirably on the water.

WHERE WE TOOK IT: Alpine lakes in the Indian Peaks, Green Mountain Reservoir, Utah’s Green River

Yamaha Wabash RT

$3,499; yamahabicycles.com

WHY IT WON: An electric gravel bike gives you the ability to patch together big, long adventures on gnarly roads. It also gives cyclists who may be compromised the ability to hang with friends or take on new adventures. Yamaha Power Assist is celebrating 30 years of producing e-bikes in 2023, and this ride incorporates that know-how in a nimble and stable ride with impressive battery life providing a range of up to 90 miles in Eco mode. Plus, it has a cushy seat dropper.

WHERE WE TOOK IT: The test track at the (e)revolution show in Denver, big rides in Boulder County foothills

Priority 600X Adventure

$3,500; prioritybicycles.com provides plenty of privacy and boogie room. Add on the massive 51-square-foot vestibule and you have can play games and chill even when it’s raining or too sunny. Best of all, it rings in at a nice price for families.

WHY IT WON: We have been big fans of Priority’s belt-drive commuter bikes for years. This baby takes that break-downproof technology and powerful crank response and puts it into an efficient bikepacking machine with an enclosed Pinion C1.12 gearbox.

WHERE WE TOOK IT: Olive Ridge campground in Allenspark, Cow Creek South Campground on Green Mountain Reservoir

Rab Arc Eco Waterproof Jacket

$235; rab.equipment

WHY IT WON: Rab has made an incredible commitment to sustainability in all its products and this waterproof/breathable shell proved up to alpine climbing and backpacking while living up to that ethos. But the three-layer jacket made 100% recycled Pertex Shield Revolve won because it actually provides that protection while delivering an athletic fit and weighs in at just 15.1 ounces.

WHERE WE TOOK IT: Numerous adventures in the Indian Peaks and James Peak wilderness areas, Boulder Mountain Parks

Arc’teryx Proton Hybrid Hoodie

$350; arcteryx.com

WHY IT WON: Light, stylish, and easy-to-wear, this insulator is one of those pieces you bring along whether you are headed out for a quick hike in cooler temps, peak bagging, or backpacking. And since it’s technically a backcountry ski/snowboard piece, we are looking forward to using it throughout the winter too.

WHERE WE TOOK IT Adventures in the San Rafael Swell and in Boulder Mountain Parks

Stay

WHERE WE TOOK IT: Don’t just believe us. Local Boulder hero Ryan Van Duzer used this aluminum ride to tackle the Continental Divide trail from Mexico to Montana.

Moosejaw Comfortress 8P

$399 (with aluminum poles); mossejaw.com

WHY IT WON: This eight-person monster of a tent is all the basecamp your family needs. With two separate rooms and plenty of standing space, its 116-square-foot inner footprint

Pact Outdoors Lite Backpacking Toilet Kit

$35; pactoutdoors.com

WHY IT WON: Everybody poops in the woods and having the right equipment to do it with Leave No Trace principles is key. Designed for backpacking (and even dayhikes), this smart kit includes a light, low-profile trowel with the mycelium wipes and tablets that fit into the shovel handle. The mushroom-based wipe expands when wet to create a wet wipe, which cleans so much better than toilet paper and actually helps break down the human waste along with the tablets.