One of the best part about the arrival of spring is the simultaneous arrival of new outdoor gear. Just as everyone is preparing to head back outside to take advantage of the warmer weather and longer days, the top brands in the outdoor industry are shipping their latest and greatest products. Despite the fact that a global pandemic continues to sweep across the globe, spring 2020 is no different in this regard. Even now, as retail shops reopen and online outlets restock, a host of new hiking boots, sleeping bags, tents, backpacks, and a variety of other items are making their way into the hands of customers. Naturally, there is a lot to take in, but some of our favorite websites are offering their picks for the best of that new gear to have on your radar.
To kick things off, Backpacker has a rundown of the best ultralight backpacks for thru-hikers or just regular people like you and me. On this list, you'll find some interesting options for those who are looking to truly cut some weight from the packs this season. Over at Popular Mechanics they've posted a pair of gear articles, offering up the best camp lights and the best camping tents. Meanwhile, GearJunkie has posted a run-down of the top sleeping bags for 2020 as well, ensuring we all stay cozy and warm on our next camping trip.
When it comes to covering outdoor gear, I've been fairly busy writing a few gear round-ups of my own. My articles over at Business Insider include my selection of the best backpacking tents, the best backpacking stoves, and the best bike racks for your car. I even put together an extensive list of gear that you'll want to use for camping in your own backyard. After all, many of us are ready to get outside and sleep under the stars, we're just not quite able to go to any campsites just yet.
During the COIVD-19 outbreak, bikes have suddenly become a hot commodity. So much so that many bike shops are completely sold out of some models and bike manufacturers are having a hard time keeping up. Naturally, this has stirred a lot of interest in which bikes are the best. Recently, Outside magazine conducted their annual bike test and release the results by naming their favorite road bikes and mountain bikes for 2020. Not to be outdone, our friends at Men's Journal also posted their picks for the best new gravel bikes as well. Considering the fact that riding a bike is not only a great way to exercise, but also fantastic for social distancing, perhaps its time to add a bike to your garage or upgrade one you're already riding.
This is just a sample of some the current reviews making the rounds. This should hopefully scratch your new-gear itch for the time being, but there are likely more to follow.
