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Why They’re CoolThe body is magnesium, the center axis shaft is titanium, there’s not a scrap of plastic in the focusing mechanism, and the whole works is rubber-armor-coated. » They’re good to go from minus 13 degrees all the way up to 131. Binoculars don’t come any more durable, and…
Built for iPod (with a flip-down universal dock) but compatible with other devices, this retro unit features a 2.5-inch satellite speaker. Position it up to six feet away, for true stereo, or detach when space is tight. www.tivoliaudio.com…
BRUNTON’s LAMPLIGHT pulls double duty as a flashlight for twilight wood gathering and a lantern with 360 degrees of alpenglow. (800-443-4871, www.brunton.com)…
The GT3 helps track recovery times and adjusts your zone alerts quickly midrun—great for fartlek training and intervals. The manual is a little puzzling, but the payoff is worth the decoding time. cardiosport.com…
Research in Motion wraps all of the classic BlackBerry features—e-mail, Web browser, personal organizer, phone/QWERTY keypad, and more—into a sleek, palm-size package that doesn’t make you look like you’re using a butter dish to make calls. Should your trekking porters turn tail on you, odds are your worldwide-roaming BlackBerry will…
Whether you’re surfing, boating, or fishing, suss tidal data for 275 preprogrammed global locations, or add your secret stashes to the lineup with lat-long coordinates. At the office, black out the digital display for a clean analog look. $300; reactorwatch.com…
Climbing the hills, but also the ladder? The SWISS ARMY STARTECH 4000 ($395) packs many useful mountain metrics—like temperature, altitude, and cumulative vertical ascent across a day, week, or season—into a cool black analog-and-digital package.
We consider it essential gear for boring dinner dates. Made to hang from the delicate wrists of snowboarders and skate punks, the analog TICKET ($200) is one of NIXON’s slickest models to date. The ultrathin Swiss quartz movement gives the case a thickness of just a few millimeters.
THINK OUTSIDE’S STOWAWAY BLUETOOTH KEYBOARD ($150) connects—without cables—to any Palm or Pocket PC handheld that supports the wireless Bluetooth protocol. You’ll feel like you’re tapping away on a laptop, until you fold the seven-ounce full-size pad down into a five-and-a-half-by-three-inch package.
GOOD WITH FACES For photographing family, friends, or a mob of dirtbags, the S12 is a beautifully simple solution. It boasts a 12-meg sensor, a sharp 3x zoom, and an advanced movie mode, but its best feature is a face-recognition function that detects as many as 15 unruly mugs and…
Gearing up for a long haul on two wheels or feet? This GPS-enabled training android measures speed, distance, and heart rate, and the included software creates three weeks of workouts and tracks performance. polarusa.com…
This workshop-sturdy unit can accommodate all bike sizes yet weighs less than 20 pounds and packs into a 39-inch-long carrying case. pedros.com…
We double-checked the weight of every bike—and a lot of the other gear—on these pages with this user-friendly scale. Hang it from a work stand or roof beam, and see if those new wheels are as light as the manufacturer claims. (They probably aren’t.) feedbacksports.com…
The X-Fi lets you wirelessly stream tunes and photos from your computer, listen to FM, record voice memos, and expand the memory with an SD card. Plus, it restores the quality of digitally compressed music. Yes, you really can tell. PC only; 16–32GB; creative.com…
Good for Backcountry Along with the system of beeps, arrows, and measurements that traditional avalanche beacons produce to help you find your buried friends, the S1 also draws you an easy-to-read picture, with precise distances and locations. It’s quick on the draw, too: When you open it,…
Pinch Hitter With nine tools (pliers, scissors, two screwdrivers, etc.), this tough little keychain-ready steel number is perfect for all those times a full-size multitool would be excessive. leatherman.com…
Mapping Maven This super-powerful GPS takes personal navigation to a new level. Testers were shocked by how eyeblink-fast it updated location on its gorgeous 4.3-inch screen—as if the satellites were just overhead—and how easy it was to enter a destination and then find arrival times, elevation, traffic alerts, and, of…
We didn’t expect the first hybrid Android smartphone/GPS device to do both jobs so competently. Preloaded with maps for North America—with worldwide ones downloadable from Garmin’s store—it uses cell towers and satellites, for better, faster mapping (especially in rural areas) than any other phone can offer. The camera, music player,…
Want no-compromise magnification without a weight penalty? At 19 ounces, the Echo is the lightest full-size model we tested. 10×32; www.brunton.com…
Constructed from just five main neoprene panels—versus ten-plus in many wetsuits—the CL5 limits the number of irritating seams and boosts your freedom of movement. This 3mm/2mm full suit has fluid-sealed seams to minimize water seepage and works best in water temperatures between 55 and 64 degrees. www.quiksilver.com…
The simple, boxy lines and unpadded top of this ensemble compliment curvy, athletic women. $66; www.jcrew.com…
START PLANNING A BIG TRIP The oversize Delta has the most internal storage and highest paddler-weight capacity of any kayak currently on the market, and handles well even when fully loaded. Thanks to its fully rockered hull, soft chined sides that wrap into a vertical wall, and the boat’s sheer…
BIG BOAT, BIG WATER Sitting inside the Everest’s wide-mouth cockpit, even our largest tester (6’1″, 195 lbs) said it swallowed him, with tons of room to spare. This multiday boat can accommodate a paddler up to 230 pounds, plus any overnight gear. With all that space, the ride is Cadillac…
Sea Change Borrowing from the best of all water worlds, Keen forged the Hydro Guide from the sole of a topsider (you’ll recognize the V-cut siping immediately), the now-ubiquitous Keen toe protector, and the Z-laced strapping of a classic river sandal. The result is an all-around amphibian suitable for both…
Patagonia's Cotton Steersman Shirt (Inga Hendrickson) On your bod Patagonia's cotton Steersman shirt, because, seriously, technical wear for a fishing shirt? patagonia.com Fishpond San Juan Vertical Chest Pack (Courtesy of Fishpond) For day trips, Fishpond's San Juan Vertical Chest Pack fits two fly boxes and a flask—more…
Weight saver: Don't be fooled by this stove's tiny dimensions. It cranks out big heat, adjusts down to a simmer, and has four serrated pot supports that are surprisingly stable for the size. A hingelike joint enables the Flex to fold flat and pack away like a deck of cards.
Why It’s CoolWhen a big wind whipped down Blowin’ Ridge, we climbed inside. With three poles and industrial-strength clips, the Equinox held the line. » Setup is intuitive, with pole sleeves and canopy clips, and you can torque this tent at the corners to milk every cubic inch inside. Broad…
The Big Agnes Air Core, with its nylon laminate and seven lengthwise air chambers, looks like an inflatable pool toy and feels as springy as one—it blows up to a cushy 2.5 inches thick—but weighs an astounding 22 ounces and is rated to 35 degrees.
REI changed everything but the name on this sack: Designers kicked up the goose down to 750-fill, changed the shell, and added a lighter, softer liner. The updates shave seven ounces off last year’s version. It kept us warm on late-fall nights in the Grand Canyon, but the tradeoff…
The Light Year looks like many other 650-fill down bags. It packs small and is plenty lofty. Unlike others, it zips open at the feet, letting you micromanage temperature. And on cold mornings, the foot opening lets you walk around without getting out of the bag. Even “I never…
A STOUT, LIGHTWEIGHT HYBRID The split-personality Vario uses a weight-saving design—two sides are single-wall, two are traditional double-wall—to achieve an impressive weight/strength/space ratio. And it’s even roomier than it appears, thanks to a brow pole over the center of the tent and precurved poles that maximize interior space. The only…
Deluxe two-burner: Are you a stealth car camper? Hide this stove in the trunk. The clamshell design is much more compact than traditional two-burner units yet unfolds into a sturdy, propane-burning stove that rivals your dad's old Coleman for performance. 4.5 lbs; coleman.com …
DURABLE This puncture-resistant self-inflater is reinforced with closed-cell foam on the bottom. It didn’t leak even after we laid it atop a pile of sticks and jumped on it. 20′ x 72′ x 1.5′, 2.5 lbs; thermarest.com…
THE ENTERTAINER We’re not saying you should buy a tent based on how many people can comfortably play cards inside. But if you do, you should know that the Mo Room, with 44 square feet of space and nearly vertical walls, can comfortably host a six-person game of Texas Hold…
TRADITIONAL TOP LOADER “Airy and easy to adjust” is how one tester summed up the Locus 40. It’s light, too: The minimalist design boasts an impressive weight-to-capacity ratio. Torso adjustment takes just a few seconds, then the pack slides into place. The AeroFly suspension rides nice and tight to the…
Not only is this the fastest filter we’ve ever tested; it’s also the smallest. This hot-dog-size baby easily gushes out two Nalgenes per minute. Plus, the HyperFlow attaches to almost every water bottle, and you can clean it without tools. 7.4 oz; msrgear.com…
This lightweight workhorse was designed with adventure racers in mind. Its six LEDs cast a dazzlingly bright, headlight-like glow (350 lumens), and it comes with a lithium-ion battery that lasts four hours on high. 1.6 lbs; petzl.com…
Airy & Durable Astute architecture students will notice it right away: The Sugar Shack employs elements of Romanesque groin-vault structure—a sturdy intersection of four arches that lends impressive strength to an airy roof structure. The result is nearly vertical walls that increase roominess, two massive doors, and enough square footage…
Kelty’s 30-degree Supernova 3-in-1 sleeping bag works as a comforter for two. It can also be converted to a down sleeping bag for one. kelty.com…
FREERIDER’S DELIGHT It’s tough to find a backcountry pack that carries skis as well as a snowboard, but the 1,600-cubic-inch Pro 2 excels at both. An easy-to-use retractable-cable system can handle even the fattest of powder skis, and it can accommodate snowboards horizontally or vertically, making it the best board-hauling…
Why It’s CoolThe contents of your pack, rather than a framesheet or stays, create the Body Wrap’s load-transferring structure. Your sleeping bag and spare clothes form the hipbelt padding, by way of three form-fitting stuffsacks (included) that wrap the waist. A center baffle forces you to load gear as two…
We would never suggest you limit yourself to just one pack. But if you can’t fit more than one in your tiny Manhattan flat, the folks at Osprey feel your pain—and have the solution. The Aether is light enough—and its ventilated back panel cool enough—for a quick summer weekend…
At 2.4 pounds per pair, this scrappy boot performs above its weight class. Made with super-sturdy nubuck and full-grain leather, the Skamania was still standing after going 12 rounds with a full pack on my back. The key is the midsole’s rigid nylon shank and molded EVA cushion, which together…
PRECISION LACING ON DEMAND Fine-tune the fit as easily as you dial up the volume on your stereo. The Vaporate’s Boa system—49 thin steel cables integrated in the shoe’s upper—bear-hugs your foot with wraparound pressure at the twist of a knob (located at the back of the heel, safe from…
The Phenom’s rubber outsole stuck to anything we dared to climb, and the midcut collar delivered solid ankle support without a stiff or clunky feel. And, in wet weather, a waterproof-breathable eVent liner kept our feet dry. fiveten.com…
Consider this eVent-lined four-wheel-drive boot the Subaru of hikers; it has superb ankle support with a deeply contoured Achilles to cut out calf rub. kaylandusa.com…
TAKE IT OFF-TRAIL Like a souped-up Jeep, the Triconi begs to be taken off-trail and over jumbly passes. The reason: The hipbelt and shoulder straps are built into the pack frame with auto-adjusting pivot points. It’s a smart system. The pivots adapt to individual hip curvature and shoulder/torso size, allowing…
Good for SnowshoeingEven on the coldest days of field testing in Vermont, the waterproof-breathable Summit County kept our toes toasty. Plus the insulation is infused with carbonized bamboo to reduce odor. keenfootwear.com…
Hiking, biking, trail running—we did it all with the Diablo. There’s just enough space in this 352-cubic-inch pack to stash an emergency shell, a bike pump, and a snack, especially if you take advantage of its waist-belt pockets, two external stash pockets, and bungee strap. But what really makes…
Long Haulers Of all the full-on backpacking boots we tested this year, none was as comfy as Timberland’s Washington Summit. While it’s tall and rigid enough to handle loads north of 45 pounds, even our most blister-prone tester, who normally avoids big boots like giardia, was wooed by its athletic-shoe…
You can cram all your climbing gear in Mountain Hardwear’s Trad pack. The alloy-reinforced framesheet gives plenty of support for a 30-some-pound load, and the full-length daisy chain makes lashing on extra gear easy. mountainhardwear.com…
One-Night Stand The Axios has just the right number of features, like organizer pockets and a stretchy catchall pouch on the front, but (thankfully) no rat’s nest of straps. The mesh back panel also did its job cutting down on sweat, as we experienced on a 16-miler in the Grand…
Backcountry Staple At three pounds, the Cruise is light enough for quick tours and sidecountry laps, but at 30 liters there’s also just enough space to load up for a full day in the backcountry. An external shove-it pocket is the perfect size for climbing skins or a lightweight down…
Size, Price: 70 oz, $23Flow Rate: 2*Funk Fighter?: Zip top opening for easy cleaningFilter-Compatible?: Yes, with $4 adapterValve Shutoff?: NoGotta Love: Dump an ice try in the zip topBummer: Pre-hike test of zip seal is criticalSplat Test: Splatted *Ratings: 1=Average, 3=Excellent…
Why They’re CoolThe Stormfronts reverse the paradigm of waterproof footwear construction. By using Gore-Tex XCR fabric on the exterior of the shoe, rather than tucking it in the lining, they move the first line of moisture defense out where the rubber meets the road—or where the nubuck meets the thaw-muck.
Snowshoeing is simple. No lift lines, overpriced cheeseburgers, or long list of expensive accessories. All you need is some snow, a warm pair of boots (see page 107), and a pair of versatile shoes that’s up for whatever terrain you’ll encounter. To settle on our Gear of the Year–winning…
Ever had one of those days when your feet felt so light it’s like they weren’t quite touching the ground? The X-1/C is the next best thing to bottling that feeling. The secret is shaving every possible gram while still retaining the essentials: cushion, traction, and stability. The Encapsulated…
Cross a Suburban with a BMW and you’d get the automotive version of Lowa’s Jannu Lo: a smooth and fast ride anywhere. By combining a tough upper with a solid platform and then lining the inside with baby-butt-soft leather, the Jannu delivers an exquisitely plush, but armored, feel. The…
BEST FOR ADVENTURE RACING You run where others walk? Then this is the shoe for you. After cruising up Colorado’s wickedly steep Mount Sanitas Trail, one tester gave the Active Trail Pro props for its reinforced sides, protective toe cap, and branch-busting undercarriage. Plus the Vibram sole adhered to everything…
Sony’s 7.2-megapixel DSC-V3 nabs Gear of the Year by combining the soul of a pro-level SLR with silicon guts capable of punching out truly tack-sharp images. Thanks to a blindingly fast processor, you won’t have to forfeit now-or-never moments to “shutter lag”—that maddening pause between hitting the button and nailing…
If you train like a mailman—neither rain nor sleet will stop you—reach for these submersibles. The seamless upper is sealed with a Gore-Tex XCR liner and reinforced with a see-through TPU rand, which toughens the shoe without marring its clean look. The masochists among our crew raced up Colorado’s…
1. Twenty-one years after introducing the world’s first all-carbon production frame, Kestrel continues to put a premium on stiffness and aerodynamics. But unlike true aero bikes, the RT700 loves to climb and descend; plus it’s comfy enough for long-haul speed. And, damn, doesn’t it look good on the rack?…
SMOOTH OPERATOR Don’t mistake the minimalist Streak for a beefed-up road shoe—it’s more like a big-mountain shoe that’s been eating mostly salad. Though it has the airy mesh upper of a pavement pounder, underneath is a pliable plastic rock guard and sticky dual-density outsole that can handle full-speed switchbacks. With…
1. The Mojo SL won this year’s award for one simple reason: It defies all categories and excels in every condition. It’s light enough to race cross-country, but with 5.5 inches of front and rear travel, it’s cushy enough for anything a sane rider would ever descend. 2. In…
HEAVY SUPPORT, LIGHT FEEL Even the best shoes can’t turn a severe overpronator into a neutral strider. But the AdiStar Control makes trompers feel like bounders. Sure, it offers a wide base, rock-solid medial posting, and a beveled, decoupled-heel crash pad that will serve heavier runners or severe overpronators. But…
Why It RulesThe Canon’s 6.3-megapixel digital SLR for $200 less than the competition—blows away every other digital in its class. The pictures are that good. » Want action? The Rebel will reel off four 6.3-megapixel shots in less than two seconds, and because the autofocus tracks the rate at which…
FLEXIBLE FLIER Good for Packed TrailsLike to blaze along your local fire road or creek path? The extremely light and flexible Paragon is tailor-made for off-road tempo runs and speed work. A sleek tread and multiple forefoot grooves make for a supple feel on the flats, but the Paragon…
Good for All Mountain Decision time! Favor early-morning groomers beyond all else? A frontside ski is right for you (page 36). Ski the cut trails only on powder days? Check out the big-mountain category (page 37). Or if you mix it up, like more than half the…
Moderate Stability Think of the Triax+12 as a Mini Cooper. While wider-footed testers found the cockpit a bit cramped, everyone else raved about the shoe’s fast and in-control feel. Credit the Triax’s ample cushioning for heavy heel-strikers and nimble, low-to-the-ground profile. A sturdy medial post provides a…
After a decade of ever-more-mobile devices, 2010 has seen several advances we’ve been hoping for. Some companies have countered the problem of disposable gadgets, designing higher-quality products that are so fast and functional (like our Gear of the Year winner, right) that you’ll have no reason to trade them…
The Stature was our favorite shoe for mellower trails, serving up ample cushioning, a medial post for pronation control, and a comfy, debris-thwarting neoprene ankle cuff. Traction was great on uphills, but our feet slipped too much inside the shoe on the downs. Testers loved the female-specific fit and…
Bare-Bones Speedster Designed with input from ultrarunner Anton Krupicka, who’s so allergic to carrying extra ounces he races nearly nude, this super-minimalist trail shoe, with its wafer-thin midsole and highly flexible forefoot, is among the lightest we’ve ever seen. Ideal for faster runners with perfect mechanics who pick their way…
Despite nasty conditions—slushy snow on the way up; a boulder-strewn snowmelt streambed on the descent—one tester reported dry feet and not one slip, even on ice. Credit the Gore-Tex liner, grippy outsole, and stiff midsole. asolo.com…
THE MODERN CLASSIC Sure, it looks a bit retro, but the Winter Rover offers more than just old-school charm. Best for gentle meanders on rolling terrain and packed trails, it features a bent white ash frame with a flexible plastic deck that delivers good float in powder, while low-profile aluminum…
PARK POUNDER This directional twin is the fix for park junkies. The Choice spins fast and easily, and the quasi-fiberglass topsheet gives the board tremendous pop, putting testers in the air for longer than expected. Other park-friendly features include the blunt-shaped tip and tail and the Magne-Traction sidecut, which has…
“Big and stable…these hogs peg the powder-skiing fun meter,” said one tester. And unlike most skis this fat, it doesn't get squirrelly at high speeds on firmer snow. 136/110/126, 9.3 lbs; bdel.com Bonus: Love the UPS brown and subtle holograms. Bummer: It's available only in two lengths (182…
Thanks to interchangeable tongues (one stiff, one hinged for touring) and a sole that's compatible with every AT binding on the market, the Spirit 4's are this year's most versatile boot. 7.6 lbs; scarpa.com Bonus: Smart touches include tour-friendly Dynafit tech fittings and lighter-weight thermo-moldable liners. Bummer: Some…
Total maneuverability, exceptional side-hill traction, and the most aggressive crampon system out there make this shoe a top all-arounder. The heel lifter flips easily and securely to reduce calf burn, while a Spring-Loaded Suspension prevents shin bang. 3.9 lbs; atlassnowshoe.com. Pair them with: ASOLO ELYSIUM GTX…
BACK-BOWL BOARDS Good for All Mountain More of a freeride ski than the Blizzard or Völkl, the Lord excels at slinking around the resort in search of bumps, steeps, and leftover powder. But it’s no noodle. The edge grip was unfailing—especially impressive for a ski with…