MAKE TRAINING FEEL LIKE RACING Sometimes you float through your training runs like a butterfly, while other times every step stings like a bee. But since you’re no Muhammad Ali—sorry, you’re a midpack dude prepping for a charity marathon—you’ll like this smooth-riding, ultra-comfy trainer. On both good and bad days,…

SMOOTH, CUSHIONED VERSATILITY Lucky number 13? It is if you count a commitment to research as good fortune. The 13th version of this all-purpose favorite is the result of years of accumulated R&D. This Kayano boasts thicker gel cushioning units in the heel than previous models, resulting in an even…

STABILITY IN MOTION Ever watch a caterpillar crawl over your knuckles? The weather-resistant, soft-shell Shadow Dragon takes a page from the little bugs: the outsole’s 12 protruding lugs, which gave us a noticeable boost in stability on the small rocks, roots, and other obstacles of Boulder’s Mesa Trail. 11.5 oz;…

CAN TAKE THE HEAT The 874 is built like an elite road racer: a slender torso atop a powerful lower body. A weird physique for a shoe? Perhaps, but the combination of an almost lacy, two-layer mesh upper wedded to a thick midsole and luggy tread works extremely well on…

This featherweight back hugger stays in place during even the most jarring bob-and-weave trail running. Pack sparingly: There’s space for only energy bars, keys, and a light shell. The spongy back panel is soft but gets sweaty. Two-liter reservoir included. 12 oz; www.kelty.com…

ROCK AND ROAD Sometimes run roads, sometimes trails? This hybrid combines ample cushioning and a road-shoe-like fit for pounding pavement, with a bi-directional tread that gripped even the sloppiest terrain. Though pillowy, it’s still responsive. Faster testers appreciated the smooth transition from heel strike to toe off. The tight mesh…

em>Packed Trail In a word: smooth. The Cascadia 4 can handle both big miles and varied terrain, making it an ideal training shoe for trail marathons or ultras. The environmentally sensitive BioMoGo midsole (which, Brooks claims, will break down in a landfill 50 times faster than most…

Good for Trails If you run both roads and mellow trails, be good to your budget: Buy one shoe that can handle both. The Boulder Canyon has the guts of a neutral road shoe—a single-density EVA foam provides ample cushioning on pavement. But it also has grippy,…

The Gripper On the worst running surfaces of our test—loose dirt, rock slabs, and muddy sidehill traverses—the Rockridge excelled. Prominent lugs and sticky rubber combined for a gluelike grip on all surfaces, making these an “epic adventure partner,” as one tester put it. The mesh upper was supremely breathable, thanks…

Saves Some for Later Last fall, we picked Nike’s amazing LunarGlide+, with its unique Dynamic Support midsole, as our Gear of the Year. Nike built the new LunarEclipse+ on the same platform but opened up the toe box, and took its stability one notch further, bracing the heel with a…

One tester spirited away the Apache as soon as it arrived and only returned it a few weeks later, after we threatened to withhold his pay—and even then it took a few days. The Apache is simply one of the most fun cross-country bikes we’ve ridden, especially for the…

If the thought of spending more for a quality bike than a decent used car makes you want to take up jogging, the Dakar will keep you on two wheels. The aluminum frame is stiff and responsive, and can take a lot of abuse. (We crashed ours into both…

STEALTH RACERScott checks in with one of the lightest competition frames on the planet—a blend of custom tubes and carbon welding that weighs a feathery one pound 15 ounces. For a frame this light, it’s surprisingly solid. When it was decked with Campagnolo’s midrange Centaur group, our test bike came…

Keep your cool without losing your teeth. This comfortable full-face helmet is almost as airy as most XC buckets (21 vents) and delivers a superb fit with its highly adjustable retention system. specialized.com…

CHEAP THRILLS With so many astronomically expensive bikes on the market, it’s easy to get the impression that entry-level bikes perform too poorly to warrant consideration. The Xenith Comp proves that’s not the case. The full-carbon frame offers about as stiff a platform as you’ll find at this price, and…

MIRACLE LENSThose clever Germans have done it again: The FLs boast the first binocular lenses infused with fluoride. The chemical, commonly used in telescope lenses, reduces the tendency of glass to disperse colors, and, as billed, these barrels seduce with stunningly bright and crisp images. I tried them at dusk,…

A great entry-level race shoe for high-volume feet, the MX170 has a heel-mounted Boa lacing system that cinches the shoe around the ankle to prevent heel lift. lakecycling.com…

With its integrated lens and extensive exposure-control features, the R1 straddles the fence between point-and-shoot and D-SLR. The 10.3-megapixel sensor produces images to rival any top-end SLR, yet with the built-in lens (not interchangeable) the R1 is surprisingly light by SLR standards; it weighs just 37 ounces. And make…

We have to break out the superlatives for this out-of-the-box racer. It's the lightest and stiffest frame that Giant has ever produced—the same one (albeit without the integrated seat mast) that was ridden to more pro wins last year than any other bike. Granted, the SL 2 is hung with…

A true featherweight—pictured in its runner-friendly configuration, sans earbud necklace—with the display on the bottom and minimalist controls. Multiformat USB; www.asono.com…

Road Comfortable Crossover In many ways, the Sterling is on the opposite end of the spectrum from the Prolight. There’s a removable (and padded) bug-net lining, a Boa-like knob that dials in the perfect fit with a few clicks, and a visor for mountain biking. All that, and it’s…

For a sure fire, break out the COLIBRI CX GEAR QUANTUM TEMPEST lighter. This butane fire breather has a one-click lighting system and a built-in LED. (800-556-7354, www.colibri.com)…

Easy Rider Using the Ritchey Breakaway system, this chromoly touring bike’s frame splits, and the whole thing packs down beautifully into one checkable suitcase in about ten minutes. Upon reaching your destination, you’ve got a sprightly ride that takes full racks and fenders, comes with fat 35-millimeter Schwalbe rubber…

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, even…

When used within earshot of civilization, the iPaq bridges the gap between handheld and notebook PC. On offer: 64MB of real computing power—think miniature versions of Microsoft Excel and Word—and integrated support for wireless local area networks for lightning-fast downloads anywhere you can pick up a Wi-Fi signal. Farther afield,…

Track your cycling or cross-training performance 50 ways from Sunday with this calorie-counting, target-zoning, pace-crunching, heart-rate-monitoring, wireless-data-down-loading—I could go on—wrist computer. polarusa.com…

The 200-meter-rated ST. MORTIZ NEREOS ($395) automatically tracks the time and depth data from your last four dives and stores them in a dive log. The Italian-made rubber strap fits comfortably over a wetsuit or bare skin.

The German-made 1TAUSEND AUTO ($1,095) from Limes dutifully keeps time with an automatic mechanical movement. And with an extra-brawny sapphire crystal and a steel crown that screws tightly into the case, the piece can survive depths of up to 1,000 meters—far more, of course, than you can.

The three-ounce waterproof INOVA 24/7 LED SMARTBRIGHT light ($39) packs eight illumination modes into a well-designed octagonal housing. Rotate the rugged plastic bezel to select headlamp or tent reading light—or choose from five signal settings, including SOS.

A DSLR IN DIGICAM’S CLOTHING The FZ18 sits firmly between two worlds: DSLRs and point-and-shoots. The built-in Leica lens puts it in the point-and-shoot category, yet it’s precisely this lens—a whopping 18x zoom that extends from 28mm to 504mm (film equivalent)—that gives it the shooting flexibility of a DSLR. Image-stabilization…

The fold-up design of the DCF saves space and weight. At 2.5 inches wide, it’s the smallest here. One nit: We weren’t crazy about the forward placement of the focus wheel. But tight, clean images make up for it. 8×25; pentaxsportoptics.com…

Unlike many of its juice-sucking peers, GARMIN’S 5.4-ounce GPSMAP 60C ($482) keeps its brilliant 256-color screen powered for an impressive 30 hours. With its fast processor, flipping through the brilliant, high-resolution screens is as easy as cruising around your Mac, and the USB simplifies connections.

Why It’s CoolIt’s tough, for one thing, owing to its magnesium body. But it’s also smart, with a 28-200mm SLR-equivalent Carl Zeiss zoom that’s very bright and supersharp. » You can start firing within a second of powering up—and we’re talking full-size eight-megapixel shots at a screaming 2.6 frames a…

Hate wires? With its Bluetooth adapter, this noise-isolating stereo headset, which floats behind your neck, streams audio and calls (there’s a built-in mike). Fidelity is better than average for Bluetooth. motorola.com…

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…

Good for Backcountry It’s the tips and tails that most often give you trouble, which is why we’re loving BD’s new nylon-and-mohair skins. In addition to being a bit lighter, faster, and more packable than previous generations, this model has riveted top loops to latch cleanly onto…

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…

Stay Connected When you pair Delorme’s full-featured GPS (topo maps, aerial photos, 3.5 gigs of memory) with the companion Spot transmitter, something very cool happens: In addition to sending standard Spot messages (“I’m OK,” “SOS”), you can also type 48-character text messages to friends, Twitter, or Facebook. Annual subscription starts…

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…

3G in the Sahara The 2540p is a 3.6-pound, “business rugged” machine built to military standards: Its magnesium-alloy case can handle 300 pounds of force, and the shock-mounted hard drive is rated to survive 26 drops from 30 inches. It’s also made to tolerate blowing dust, altitude (15,000 feet), high…

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…

Billabong partnered with Sony on the design of this special-edition, boardshort-inspired, pick-up-and-go notebook that weighs in at less than three pounds. Under its lime-green hood is a 250GB hard drive, 1.83GHz processor, and vivid 10.1-inch LED display. TAGS: vibrant, travel-ready…

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…

SKULLCANDY‘s lightweight CHOPS HEADPHONES. With arms that wrap firmly behind your ears, they keep the tunes coming at you loud and clear.

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.

On this wave glutton, I had to stop myself from gobbling up more than my fair share of rides. Designed by legendary shaper Al Merrick, this seven-foot-six-incher is basically a scaled-down longboard. The payoff: It’s versatile enough to handle ankle biters as well as pitching six-foot faces. The 21-inch…

With exceptional primary and secondary stability and surprisingly speedy acceleration, the Tsunami blends beginner-friendly handling with performance that won’t leave you wanting once you’ve mastered the basics. Everyone who paddled it—from testers to their mothers—had fun. A high-backed seat provides superb support, and with seven sizes available, it fits…

A DO-IT-ALL BARGAIN This is the shortboard for surfers with champagne taste and a box-wine budget. The six-foot-plus Glider was designed by Al Merrick, the revered shaper at Channel Islands Surfboards, and then mass-produced in Thailand by Global Surf Industries. It’s a classic all-around shape, and in both medium-size beach…