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I'm hiking the Arctic Circle Trail in Greenland. What's the best lightweight camp stove to bring? Adrian Plymouth UK
What carry-on do you suggest for a week-long trip to New Zealand? The Editors Santa Fe, New Mexico
I'm looking for a good hiking shirt to wear this summer. I live in a country where temperatures can reach over 95 degrees. I would like something that is cool and quick-drying and will protect me from the sun. Karl Cape Town, South Africa
By Stephen Regenold It weighs about 3 ounces and packs in a tiny stuff sack smaller than a fist. But the Cirrus Pull-On from Rab can add enough warmth to save the day on a hike or a remote climb. I have kept the thin shirt, which is made of…
By Stephen Regenold It weighs about 3 ounces and packs in a tiny stuff sack smaller than a fist. But the Cirrus Pull-On from Rab can add enough warmth to save the day on a hike or a remote climb. I have kept the thin shirt, which is made of…
Most sunglass frames give me a headache. What’s your recommendation for an ultralight, ultra-comfortable frame? The Editors Santa Fe, New Mexico
Mention the term “fleece” in an outdoors setting and people automatically think of a synthetic fabric. For 30 years, since Malden Mills created its Polarfleece fabric, high-loft “fleece” jackets made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and other synthetic fibers have dominated the market. This year a New Zealand company has gone…
Mention the term “fleece” in an outdoors setting and people automatically think of a synthetic fabric. For 30 years, since Malden Mills created its Polarfleece fabric, high-loft “fleece” jackets made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and other synthetic fibers have dominated the market. This year a New Zealand company has gone…
What is your recommendation for a windproof soft shell woman's jacket with good breathability and water resistance? I will be operating Zodiacs in 20- to 40-degree weather in the Russian Far East and need a good range of movement. Thank you.LaurieGaylord, MI
By Stephen Regenold With its distinctive “three-stripes” logo, an internationally-known name brand, and connections to top athletes in almost every sport played on the planet — not to mention a global workforce of nearly 40,000 people and billions…
A man in skin-close, anatomically-contouring athletic tights is a man with his priorities in the right place. I am going to stake that claim. There are haters of the body-hugging look, no doubt. But I say vanity and self consciousness about style — decency even! — must at times be…
If you're getting ready for a spring break adventure now, you don't have a lot of time left for shopping. Here's a quick packing list that will allow you to maximize fun and minimize hot-weather maladies.—Stephanie Pearson writes the Gear Girl column for…
Is there such a thing as a bike-compatible leash? — Patricia Schneiderjohn St. Louis, Missouri
By Stephen RegenoldThey come in black and black only. They cost $188 a pair. These pants are made for men, no women's models available, and they are sewn one by one in a facility in Oregon. Thunderbolt Sportswear's…
What's the best technical soft shell? — Laura Baltimore, Maryland
Last summer, the Outdoor Industry Association, through its Eco Working Group, released a beta version of the Eco Index, a tool by which apparel and gear makers could measure the environmental impacts created by their products. The tool quickly attracted the attention of many firms…
The most painful part of winter is that few-minute stretch between shedding your down layer and getting enough blood flow going to warm up your core and appendages when you begin to exercise. Conversely, the best part of winter is when the workout is over and you can cocoon once…
I'm looking for a lightly-insulated jacket to ski in and use for general winter wear. I would love something that is waterproof, stretchy, layerable, and versatile. The big thing is, I need it to FIT. I'm a short guy (5'6") with an athletic build. Seems like whenever I try on jackets at a retailer, the sleeve cuffs are dragging on the floor. Any advice for us shorties who are in search of the magic shell? Jon Cleveland, OH
On August 9, after 28 months and more than 4,000 miles, Britain’s Ed Stafford became the first human to walk the length of the Amazon—not a place for the roughshod. Plus, 10 stylish shoes for spring.
Are there any good technical pieces for pregnant women? —The Editors Santa Fe, New Mexico
What's a great men's down jacket that's extremely warm (waterproof would be nice) in the $250 range? I'm looking to wear this alone in the middle of winter without the need for layering. Peter New York, NY
By Stephen Regenold In the realm of the winter boot, a rare and advantageous phenomenon has come to light for women in recent years. After decades of lingering in the back alleys of fashion—and most prominently demonstrated with Deckers Outdoor Corp. and its skyrocketing Ugg…
Our sheriff once told me stranded climbers survive longer on Mount Hood nowadays. The reason: clothing rocks. So, whether you’re out for a half-day snowshoe junket or a peak-bagging ski mountaineering tour, here’s four wardrobe ingredients to that could save your life. SAR on Hood: No place for…
Bob Marley's daughter Cedella Marley will design the Jamaican track and field team's uniforms for the 2012 Olympics in London, according to ESPN.com. Members of the team, including Usain Bolt, will wear versions of the uniforms throughout the games. Cedella Marley is a singer, author…
Yes, Outdoor Retailer is packed with 515,000 square feet of cool stuff to covet, but what’s even better about OR is that you meet the Stanford PhDs, MIT scientists, corporate execs turned entrepreneurs, and world-class athletes behind all the new innovations that make you go higher, faster, stronger, and longer…
Can you recommend a few options for sunglasses that will not fog up while running and cross-country skiing? Thank you very much!EricMilwaukee, Wi
By Stephen Regenold “Yak wool from the heart of the Himalayas.” That's the promise, and a company tag line of sorts, for Khunu USA, a Glenwood Springs, Colo., company that sells men's and women's sweaters made out of yak fur. Technically, it's wool, not fur.
I'm going on a mountaineering expedition in Peru's Cordillera Blanca next summer. Being a college student, I don't have tons of money to shell out, so what is the best hard shell jacket for the best price?BryanBoone, NC
My son has requested a soft shell jacket as a gift. He seeks something similar to his Columbia shell with internal fleece jackets (3-in-1) of his youth. I think he wants the shell and doesn't care if it zips into a liner. Your suggestions? Susan Cedar Rapids, MI
I am looking at replacing my Marmot shell after ten years of use. As was the challenge last time, I am having a hard time with fit. I am 6'3" and most sizes that fit are XL, which means I have the proper arm length; however, it is too big around the torso. The misconception is that tall is big when tall is often fit. Do you have any recommendations for a shell that will give proper fit without sacrificing performance and durability? Daniel Ottawa, Ontario
What's the ultimate telemark setup this year? The Editors Santa Fe, NM
I'm on a tight budget. What are some quality, practical holiday gifts for my wife that won't require a second mortgage? The Editors Santa Fe, NM
I've decided to go big and invest in a quality down jacket, one that I'm going to wear for the next decade. I may be using it when I'm shoveling snow, snowshoeing in the mountains, or just around town. Which jacket do you recommend? Lindsay Durango, CO
Gert Boyle, the 86-year-old leader of Columbia Sportswear, thwarted an armed robbery attempt at her home by setting off a silent alarm. After the robber held her up at gunpoint outside and then led her inside, she told him she had to turn off…
I travel a lot and freeze on airplanes. I am looking for a comfortable, classy, warm, wrinkle-free outfit. The Editors Santa Fe, NM
By Stephen Regenold With strong words and pointed language aimed at the outdoors industry, big promises on new technology, and theatrical skaters twirling amid spotlights on synthetic ice at an events center in the meatpacking district of New York City,…
Glacier glasses are back with this mean mirrored-lens number, which eschews old-school side shields for an all-encompassing wraparound design. But the Egg Square’s coolest feature? It folds down to half the size of other shades, hinging at mid-temple and nose. carrerasportna.com…
Why They’re CoolYour peepers will plead to stay in the car and keep on drivin’ in these shades, shamelessly engineered for motoring. The polarized copper-tint lenses prove that glass remains the royalty of optics—the view is sharp-edged and wondrously 3-D. » The metal-frame Monzas hang on hard when the road…
Native’s Hardtop is the sunglass equivalent of the Swiss Army knife—four sets of snap-in poly lenses, plus two sets of temples, one of which has a built-in elastic head strap. The kit borders on overkill, simply because the standard polarized sepia lenses yield such a sharp view. Other lenses…
Why It’s CoolWith its microfleece lining, this silky nylon-twill shell is soft enough to use as a pillow. » Hardwear’s own Conduit waterproof-breathable membrane does its job admirably and keeps costs down. » Inner cuffs snuggle around your wrists to keep out blowing mist; a similar fleece gaiter inside the…
The features justify the price. You get a carbon sole, Boa ratcheting system, and thermomoldable footbed that can be custom-shaped for the ultimate fit, providing long-haul comfort for epic days. 9 oz; www.lakecycling.com…
A sweeping frame protects and compliments broad, high cheekbones, and the gradient lenses are ideal for variable light conditions. www.dirty8eyewear.com…
No ordinary denim pant here: The vintage-wash fabric combines the stretch of Lycra with the wicking power of Coolmax. www.royalrobbins.com…
Why They’re CoolSmith goes Hollywood with a glitzy update of its lens swappers, the Sliders, without upstaging function. » The three poly lenses in this kit span the tint rainbow: rose-copper, yellow, sienna-brown. » With security enhanced by rubber stickies, and good protection from light, you can use these dudes…
Patches of dimpled fabric are supposed to cut wind drag. It’s hard to say if the gains are significant, but who cares? Just pulling on this sleek jersey makes you feel like an Italian racer. castelli-us.com…
Great traction isn’t limited to the Kailua’s sole. When I was tromping around the jungles of Panama, the combination of overlapping Velcro straps and a grippy footbed kept my wet feet firmly and snugly in place. columbia.com…
With a tiny Bluetooth-enabled cell-phone headset built into the thick temples, the Confidant is simultaneously cool and practical. Even better, the earbud is removable—and, if you break it, replaceable—and Zeal didn’t shortchange the photochromic lenses. The impressive tint-density range (23 percent to 87 percent light transmission) can handle everything…
Designed with wide, curved lenses to optimize peripheral view, the Grapevine is sporty enough for a day hike, but fashionable enough for the city. oakley.com…
BEST FOR BACKCOUNTRY Unlike a lot of windproof soft shells, which rely on an embedded membrane, the Winter Guide’s gale-thwarting abilities come from a supertight weave, enabling it to breathe better than most. During a day of ski touring in Washington’s North Cascades that involved everything from cold descents to…
HIGH-PERFORMANCE HIPSTER Newcomer Scapegoat absolutely nailed “performance casual” with the Rosti, which instantly felt like an old favorite. It’s ideal for resort cruising and sidewalk surfing. On the slopes, the waterproof-breathable fabric, PrimaLoft One insulation, and meticulous seam-taping stood up to driving squalls at Beaver Creek. It doesn’t have tons…
Perfect for backcountry or nordic skiing: A touch of spandex gives this soft and lightweight wool beanie a snug fit. smartwool.com…
With aviator-like coverage (but up-dated design) and color-enhancing light-brown optics, these big boys will serve you equally well driving to the hill or hucking the disc. bolle.com…
Now you really can wear Crocs year-round. Remove the faux fur for washing. crocs.com…
FAST AND LIGHT This is about as hi-def as polycarbonate gets, man. Visual champagne. The polarized lens—reddish brown but called VR28 Black Iridium—accentuates depth and contrast, makes colors jump out and throb, and provides wonderful acuity. A frameless, featherweight single-blade shield gives big rectangular coverage and protection with attitude. Add…
FAST BUT SMOOTH The Contessa Speedster is like a gateway drug: perfect for your first century or club ride. For starters, Scott nailed the women-specific cockpit design. More important, whereas most aluminum bikes feel fast at first but irritate some riders with their rigid feel a few hours into the…
These synthetic hybrids aren’t just comfortable to pad around in; they also cinch down tight, via a one-pull lacing system, for fording fast waters and hiking moderate trails. ecco.com…
Backcountry skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, skate skiing. We did it all in this versatile soft-shell glove. seirus.com…
I love waffle patterns like this—they trap warm air close to the body for remarkably toasty first layers. Bonus: The relaxed cut and tattoo-like graphic on the shoulder make it stylish enough to wear around town. hotchillys.com…
The only true skiing-compatible puffy here (removable powder skirt, hood, music port), the Diablo is lined with heat-reflective metal, like a space blanket, for warmth without the Michelin Man bulk. 2.2 lbs; golite.com…
It’s just big enough to carry a multi-day load, but because there’s nary an unnecessary strap or frilly feature here, it’s also ultralight. The roll top cinches the pack tight, and finding things is a snap, thanks to its enormous opening. 3.4lbs, 3,050 cu in; mountainhardwear.com…
Heading someplace hot and wet? The Cruiser is your jacket. It’s cut from eVent fabric—arguably the most breathable waterproof fabric on the market—and has big pit zips for extra venting. As for keeping water out, the combination of an extra-tall collar and four-adjustment-point hood is as good as it…
Classic Argyle Knit Like wearing your favorite sweater on your feet. But because these cotton-knit boots have the classic plush Ugg sheepskin insole, they’re more supportive than they look. uggaustralia.com…
Good for Backcountry The inner synthetic layer disperses sweat on contact for quicker evaporation, while any condensation from your jacket instantly beads right off the wool exterior. After wearing it nonstop on three Cascade volcanoes, our tester was addicted. dakine.com…
Good for Resort It’s the love child of a high-end mountaineering jacket and a toasty resort parka! Combining Gore’s most durable waterproof-breathable fabric, Pro Shell, with PrimaLoft’s top-of-the-line insulation, the Sentry wowed every tester in the field, besting everything from arctic gusts on the lifts at Colorado’s…
Streamlined Protection Martinis. Lobster rolls. Jackets. At the end of the day, each is only as good as its main ingredient. And that’s why the Brisk was so universally lauded this year—it’s cut from Gore’s Windstopper fabric, a perennial tester favorite that strikes a good balance between protecting you from…
In cool weather, Marmot’s Trail Wind Jacket rarely feels clammy, thanks to its moisture-wicking fabric and underarm vents. marmot.com…
Even though the V90s have a small fit that’s friendly to female faces, the interchangeable bronze mirror lens on these impact-resistant shades still successfully shielded the sun during a brutally hot Arizona 5K last fall. With extra lenses available—like amber and clear—at $20 a pop, you’ll be covered no…
Not only is this racer-back tank adorable on its own; it’s also a smart next-to-skin layer. The built-in shelf bra has you covered when it comes to support (even if you’re a C cup), and the nylon-spandex combo is soft to the touch, wicks moisture, and won’t make you…
To turn your power into forward momentum, you need stiff footwear. These have a carbon-nylon sole for extra rigidity. Plus, mesh inserts and vents create airflow around your feet. louisgarneau.com…
This mid-height snow boot is stuffed full of that patented Ugg sheepskin lining to shield you from the harshest temperatures, but it’s also a better overall performer better than their other models. That’s thanks to a waterproof ballistic-nylon upper, wet-and-snow-resistant Vibram outsole, and waterproof-breathable eVent lining. It’s solid underfoot,…
Twofer The big selling point here is obvious: You get both a warm, burly ski shell plus a thick, synthetically insulated sweater that can be zipped in to boost the warmth. Both jackets are constructed with Columbia’s new Omni-Heat lining, a matrix of metallic dots that reflect heat back to…
Keep your nether regions toasty with I/O BIO‘s full-body, merino-wool PILOT SUIT.
Throw on this 540-fill faux-down jacket (our warmest here), insulated side in, when you’re at the resort. The waterproof, breathable, neon-sunshine hard shell will keep you safe from the elements (and from getting lost). Afterwards, turn it inside out for a street-smart lime puffy. TAGS: reversible, neon, technical…
SKINS SPORT SOX provide both compression and insulation for calves, which get colder more quickly than upper-leg muscles.
For optical clarity, glass is best in class; it’s naturally much clearer, plus it doesn’t scratch. The only downside for casual use? It costs a lot more than poly. But here the modern yet classic design and wire build are equally high-end, so it would be a shame to…
Why They’re CoolThis is polymer haiku, spoken in slender curves, that works like an optical Clydesdale. » Featherweight, borderless poly lenses beat back light with double-gradient mirroring; polarizing cuts glare and bronze tint pumps up contrast. There’s rubber at the nose and ears for gonzo security. » They ain’t art;…
Aigle Shems – Midweight Jackets: Reviews With a soft fleece interior and warm, durable merino wool/nylon exterior, this jacket combines our favorite fabrics in one versatile top. 1.9 lbs; aigleusa.com Patagonia Pau – Footwear: Reviews (Terry Heffernan) The coolest mocs we’ve ever laid eyes…