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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…
Unlike most cycling gear, which is either solid black or blue (thrilling!) or garish enough to offend your dog, Twin Six’s line of high-performance, retro-hip jerseys won’t make your partner cringe. www.twinsix.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…
Waffling between a shoe and a sandal? The H2’s blend of protection, support, and air conditioning make it the perfect compromise. Just don’t expect to slip into it like a flip-flop. www.keenfootwear.com…
We’ve heard of one-size-fits-all hats, but bikes? And yet everyone who rode the Lisa RD raved about the comfortable fit. Benefitting from Kona’s comprehensive push in the road-bike realm this year, the Lisa is built with the same responsive Dedacciai Force 7005 aluminum used on higher-level frames, paired with…
COOL CHAMELEONOne of those rare pieces that delivers performance on the trail but still looks sharp on the street, this ingeniously paneled, 19-ounce hoodless number employs two breeds of Gore WindStopper—tough Trango on the yoke and arms, lighter Eiger on the rest—and its versatility is astounding: You’ll stay warm and…
Ounce for ounce, the lightweight and stretchy Contours are the toughest pants here. A DWR coating easily fends off rain, and hard-duty Cordura/Lycra fabric is still breathable enough for hot days. orgear.com…
DRY IN ANY STORM If you go out when others go home, this is your jacket. It’s a tad heavy, but the payoff is uncompromising protection. When a group of five testers ski-toured out of Washington’s Commonwealth Basin in steady rain, the only guy who stayed bone-dry was the one…
With a razor-siped, sticky gum-rubber outsole for traction on slick decks, and rustproof hardware to combat corrosive saltwater, this shoe is right at home on a boat in, say, Belize. columbia.com…
Get socks that’ll outlast your shoes. These seem like they were forged rather than knitted. After a two-month pounding, the merino/nylon/Lycra socks look good as new. darntough.com…
When your snot starts to freeze on your face, grab this goose-down monster. Smart vents in the chest minimize overheating on hard-charging descents. oakley.com…
The water-resistant Aidens can handle snowy driveways and sloppy sidewalks. But because they’re not insulated (but have comfy sheepskin liners), these shoes are a good choice for California winters and other moderate climates. uggaustralia.com…
These pants were impervious to Cascade storms, but still light enough for spring touring. The key: strong and breathable Gore-Tex Pro Shell, and removable suspenders that make for a smooth transition from foul to fair. scottusa.com…
The low-key style, almost hidden pockets, and minimal amount of PrimaLoft One synthetic insulation make it perfect for mild days. 1.2 lbs; merrell.com…
In a single day skiing at Colorado’s Arapahoe Basin, we received four compliments on this striped, belted jacket. Style points aside, it’s also waterproof with fully taped seams, though it doesn’t breathe as well as its competitors. hellyhansen.com…
LIKES TO GO FAST We started testing this aptly named piece last spring, skiing Colorado’s Indian Peaks, and never put it away. It’s made with a tough but stretchy version of Gore Windstopper, a soft, light fabric that breathes incredibly well and still repels the elements. Though it’s not completely…
The Chanel-inspired Elizas are all style, but the view from the bronze-fade lens isn’t quite as crisp as the others here. spyoptic.com…
AFFORDABLE AND VERSATILE Let’s put it this way: If the other jackets here are Audis, the Waypoint is a Toyota. Made from Columbia’s proprietary Omni-Tech waterproof-breathable fabric, it sheds precipitation as ably as pricier jackets and kept testers completely dry fly-fishing in an all-day drizzle off Long Island. The catch…
Good for BackcountryThe relaxed-fit Unltd is like a soft shell that Super Fly would’ve worn. But with Gore’s latest laminate lining, taped seams, and strategically placed Thermolite insulation, you won’t have to suffer for style. scottusa.com…
GO-TO GREEN Good for Resort The only uninsulated jacket here, the Ekolab is a lightweight hard shell with resort touches like a removable powder skirt and helmet-compatible hood. Not only did it win over our testers in heavy, wet snow; it also impressed us with its…
BEST OVERALL This jacket is all about skier-friendly features. Our favorites: an easily removable hood, a powder skirt, zipper tabs big enough for mittened hands, and fleecy cuffs that keep drafts out. The insulated Sofia is warm without looking bulky, but on the coldest days you’ll have to layer up…
The Cimarron might look a little aggro, but it’s virtually indestructible, thanks to its beefy molded-EVA exoskeleton and Keen’s patented toe-stubbing protection. Bonus: A full-length mesh-upper lining keeps feet secure and small pebbles out. keenfootwear.com…
Soft ShellsThe soft Cocona-and-polyester lining makes the Kenosha the warmest wind shell here. It proved its mettle on everything from a whale-watching trip in Maine to a 30-mile mountain-bike epic on the Colorado Trail. We even used it as a midlayer on a spring skiing tour in Rocky Mountain…
Good for Backcountry The Amalgam isn’t quite as breathable as the Lobuche or as tricked out as the Free Thinker II, but it’s better priced and more packable. One thing it doesn’t compromise on, however, is weather protection. When a wet spring snowstorm near Winter Park, Colorado,…
Good for Backcountry Here’s a perfect spring pant. The ultralight Primo features Patagonia’s proprietary H2No waterproof-breathable stretch fabric, half-length side zips for venting, and three pockets. Minimalism at its best means protection without overheating. patagonia.com…
A super-supple yet plenty supportive leather upper atop a dual-density (softer underfoot) all-terrain outsole makes this a perfect trail-to-town hiker/walker. Heck, you might even stash a backup pair in your closet. merrell.com…
Backcountry Staple If you don’t already have a jacket like the Atom LT Hoody in your quiver, it’s time to add one. What’s so great about it? Because it’s lightly insulated with a highly compressible synthetic fill, it’s impressively warm for such a light and packable jacket. Plus its stretchy…
Mad Multisporter The Jawbone is available in multiple lens options that include vented, polarized, and photochromic. We loved the polarized persimmon seen here, but our favorite was the vented copper-mirrored Fire Iridium, which offered crisp, hi-res views and made this big wrap look like it might bite, with its toothy…
Not only does the design show off your back and shoulders, but you’ll never be annoyed by a falling tank-top strap. A shelf bra supports up to a B cup. lululemon.com…
This slim-fitting merino-wool jersey won’t stink as quickly as most, and thinner merino panels under the arms and along the sides helped it dry better than other jerseys we’ve tried. smartwool.com…
This tank has more to offer than just cotton (albeit organic). A built-in bra adds support and comfort. mountainhardwear.com…
Technical The synthetically insulated and DWR-coated Igniter is slim enough to slip beneath a shell on cold mornings at the resort. Worn alone, it held its own into the mid-twenties, and it packs down smaller than a volleyball. 1.4 lbs; TAGS: synthetic, great midlayer…
The synthetic-and-wool lining on these waterproof spring-weight gloves does a great job of wicking away moisture. Dexterity is only so-so, but they’re a solid glove at this price. TAGS: stretchy, spring skiing…
The loose cut and new-school style belie its tech cred: The polyester waffle fabric did an impressive job wicking moisture away. Note: Runs big. TAGS: buttons, slightly baggy…
A hint of jacquard sweater material and three big wooden buttons make these cozy slip-ons feel more feminine than most winter boots. But proprietary insulation and a waterproof membrane mean they’re as tough as anything out there. They’re easier to get into than they look, too.
PATAGONIA‘s DOWN SWEATER SPECIAL EDITION will supercharge your winter jacket or sleeping bag.
This nine-footer is a high-performance board with plenty of float, so it’s Cadillac-smooth in peeling surf. Up front it’s wide, round, and inviting for toes-on-the-nose time. And the double concave hulls spill to the tail in a slight V, which gives the board a shot of high-octane get-up-and-go. Pair…
A wide chest band and ample cups suit a range of sizes and hold everything securely in place for pickup volleyball. $72; www.watergirlusa.com…
SUMMER RUNABOUT The oversize cockpit makes for easy entry, the desk-chair-style high backrest is ergonomic and supportive, and the front deck net holds a water bottle, sunscreen, or a map. In other words, it was easily the most comfortable boat for cruising on calm days. Plus it’s easy to tailor…
SMOOTH AND STEADY Liquid Logic consulted a flotilla’s worth of southeastern kayak instructors when designing the river-running Remix. The result is a boat that’s about as user-friendly as they come: No edginess, no surprises, and easy to keep upright in squirrely water. And if you do flip? “It’ll literally roll…
Water Runner Several two-year-old pairs of 920s are still in rotation among our staff—and this updated version proved to be just as popular. The reason is simple: The 921 is a well-built water-and-land shoe with aggressive off-road tread, rigid rubber overlays for lateral support, and generous (and well-protected) drain holes…
Light and Tough The 13-foot Revolution is part of NRS's new series of urethane boats. With ample rocker and sporty tubes, the Revolution doubles as a high-performance whitewater paddle raft and, as an oar rig, a stable deck for fishing and lounging. We put the 13-footer pictured here to the…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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?…
Why It’s CoolOn a weeklong canyoneering schlep, the Delta handled crazy wind, three days of driving rain, and, um, an inebriated schlepper who bulldozed the tent after swilling some Bacardi 151. » Our team was all smiles in this palace, with its opulent 37-square-foot floor and 39-inch ceiling extending from…
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…
Make your summer bag a cozy nook for two with the 12-ounce Functional Design Bag Doubler.
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…
The Mercedes of the bunch is the eight-ounce BRUNTON LIBERTY, a little beauty of engineering with a price tag to match. A built-in igniter and permanent platinum mantle update the match-and-cloth-mantle setup of yore. Wing-like reflectors efficiently direct 80 watts of light where you want it; Proust was still quite…
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…
Behold a world-record holder: In wind-tunnel testing, the ultralight Spectrum withstood 130-mph-plus winds, says The North Face, thanks to a new design that funnels air through the tent via a front-awning scoop. While we never found a ridge where a Katrina-level blow was brewing, we assembled the fast-pitching Spectrum…
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…
You’ll change batteries less frequently with the waterproof (to one meter), three-watt Apex Pro, which is powered by two long-lasting CR123 lithiums. Of course, that’s another type of battery to pack. 6.1 oz; princetontec.com…
A LUXE BAG FOR BIG DUDES Norway-based Ajungilak (now owned by Mammut) started making sleeping bags nearly 120 years ago, and the accumulated experience shows in this deluxe, full-featured sack. For starters, the Altitude is made with top-shelf materials, like 780-fill down and a burly, highly water-resistant nylon shell. Plus…
FOUR-SEASON CHAMPION If you’re looking for a lightweight shelter that can handle high winds and heavy snow, single-wall tents like the Valhalla are tough to beat. Thanks to an interior-pole structure, two testers were able to quickly and easily set up the Valhalla in 50-mph winter winds. To combat condensation…
Synthetic bags tend to have worse weight-to-warmth ratios than down. But the 25-degree Kira comes much closer than most, thanks in large part to the bag’s unusual internal-collar design, which snaps around the neck but still leaves plenty of space for claustrophobes. 25°F, 4.1 lbs; mammutusa.com…
The ribs really do make it easier to hold on to. But our favorite thing about this old-school-looking aluminum bottle is its proprietary liner that fights off gunk build-up and other unwanted nasties. 5.6 oz; mysigg.com…
The svelte, 2,150-cubic-inch Koa 35 was ideal for light, fast overnight trips. Testers loved the breezy mesh back panel and the cram-friendly roll-top closure. And although it looks minimalist, the Koa is actually bedecked with a bunch of clever features. There’s a stretchy zip-away pocket on the front of the…
Lightweight Luxe This classic two-door, two-man, two-vestibule backpacking tent has been rebuilt with lighter fabrics to weigh in at less than most single-door ultralights. The Skyledge 2.1 shaves ounces by eliminating the tent’s corners; instead, nylon webbing connects the body to the tent poles. The 20-denier fly fabric needs to…
Tough Guy It’s a little bit shorter-lived than similarly bright headlamps (1.5 hours at its 100-lumen max), but it’s also much more durable. That’s because, while most lights are housed in plastic, the Saint Minimus is made of hard-anodized aluminum. It’s also waterproof, and the light setting is easy to…
JETBOIL‘s ultra-efficient GROUP COOKING SYSTEM has a 1.5-liter pot for melting snow.
Three-density, lace-up thermomoldable liners and efficient walking mode make skinning up comfortable and effortless, yet it's plenty stiff and powerful to drive big boards like the Sickbirds. 7.9 lbs; garmontusa.com Bonus: The magnesium buckles reduce ice buildup. Bummer: A bit roomy for folks with narrow feet. …
THE ALL-AROUNDER Good for All Mountain How do you one-up the AC40, arguably the most versatile all-mountain ski ever made? You boost the edge hold with Marker’s iPT WideRide binding system, which transfers even more energy to this amazingly dynamic wood-core ski. You can feather…
With rigid lateral support and external heel reinforcements, this boot is made for all-mountain pounding. Bonus: The Cold Temperature Rubber on the sole hardens for better traction at temps below 33 degrees. dcshoes.com…
At 13 ounces, the featherweight of the bunch is for freeskiers who don’t want to feel like they’re wearing a helmet at all. Trim padding makes this a good-looking helmet for narrow faces. markerusa.com…
LIGHT AND FAST Wear a heart-rate monitor while you snowshoe? The Race is for you. Titanium claws help keep them light without compromising traction, and the V-shaped frame won’t trip you up at high speeds. The crisscross Race binding cinches tight without crushing feet shod in flexy shoes. 2.1…
With five adjustable underfoot cable settings, this binding, which was built to accommodate smaller boot sizes, suits all levels. 3 lbs; twentytwodesigns.com …
Thanks to its forgiving flex and an upright stance that makes for comfortable cruising all over the hill, the Dragon was our first choice for all-day skiing. “Advanced to expert skiers will love this boot,” said one tester. “It’s very smooth.” tecnicausa.com…
Malleable rubber gaskets behind the foam create a reassuringly snug seal. Free-spinning strap hinges eliminate pressure points. And the spherical-like lens was second only to the Smith I/O in clarity. spyoptic.com…
Good for Big Mountain When it debuted last year, Marker's Duke changed the AT-binding landscape with its alpine-binding-like toepiece, stout construction, and best-in-class downhill performance. New for this season, the Baron is every bit as tough but in a slightly lighter (1/3 lb per pair) package with less DIN…
Don’t mess with success. The Women’s Banshee incorporates Lange’s classic World Cup lower shell and a new women-specific upper cuff, providing a better fit and increased leverage without being overbearing around the calf. Improved rubber soles make it much easier to hike to the good stuff, and the shearling-like…
FOR POWDER AND PARK By replacing layers of fiberglass and resin with structural bamboo veneers, Salomon has figured out how to make a board that’s a bit healthier for the planet—and, of course, extremely fun to ride, especially when heading into the sidecountry. The tapered tails help prevent nosedives in…
The men’s version of this shoe won 2010’s Gear of the Year award. The user-friendly women’s version has plenty of bite, but our favorite feature is a flexing frame that removes any jarring, whether you’re walking around the lake or up the mountain. 22″; tubbssnowshoes.com…
Good for Resort Our favorite big-mountain board this year, the reverse-camber Megalight is all about hucking and floating. “I would drop off a cliff on it,” one tester said. “It was amazing in powder and easy to maneuver in the trees.” And while the Megalight is large—sizes…
Good for All Mountain Here's the rightful heir to one of the bestselling skis of all time, the Salomon X-Scream of the 1990s. But while the X-Scream was no fun in deep snow, the brand-new Fury excels in it. The wider, 85-millimeter waist helps, but it's the ski's new…
Last year we raved about the I/O’s seamless interchangeable lens system and distortion-killing Vaporator valve, which equalizes the pressure between the double lens. Our only gripe? On smaller faces, it looked like you were wearing a goldfish bowl. The I/OS is essentially the same goggle but in a…