2026 ANNUAL AWARDS
The 2026 Gear Made Simple Awards
Grant's Annual Outdoor Gear Rankings
By Grant — Published June 2026 — Based on 2025-2026 evaluations
Linda's List is available at gearmadesimple.com/tools/lindas-list.html for those who want the same outcomes with 12 lbs instead of 28.
TOP AWARD
Best Socks
Darn Tough Hiking Socks
Highest score for anything under $25. Lifetime guarantee honored.
Best Pack
Osprey Atmos AG 65
22 alternatives researched. Field-tested May 2026. Linda approved.
Best Stove
Jetboil Flash
100-second boil. Field-tested outdoors. Grant verified indoors first.
Grant's Personal Pick
Darn Tough Hiking Socks
The item Grant recommends to every person who asks about gear.
Best Water Filter
Katadyn BeFree
11 filters researched. Linda picked this one. Linda was right.
Best Headlamp
Black Diamond Spot 400
Third headlamp. The one Linda stopped complaining about.
Share a winner with the brand — they earned it
Award winners can display the 2026 Gear Made Simple Award badge. Email [email protected] to request the badge file.
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