Disproving conventional wisdom that gray lenses make for a flat, blah view, Maui Jim’s high-tech PolarizedPlus2 lenses add contrast and depth to reveal colors in all their throbbing glory. The optically ground glass yields superb clarity and detail, with a dark tint for searing brightness. And the oversize frames provide…

VERSATILE, AFFORDABLE Lose your glasses every other month? Don’t be embarrassed. Just buy these bargain shades and stop losing your money too. You get pink/red photochromic lenses that are good to go all day, and detailing like an adjustable metal nosepiece, sticky rubber where you need it, and antifog vents…

Sample the fun, colorful prints—think hula girls and wine bottles—of PATAGONIA’s fast-drying CAPILENE SILKWEIGHT BOXERS. (800-638-6464, www.patagonia.com)…

This no-nonsense Canadian company specializes in “practical high performance”—a quality exemplified by the generically named but brilliantly engineered Rain Jacket. I stayed comfortably dry while cross-country skiing in a wet snowstorm, thanks to highly breathable eVent fabric and spare but effective features, like a huge chest pocket and a…

Meet one of this summer’s best road shoes: The mostly mesh upper keeps your dogs cool and dry, even when the rest of you is melting. 11 oz; www.pearlizumi.com…

Despite the name, there’s nothing feminine about this hard-riding, go-anywhere rig—except the women’s fit, of course. The racers among us loved the aggressive position, which made for fast handling on tight trails but still provided plenty of hookup in back on loose, sketchy climbs. On one log-riddled trail, a…

Why They’re CoolNative freshens the familiar in both substance and style. Trip on the two-tone nylon frame: It’s dark on top and fades to a see-through pale-ale color you almost want to drink. » The design stretches the slender temples, with a beguiling little S-curve at the end. The temples…

VIKING-TESTEDThis is virtually the national label of Iceland—and for good reason. When it’s raining daggers in Reykjavík, this two-layer piece keeps you bone-dry, thanks to an eVENT waterproof-breathable membrane that bars rain and wicks away perspiration. Soft fleece lines the collar and pockets, and a zip-off hood moves with you…

In spite of the daunting name (note to Garneau: Don’t let the lab guys name things), these shorts work quite simply. The stout carbon-infused Lycra provides plenty of support but still wicks moisture on the hottest days. louisgarneau.com…

HIGH-PERFORMANCE HIPSTER Our guarantee: With this jacket you’ll either be the best-dressed guy in camp or the driest sidewalk cruiser in town. The Sray is unabashedly unlike any storm shell we’ve seen before, and that’s why we love it. With a slim cut and head-turning plaid pattern borrowed from Helly…

When is cotton not cotton? When it’s treated with Schoeller 3XDry, like the fabric used in this shirt and others in Woolrich’s new 3XDry collection, making it water-resistant, odor-resistant, and quick to dry. woolrich.com…

Shades in this price range are usually ill-fitting or outfitted with crappy lenses. Not so with the Alpe. The ear pads are adjustable and the polycarbonate lenses are surprisingly crisp. tifosioptics.com…

ALL-WEATHER PERFORMER Unlike most soft shells, which will keep you dry and comfy 90 percent of the time, the ultra-stretchy Tremor won’t wilt when conditions get sloppy. While OR won’t officially call the Tremor waterproof, our testers will. Thanks to a Gore Windstopper membrane and taped seams, the Tremor bested…

MOST VERSATILE New Gore-Tex Pro Shell fabric, which is lighter, more comfortable, and more durable than the company’s former top-of-the-line stuff (XCR), is one of the season’s standout innovations. The key is a softer inner fabric that works great when worn over a base layer. In the La Grave, Marmot…

The ubiquitous brimmed hat, done right: The Yukon’s understated style, chunky wool knit, and a band of fleece lining make this best in class. coalheadwear.com…

Wherever you roam—on the sea under a blazing sun or in the forest on an overcast day—these polarized green-gray lenses, with a gradient that’s darker up top, let your eyes relax and enjoy the scenery. revo.com…

With duck down inside and houndstooth graphics outside, this puffy fared well during cold days on the slopes and in town. roxy.com…

ONE FOR THE ROAD The worst highway glare disappears with these polarized, photochromic lenses. The reddish tint is even called Driver. And comfort is king here. With ultraslim nylon temples and barely-there frames, the Maestrale is so lightweight you forget you’re wearing it. It sorta disappears, too: You don’t notice…

ROCKET LAUNCHER This lively, full-carbon ride has about as much zip and stiffness as anyone could hope for, thanks to a true monocoque build and high-grade carbon fiber throughout. By mixing Shimano’s top-shelf Dura-Ace and midrange Ultegra components, Felt delivers true race-worthy performance while keeping the price down. The cutout…

BIG PROTECTION The anorak is back (also see the Triumph, below)—and we like it. When a group of testers got stuck in a downpour on a mountain-bike tour in Utah’s Abajo Mountains, the only guy who stayed bone-dry was the one in the Alpha SL anorak. Credit the material, Gore’s…

Removable liner, elastic leash, chamois, goggle squeegee, iPod-wheel fingertip dots: If the Patrol had a bathroom, you could sublet it. 180s.com…

BACKCOUNTRY STANDBY Good for Backcountry Technically, the Vanquish is a “soft” shell, but it certainly didn’t behave like one in the field. Gore-Tex’s Soft Shell material is fairly breathable and virtually waterproof—we didn’t test it in driving rain, but it easily shed several hours of…

With welded seams and a water-resistant polyester shell, this insulated soft shell is ready for any winter-weather play. 1.6 lbs; patagonia.com…

OK, so they cost five times more than gas-station flip-flops. They’re worth it. The Chaco Flip uses a low-profile, ergonomic footbed that gives you just as much arch support as a good pair of running shoes. Plus, the sole is made out of 25 percent recycled rubber.

Both the Ekolab’s vegetable-based waterproof-breathable membrane and DWR finish are fluorocarbon-free and recyclable. Testers were a bit skeptical that the sustainable chemistry would perform as well as the regular stuff, but the shell easily fended off hours of rain during a wet hike in Colorado’s Indian Peaks. Although the…

Felted wool wraps the upper, while the outsole is made from natural crepe. The webbing is made from recycled plastic bottles, and water-based cements glue it all together. Of course, they’re comfy, too. simpleshoes.com…

Good for Backcountry Sugoi consistently churns out some of the best running apparel, and this midweight synthetic base layer—with built-in hood, integrated mitts, and half-zip for venting—is no exception. Plus the athletic fit and thumb loops mean it also works as an underlayer for slower pursuits.

Leather mid-tops that offer not only a funk factor (Polynesian tattoo design!) but also a generous anatomical footbed, minimalist rubber-and-leather outsole, and secure ankle fit.olukai.com…

Simple Security Talk to any jacket designer and he’ll tell you the same thing: The more pockets and doodads a waterproof jacket has, the more seams it requires, and thus the more opportunities water has to seep through. That’s why the Stash, part of online gear retailer…

Talks You Through It This small device delivers basic speed-up/slow-down instructions (based on your heart rate, pace, and a workout you select at micoach.com) through an earbud to help maximize your workouts—best for those who are new to training programs. Drawbacks: lots to fumble with, and no…

Need a place to stash important medical information on a long run? A personalized number printed on the inside of this bracelet-style “dog tag” leads EMTs to your medical records online or by phone. Requires a $20 annual subscription; first year included in price. vitaband.net…

Set yourself up for success with full suspension and you’ll be riding more trails with less fear. This aluminum bike has a 100-millimeter-travel front shock which locks out for maximum climbing efficiency. Lower-profile women-specific tubing and hollow saddle rails keep it light. specialized.com/women…

These shades are stylish and technical. Peripheral vision is great, and they stay firmly in place when running around on the beach. Go for the polarized version ($220) if you’re heading for water. oakley.com…

Doc Marten meets Blundstone in this supple leather boot equally suited for city sidewalks and making hay in the back forty. Named for the first man, per the Norse creation myth, the Ask boot, while less toasty than the rest, has bomber Helly Wear soles and construction that will…

An inner lining of reflective material—think space blanket for your hands—bounces your body heat back at you. It’s a smart idea, and it works: They’re toastier than they look. Breathability is so-so. Great chairlift-riding gloves. TAGS: silver lining, great price…

After testing half a dozen merino-wool midlayers last winter, this was the one we reached for most often, whether we were going skiing or to the bar. A high collar helps seal out the cold. TAGS: merino wool, shoulder patch…

This lightly insulated, water-resistant soft shell is perfect for nordic skiing or snowshoeing on winter’s coldest days. It’s got a plethora of pockets, activity-friendly four-way stretch, and a helmet-compatible hood. Why we didn’t want to take it off: The quilted lining is like wearing your softest sleeping bag all…

Few running caps can come close to the quality of PATAGONIA‘s slim, stretchy CAPILENE 4 EXPEDITION WEIGHT BEANIE, which is made with the same microfleece-lined stuff as your favorite soft shell.

GLASS MASTERY Like the Costa del Mars, these polarized, oleophobic shades prove that optically ground glass is still tops. And with the signature blue-flash mirroring of Revo’s premium J6 lenses, the cognoscenti will know what you’re wearing a block away. This unit’s stylishly wide temples actually provide nice side protection…

SOPHISTICATED STYLE Don’t let supreme aptness for driving and upmarket fashion blind you to the fact that these are also terrific sports shades. The Celcio’s polarized photochromic lenses are so spectacularly good it’s hard to believe they’re polycarbonate, not glass. Self-adjusting light transmission accommodates all the day’s bright hours, and…

Why It’s CoolIf you’re planning on hitting Costa Rica’s Arenal volcano—or any rainforest from B.C. to Brazil—this is what you want. Ditto for changing a tire in the rain. » Thanks to its slightly longer cut, your thighs stay dry, too. » Two-layer construction—nylon laminated with a proprietary waterproof-breathable membrane,…

Say goodbye to tighty whities, guys. LOWE ALPINE’s DRY ZONE SEAMLESS BRIEFS are sewn from stretchy polyester, which wicks moisture—and scores points with the ladies. (877-891-7908, www.lowealpine.com)…

Inexpensive but not cheap, these kicks looked as good as new after a month of all-mountain abuse. It’s a solid starter shoe you won’t outgrow quickly. 13 oz; www.shimano.com…

If you like riding up as much as down, get this light and nimble climber. In Moab, testers powered up steep slickrock and rutted trails with nonchalance. But it’s not just a mountain goat: The new Linear Link rear suspension, which provides almost four inches of travel, yielded one…

Why They’re CoolWith their high-gloss nylon frames and rectangular wraparound lenses, these shout “vintage muscle car.” Mucho macho. » The design sexes up the look without compromising protection. » Dark-gray, polarized lenses endure such perditions of brightness as the beach at noon. The Ghosts are a fine fit for pavement…

FULLY LOADED FEATHERWEIGHTEven at a pound and some change, this bombproof feature fest is still worthy of the Lite name. Its three-layer Alchemy3 fabric repels mountaintop precip, while flexible side panels breathe and move with you. Dig the see-through watch window (no more unbundling to check your progress) and the…

You think titanium bottle cages are a bit, um, extravagant. Your shorts: the Classic Pro, with solid construction, trim fit, and a workhorse chamois—all at a bargain price. descenteathletic.com…

HEAVY BREATHER Overheating is for cars. Move fast and stay cool with the Thru Hiker. It’s made with eVent, which testers generally agree is the most breathable of all the waterproof-breathable fabrics on the market today (and there are dozens). It’s also one of the most expensive—which is why this…

With its open-neck design and side vents, this polyester/organic- cotton shirt cools you down in the hottest climates. The fabric blend feels great against your skin and dries faster than all-cotton shirts. patagonia.com…

These wafer-thin socks rule for high-mileage jaunts in close-fitting shoes. With 69 percent merino, the fabric feels cool as cotton, while a dose of nylon hugs the arch like a second skin. smartwool.com…

DEEP-FREEZE FRIEND During a couple of back-to-back days of single-digit chairlift rides in the Alps, the insulated Evo shined. And thanks to a patchwork of supple fabrics—including swaths of breathable, super-stretchy material under the arms—it offers way more mobility than most ski puffies. The combo is perfect for skiing in…

SOFT BUT BURLY You know you have a winner when testers argue over who gets to wear it. Such was the squabbling over the Langtang, which, despite being cut from Gore-Tex Soft Shell fabric, performs more like a storm shell than a softie. It’s completely waterproof, of course, and survived…

These café loungers segue easily from snowshoe rambling to latte sipping. Credit a casual style paired with Helly’s proprietary waterproof-breathable fabric and built-in gaiters that fit a wide range of boots. hellyhansen.com…

The Churada’s photochromic, polarized copper lenses offer unmatched depth and clarity on the slopes. And with the removable, vented eye-cups in place, they act like goggles, shielding eyeballs from blowing wind and snow. panoptx.com…

This soft shell is lined with a “bunny fur” fleece liner that’s so soft and fuzzy you’ll think it’s real. The polyester face isn’t waterproof but sheds snow well. thenorthface.com…

MR. VERSATILE “Robin, my Batglasses!” Yes, this specimen’s secret multisport identities evoke camp and gadgetry. How? Snap-in foam gaskets and a headband (which replaces the detachable temples) turn these shades into decent ski goggles, and if you’re running or cycling, a snap-in foam brow piece nicely doubles as a sweat…

THE MINIMALIST Agile and responsive, the cross-country Scalpel Fem was the most efficient climber in our test and the top performer in tight, rocky terrain. The classic cross-country geometry lowers the rider’s center of gravity for total control even on steep or tricky descents. The carbon-and-aluminum Fem has a 4.3-inch…

SUPER-PACKABLE On those days when the forecast is for full sun, take the Triumph. Extremely packable and weighing in at an obscene five ounces (a bit more than a bag of potato chips), the Triumph is as spartan as they come—there’s one tiny front pocket and a basic but slightly…

FlyLow takes a classic pigskin-and-Thinsulate work glove and oven-bakes it with a beeswax coating. The result: warmth and water resistance for the price of dinner. flylowgear.com…

DUDE CRED Good for Backcountry FlyLow has a sense of humor. The care-instructions tag in this piece advises you first to “Drink Cold Beer.” But the Denver-based company also has a solid reputation for making durable, no-nonsense gear. And by using a highly water-resistant, stretchy “kung…

WIND Made of stretchy Windstopper soft shell with ultralight fleece insulation, the Venta shields against all but cyclone-strength wind and water. The hood fits well over a helmet but doesn’t fall into your eyes on hat days. arcteryx.com…

These four-mil neoprene booties are as burly as the steep granite gorge in the Sierra after which they’re named. Supersoft sticky rubber makes them grip the rocks on tough portages; a low-profile fit makes them comfy in your kayak. teva.com…

Chances are you won’t be tracking a wolverine anytime soon. But that’s exactly what one of our testers—an employee of Alaska Mountain Guides—did for several hours in the Stretch Ascent. His report: The 2.5-layer fabric fended off brambles and waves of heavy rain, while the combination of pit zips…

The Kirus have the best traction here—they gripped icy sidewalks like the company’s staple andals handle wet river rock. The feminine webbing accent near the top makes them skirt-worthy. teva.com…

Good for Backcountry The waffle-grid backing inside this stretchy fleece zip-T dramatically boosts surface area, speeding sweat evaporation. The smooth exterior lets it slip easily into midlayer sleeves. Our only gripe: The neck hole is too large. (You lose heat.) corelayers.com…

After a long day in overcranked ski boots—or at the beginning of a lazy, chilly morning—we slip into the faux-fur-lined OLR. They’re like wearing bunny slippers, except you can leave the house without getting high-fives from strangers. sanuk.com…

Mountain-Ready Eddie Bauer went all out to create its new line of high-end outerwear, packs, and accessories, enlisting the help of an A-Team of mountain guides like Ed Viesturs and Dave Hahn. You can tell. The Rainier Storm has everything we look for in a versatile shell: easy-to-adjust pit zips,…

Stylish Jock Split the difference between performance eye gear and streetwear—and between too cheap and too pricey. There’s lots to like here for less than $100. Brown-tint poly lenses, by optics meister Zeiss, revealed detail and depth and were exactly as big and wrapped-back as they needed to be for…

In Santa Fe, summer monsoons sweep through on an every-afternoon basis. I prepare by bringing this waterproof, breathable eVent jacket—it’s windproof up to 60 miles per hour. rei.com…

No other helmet in its price range will fit you as well. Our testers loved the Sierra’s superb airflow, removable visor, and adjustable harness that snugs the helmet to your head, all at a killer price. specialized.com/women…

Thanks to ripstop, quick-dry fabric with a bit of stretch, you can rock-climb happily in these pants. But a flattering flared leg means not having to change before dinner. lucy.com…

Strike a balance between cold weather and the heat you’ll be generating with RAPHA‘s CROSS 3/4 BIB SHORTS—long enough for cool temps but made of a thin, tough fabric.

Yup, these lightly insulated work gloves are basically the same ones you’ll find at the local hardware store. The difference is, this Denver company bakes them in beeswax, a natural water repellent. They received high marks for dexterity but are only so-so breathers. TAGS: tough, hardware store…

This compression top is supposed to improve posture and make breathing easier. Does it? Hard to say, but most testers loved the snug and supportive fit for cool-weather running or skate-skiing. Hard-faced fabric makes it impressively windproof. TAGS: synthetic, supportive, trim-fitting…

The styley exterior of this hearty resort jacket hides thumb gaskets, a waterproof membrane, a storm collar with a mesh vent for breathability, and other wonkish details. When it starts to get warm, snap out the liner to make the jacket a hard shell. TAGS: resort, three-in-one.

Up top, the goal is moderate warmth in a tight-fitting piece that won’t snag, something like GORE BIKE WEAR‘s XENON THERMO JERSEY.

ULTIMATE ANGLERS Talk about fly. Optically ground glass, like Costa’s premium 580 line, is the connoisseur’s choice for acuity. (Just note these are shatter-resistant, not -proof.) The polarized copper tint nixes surface glare, so fish in the shallows pop out, while way-cool green mirroring provides that air of mystery. An…

HARD CHARGER Textile wonks say the Velocity’s Schoeller NanoSphere fabric—which runs across the jacket’s shoulders and back—is inspired by the especially water-repellent leaf of the white lotus. How closely it resembles its natural cousin we can’t say, but the Velocity does shed water better than most soft shells. And because…

Why It’s CoolJake welded all the seams together, eliminating 26 feet of tape and a spool or so worth of thread. » This construction, along with the choice of fabric— Burton’s own Storm-Lite waterproof-breathable, which has a soft nylon outer shell—makes the Continuum Fuse noticeably more pliable than a sewn…