The K-Light is an innovative, eco-friendly solar-powered lantern, designed to stand up to the harshest environments. Approximately the size and weight of a can of soda, the unique combination of its solar-charging battery and bright, energy-efficient light-emitting diodes (LEDs), make the K-Light unlike any other product available today.

Small, lightweight and rugged, the K-Light is perfect for outdoor activities such as camping, boating and hiking. The K-Light is ideal as an emergency light, too. Highly water-resistant and designed to be used as either flashlight or lantern, the K-Light can be charged and used anywhere—no matter the situation.

"We are thrilled that the RipStik has been selected for this T.O.T.Y award," said Carlton Calvin, president of Razor USA, manufacturers of the RipStik. "The introduction of the RipStik has lead to a nationwide craze, with consumers of all ages carving on the streets, from Southern California to Florida and everywhere in between. This spring, RipStik fans can look forward to more RipStik products with exciting new features in stores nationwide."

The RipStik Caster Board is innovative and patented with a unique mechanical design that blends the carving of surfing and snowboarding into a sport for dry land. The RipStik melds the motions and anatomy of both action sports into a distinctive ride. The independently rotating platforms and two inclined caster wheels generate speed and create a fun carving motion on the pavement while allowing tight twists and turns without pushing – just twist and go!

The wand can clean up a quart of water that is clear - but could harbor stomach-wrecking microorganisms - in 90 seconds. The high-frequency light damages the DNA of bacteria, viruses and protozoa in the water like giardia and cryptosporidium so they can't reproduce and create havoc.

To make the disinfection process easier for users to monitor, one new device on the market, the SteriPen JourneyLCD($129.95) has a liquid-crystal display that shows a countdown during purification (48 seconds for 16 ounces, 90 seconds for 32 ounces) and a smiley face at the end to signal that the job is done.

The device, which weighs a bit less than 5 ounces, including two disposable batteries, will be sold at camping, travel and other stores beginning in April and online at rei.com and other sites, said Edward A. Volkwein, the president of Hydro-Photon, the company in Blue Hill, Me., that makes the unit.

If the water is tea-colored, has an orange or yellow tinge, or has objects like leaves in it, ultraviolet devices will not work well, as particulates in the water can absorb the light meant to destroy the harmful organisms, he said.

For example, "you wouldn't want to use these devices to disinfect apple cider," he said. "The light wouldn't penetrate."

It's rated as a three-season sleeping bag, but the 2008 Marmot Never Summer sleeping bag can easily take you through all four, thanks to features like the heat pocket and baffle hood, which keep you toasty when temperatures plummet as low as 0ºF. The Never Summer sleeping bag comes with a 600+ fill goose down, packed in a durable and waterproof nylon shell. Ground-level side seams eliminate drafts, and locking zippers keep the sleeping bag closed throughout the night. If that's not enough to keep you warm, a pocket in the footbox to stash a heating pad definitely will! From head to toe, you're covered.

"The outdoor kitchen trend is definitely catching on. A lot of people are adding on fireplaces, some stationary, some portable, to porches and patios," said George Wright of George Wright Construction.

Cabinets will be multi-functional. Instead of lining up cabinetry unity, staggered setups are being used to create more movement and intrigue.

"We're seeing outdoor kitchens with full sets of appliances. People are going for fully functional kitchens," said Hank Matheny from Haskell Interiors Design Collection.

"Now people are starting to use different and more exciting materials for the outdoor kitchen space that complement the exterior of the house." he said. "We are seeing people use glass mosaics and porcelain tiles. More designs like what you would see on the interior of the house."

Now, the trend is to create the seamless flow between the indoor and outdoor spaces. Many homeowners consider their outdoor living area as an addition to their homes. Building a major outdoor project (such as a kitchen, pond, fire feature) is the second most popular home improvement project, according to a survey by Better Homes and Garden magazine.