Gear Picks is a curated selection of products we’ve tested and heartily recommend. We stand by this gear—and the brands that sell it—and many of our editors and writers use this stuff weekly. We often feature gear we’ve included in our bi-annual Buyer’s Guides and online roundups, presented here in an easy-to-scroll format. We only feature deals on gear we’ve tested ourselves and, whenever possible, provide a link to a past review so you can make sure it’s something that suits your lifestyle—ideally at a steeply discounted price. Happy shopping—and gear-picking.
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In 2018, we recommended this sweatshirt as a gift for Mother’s Day because it’s “perfect for chilly nights around the campfire.” The Mountain Sweatshirt has three layers of synthetic insulation that make it comfortable and warm. Plus, the top layer has a durable water-repellent finish to keep the jacket dry and stain-free.
Breathability and grip are the focus of the Air, both of which are key when you’re shredding singletrack. The upper is designed from a Lycra mesh that keeps things cool, while the palm benefits from sticky synthetic leather. Just don’t buy a pair expecting extra cushion, because there’s no padding in the palm.
This portable jump starter is the size of a sandwich, but has the juice to single-handedly revive a vehicle. Charge it via the included USB cable, and throw it in the trunk for additional peace of mind wherever you drive.
For long days on a bike, this is the helmet you want. When we reviewed it back in 2015, our tester Aaron Gulley wrote: “The Z1 has 31 gaping vents, breathes better than André Greipel in a sprint, and kept us cool on even the muggiest afternoons.”
The Flip 20 was one of our favorite tech tools of 2016. This portable charger will recharge your phone or headlamp twice. “At a barely-there 4.6 ounces and no bigger than a jumbo pack of Doublemint gum, it’ll slip into your jacket so you can charge on the go,” we wrote.
This is the jacket you want for cold-weather cycling. Packing smaller than a soda can, the Barrier Lite provides wind protection and water resistance. The jacket is ideal for “when temperatures fluctuate 20 degrees,” said triathlete, Jesse Thomas.
This shoe was one of our favorite pieces of men’s cycling gear in our 2019 Summer Buyer’s Guide. The AM7s don’t get major points for style, but the comfortable fit more than made up for it. With a moderately still midsole, we found the shoe ideal for a few hours of riding.
The Campo puts you on the ground, but we don’t mind. It has enough padding in its 350-denier Cordura package to shield your rear from small, poking rocks and roots, while adjustable side straps let you fine-tune how deeply you want to recline. We dig how the Campo rolls up easily for storage at the end of the day, not to mention that it can double as a stadium seat or festival chair.
At 14 ounces, the Carlito is among the lightest U-locks on the market. Is lighter safer? Absolutely not. But this Rocky Mounts model is small enough to stow in a pocket, fits around most frames and racks, and has an alloy frame that provides protection against casual would-be used-bike owners.
We gave this lightweight rain jacket a Gear of the Year award in our 2019 Summer Buyer’s Guide. The Bantamweight strikes a perfect balance between being waterproof and breathable, so you stay dry in summer showers and comfortable on strenuous hikes. “The Bantamweight feels like a windbreaker but performs like a hard shell,” one tester wrote.
This is the hoodie you’d want to pack when hiking the PCT. It’s highly compressible and has a lightweight synthetic fill, and the stretchy fleece side panels and underarms cut down on bulk. We love the strategic insulation in the torso, arms, and hood. When paired with a shell, the Atom LT is a toasty midlayer for long resort days.