The “do it yourself” editor doesn’t post some homemade stuff among his favorites?
My favorites for 2005
1) MLD Prophet 25 ultralight pack—state of the art for it’s niche. It’s additions (sternum strap, self draining pocket) make it more versatile than it’s competition.
2) Nunatak Arc anything—the best quilt/topbags
available, can be made virtually any way you want it for any size individual—the beauty of bespoke sleeping bags.
3)Montrail CTC—think of a Masai w/ sticky rubber. A great off-trail trailrunner. Dance over those talus blocks, skate over that scree. Jam your way up that 5.3 exit crack.