READERS' PICK: Once again, our readers' poll seems to have lacked the distinction between laboring through the outdoors, and mere outdoor labor. Either that, or the idea of blading and grading the desert in favor of more and larger homes has become official outdoor sport in the Old Pueblo. Not likely among our readers! So while we applaud Erv's (a baby-boomer of a biz, in its 47th year of service by locals, and for locals), you can read about it far from our pristine outdoors categories. (See Best Equipment Obsessions, page 96.)
READERS' POLL RUNNER-UP: Summit Hut, 5045 E. Speedway Blvd. If your idea of the great outdoors extends beyond your back forty, Summit Hut's camping gear -- including packs, tents and bags -- is a valuable resource indeed. The Hut staff is knowledgeable and good-humored, and the rental counter is open seven days a week. (And for those among you who dream of ditch-witching your way to China for a Beijing backpacking excursion, our readers' equipment selections have got you covered on both ends!)
