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Little Big Gun If Leica’s method is to strip a camera down to its beautifully crafted essentials (and then charge a lot for what’s left), Olympus is doing just the opposite—packing features and even a hefty interchangeable lens onto a true point-and-shoot body and then charging fairly little. That combination…
The fully-custom, carbon-and-titanium XS can save your ass, literally. One tester spent 19 hours on it—in a single weekend—and was still able to walk afterwards. Indy Fab, an employee-owned boutique builder in Somerville, Massachusetts, is known for its artistry (check the laser-cut lugs) and regularly pulls down awards at the…
A serious pair of shades plus temple controls and articulating earbuds equals ultimate on-the-go audio. www.oakley.com…
Utility City, Smarter Our favorite commuter helmet, the Section is the lightest in its class and sports eight vents. Too few? If you ever yard-sale in this hard hat, you’ll appreciate its tougher shell and rounded profile—which won’t twist your neck like a more aerodynamically shaped helmet can when…
At first glance, the six-megapixel Optio WPi looks no different than any other point-and-shoot. But hidden within the metal exterior are a series of rubber gaskets that seal out water (and dust), rendering this pocket cam completely submersible. Swimming in up to five feet of water and shooting in…
Mr. Versatility Naming this sly cyclocross beast “Fox” (in Italian) was perfect: Whenever we got in a sticky situation, its big all-terrain rubber, triple chainring, and forgiving steel frame saw us through in style. And if you’re not riding your local trails or CX course on the weekend, you can…
From the school of “one less device” comes a GPS-enabled mobile camera phone. Sign up at www.nextel.com ($10 a month) and download a dozen or so map or aerial-photo “tiles” from Trimble Outdoors—covering your intended travel area—onto a compatible Motorola phone. I followed my position on a hilly ramble,…
Aimed squarely at the Gen Xbox crowd, the Sidekick looks and feels like a game controller. If you’re all thumbs, you’ll be all right with the more than 30 downloadable games from T-Mobile.com, e-mail sync, contact manager, and instant messenger. And should you find yourself locked up in a Turkish…
More than just a DC Comics worthy name, BREITLING’s SUPER AVENGER ($3,375) has a certified Swiss automatic movement rated to 1,000 feet of water depth. Fat digits on an oversize face—it’s just shy of two inches across—telegraph the time in even the soupiest conditions.
The HG stands for “high grade,” and testers agreed it’s worthy of the acronym (and price). Not only are they the most comfortable binocs to hold; the HG consistently dished up brighter and crisper images than all the others. 8×33; minox.com…
Downsizing a bagful of electronics into a chronograph, the HAMILTON KHAKI FIELD MULTI-TOUCH ($550) harbors an altimeter, barometer, compass, thermometer, and stopwatch. Simply tap your finger on the face to call up the appropriate environmental data.
This titanium-banded beast tracks elevation gain and changes in atmospheric pressure (weather coming!). And should you get turned around in the backcountry, it even has a compass. casio.com…
LITTLE PARTY ANIMAL The T2 is as much fashion accessory as camera. The all-metal design has a nonprotruding 3x zoom and a 2.7-inch touchscreen that all but eliminates the need for external buttons. In a word, sleek. Pull it out at a soiree—as we did with our lime-green test unit—and…
Coordinate surf rendezvous with this tide-tracking titanium piece, which keeps you abreast of conditions, can handle depths of 200 meters, displays moon phase, and runs off a nine-jewel Swiss movement. nixonnow.com…
TOUGH ON THE TRAIL The rubberized 400t was born for serious backcountry time, and you won’t find a more user-friendly or durable handheld GPS. A funky, do-it-all wheel replaces the usual array, making for easy one-hand navigation (nonexistent in most handhelds). It’s also tricked out with a three-inch, backlit color…
Expensive? Yes. But this easy-to-use torque wrench is cheaper than the high-end components you’ll destroy if you tighten them past the recommended torque—or your hospital bills if those components fail while you’re riding. syntace.com…
Not only do these noise-isolating audio/phone ‘buds have some of the best sound quality we’ve ever heard; they’re hands-down the most comfortable and wearable, with silicone and foam tips. ultimateears.com…
Thanks to tough—and 100 percent recycled—fabric on the rear, knees, and ankle cuffs, these weather-resistant pants can handle everything from ice climbing to bushwhacking. patagonia.com…
This is what happens when you get one of the world’s toughest adventurers to help design a multitool. You can open the tool’s two knives with one gloved hand, and there’s a sturdy needle-nose pliers and even a reamer that can bore holes through wood. 8.8 oz;…
HARDCORE MEETS HIP Loud and proud, this oversize job does surprisingly well on sweaty runs, staying put and providing solid protection. Kaenon’s SR-91 lenses (copper polarized here) provide glass-like optics in a shatter-resistant material and rank up there with the elite when it comes to the prized trifecta of acuity,…
Named for the dude who coordinates launches on an aircraft carrier, the AirBoss series is all about multiple timing functions. The Mach 3’s main dial has a 60-minute hand in addition to the 60-second hand, and a rotating bezel for visual countdowns (good for sending skiers out of the…
If you pack a cell—and you know you do—Oakley’s Razrwire lightens the load and keeps you moving. No need to stop hiking or get off the bike to take a call; simply reach up and tap a button to connect to a Bluetooth-enabled phone. Got voice dialing? Tap and talk…
If you’re in training mode, try this low-profile, watch-style monitor, which can track up to nine runs. Moving on up to a triathlon? It’s water-resistant down to 50 meters. Plus the sleek interface is so intuitive that I wore it—and got it—right out of the box.
Why It’s CoolCloudveil rolls a surfeit of nice details into an eight-ounce full-zip jacket made of silky nylon. The fabric is Cloudveil’s own CirrusPlus—a wind- and water-resistant 40-denier ripstop interknit with a lighter 30-denier yarn to give it a soft hand. » It’s quiet. » The collar has a microfleece…
Not only does the ContourHD have some of the coolest features you can find in a helmet (or goggle or handlebar) cam—1080p high-def, a laser-pointing lens leveler, and GPS tagging—but its low-profile design won’t make you look like a robodude. TAGS: compact, mobile…
Get howitzer-like bang for your buck with the Logic. Its functional midweight fabric—a stretchy nylon water-repellent face woven to a soft fleece lining—works for almost any activity from early spring to late fall. The high versatility is married to clean detailing (such as laser-cut zipper openings) normally reserved for…
To cut about a half-pound out of their widest skins—they’re designed specifically for skis 110 millimeters or wider underfoot—Black Diamond has stitched a tough, waterproof nylon panel between strips of skin material. Other benefits we liked: It makes them easier to peel off and reduces a bit of drag…
An easy-to-use tab system makes swapping the Synergy’s four lenses—gray, amber, rose, and clear—a cinch in changing light, and the rubber temples eliminate slippage. www.nerveusa.com…
This high-performance tee fights odor, wicks sweat, and will outlast your passport. www.prana.com…
Why They’re CoolNo matter how hard the cold wind blows, your eyeballs won’t mind, sheltered by removable, round-the-eye foam pieces that close the gap between shades and face. The double-pane poly lenses allow the inner surface to rise to your temperature, so there’s no steaming up. » Wide-range photochromic tinting…
Why They’re CoolYou barely feel these rimless half-ounce wonders, which perform like big wraps. A springy stainless nosepiece and temples support poly lenses. The copper tint, enhanced by polarizing, reveals a splendidly sharp take on reality. » The rearward swoops at the lenses’ outside corners make for good protection from…
A contoured footbed and a soft, neoprene-lined upper make the V-Lite the most comfortable sandal here. And because it has a beefy midsole and snug, one-pull lacing, it also performed well hiking. hi-tec.com…
CROSSOVER ARTIST Don’t mistake these shades for snooky streetwear; the sports bona fides are all here in this elegant blend of style and performance tech. Cleverly concealed sticky pads at the nose and ears, combined with springy nylon frames and temples, kept the Serpent from migrating on sweaty faces. The…
BEST CROSS-COUNTRY RACER Pedaling this nimble featherweight, one tester reported soaring up steeps she normally inches up in granny gear. A freestyle rider doubted the full-carbon beauty could handle a beating, but after a punishing four-hour technical grind, she gave the four-inch-travel Contessa an unqualified thumbs-up—thanks to components like Deore…
We think it’s called the Flow Pant because it transitions easily from the mountain to the bar. Or maybe it’s because it hangs off your body with a loose fit and baggy cargo pockets. Either way, the hard-shell pants are a great choice. thenorthface.com…
The contrast stitching looks cool, but we picked this top because, thanks to its construction (lighter-weight merino on the back and sleeves), it breathes like a champ in the backcountry. smartwool.com…
The acrylic Roman, like all the clothing and accessories from this small, Seattle-based company, is hand-knit in small Balinese villages. spacecraftclothing.com…
Lightly lined with fleece and reinforced in all the right places, the synthetic/leather Exum won the all-purpose award. Supple but durable goatskin won’t crack like hardware store specials. marmot.com…
Wear these wool-and-suede boots with a skirt to show off the Scandinavian-influenced knit collars, which can be rolled down (as pictured) to create warmer-weather ankle boots. salomon-sports.com…
Perforated side panels let out steam nicely, while a hem drawstring, an extra-tall collar, and soft chin padding help seal out the chill. 5.9 oz; merrell.com Bonus: Low-key style is coffee-shop friendly.
Thanks to a double layer of material on the knee, these quick-drying and stretchy nylon pants are up for every-thing from canoeing to climbing. prana.com Bonus: Available in two inseam lengths.
Sperry partnered with the U.S. Sailing Team to create a per-formance racing bootie. Interior mesh panels allow the ankle-high neoprene to drain quickly, while a removable internal toe thong adds extra control on slick surfaces. sperrytopsider.com…
Three rechargeable lithium batteries in each glove power a heating system that relies on sensors to regulate temperature. In warm conditions, the heat stays off; bury your hands during a digger and it kicks in. mountainhardwear.com…
In a galaxy of mostly boring base layers, the 100 percent polyester Esse has a refreshingly cool look. Caveat: It’s the only piece here without any sort of no-stink properties. 686.com…
Cut extra long and packed with 800-fill down for extreme cold, this super-puffy kept us warm in near-zero temps and 30-mph winds on a 12,000-foot-high ridgeline. 2 lbs; 66north.com…
Visible channels woven into the chest and back are designed to wick sweat (check) and, in cooler temperatures, create an insulating air layer (harder to tell). We loved the close fit, but the cut is oddly long in the torso. x-bionic.com…
Old-school hiking sole meets simple, leather oxford style in this classic-looking shoe. The organic-cotton-lined insoles mold to your foot, and there’s enough shock absorption in the midsoles for your daily walk to work. timberland.com…
High Tech They make this classy jacket expensive, but the redesigned, built-in heating panels definitely work. On the high setting, you can get up to six 20-minute blasts of heat in the torso, sleeves, and collar. $800; rossignol.com…
Good for Trail With its offset zipper, textured pattern, and athletic cut, this soft, recycled-polyester puffer has big-city looks. It’s no slouch in the backcountry, though, thanks to 850-fill down, a serious hood, and a DWR coating. 1.2 lbs; nau.com…
Good for Resort Two words: Tricked. Out. The Glenn has everything from a removable powder skirt to a headphone port to pit zips. But here’s the deal: With the exception of the removable (and superfluous) “hiking suspenders,” testers approved of every add-on, especially the hand gaskets with…
There are dozens of leather, waterproof gloves on the market, but none fits as well as the Tangent. Credit the thinner fleece insulation on the palm and heavier, loftier filling on the back of the hand. outdoorresearch.com…
Don’t fret about shorts—a breezy fabric, supportive liner, and pocket, like those on Patagonia’sseven-inch-inseam Long Haul Runners shorts, and you’re out the door. patagonia.com…
City Slick Want a more formal look in a protective package? The Rockaway looks swell with khakis and sports a soft leather upper and gummy rubber sole, between which you’ll find a footbed built for easy all-day cruising. keenfootwear.com…
Layers are key when it comes to summiting peaks. You can drop 20 degrees and gain as much as 6,000 feet in elevation from trailhead to summit. This quick-dry, breathable, mostly nylon top wicks away sweat as you get moving but will also keep you warm when the mercury…
This three-pocket, mostly mesh jersey zips down for maximum cooling. Caution: Avoid wearing Velcro with this—it snags. sugoi.com…
Despite the name, these aren’t just for fishermen. The Brine is a world-class multisport unit with polarized copper lenses and well-placed, low-profile hydrophilic rubber. Costa’s new 580P lens is made of an ultralight poly with glasslike clarity, meaning you get superior optics but can charge hard and not sweat…
Hot Deal With top-shelf synthetic insulation (PrimaLoft Eco), a tough, waterproof outer fabric, and all the creature comforts you could want (including nine pockets, pit zips, a powder skirt, and a goggle chamois), the 4 Pines has all the ingredients of a high-performance, full-featured resort parka. Normally, all this adds…
BLACK DIAMOND‘s SPECIALIST GLOVES, have foam padding to protect the backs of your hands.
Navigate the sunrise in real life with the USB-chargeable LED lights on SAUCONY‘s windproof PROTECTION GLOVES.
For jackets, you can go for either a base layer and a thick, thermal soft shell—like SALOMON‘s STRETCHY SWIFT MIDLAYER HOODY with integrated mitts—or a lightweight shell.
Fish-style surfboards—’70s-era shapes with a pair of keel fins and a deep swallowtail—have been enjoying a comeback, and San Diego shaper Chris Christenson makes the ultimate catch. This five-foot-eleven-incher is a highly evolved shortboard, equally at home skating knee-high waves or threading overhead tubes. The straight rails held the…
This classic touring boat got an overhaul for 2006, with improved seat, hatches, and primary stability. Cross-Lock quick-release closures on the hatches are user-friendly, and increased cargo space easily stows gear for multiday trips. While it takes paddle power to get the weighty Looksha going, it tracks true once…
FAST STICK FOR BIG GUYS If you’re a shortboarder stuck in a longboarder’s body, the Moby Fish may be the choice for you. Because this seven-foot-plus funboard is 22 inches wide, nearly three inches thick, and made with floaty EPS foam, it paddles like a longboard. But thanks to the…
PORTABLE AND RUGGED Packing down to carry-on size and weighing just 24 pounds, the Helios is light and compact enough for hikes to remote lakes and rivers—or to check on your flight to Belize, without weight or size penalties. The tough, 1,200-denier hull pumps up as stiff as a…
Normally, a paddleboard will set you back close to two grand. That’s what makes the NSP so noteworthy: You get the whole package—traction pad, leash, and fins—for about half that. At 31 inches wide and nearly five inches thick, this board has plenty of confidence-building stability and is well…
Best for Beginners One of the hardest things to learn in a kayak is how to go in a straight line. That's why kayaking newbies especially loved this ten-and-a-half-foot plastic boat. It stays on course and maintains speed almost in spite of what its paddler is doing. In rough seas…
Short shorts are never a good thing when you’re above your belayer. These knee-length capris will give you the right coverage without hindering your ability to move. Plus, the stretchy nylon fabric can stand up to scraping the wall. lolewomen.com…
A couple years back, Brunton bagged its first Gear of the Year award with the burly, waterproof, scalpel-sharp Epochs. For 2005, greatness gets an upgrade. The new Brunton Epoch Zoom invites you to view the whole horizon, then drill in tight with the touch of a lever. Result? Another trophy…
Why they rule“Biomex” sounds like genetically engineered food from El Paso, but it’s really just Lowa’s name for an external ankle support. The hinged, rigid-plastic cuff locked my ankles in place on loose, off-camber talus—even as I teetered under a 35-pound backpack. Indeed, they aced the hairiest stability test I…
Wheel it, shoulder it, sit on it, kick it—Osprey’s Meridian 22 adeptly adjusts to any adventure and absorbs every road-inflicted insult. It relieves you of attachment anxiety, since it’s carry-on legit, but magically stows everything you need for an around-the-world journey. Can’t resist picking up that wooden mask in…
Remember that high school buddy who souped up an old Datsun 510, then went looking for suckers to race? The Taku is his kind of jacket. At first glance this 2005 Gear of the Year pick is just another storm shell, but a closer look reveals a whole lotta functional…
This 11-ounce filter’s reliability has made it a hugely popular option for nearly a decade. When it does eventually slow down, you just replace the pleated filter component ($30). You also get great volume per stroke; we filled a liter with just 43 pumps. A nifty zippered case includes a…
LIGHT Die-cut foam reduces weight and bulk, and raised “berms” along the perimeter, which prevent you from rolling off, make this featherweight feel wider than it is. The minimalist cushion is best for smaller (or tougher) hikers. 20′ x 72′ x 1′, 1.2 lbs; pacoutdoor.com…
Why It’s CoolI know campers who bed down with a Nalgene full of hot water for extra warmth; my wife prefers our 20-pound pug. Seeing the two of them in the Van Winkle—with its stretchy bands on the baffles for an extra-snug fit—reminded me of a snake that had swallowed…
1. No gimmicks here. The North Face’s new X-Radial suspension is the real deal. The secret is a lightweight aluminum, X-shaped frame that’s reinforced on the top and bottom to deal with heavy loads (up to 55 pounds) and actually pivots at the center of the X, which means…
This tiny but powerful lamp easily lit the way on a night hike in the Grand Canyon. But the limited swivel range means it’s not ideal for dicey terrain. 2.8 oz; www.petzl.com…
1. Hi-res still camera and hi-def videocam. Sure, digicams can shoot video. But not like this. Video is recorded through high-quality interchangeable lenses on a full-frame 35mm sensor, providing the type of manual focus and other controls previously available only to Hollywood DOPs. Stunning. And the .mov format makes…
The Seedhouse is one of the year’s standouts in a smart class of tents: They’re technically big enough for three but so light they should rightfully be considered two-person shelters. Consider: It’s six feet wide at the hips and nearly four feet tall—and still has double-wall protection that kept…
Good for Resort Resort jackets used to come in two varieties: There were the big, bulky numbers designed to keep you warm on the chairlift, and there were the lightweight shells you could take into the backcountry. But innovations in insulation, ventilation, and waterproof-breathable fabrics have…