Backpacker Magazine Editors' Choice Award Winners

One Backpacker tester referred to the 3-person Big Agnes Emerald Mountain SL3 tent as the Plaza, because it's so big. With 2 vestibules and 44 square feet of space, the waterproof tent still manages to weigh less than 6 pounds because of its unique reverse combi design and Featherlite NSL poles. Other features include 2 doors for easy access, clip design for fast pitching, excellent cross-ventilation, and taped seams.

Keep ropes tight - without knots - with the Nite Ize Figure 9 rope tightener. Made out of lightweight aluminum, you can use it to rig tarps and clotheslines, secure mattresses/canoes/Christmas trees to the top of your car, and more. Instructions are laser-etched onto both sides. Rope tension is easily adjustable, and high tension is easy to achieve and maintain.

Made out of rubberized polyurethane, CamelBak's leakproof Omega HydroTanium hydration reservoir (which sounds so much better than the word "bladder") is so strong, the Backpacker editors were able to drive a car over it, and it wasn't damaged. Available in multiple sizes and guaranteed for life, it has a huge access port for easy filling and cleaning, an anti-microbial film that eliminates common bacteria and fungus, and a locking bite valve - just bite and sip.

We're used to thinking about GPS in terms of navigating on land. The SkyScout uses it for the heavens. Point this little device at some stars and it'll give you a text and audio description of the constellation - its name, history, mythology, and more. The built-in field guide contains astronomy lessons, night sky tours, biographies, and guides to comets, and the device is easy enough for kids to use.

How high-tech can compression sacks get? Very. Sea to Summit's eVent compression dry sacks don't have valves; instead they have air-permeable bases made out of waterproof fabric, so air can be pushed out without letting water get back in. The lightweight, waterproof sacks feature roll-top closure, 4 straps, and double-stitched, taped seams.

Designed for peak performance in real world conditions (wind, rain, sleet, and even snow), the MSR Reactor has auto-start ignition (no matches required), an internal regulator that keeps the flame output consistent regardless of temperature or amount of fuel, and the whole stove system fits securely inside the pot with a locking lid and handle for easy packing.

Winner of an Editors' Choice Green Award, the Pacific Outdoor Eco Thermo 6 sleeping pad combines green construction, 3-season warmth, and a little extra insulation in the foot area for toasty toes. The fabric and insulation are made from bamboo, there's no dye in the fabric, the stuff-sack's cord is made out of hemp, and even the aluminum valve is made from recycled materials. Available in men's and women's sizes, the pad is 2.5" thick, but will keep you warm even on 2 inches of snow.

Because gourmet cooks like to go camping too. Jetboil's new Group Cooking System has a 1.5-liter pot made from hard-anodized aluminum for even heating and superior heat transfer, with a wide aperture for easy frying and simmering, an insulating Neoprene cozy, and a snap on plastic lid for secure storage. All components, as well as fuel, stow within the pot so you can take it anywhere. See all Jetboil products.

This men's and women's jacket is made of a new fabric called Fusion, which is both waterproof and windproof but also has the soft feel, stretch, breatheability, and comfort of a soft shell. Features include an articulated hood with stretch panels for complete coverage, a watertight full front zip, welded chest pocket, two hand warmer pockets, two rear mesh core vents for increased airflow, and articulated sleeves for maximum range of motion. More Golite apparel.

Designed to conform to your body for total comfort on day hikes, this affordable day pack features contoured, no-chafe shoulder straps, a padded high-density foam back panel and a fully adjustable, removable sternum strap. Its channeled back and wicking mesh keep you cool as you hike. Available in several sizes and colors. More camping and hiking gear from L.L. Bean.