Adapt, survive, and overcome. Or, if you’re not entirely on Bear Grylls’ level, grab a few of these incredible outdoor products from our top picks of the year. Discover the latest in trail shoe technology, camping gear to keep you warm and protected from the elements, and a selection of 12 Best Hunting Dog Breeds to tackle all kinds of situations. No matter what your adventure entails, our top outdoor products of 2022 are sure to take your travels from great to grand. Let’s check it out.
How Man of Many Chose The Best Outdoor Products of 2022
To arrive at this list of products, the Man of Many team went through hours and rigorous testing, implementation and analysis before culling it down to the very best. Over the last 12 months, we’ve worked on curated products that push boundaries and pioneer new fronts, across the automotive, fashion, lifestyle and technology verticals. Sure, we love getting the latest piece of kit in our hands, but being able to point out the benefits and shortfalls objectively is at the heart of what we do.
As a result, the Top 100 Products is primarily comprised of products that we tested in-house and use extensively first-hand. While there are a few exceptions to the rule, generally due to scarcity and availability, we made note of the cultural significance surrounding each product should we not have been able to review it personally.
Best Outdoor Products of 2022
Our list of the best outdoor product releases of 2022 includes the following.
- Best Overall: Salomon XT-6 Gore-Tex
- Best for Camping: Shelter by Cinch
- Best for Adventuring: The James Brand The Ellis
- Best Outdoor Tech: Apple Watch Ultra
Now we’ve rounded up our favourites, let’s check out the full list.
Image: Salomon
1. Salomon XT-6 Gore-Tex
We hear GORE-TEX; we hear adventure. The Saloman XT-6 trail shoe sneakers are heralded as a “trail legacy beacon”, and we couldn’t agree more. There are reflective accents, an Ortholite sock liner, and a one-pull tightening quick lace system with a lace pocket for a seamless look. Then there’s the innovative ePE membrane and an EnergyCell midsole that works in tandem with the Agile Chassis System to provide stability and dampening.
Merging the best of sneaker technology with hiking shoe durability, a pair of these trail shoes come equipped with a GORE-TEX PFC-free and anti-debris mesh construction alongside a ridiculous grippy outsole that latches onto uneven surfaces. Paired with Salomon’s SensiFit technology for long-lasting comfort and a soft, breathable lining, your feet are not only protected, but they’re living their best life while you go hiking. Windproof and waterproof while still maintaining breathability, these shoes are the ultimate outdoor adventure shoe.
Image: The James Brand
2. The James Brand The Ellis
The last time we covered The James Brand multi-tool known as The Ellis, we lamented that it was sold out. A mainstay EDC product, complete with a bold new look and redesigned form function, The Ellis brings a pair of scissors to the multi-tool knife following overwhelming demand from consumer feedback.
This tiny bit of kit is complemented by the same high-quality Swedish Sandvik 12C27 stainless-steel blade (with a partially-serrated option for maximum flexibility), a deep-carry wire clip for your pockets and a combination bottle opener, screwdriver, scraper, pry bar and a bail loop for attaching to your keys, carabiner or backpack. It’s got everything you’ll ever need in one compact form factor.
The James Brand also updated The Ellis with three new colourways: black on black, OD green on black and OD green micarta and stainless steel, offering even more aesthetic options to pair with your evergrowing selection of EDC gear. It also makes for the perfect starting point to build a fledgling collection for those just getting into the world of EDC. But be warned, it’s a slippery slope.
Image: Apple
3. Apple Watch Ultra
The Apple Watch Ultra is, without a doubt, the most advanced smartwatch on the market today. It features a larger 49mm titanium frame and a flat sapphire crystal screen that is highly robust and scratch-resistant. Inside, you’ll find precision dual-frequency GPS, up to 36 hours of battery life, cellular connectivity, a depth gauge with a water temperature sensor and three specialised bands designed to give athletes, adventurers and divers a more immersive experience. And now, with the release of the free Oceanic+ diving app, every Apple Watch Ultra can be the ultimate diving computer!
Paired with a water resistance rating of up to 100m, plus a larger Digital Crown and raised side button, even in a thick diving suit, you can access all the controls you need while you’re off the coast of Tahiti. Plus, no matter how deep you go, the Always-On Retina display is 2,000 nits at peak brightness and twice as bright as any other Apple Watch (there’s even a night vision mode).
As for those that love to live life rough and ready, the MIL-STD 810H (protection against altitude, temperature, shock, vibration, etc.) and IP6X dust resistance rating will ensure your Apple Watch Ultra survives even the most demanding outdoor adventures. Though if anything should go wrong, the 86-decibel Siren to attract attention is a life-saving feature that doesn’t get enough praise.
Image: Ember
4. Ember Mug2 and Travel Mug²
For home and afar, the Ember Mug2 and the Travel Mug² are the perfect tools to keep your hot drinks more than just hot. Whether it’s a hot cup of Joe or a classic English Breakfast, Ember lets you set an exact drinking temperature via the Ember app for that Goldilocks sweet spot. Starting with the 10 OZ (roughly 300ml) Ember Mug2, you can maintain your chosen temperature for up to 1.5 hours or 80 minutes in the 14 OZ mug (415ml). Then when you’re on the go, the Travel Mug² can keep your drinks at the perfect temperature for up to three hours!
Both are safe for handwashing (don’t put them in the dishwasher) and can be submerged in up to 1 metre of water, meaning you’ll need a pretty deep sink to damage them. And when combined with the Ember Coaster, both Mugs will keep your drinks warm all day long. But don’t worry too much about battery power.
The intelligent sensors will switch your mug on and off depending on the contents of your cup. You also don’t need to worry about spilling the Travel Mug2, thanks to the 360° Leakproof Lid. It’s called the 360° Leakproof Lid because you can sip from any side of the mug! Whether you’re a hermit or a nomad, everyone wants that perfect cuppa, and the Ember Mugs might be the answer.
Image: Biolite
5. Biolite FirePit+
Experience a wood campfire’s warmth, fragrance, crackling, and feel without any of the suffocating smoke with the FirePit+ from Biolite, your smokeless firepit. Cook meals over the fire, roast marshmallows, or sit back and relax in front of a roaring, smokeless fire, thanks to the 12,800 mAh battery-powered fan.
Thanks to their portable fire pit’s innovative airflow technology that delivers clean combustion using hyper-efficient flames, you don’t have to worry about smoke getting in your eyes or on your clothes. Its high-tech design has some pretty high-tech functionality, like remote control via the free Bluetooth app.
Surrounding the FirePit+ is a tough enamel covering and a patented airflow technology that gives you a front-row seat to the magic thanks to the X-Ray mesh body, which also improves heat coverage on those chilly nights. Compatible with charcoal or wood as fuel, the removable grill transforms the FirePit+ into the perfect hibachi-style cooking grill. Control the size of the flame via four fan settings, which let you customise the flame’s size.
Image: Porsche Tequipment Rooftop Tent | Porsche
6. Porsche Tequipment Rooftop Tent
Who said you couldn’t take a Porsche to the trail show? With an all-season, two-person rooftop tent, you can transform your sports car “into a hotel room for nature lovers.” Compatible with the Macan, Cayenne, Panamera, Taycan and 911 (GT, Cabriolet and Targa models not included), the Porsche Tequipment Rooftop Tent is an uber-luxurious rooftop tent for tasteful exploring.
Kept inside an exclusive Hardcase developed at the Weissach Development Centre and co-designed by Studio F.A. Porsche in Zell am See, the tent features a comfortable, high-density polyfoam mattress integrated into the floor, with walls made from a cotton blend to up the comfort. Sealing you inside from the elements are water-resistant zips and separate rain cover for all weather conditions.
When the wetter weather passes, the two side windows can be opened for insulation, with insect guards to prevent mosquitoes and other bugs from getting inside. There’s also an additional black-out function for those that love a sleep-in. If you’re already the proud owner of a Porsche but still love the great outdoors, the Tequipment Rooftop Tent is the ideal blend of sports car sophistication and the rough and ready spirit of adventure.
Image: BMW Motorrad
7. BMW R 1250 GS Adventure
It’s a bike worthy of our Big Boy Toys Christmas Gift Guide for 2022. As the best-selling motorcycle in the Netherlands for 2021, this big adventure bike is big on versatility and useability. It’s easy to handle with driver assistance systems, LED lighting technology and advanced riding modes. It offers high levels of comfort thanks to the wide range of seat heights, with improved ergonomics for taller riders thanks to the height-adjustable handlebars.
There’s even a seat heating system to make your cross-country tours more tolerable in colder weather. So it’s no wonder it’s so popular with the Dutch. Speaking of cross-country, the variable camshaft control system BMW ShiftCam combined with the boxer engine of the R 1250 GS Adventure makes travelling long distances less demanding, offering smoother low-speed cruising and higher torque at each speed range.
As for power, it’s got 100kW (136 HP) at 7,750 rpm, 143 Nm of torque at 6,250 rpm, a 1,254 ccm capacity and a 30-litre fuel tank. Customisation is also available with a sports silencer muffler and wide-ranging optional equipment, like the Touring Package. Equipped for the long haul, BMW allows you to create the ultimate touring machine with the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure; it’s your bike for your adventure.
Image: Anker
8. Anker 757 PowerHouse
The Anker 757 Portable Power Station brings a whole new meaning to the word portable. Unlike pocketable power banks for extra juice on a late night out, the PowerHouse can charge your phone 100 times over, thanks to 1229Wh of capacity! Equipped with a car outlet, 6 AC ports, 4 USB-A ports, and 2 USB-C ports, with a fast-charging 100W USB-C port, you can charge drones, laptops, fans, portable fridges and even an electric grill. But portability is nothing without durability, and the PowerHouse is certainly no pushover.
The Anker 757 PowerHouse features a reliable battery rated for 3,000 charge cycles, industrial-grade electronics, a unibody drop-proof design, and intelligent temperature controls that ensure longevity no matter how harsh the conditions. Backed by a five-year extended warranty and a ten-year life span, it’s a PowerHouse of energy for all your devices, capable of withstanding outdoor adventures for years to come. The sustainably conscious amongst you will love the included Parallel Solar Connection cable, which can power your Anker 757 with up to 3 solar panels!
Airstream x REI Co-Op Special Edition | Image: Airstream
9. REI Co-op Special Edition Basecamp 16
Say hello to the “most sustainable” trailer ever from Airstream and REI. The special edition is adventure-ready, inside and out, with a clear focus on “sustainable features and materials that inspire explorers to discover more ways to camp beyond the traditional definition.”
Combining the stylish adventuring spirit of Airstream with the REI Co-op gear, the Basecamp 16 comes equipped with rugged components, exclusive upgrades, and a vast collection of REI Co-op kit items. Inside the trailer, you’ll find a creatively designed floorplan that includes a panoramic window from the kitchen, a fully functional bathroom and shower, and a living space to accommodate up to two people.
Considering its small footprint and lightweight construction, the Basecamp 16 is towable with various mid-size SUVs, making it compatible with all kinds of adventurers. Plus, there’s even an option to upgrade your trailer with four flat solar panels securely attached to the roof and 2 – 100Ah Battle Born batteries. Or take things even further with the X-Package, which includes Goodyear Wrangler tires, stylised aluminium wheels, a 3″ lift kit, stainless steel rock guards, and a solar window guard.
Image: Coleman
10. Coleman 1900 Collection 3-in-1 Stove
You’ll be one happy camper with the Coleman 1900 Collection 3-in-1 Stove on your campsite. Aiming to improve on the standard camping stove, the Coleman 1900 features a familiar two-burner setup housed inside a classic rectangle design. Where things start to get innovative is the inclusion of electric ignition, hot plates, and grill plates.
With your choice of either propane or mixed liquid fuel sources to fuel 24,000 total BTUs of cooking power, you can dial in the exact temperature you need using the adjustable burners. Made from durable stainless steel components and decked out in all black with gold latches and hinges, using the Coleman 1900 is like having a modern kitchen in the great outdoors. It’s also a breeze to transport, thanks to the heavy-duty handle and lightweight design that weighs in at only 6kg (10kg if you include all the attachments).
But what about the 3-in-1 feature? The Coleman features two cast iron grills and griddle attachments, giving you plenty of cooking options to serve up some tucker. Plus, with a 3-year limited warranty, the Coleman 1900 Collection 3-in-1 Stove is made to last.
Image: Shelter by Cinch
11. Shelter by Cinch
The compact waterproof tent for all adventures, created by lifelong camper Jake Jackson, might just be the best waterproof shelter around. Aptly named the ‘Shelter’, this innovative tent is a tand-alone tarp hybrid that combines the best elements of pro tarp setups into one fantastic package you can put up almost anywhere.
Even on a solo adventure, the Shelter can be installed on your own in just a few minutes and packed away into a relatively compact cylindrical nylon bag that measures 60 cm long by 20 cm wide. The tarp is made from a 3,000HH ripstop polyester that allows the tent to withstand a column of water 3,000 mm tall before it is breached. And thanks to the heat-sealed seams and SPF 50+ UV resistance–nothing is getting through this Shelter!
Holding everything up is a shock-cord pole made from flexible fibreglass for the main entrance, two carbon steel poles for the roof, and nd storm straps and pegs to keep the tarp secured to the ground, rain, hail or shine. You can also look forward to future upgrades to your Shelter experience with additional add-ons like camping lanterns, shelter carpets, a bamboo furniture set, and a beach kit expected to hit the market following its launch.
Image: Dometic
12. Dometic GO
The Aussie-made Dometic GO series is a range of portable storage solutions for camping that are sure to do away with any packing angst. Gone are the days of throwing bags and the whole kitchen sink into the back of the car. With Dometic GO, you can access a suite of outdoor adventure solutions for your next camping trip.
Leveraging a modular design, the Dometic Go allows you to mix and match various components to create the ultimate portable storage solution for all kinds of adventures. Already famous for manufacturing some of the best portable fridges/freezers in the world, these Australian designers have expanded into bamboo camping tables, soft storage bags and insulated hard cases, hydration jugs with powered faucets, plus camping chairs and blankets.
Altogether, Dometic Go has everything you need for a day in the great outdoors, all in the back of your car. Its mobile living made easy thanks to innovative compact storage solutions that promise to make your grand experiences more seamless.
Kammok car awning | Image: Kickstarter
13. Kammok Crosswing Car Awning
It’s a handy car awning that deploys in just 3 seconds. What more do we need to say about this fantastic bit of outdoor kit? A simple solution to the long setup times that plague other car awnings, the Kammok Crosswing Car Awning does away with flimsy support legs that only get in the way.
The secret is in the self-supporting X-frame and a cantilever design that covers a total of 45.5 square feet when completely unfolded. Combined with a waterproof material resistant to mould, UV light and gale-force winds, it boasts all-weather durability without needing additional supports. As lightning-quick as the pull-out deployment, installing it is super simple. Hooking directly onto your car roof rack, their Talon Mounts fit most standard vehicle crossbar setups and t-slot systems.
There’s even an innovative latch system that locks everything in place while also allowing you to add extra tension to the awning fabric, which means no more unnecessary flapping about. Retire your grandpa’s awning and upgrade to the easy-to-deploy Kammock Crowsswing.
General FAQs
In 2022, there were a number of great outdoor products released. For trail runners and hikers, the Salomon XT-6 Gore-Tex were top of the list, while the Apple Watch Ultra provided extra support out in the wilderness and the Dometic GO was deemed extremely handy by the Man of Many team of editors.
After reviewing a number of outdoor tents in 2022, the man of Many team of editors named the Shelter by Cinch as the top tent release for the year.
