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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Cannondale is now manipulating carbon fiber for high-end race bikes as well as anyone, but the company hasn't completely abandoned its deep aluminum heritage. The Six 5 weds a carbon rear end and fork, which minimize painful road vibrations, to a stiff aluminum front triangle for pedaling efficiency. The frame…

Mountain Anticipating a trip to Moab in July? The Instinct’s cooling system has gaping channels that funnel air through like a fan. www.specialized.com Bonus: The on-off mountain visor is fast and easy.

Why It’s Coolhen the Trek engineers responsible for keeping Lance Armstrong in yellow had lightened the man’s frame as much as they could, they turned to aerodynamics. Using a wind tunnel, the team refined the tubing on what would become the Madone to eliminate tiny drag differences that purportedly added…

A fit system perfectly adjusts the Boss to your head—up, down, and around. And the smart closure on the strap is easy to manage even while you’re bouncing about on the trail. Bummer: Why no visor? uvexsports.com…

HEAD FOR THE HILLS In 2007, the mountainous Giro d’Italia and the best-climber’s jersey at the Tour de France were both won on Cannondales. It is with that climbing pedigree in mind that the company launches its new SuperSix. This is the same full-carbon frame Cannondale’s top pros are on…

This updated classic has multi-position eyecups that fit well with glasses or without, ergonomic thumb grooves, and excellent clarity in all light. 10×42; bushnell.com…

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…

Why They’re CoolThe Magellans are hermetically sealed and nitrogen-filled, thus dirtproof, waterproof, and ideal for, say, river-trip camping, where they’re likely to get dunked and gunked. » Sub-$300 binos usually guarantee a degree of eyestrain, but these embody optical features such as BaK4 prisms—fine, high-density glass that minimizes light scattering—and…

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…

The great communicator gets better in 2006, with a radio range extended to 14 miles. In case you missed the earlier versions, the Rino is a fully functioning GPS and a two-way radio in one unit. While hiking in the Grand Canyon, we could split up on a whim…

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…

Never miss a shot again. With virtually no shutter lag—a luxury previously found only on high-end SLRs—and an almost instantaneous startup, the 6.3-megapixel F10 is ready before you can say “cheese.” This lightning-fast responsiveness, combined with the F10’s small size (slightly larger than a deck of cards, it’s perfect…

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…

SPORTSTERAt a paltry 23 ounces, the Pinnacles are three to six ounces lighter than many full-size binocs, making them delightfully quick on the draw when chasing down skittish scrub birds. At 5.5 inches long, they’re also a little smaller than many competitors, and thus easier to pack. Light transmission and…

The God Bless America entry in this group, HP plays to our bigger-is-better leanings with this tote-bag equivalent of Imax. Multiple headphone jacks, Harmon Kardon speakers, BrightView widescreen, and a handheld remote (obviating the long reach from your first-class seat to the tray table) re-create the cinema experience. And because…

LUXURY FOR LUDDITES Why go back to manual controls in an age of whiz-bang do-everything automatics? Two words: speed and creativity. The 7.5-megapixel Digilux 3 is pricey, but after a few days of street shooting, we found the perfectly-placed controls let us manually frame and expose shots just as fast…

The Pro’s aircraft-grade aluminum housing was unfazed by snow and a stream dunk. And the slick “fast, close” focusing system makes it easier to find—and follow—your subject. 8.5×26; steiner-binoculars.com…

BEST FOR BEGINNERS Never used a GPS before? Check out the refreshingly straightforward Venture. On day hikes and quick overnighters around British Columbia’s southern Coast Mountains, testers with limited GPS knowledge found the cell-phone-size Venture’s simple menu system the most intuitive to operate. Its relatively big (1.3-by-1.7-inch), bright color screen…

Feeling competitive with no partner in sight? This featherweight plastic training watch has a Shadow Racer feature that lets you compete against your previous runs to check your progress en route. adidas.com      …

We love the Zen’s 2.5-inch screen and crisp sound. Music, photos, video, FM, and voice recording are standard, and a card slot lets you boost storage. PC only; creative.com…

Elegant enough for a five-star dinner but ready for anything, this brushed-steel, sapphire-crystal chronograph is rated to a depth of 100 meters and sports a tachymeter, date window, and luminous hands and numerals. swissarmy.com…

SMALLER AND SMARTER This is BlackBerry’s finest model to date. Svelte and ultralight, it’s more like a cell phone—and less like a paperweight—than its predecessors. But despite the diminutive scale, the Curve is endowed with a full qwerty keyboard we found to be unbeatable among smartphones for fast, accurate typing.

Not only is the Pro Elite the most stable portable stand we’ve ever tested, it’s also the easiest to use. The smart spring-loaded head allows for one-handed clamping and releases with the push of a button. feedbacksports.com…

For the Cousteau in you, the Sea-Touch records data for up to 220 dives. It’s also outfitted with compass, alarm, thermometer, and chronograph, but the shockproof construction, 200-meter depth rating, and sapphire crystal are what inspire confidence. tissot.ch…

The Throttle pulls off a rather nifty trick: In addition to being superlight—they weigh less than a pack of Gu Energy Gel—the grippy temples also make them the most comfortable glasses here. nativeyewear.com…

The Bold is more than just a business phone. With a smoother, more intuitive operating system, it’s way more user-friendly than previous Black­Berrys. And it’s ideal for international travelers who want to stay in touch—with Wi-Fi to avoid roaming charges, cellular-assisted GPS, long battery life, and quad-band accessibility. For…

MOST TECHNICAL The photochromatic lenses are a delight in low light or even mist, with a pale yellowish tint that knifes through murk. But when the morning fog finally burns off, the Race’s tint quickly darkens to a snow-and-ice-worthy shade of amber, blocking out an impressive 93 percent of available…

Flying south for the winter? The island-friendly Navigator 2.0 has a compass, 30-lap memory, three alarms, and 100-meter water resistance. The cool innovation is the free-form mesh band, which does away with set holes—great for between-size wrists. freestyleusa.com…

Few sunglasses can switch from the Pacific Crest Trail to Rodeo Drive like this frameless number. Copper-tint polarized resin lenses protect against glare and pump up contrast for active sports. There’s secure grip in the right places, and the modest-size wrap lenses don’t sacrifice protection for fashion. Flair starts…

Giant Killer The long-awaited prosumer follow-up to last year’s GOY-winning EOS 5D Mark II, the 7D is $1,000 cheaper than that top-shelf DSLR but in many respects a better camera. While it lacks the pro version’s full-frame sensor, the 18MP 7D more than makes up for it with a responsive…

Why It’s CoolThe ripstop nylon fabric is embedded with a carbon yarn designed to dissipate static cling. So whether you’re layering it with a shaggy fleece or shagging in a fleecy lair, you won’t get that irritating snap-crackle-pop that synthetic threads tend to give off when they rub together. It’s…

You’ll often leave before sunrise to make a summit push. Pack this small, light LED headlamp, which has two settings: a floodlight for illuminating the trail and a beam for long-distance (150 feet) spotting. princetontec.com…

Welcome to Savile Row. Enter your measurements and choose options on Beyond’s Web site and a couple weeks later take delivery of a custom-fit, custom-featured soft shell—I designed a model for cycling and nordic skiing. The one nonnegotiable characteristic—Schoeller Dryskin Extreme fabric—kept me just right during a 15-mph road…

Most snow saws rely on puny teeth better suited for cutting crusty bread. This 14-inch (seven when folded) igloo saw uses quarter-inch shark teeth to rip through even the most consolidated snow. Use it for pit work or carving the perfect shelter blocks. Attaches easily to just about anything—ski…

Lightweight and low-profile, the Hooligan is perfect for slim faces and smaller heads. Bonus: You can afford another pair if you lose ’em at the crag. www.ryderseyewear.com…

Stay cool—literally and figuratively—with this high-style lid. www.kaenon.com…

Pull on this warm shell when the mercury plummets. The densely knit polyester doesn’t flap in the wind, and a fleecy lining wicks sweat (but adds heft). 12 oz; www.cloudveil.com…

MEAN AND LEANA smidge less of anything and the ultra-minimalist Kicker would be missing something important. But it’s all there: optics, protection, and security. Since the gray polarized poly lenses present a slightly flattened view, the Kicker is best suited to sailing, say, or riding your cruiser bike—activities that don’t…

With an adjustable strap across the arch, this flip-flop won’t fall off when you have to motor. And the multidirectional tread helps prevent slick-deck spills. sperrytopsider.com…

REFRESHINGLY UNFUSSY When Jackson, Wyoming–based Cloudveil promises a do-it-all mountain soft shell for under $150, the smart money gives it a try. So our Jackson-based tester did everything in it: He biked to work in light rain and snow, boot-packed up Glory Bowl in 20-degree weather with just a lightweight…

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…