Facebook Twitter Instagram
    FeedTheHabit.com
    • Home
    • Gear Reviews
      • Mountain Biking
      • Road Biking
      • Bike Commuting
      • Trail Running
      • Skiing
      • Outdoors
      • Water Sports
      • Vehicles
    • News
    • Trip Reports
    • Videos
    FeedTheHabit.com
    2017 Gear of the Year
    Gear Reviews

    2017 Gear of the Year

    Jason MitchellBy Jason MitchellDecember 28, 2017No Comments6 Mins Read

    The cream rises to the top, right? With that in mind, what pieces of gear have risen to the top this year? We present the handful of items that we still use on a regular basis and whose performance has been above-and-beyond. Here goes… our 2017 Gear of the Year.

    BMC Roadmachine 01

    BMC Roadmachine 01 eTap Review
    The Roadmachine 01 eTap has been my season-long tester — doesn’t get any better than this.

    We spent time on a bevy of modern disc endurance road bikes this year. And, while each yielded more comfort and control than the endurance bikes of yesteryear, the BMC Roadmachine 01 stands out as the overall winner for its snappy handling, comfort and light weight.

    More: BMC Roadmachine 01 Review


    Kali Protectives Interceptor Helmet

    Kali Interceptor Helmet Review

    When purchasing a helmet, protection is tops on the list. Typically, that includes MIPS, but Kali Protectives doesn’t mess around and their LDL inserts have tested as good or better than MIPS in rotational impacts. The result is an all-mountain helmet that looks great, fits like a glove and remains competitively-priced.

    More: Kali Interceptor Review


    ENVE Compact Road Bars

     

    With a seemingly-simple shape and design, ENVE’s nonchalant Compact Road Bars quietly deliver a comfortable ride and perfect hand positions. The integrated end caps also provide a tidy finish to your bar tape.

    More: ENVE Compact Road Bars Review


    SRAM Red eTap HRD

    SRAM Red eTap HRD Review

    SRAM Red eTap HRD takes eTap to hydraulic discs and the result has been nothing short of magical. The paddle shifting of eTap is the most intuitive and responsive on the market and makes kitting out a bike even simpler without any shift cables or wires.

    More: SRAM Red eTap HRD Review


    Shimano Dura-Ace R9100

    Shimano Dura-Ace R9100

    As far as mechanical groupsets go, Shimano’s new Dura-Ace R9100 is blazingly-fast and smooth. The levers are the most comfortable Shimano has ever delivered and we were blown away by how responsive the shifting was.

    More: Dura-Ace R9100 Review


    Reynolds Assault SLG Wheelset

    Reynolds Assault Carbon Clincher Review

    At 41mm deep, the updated Assault SLG wheels are the perfect all-rounders. We loved how fast they responded and how well they dodged crosswinds. They aren’t the widest, but are tubeless-ready and come in at a competitive price.

    More: Reynolds Assault SLG Wheelset Review


    Sportful Fiandre NoRain Bib Shorts

    Sportful Fiandre NoRain Bib Shorts Review

    As the sister brand to Castelli, Sportful has some serious chops — including outfitting several WorldTour teams. The Fiandre collection has a number of great pieces, but the fleece-backed NoRain Bib Shorts have performed beyond expectations with warmth, comfort and versatility for chilly or wet-weather riding on road or dirt.

    More: Sportful Fiandre NoRain Bib Shorts Review


    POC Resistance PRO XC Kit

    POC Resistance Pro XC Shorts - 1

    The Resistance is strong with this kit as Eric loved that it wasn’t an XC kit nor an enduro kit, but something of a Goldilocks kit.

    More: POC Resistance MTB Kit Review


    Outdoor Research Ascendant Hoody

    Outdoor Research Ascendant Hood Review

    It’s light. It’s breathable. And it’s also the coolest new active insulator on the market. Outdoor Research’s new Ascendant Hoody may have finally defined the perfect midlayer.

    More: Outdoor Research Ascendant Hoody Review


    Patagonia Bivy Down Jacket

    Patagonia Bivy Down Jacket

    If you are the type of person who is occasionally wracked by guilt by participating in the cycle of consumerism and materialism that drives our society, I have good news: Patagonia started recycling down and stuffing it into jackets that you can feel good about. The Patagonia Bivy Down Jacket doesn’t just keep you warm –  It keeps you feeling ethically superior.

    More: Patagonia Bivy Down Jacket Review


    Montane Featherlite Down Pull-on

    Montane Featherlite Down Pro Pull-On

    One of the weirdest pieces of our 2017 test lineup was, well, one of the best pieces. Pull-over puffies with enormous kangaroo pockets don’t come up that often, but there’s no denying the technical chutzpah of the Montane Featherlite Down Pull-On. Plus, it’s all wrapped up in the exceptional Pertex Quantum CS-10 fabric.

    More: Montane Featherlite Down Pull-on Review


    Arc’teryx Konseal Hoody

    Arc'teryx Konseal Hoody Review

    If you have ever wandered around the mountains wishing that your fleece had an integrated balaclava to obscure your identity from passing hikers, the Konseal hoody from Arc’teryx would really be your best bet. Plus, it fights odor and has a dialed fit for climbing.

    More: Arc’teryx Konseal Hoody


    Westcomb Mojave Shorts

    Westcomb Mojave Shorts

    Ah, the humble hiking short. What can you do to make something as simple and basic as hiking shorts shine? Well, do the typical Westcomb thing – make them in Canada, out of industry-leading fabrics with the sort of design that makes other companies scratch their heads in confused jealousy. That combination led to the remarkable Westcomb Mojave Shorts.

    More: Westcomb Mojave Shorts Review

    ___

    MSR Trailshot Pocket Water Filter

    MSR TrailShot Pocket Water Filter Review

    Squishing a stress ball relieves stress but leaves you thirsty. Squishing an MSR Trailshot Water Filter relieves stress AND contributes to proper hydration. Need we say more?

    More: MSR Trailshot Water Filter Review


    MSR FreeLight 2 Ultralight Tent

    MSR FreeLite 2 Tent

    In this review I claimed that there are few brands that I associate more with ‘reliability’ more than MSR. The MSR Freelite 2 tent is a prime example – lightweight, creative and game for years of adventuring. And, just like all the best ultralight tents, it costs a small fortune.

    More: MSR Freelite 2 Tent Review


    MSR Mutha Hubba NX 3

    MSR Mutha Hubba NX3

    Rounding out the MSR hat trick, the Mutha Hubba NX3 is roomy and comfortable enough for three tired backpackers. Of course, MSR doesn’t mess around as this one remains full-featured but won’t weigh you down.

    More: MSR Mutha Hubba NX3 Review


    Black Diamond’s Updated Climbing Ropes

    Reviewed: Black Diamond Climbing Ropes

    Black Diamond has rolled out some incredible products in the last year, ranging from their new climbing shoes to these ropes. If you are a BD fanboy wanting to round out your kit, or if you simply want a stellar rope to climb rocks with, the new climbing ropes from Black Diamond are as good as just about any out there.

    More: Black Diamond Climbing Ropes Review


    The North Face Endurus TR Trail Running Shoes

    The North Face Endurus TR Review

    The North Face has upped their shoe game in recent years with the Endurus TR (and Hike Mid) showing us just what trail comfort feels like. The Endurus TR is well-cushioned and has tackled everything we’ve thrown their way.

    More: The North Face Endurus TR Review

    233
    SHARES
    ShareTweet
    BMC ENVE Gear of the Year Kali Protectives Montane msr outdoor research patagonia poc Reynolds shimano Sportful sram The North Face westcomb
    Previous ArticleCastelli 10M Lung Warmer Review
    Next Article Niner SIR 9 27.5+ Proves Steel is Real
    Jason Mitchell
    • Website
    • Twitter

    A native of the Pacific Northwest, Jason quickly developed a love for the outdoors and a thing for mountains. That infatuation continues as he founded this site in 1999 -- sharing his love of road biking, mountain biking, trail running and skiing. That passion is channeled into every article or gear review he writes. Utah's Wasatch Mountains are his playground.

    You Might Also Like

    Arc’teryx Rush SK 16 Backpack Review

    March 20, 2023

    Giro Montaro MIPS II Helmet Review

    March 15, 2023

    Outdoor Vitals Vario Jacket Review

    March 13, 2023

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    Most Popular

    Montec Fawk Ski Jacket and Bib Review

    February 28, 2022

    Wahoo ELEMNT Rival Multisport GPS Watch Review

    March 9, 2022
    8.9

    Zipp 303 S Carbon Wheelset Review

    November 4, 2021
    8.5

    Canyon Lux Trail CF 7 Review

    November 28, 2022
    9.2

    SRAM Rival XPLR eTap AXS Groupset Review

    August 12, 2022

    SRAM Rival/GX AXS Mullet Gravel Kit Review

    September 17, 2021
    9.1

    Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37 TLR Wheelset Review

    June 18, 2020
    9.4

    Roval CL 50 Disc Wheelset Review

    September 13, 2019
    9.1

    Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51 TLR Wheelset Review

    September 9, 2021

    Santini Gravel Bib Tights Review

    March 8, 2023
    Follow Us
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    Advertisement
    Our Latest Posts
    • Arc’teryx Rush SK 16 Backpack Review
    • Giro Montaro MIPS II Helmet Review
    • Outdoor Vitals Vario Jacket Review
    • Santini Gravel Bib Tights Review
    • Sportneer K1 Massage Gun Review
    • Review: Giro Latch Mountain Bike Shoes
    • Rapha Pro Team Long Sleeve Gore-Tex Infinium Jersey Review
    • Rab Xenair Alpine Light Insulated Jacket Review
    • Fresh Wheels: ENVE Releases MOG Gravel Bike
    • Scarpa Ribelle Run Kalibra G Review
    About Us
    About Us

    Since 1999, we have delivered in-depth gear reviews, articles and content. We feature a small staff of savvy, experienced writers who love to review outdoor gear.

    External links to Amazon, REI, Backcountry and other retailers include affiliate codes that give us a small commission on each sale.

    To contact us or learn more, go to our About Us page.

    © FeedTheHabit.com 1999 - 2023. All rights reserved.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.