Popular Mechanics Names Top OR Show Gear

Popular Mechanics announced the winners of its Editors’ Choice Awards from the 2016 Outdoor Retailer summer show. The magazine, making its second appearance at the show, has chosen seven honorees from among the thousands of outdoor gear, apparel, footwear, and accessories on the show floor.

This season’s Editors’ Choice winners are (in alphabetical order):

Astral TR1 Trek trail shoe:  Astral incorporated the same grippy rubber sole technology of their beloved water shoes into a lightweight shoe perfect for any trail.

BioLite BaseLantern:  Using the same principles as fiberoptic technology, BioLite created a compact yet powerful 500-lumen flatpack lantern, controlled via Bluetooth, that doubles as a charging station.

Columbia OutDry Extreme ECO Shell jacket:  Sustainable, waterproof, and still breathable, about 21 recycled plastic bottles make up the completely dye-free jacket, which is free of harmful PFCs.

Fjällräven Abikso Friluft 45 pack:  A lightweight pack for summertime treks with a conscience. The pack is made with minimal environmental impact using Fjällräven’s waxed G-1000 Eco material, a mix of organic cotton and recycled polyester.

Gerber US-Assist pocket knife:  A no-nonsense everyday pocket knife made in the USA with a ball-bearing system to make for a smooth assisted-open.

Snow Peak Firepit Oven:  This firepit attachment converts your campfire into a functional oven, relying on a ceramic tray to evenly distribute heat and letting you make a pizza out in the woods.

Tepui White Lightning Hard Shell rooftop tent:  Fitting on top of your car’s rack system, the White Lightning—made in America—opens like a clam to become a two-person tent. And its rack-ready hardshell means you can haul your bike on top of it when you hit the road.