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Most people’s feet tilt down and out when they dangle. As with all Specialized Body Geometry shoes, the carbon-soled S-Works are designed around this natural cant, to reduce knee and foot strain. specialized.com…
Birding on the Cheap Perfect for the neophyte birder who wants quality glass without blowing his inheritance. The DCF NV’s semi-compact design was fast on the draw, and the rubberized exterior helped protect them from inclement weather—and more than one clumsy drop. Their 16mm eye relief allowed for comfortable, strain-free…
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…
Training in unfamiliar terrain? This watch wirelessly connects to a heart-rate strap and a belt-or arm-mounted GPS unit for altitude and navigation coordinates. www.timex.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…
Weighing little more than half an ounce, the Two Can is either the lightest little knife we’ve seen this year or the smallest pair of scissors. www.kershawknives.com…
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…
ESSENTIALISTSuunto stepped back and asked, “What do athletes really need?” then answered with the t6, which charts heart rate, time, and elevation gain and shares it all with a PC. The bundled Training Manager software is easy to use. An optional wireless speed sensor ($109) attaches to your shoelaces and,…
FLYWEIGHTCountless ambles down to the local java joint validated the TrailAudio’s always-at-hand design. I stocked this two-ouncer with 11 Led Zeppelin albums and clipped it to my belt loop. With a water-resistant casing, this 256MB memory-card-based player is ready for the rain and the rough. Plug it into a USB…
A LIGHTWEIGHT, WALLET-FRIENDLY DSLR A full-featured DSLR can be an awkward load when you’re traveling, especially in cities. Not the D40. I had no problem toting it through the streets of London and Barcelona. At just over a pound, the D40 is one of the lightest interchangeable-lens DSLRs around. But…
This Henry Kloss–inspired beauty, which takes auxiliary input from any player, features a high-precision AM/FM tuning dial, water resistance, rechargeable batteries, and a surprisingly beefy 2.5-inch speaker. tivoliaudio.com…
Find your way in the dark, or signal extraterrestrials, with this limited-edition titanium, true-variable-output, 70-lumen LED torch; it’s the size of your finger, weighs 1.9 ounces, and burns for 50 hours. surefire.com…
Because they stay sticky in a variety of snow conditions and temperatures, G3 skins have long been a tester favorite. This year, thanks to an extra coat of waterproofing and a redesigned tip attachment (which now fits any ski shape), they’re even better. genuineguidegear.com…
Made for music phones—note the mike on the wire— these little hi-fi numbers snug comfortably and stay put. v-moda.com…
Tweeze the unibrow, pick your teeth, drive screws, and, in case you’re trapped in a vehicle as it sinks to the bottom of a river, punch out the windows and slash your seatbelt. swissarmy.com…
The most full-featured of the key-chain strongboxes, SAMSUNG’S YEPP YP-55V ($199) holds 256 megabytes of music in bump-proof flash memory. It plays FM when your mixes get moldy, and records digital files from radio, voice, or aftermarket mike. To fill it up, plug the 1.2-ounce unit into your PC’s USB…
With a new third antenna that delivers more accurate distance-to-victim measurements, a pull-tab-activated search mode, and a directional display, this is the simplest and most intuitive beacon on the market. 8.8 oz; backcountryaccess.com…
Making the switch from point-and-shoot to DSLR? The 10.2-meg K2000 comes with a 27.5–85mm (35mm-equivalent) zoom lens and a flash for the price of some digicams. Plus, at 20.8 ounces with batteries, it’s one of the lightest and smallest DSLRs on the market. Beginner-friendly features include built-in image stabilization…
RAIN BEATERThe big deal with this one? No sticker shock on a piece that can match the performance of jackets almost twice as pricey. A stylin’ hoodie with taped seams, the Mithril weighs in at 22 ounces, and though I doubted OR’s claim that its stretchy Ventia fabric was waterproof,…
Looking for something more sophisticated than your basic cell phone but not crazy about stuffing a mini-computer into your pocket? This slim unit is a perfect middle ground. Because the touchscreen provides feedback—clicking and vibrating with each touch—we found texting, especially when multitasking, easier than with most phones. The…
MACHO IN THE MIDDLESmith closes the gap between Bono frames and small, girly models with the manly Director, for medium-size crania. The tortoise frame evokes yesteryear’s glasses but with a few sports-hip fillips. Take this protective and secure model around the White Rim Trail. You’ll find its brown-tinted, polarized poly…
We love the actual physical control dial and gas-gauge-style memory and battery indicators up top of this 12.2-meg digicam, but its wide 24mm lens, ultrabright, three-inch active-matrix OLED display, and HD video are the real sells. samsung.com…
Combat-ready shades? Who knew? Rudy borrows military technology from Apache attack-helicopter windshields to fashion eyewear for troops, and puts the same supersubstance, ImpactX, into the Kalyos. The polarized photochromic lenses, in color-neutral gray, have optics as braggable as their toughness, taking you from medium-bright conditions to full-on sizzling sun,…
Why It’s CoolCanon clearly gets feedback from pros; their cameras are better balanced and easier to hold while scrambling up trails. » The metering system measures focal distance and light from 35 locations within the frame. I captured perfectly balanced images, whether I was using close focus to secure shots…
Why It’s CoolIt’s 50 bucks! Which is not to say it’s anything close to cheap. Like the Moonstone pullover that’s also reviewed here, this simple, silky polyester shell will serve you well on on a gusty run, a drizzly dog walk, or an epic mountain-bike ride. » It’s super-breathable, and…
Time Trialer If this black-on-black piece from Spanish company Festina were a movie character, it would be one of the Nihilists from The Big Lebowski. In a very good way. With a scratch-resistant mineral crystal, 100-meter water resistance, and ultrasmooth movement in its three-dial chronograph, it’s all you’d expect from…
The low-key ranch-jacket exterior of the Hard Place conceals some trick technology. A finish called NanoSphere magically repels stains and dirt from the abrasion-resistant Schoeller WB-400 fabric. A waffled liner channels sweat away from the back. And under the arms, a lightweight stretch fleece allows venting without unwieldy pit…
Like Suunto’s Extreme Edition Silver ($329), this watch has an altimeter, barometer, compass, storm alarm, sunrise/sunset times, etc. It’s also engraved with the signature of Apa Sherpa, who this year made his record 20th summit of the big peak. (It’s an edition of 8,848—the mountain’s elevation in meters.) Plus…
Shorts and crabs is usually a frightening combination, but not here: The cushy AirGel chamois is infused with Crabyon (made from crab shells), which has antibacterial properties. Bonus: Durable knit between the legs prevents premature wear. www.louisgarneau.com…
Why They’re CoolThe 10×25 configuration is tricky—it’s a lot of magnification in a small package—but Brunton gives the XC10 the most solid, ergonomic, tactilely pleasing body in the field. The rubber-clad housing grips just right, with flat spots on the underside for the thumbs. The barrels stay just where you…
Get a performance fit without a river-guide vibe. Waterproof leather and an antimicrobial footbed raise the price but come in handy on vacation in, say, the Yucatán. www.eccousa.com…
Cold, sunny, blowing, wet—when weather changes every ten minutes, the Airspeed keeps pace with zip-off sleeves and a drizzle-resistant shell. 8 oz; www.lowealpine.com…
A three-ounce jacket with a hood? Believe it. This water-resistant featherweight trims grams with a half-zip and paper-thin ripstop nylon fabric. It’s less breathable than others here but offers excellent rain protection. 3 oz; mammutusa.com…
The fabric is heavy-duty denim, the knees are reinforced, and the free-moving design is, in fact, good for climbing. arborwear.com…
SMART AND SIMPLE The Mojave earned the highest praise a soft shell can get when one tester said, “Awesome. The perfect combination of warmth, weather resistance, and breathability.” Credit goes to the fabric itself—the Mojave is made entirely of Polartec Power Shield, a standout for its standard-setting versatility—and the elegantly…
QUEEN OF THE HILLS Testers loved the Diva’s asymmetrical carbon frame: It looks sexy and, more important, provides a smooth ride. Equipped with a SRAM Force drivetrain and light-but-stiff Ksyrium ES wheels, the stiff and spunky Diva climbed effortlessly up gap after gap in Vermont’s Green Mountains. The dialed geometry…
When buttoned up, the 550-down-filled Format can handle the coldest mountain weather. And when it finally warms up, detach the hood, crack the underarm vents, and keep on riding. scottusa.com…
Old-school cool meets new-school green in the lightweight Klein, made in part with recycled polyester. Wear it with just a base layer on mild spring days. Or around town all fall. holdenouterwear.com…
FEATHERWEIGHT First impression: Too light to abuse—or rely upon on in really nasty weather. But doubters became believers in the field: It’s every bit as durable and waterproof as jackets twice the weight and didn’t slow testers down on a wet-weather run from the summit of Mount Adams. The trick?…
Because all the LightSpeed’s major seams are sealed, it’s the most waterproof glove we’ve ever tested. mountainhardwear.com…
Smarter than its predecessors, the Split Thump features removable earbuds and disguised controls (the O’s on the temples) for the integrated digital audio player, which now handles almost all file types, including iTunes formats. Mac or PC; 512MB; oakley.com…
Air scoops on the shoulders, a full-size back vent, and the softest, most porous nylon of the bunch makes this an ideal pick for intense or humid runs. Style kill: See-through fabric reveals ugly inner workings. 5 oz; asics.com…
Bushwhacking to the beach? The DWR-coated and tightly woven Inertia Peaks won’t blanch. Making for the water? Snap the roll-up legs into place and take a dip. cloudveil.com…
Specialized’s first-ever women’s-specific design has rose-colored lenses that dim bright road conditions, lighten shadows, and enhance contrast. specialized.com…
Primo globe-trotter tread from the maker of some of the best-wearing boots and shoes around. These waterproof leather numbers feature trail-ready soles, burly toe boxes, and rubber all around. merrell.com…
Good for BackcountryWe loved the subtle pinstripe herringbone pattern and the ceramic scuff guards on the ankles. And thanks to the waterproof/breathable eVent fabric, they didn’t get stuffy on an hourlong hike to Taos, New Mexico’s Kachina Peak. westcomb.com…
IGNORE THE FORECAST Good for Resort The Hoback is our favorite fully insulated ski jacket. The incredibly light Gore-Tex Pro Shell exterior is as waterproof and breathable as shells get, repelling even high-moisture squalls in the Cascade Range better than any other fabric we tested. Inside…
The killer-whale look is definitely polarizing, but the supportive fit and smartly articulated chamois of these handmade bibs felt great even after six hours in the saddle. Bonus: SPF 50 sun-protection rating, so your legs won’t burn under that white fabric. pearlizumi.com…
Don’t let the laid-back, skate-shoe looks fool you. With sturdy Vibram outsoles and tough, water-resistant uppers, the Boaris are meant to double as your lightweight hikers. patagonia.com…
Down Economic stimulus in the form of a 650-fill down jacket with a soft, shaggy hood and a feminine cut. llbean.com…
Good for Trail Easily the warmest jacket here, the XV is absolutely stuffed with top-tier down (850 fill) and wrapped in a tougher-than-average DWR nylon shell. It’s a bit heavier—but a lot burlier—than other down jackets we tested. 2.1 lbs; firstascent.com…
How to make perfect cycling sunglasses: Start with photochromic lenses (not polarized, which hide the glare on slick spots) for day-to-night wind deflection and auto-adjusting tint. Then throw exhaust vents on the lenses to cut fogging. Next, grippy rubber at nose and temples. Last? Price it right.
I loved this glove for midwinter tours. My routine: Skin up wearing just the waterproof-breathable shells, then put the fleece liners in for a warm, dry descent. blackdiamondequipment.com…
Utility Whether touring or just pleasure-cruising, these lightweight soft-shell cycling trunks are our top pick for simple, relaxed, chamois-free bottoms. Quick-drying after a rainstorm or roadside swim, acceptable at the bistro or B&B, and sporting four pockets, they're a godsend. outlier.cc …
German Engineering If, like in that song, I was walking 500 miles, I’d wear this incredibly comfortable shoe, no question. Suede-lined, molding ergonomic footbed below. Supple, unlined leather above—meaning you control the climate with your choice of socks (or lack thereof). birkenstockusa.com…
If you prefer to do sun salutations in a T-shirt, opt for something moisture-wicking, like this mostly polyester one, which also has strategically placed mesh panels for releasing steam. marmot.com…
When you’re ready to graduate from a touring bike to a zippier ride—one with the streamlined speed, stiffness, and low weight to tackle a race but enough gears to let you climb any mountain pass—hop on this svelte option. Its full-carbon frame has the energy transfer and agility of…
All-conditions excellence marks the Fasano’s hi-def optics: The polarized, amber lenses are also photochromic, adjusting to light intensity on the fly. So you can trust these to take care of your eyes from dawn to dusk, whether you’re on the road, on a sunny deck slopeside, or in a…
Town Crossover Stuff the synthetically insulated Guise into one of its pockets and—voilà—it’s a U-shaped travel pillow. Though the DWR coating and pit zips give it a bit of technical prowess, without interior pockets, Velcro closures, or a hood cinch, this jacket is not designed for serious backcountry use.1.8 lbs;…
PUFF LIGHT Of all the jackets we tested, none saw as much field time as the Xenon. The slightly puffy top is stuffed with enough PrimaLoft insulation to be worn alone down to about 30 degrees. And while its face fabric appears thin and fragile, it’s anything but. One tester…
Warm feet, plus giving the planet a helping hand: The Brrogue’s outsole is made with recycled and natural rubber, while the suede and full-grain leather are both produced in factories that work to create fewer emissions. These boots aren’t for bitter temperatures, but the toothy tread will surprise you…
USER-FRIENDLY RIPPER Top pros like Bruce Irons, Joel Parkinson, and Luke Egan all ride Aussie shaper Jason Stevenson’s designs; the 6’5″ 300KW thruster we tested is identical to the one Egan surfs on in competitions. The bottom features a speedy, single-concave shape that transitions into a double-concave section near the…
Though it’s more than a year old, the Jefe, like its Tsangpo-stomping predecessor the Gus, has no equal as a creek and expedition boat. The long waterline, medium chines, displacement hull, and heavily rockered bow allow the boat to accelerate, track through turns, climb out of holes, and get…
TWICE AS FUN, TWICE AS HARD How much do you really trust your paddling partner? How solid is your marriage? The Topo Duo may have the answers. It’s the only two-person whitewater boat in production. A strong paddler can right both the boat and an accompanying novice, but beware: There…
GET UP, STAND UP Last year saw stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) move from the wacky fringe to the pages of Us Weekly, as seemingly every celebrity picked it up. With the fad still on full burn, shapers are racing into the SUP market, which is what makes the C4 special. It…
Like the cushy longboards that initially bore the Bing name, the single-fin Lovebird is gorgeous, with a gloss coat, fabric-inlaid deck, and pigment-colored bottom and rail wrap. But this isn’t some artsy old-school replica. (The brand was relicensed in 2000.) We tested our 9’2″ model in a variety of…
Top Touring Boat Paddle the nearly 18-foot-long Infinity as a day boat and it's fun if a bit cumbersome. Load it and head out for a week or more and it really shines. Serious paddlers looking for a comfy boat will love the Infinity's large cockpit and raised foredeck, which…
Sterling’s 70-meter, 10.1-millimeter Marathon Pro rope strikes a good balance between lightness and durability. sterlingrope.com…
1. It’s a friendly monster. Our advanced-intermediate testers felt like heroes, our former U.S. pro said it “laid a nice rail,” and everyone in between praised its ability to stick on hardpack, plow through crud, and provide the overall smoothest ride of any of the skis we tested. 2.
Why It RulesThe Blur gets its boing from a new system that keeps the shock from being activated by the up-and-down motion of pedaling. Released last year, the so-called virtual pivot-point design still tops anything new for 2004. » The suspension point between this bike’s rear swingarms isn’t fixed to…
You could pay more than twice as much for a bike and not have this much fun. With a one-piece carbon frame, competition-worthy components, and intuitive handling, this Gear of the Year winner is an entry-level racer that moves “entry level” into the same neighborhood as “elite.” 1. For…
The slow but steady First Need uses a three-stage matrix to draw out and starve viruses. Forcing water through the unit takes time and elbow grease on the pump handle, but the end product is virus-free and ready to quaff, with no need for additional chemical treatment. And because the…
1. Last year, Mountain Hardwear wowed the sleeping-bag world (OK, us gearheads) with its welded-insulation Lamina series. Even non-sleeping-bag geeks will appreciate this upgrade: The UltraLamina 32 is lighter (2.1 pounds) and compresses down to almost two-thirds the size of its predecessor. 2. Hardwear chopped up its synthetic…
Why It’s CoolCuddling up to the two-pound-two-ounce Sub Kilo definitely took the edge off a few damp, chilly nights in the Green Mountains of Vermont. Two curvy lines stitched down the length of the bag to prevent the 700-fill goose down from clumping worked as billed: No cold spots arose…
1. Black Diamond rolled out an impressive 11 new models this year. But our tele and alpine testers agreed: Of all the new skis we reviewed, the redesigned Verdict was the most versatile, wide enough for the deepest days and stable on hardpack yet still lightweight enough for touring. 2.
Why It’s CoolThe canister version of MSR’s liquid-fuel SimmerLite shares its twin’s huge burner head, with similar pot supports that rotate into place and double as the feet. The legs endow the WindPro with the second-largest pot platform of all the cookers we tested, and the steadiness of a cast-iron…
1. Most frontside skis are too precise and exhausting for freeskiing. Not the pared-down CX 80, which does away with heavy add-ons like complex binding plates for a more responsive feel. It’s ten millimeters fatter than most, but its World Cupinspired laminate construction and vertical sidewalls still deliver impressive…
If you think even a three-pound tent is heavy, but snoozing sans roof seems iffy, the NightHaven is for you. More than a tarp, less than a tent, the shelter sets up with two trekking poles. Lack of ventilation meant the silicone-treated nylon walls got clammy when the NightHaven…
1. Thanks to its top-of-the-line 800-fill down, light fabrics, half-length zipper, and trim cut, the Adrenaline 20 packs down to the size of a loaf of bread. Even more impressive, at less than two pounds, the Adrenaline is about a half-pound lighter than the average 20-degree down bag. Add…