Johnson Outdoors new Necky Mission kayak has been recognized by Outside Magazine as the coveted 2004 “Gear of the Year” kayak award winner in its Outside Buyers Guide.
Outside Magazine experts selected the 2004 best of the best winners after rigorous months-long testing and evaluation. The Necky® Mission is one of only 15 new products chosen from a field of more than 350, with winners selected for their design, functionality and performance. The 2004 “Gear of the Year” winners are recognized as “the most cutting-edge in adventure equipment and apparel.
“Innovation is our lifeblood, and the Necky® Mission is one of nine new Necky designs introduced this year.” said Helen Johnson-Leipold, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer – Johnson Outdoors. “This award is so special because it comes from people who know the sport and love it, and who recognize and appreciate the difference between an ordinary and a truly unique experience on the water. We are very pleased and honored to receive this 2004 “Gear of the Year” Award from Outside Magazine.”
Outside magazine has designated the REI Momentum Pullover as its 2004 Gear of the Year winner in the jackets category, praising its “simple brilliance.” Outsides premium Gear of the Year designation is for products that represent innovative design, functionality and performance. This is the second Gear of the Year award for REI.
“We think of REI apparel as gear you wear, and the REI Momentum embodies that philosophy,” said Julie Baxter, REI director of brand management and design. “With advancements in technical fabrics and gender-specific designs, people are taking notice that REI brand products are leading the way in performance, functionality and styling.”
The Outside Buyers Guide annually presents the best outdoor products from sunglasses to sport racks. Their experts tested and reviewed more than 350 products for the 2004 issue, and after a rigorous, months-long testing and evaluation process, experts selected 15 Gear of the Year winners across different product categories.
