Near Zero wins TGA Outdoor Product of the Year for Adventure Bundle

Near Zero said its Near Zero Adventure Bundle won Outdoor Product of the Year at the 2026 Travel Goods Association Show in recognition of the brand’s patented DEAN system and beginner-friendly gear bundles. The award could help the Mesa-based company broaden awareness as it expands lightweight backpacking products for first-time and casual outdoor users.

Why it matters: - The award gives Near Zero third-party validation for its effort to make backpacking less intimidating for beginners. - The recognition could help the Mesa, Arizona, company stand out in a crowded outdoor gear market. - The win spotlights a growing demand for ready-to-use gear bundles that reduce setup time and decision fatigue.

What happened: - Near Zero said its Near Zero Adventure Bundle was named Outdoor Product of the Year at the 2026 Travel Goods Association Show. - The award was tied to the company’s patented DEAN™ backpack system. - Near Zero announced the recognition on Aug. 19, 2026. - The company is based in Mesa, Arizona.

The details: - The DEAN™ system is the foundation of Near Zero’s ready-to-go gear bundles. - Near Zero designed the system to be versatile, durable and easy to use. - The company says the lightweight system removes barriers for first-time backpackers by providing the gear needed to get outdoors with confidence. - The bundled kits come with a lifetime warranty. - Near Zero’s gear is available now at nearzero.co and through retail partners. - The TGA Awards recognize brands, products and people across travel, gear and adventure. - The awards program highlights innovation, design, quality, sustainability and overall impact.

Between the lines: - The award suggests industry attention is shifting toward simplicity as much as performance in outdoor gear. - Near Zero is positioning itself around accessibility, not just ultralight specs. - Founder and President Scott Jensen linked the company’s mission to his own introduction to backpacking through his father, Dean. - Jensen said the recognition validates Near Zero’s goal of making backpacking more accessible. - Jensen said the company wants outdoor gear that does not require years of experience or a garage full of equipment.

What’s next: - Near Zero said it is continuing to expand its lineup of lightweight gear and ready-to-go bundles. - The company will keep targeting campers and backpackers of all experience levels. - Near Zero’s broader goal is to help more people spend time outdoors with confidence.

The bottom line: - Near Zero turned a beginner-focused product strategy into an industry award, and the win gives the brand a stronger case that simpler gear can still meet high performance standards.