The Best of 2025
THE Best in
Adventure & Outdoors
Recognizing operators and brands that create exceptional outdoor experiences while respecting and preserving natural environments.
2025 Edition
The Best Adventure & Outdoors of the Year — 2025 Edition
Operators and brands that create exceptional outdoor experiences while respecting and preserving natural environments.
| Brand/Company |
|---|
Bindlestiff Tours United States Top 3 in USA TODAY 10Best 2025 Awards for Best Adventure Tour Company, American West and Alaska adventures |
MT Sobek United States Newsweek Readers' Choice Best Adventure Tour Company, setting journeys since 1969 |
Austin Adventures United States Delivering experiences since 1985, family and multi-sport adventures |
Dometic Sweden 2025 Outdoor Innovation Award winner for Coolers, overland and travel equipment leader |
Yakima United States Outdoor Innovation Award winner for Roof Top Tent, vehicle rack systems |
Rumpl United States Outdoor Innovation Award winner for Sleep Gear, outdoor blankets |
Paravel United States Outdoor Innovation Award winner for Luggage, sustainable travel gear |
MiiR United States Outdoor Innovation Award winner for Cooking Equipment, camp essentials |
Merrell United States Outdoor Innovation Award winner for Hiking Shoe, outdoor footwear pioneer |
Mountain Safety Research (MSR) United States Outdoor Innovation Award winner for Stove, backcountry equipment leader |
TEREN United States Outdoor Innovation Award winner for Hiking Apparel, performance clothing |
The North Face United States Outdoor Innovation Award winner for Climbing Apparel, outdoor industry icon |
SCARPA Italy Outdoor Innovation Award winner for Climbing Shoe, technical footwear excellence |
Patagonia United States Environmental activism leader, sustainable outdoor apparel, industry standard-setter |
Arc'teryx Canada Premium technical outdoor gear, Canadian craftsmanship, climbing and skiing equipment |
Black Diamond Equipment United States Climbing and skiing equipment leader, Utah-based innovation |
Salomon France Trail running and skiing excellence, footwear and equipment innovation |
Osprey Packs United States Backpack industry leader, technical packs, lifetime warranty |
Deuter Germany Backpack manufacturer since 1898, hiking and mountaineering packs |
Gregory Mountain Products United States Premium backpacks, fit and comfort innovation |
Mystery Ranch United States Military and outdoor packs, Montana craftsmanship |
Hyperlite Mountain Gear United States Ultralight backpacking gear, Dyneema construction |
Big Agnes United States Innovative tents and sleeping gear, Colorado-based |
Nemo Equipment United States Award-winning outdoor gear, tent and sleeping innovation |
REI Co-op United States Outdoor retail cooperative, own-brand innovation, #OptOutside movement |
Cabela's United States Outdoor retailer, hunting and fishing equipment, Bass Pro Shops merger |
Outdoor Research United States Technical outdoor apparel, problem-solving gear |
Mountain Hardwear United States High-performance outdoor apparel, Columbia Sportswear brand |
Marmot United States Mountain gear since 1974, apparel and equipment |
Columbia Sportswear United States Outdoor apparel giant, Omni-Tech and Omni-Heat technologies |
Mammut Switzerland Swiss alpine expertise since 1862, mountaineering equipment |
Rab Equipment United Kingdom British mountaineering brand, down jackets and sleeping bags |
Berghaus United Kingdom British outdoor brand, hiking and mountaineering gear |
Fjällräven Sweden Swedish outdoor brand, Kånken backpack icon, sustainability focus |
Haglöfs Sweden Swedish outdoor brand since 1914, technical apparel |
Houdini Sportswear Sweden Sustainable outdoor apparel, circular economy pioneer |
Icebreaker New Zealand Merino wool performance apparel, natural fiber innovation |
Macpac New Zealand New Zealand outdoor brand, expedition heritage |
Kathmandu New Zealand Outdoor retailer and brand, adventure gear |
Sea to Summit Australia Camping and travel gear, Australian innovation |
Exped Switzerland Sleeping mats and shelter, Swiss outdoor gear |
Therm-a-Rest United States Self-inflating sleeping pads pioneer, camping comfort |
Kelty United States American outdoor gear since 1952, camping equipment |
Eureka! United States Tent manufacturer, camping equipment |
Primus Sweden Camp stoves since 1892, outdoor cooking |
Jetboil United States Integrated cooking systems, backpacking stove innovation |
Stanley United States Outdoor drinkware icon since 1913, thermos and flask leader |
Yeti Coolers United States Premium coolers and drinkware, outdoor lifestyle brand |
Garmin United States GPS and outdoor navigation, wearables and marine electronics |
Selection Standards
Excellence Criteria
Our industry-specific criteria ensure that only the most deserving receive THE Best distinction in Adventure & Outdoors.
01
Experience quality
02
Safety standards
03
Environmental stewardship
04
Guide expertise
05