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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…
ALPINE TOURING Good for All Mountain An update of the mainstay Fritschi Free-ride, the Eagle moves the pivot back an inch for a more natural skinning gait and broadens the mounting pattern for wider skis. “Kick turns are way easier than on Freerides,” said a tester. The DINs go…
The Chapter might look like it’s short on vents—just four small closable ports up top—but the inside has big circulation channels to let cool air flow around. As with the Smith, dialing in the right fit is a cinch, although some testers noted odd pressure points around the channels…
Telemark It wasn’t the stiffest boot, or the lightest, but the Push quietly won testers over with its ability to do it all. “One boot to drive anything in my quiver,” said one tester. The Push features adjustable forward lean, Boa lacing, and a thermomoldable liner that fit most testers…
Because the Cornea’s burly, cylindrical polycarbonate outer lens is attached to the outside of the frame, its peripheral vision is as good as it gets. We tested a bunch of lens colors but were especially keen on the “clear” option (the Persimmon Red lenses are pictured), which allows 45…
LIFESAVER Should you get caught in a slide, the AvaLung-equipped Anarchist can improve your odds of survival. The device—which is built into this comfy 1,953-cubic-inch pack—redirects the poisonous carbon dioxide you exhale, delaying the formation of a suffocating “ice mask” around your face. It reportedly can keep avy victims alive…
MOST VERSATILE It’s a frontside ski, so you can carve easy but powerful turns on it all day long, but thanks to subtle tip rocker (see page 39) and a big sweet spot, you can work the Rictor through bumps and mellow off-piste conditions with ease. Buy it if you…
Why It’s CoolClimbers eschew excess, and so does the Himalayan. Instead of heavy internal framework, Marmot inserts a folding bivy pad that plays three roles: rudimentary framesheet, back-panel padding, and torso-size bedtime cush. Likewise, the hipbelt relies on breadth of breathable fabric rather than thick foam to spread weight over…
MADSHUS‘s NANOSONIC CARBON SKATE R SKIS, some of the lightest and most responsive we tried last winter.
The company that helped bring ounce counters out of the closet has struck a sweet balance between low weight and high value with the Intuition. The key is matching the stiff suspension—a polystyrene framesheet and aluminum dowels—to a lightly padded hipbelt and shoulder straps, providing all-day comfort with a…
Big Mountain As the stiffest boot in the women’s Inferno line, the Crush was our favorite advanced-level boot. “It’s a no-holds-barred women’s skiing machine!” one tester exclaimed. Its basic design—low volume with a very natural and efficient stance—fit most of our testers well right out of the box. A faux-fur…
Though some manufacturers like to throw around the sexy-sounding “approach shoe” title, the CTC is no marketing gimmick. When my trip up a creekbed turned into a bouldering session, the CTC proved as nimble and grippy as a traditional climbing shoe. Wrapped in sticky rubber, the narrow toe box…
 The lightweight carbon-fiber Snooker has great swing weight and an ergonomic grip. But we picked it because its pool-cue graphic made us feel like Fast Eddie Felton on skis. Don’t shoot stick? The Free ($110) is more subtle, with barbed-wire graphics. exelsports.net      …
FOR HIKES THAT TURN INTO RUNS Speed freaks will love this runner/hiker hybrid, which Adidas dubs an adventure shoe—we just call it fast. A cushioned, flexy sole with running DNA is just the start. The upper, constructed of mostly wide-open mesh, kept our feet ventilated even on days that topped…
DAY SIPPER Get a daypack and a hydration pack in one. The Helena is the perfect size for long day hikes, and its insulated pocket kept water in the three-liter reservoir (included) cool during a four-hour hike in New Mexico. Its quick-access outer pocket easily stored extra layers along the…
WINTER TRAINER A stainless-steel insert in this shoe’s Vibram sole allows you to click directly into the TSL snowshoe. Testers liked it for training but, despite the name, deemed it a bit bulky for racing. tslsport.com…
VERSATILITY CHAMP “Exactly what a daypack should be,” said one tester—and that’s the best way to describe the Laguna. With the ability to expand from 500 to 800 cubic inches, the Laguna’s just big enough to fit a shell, snacks, and a few extras. The airflow system’s mesh padding doesn’t…
Good for SnowshoeingThe waterproof and insulated Summit County will keep your toes warm and your feet supported as you click off the miles. Bonus: The sole hardens as temps plunge. Rated to -35F. keenfootwear.com…
Mountain-Ready Can’t decide if the day calls for scramble or ramble? Vasque’s Equalizer is ready for either. There’s just enough cushioning for long slogs on the trail, but its lasting board makes the Equalizer’s midsole extra stiff and helps it excel on rocky moraine. The outsole is…
Tired of storing a rooftop box that hogs garage space like a boat? This soft-sided carrier manages a vanishing act when not in use, thanks to a hybrid design that employs individual molded supports. The water-resistant Ranger attaches securely to your rack and delivers 12 cubic feet of space,…
Good for Backcountry The Free Rider is not so much a backpack as an armored hydration pack, perfect for ducking in and out of the resort. The back panel is actually a protective foam-and-plastic plate—similar to those worn by motocross riders—that flexes with you while you ski…
Daypack We’re suckers for chamois-lined sunglass pockets, but what really endeared this pack to us was the easy-to-pull straps that cinch it down into a neat bundle for the times your hike turns into a trail run. The externally loading sleeve makes refilling a hydration bladder (not included) a breeze.
The high-cut, deeply lugged BugaTech not only excels at ankle support and traction, it’s also toasty, thanks to a proprietary space-blanket-like lining. Plus, flat lower lacing makes it a perfect mate for snowshoes.
Why They’re CoolThese resilient and abrasion-resistant runners feel like breezy track shoes. Thank the wire-mesh box under the arch and instep. Adidas calls it the ClimaCool, a.k.a. the CC, but you can call it an underfoot airshaft that vents and drains. » A flexible plate of TPU saved my feet…
CROSSOVER ARTISTTo save weight and increase comfort, Pearl installed a urethane crash pad in the heel-strike zone at the rear of the Float’s midsole, while bolstering the instep with lighter expanded-vinyl-acetate foam. The result is a great compromise between cush and stability, offering even overpronators an excellent all-around ride. Go…
CUSTOM FIT We were on high gimmick alert when testing the Paris Trainers, which use a pneumatic pump to create a custom rear-foot fit. Not all testers felt the benefit (those who did liked the snugness), but we downgraded the alert to low when, even without the pump, the shoe…
LIGHT AND FAST These shoes are as close as you’ll come to sprouting a layer of tread on your feet. The minimalist 790’s are extremely light and low to the ground, providing a nimble feel that’s almost like a racing flat. 6.6 oz; newbalance.com Bonus: These kicks look…
This versatile shoe goes from road to trail—and October to April—with ease. Midsole cushion is pillow-like on rocky trails and flexy enough for roads, and the upper breathes well and resists minor weather (but isn’t waterproof). It’s best for narrow-footed mild pronators. 10 oz; brooksrunning.com…
MID-MILEAGE WORKHORSE If the true test of a stability shoe is how comfortable it is during your last month of marathon training, then the heavily cushioned Kendari is the champ. “It felt great out of the box,” remarked one tester, “and just as good 100 miles later.” The comfort stems…
This futuristic, iPod-compatible shoe—put the wireless chip in the sole and go—is chock-full of women-specific features. Most noticeÂable are flex grooves that are aligned relative to a woman’s lower center of gravity, resulting in a more efficient gait. 10 oz; nikerunning.com…
Cushioning The light, flexible Fast puts a twist on minimalist speed shoes. Designers placed a block of stiff foam in the front of the heel, with softer foam fore and aft, that encourages runners to land lightly on their midfoot, as opposed to riding their heel. It…
The women-only PDQ is a minimalist shoe that’s great for agile runners with good biomechanics. We love the use of partially recycled materials and reduced use of glues and parts overall, though we did notice some early wear and tear. 5 oz; endfootwear.com…
Road A hydration shirt? Yes. This three-pocket cycling jersey has an integrated compartment that snugs a 72-ounce reservoir (included) to your back. Some testers were initially skeptical, but being able to carry more water—and not having to reach down for a drink—sold them. Works just as well off-road, too, though…
Trail Cheetah Training on rocky, technical terrain? This shoe is your superstable running partner. One-pull Kevlar laces lock down tight, securing the cradle around your foot and creating lateral stability and even tension throughout for an agile feel. Cushioning is on the firm side, which we thought was just fine…
Road Not so sure about this minimalist running craze? The Vectana hears you. It’s a classic stability shoe—beefy midsole, thick heel, and big medial post—with an agile feel and a noticeably secure upper. The ride is a bit stiffer than most. Some liked it; some wished the forefoot was more…
What Amazon did for books, Leopard is doing for bicycles. By sticking with Web-only distribution, this small Bay Area–based bike manufacturer is offering teched-out, full-carbon race bikes at unheard-of prices. The CL1 is constructed of uniquely ribbed carbon tubing and has radically shaped carbon seat- and chainstays, resulting in…
SMART SPEEDThe Diamondback’s straightforwardness is what makes it a standout. This stable, confidence-nurturing cross-country racer holds its line with minimal effort on climbs and descents, and pedals much lighter than its 25 pounds might suggest. A full Shimano XT parts set, including hydraulic disc brakes, makes the SL a…
ONE-GEAR WONDER If you think a four-bar linkage is a night on the town, the Lewis is for you. This aluminum-framed single-speed hardtail is all about simplicity, with one gear, a smooth, quiet trail manner, and no complicated rear suspension to maintain. But it’s not a complete Luddite. You still…
PEDAL-FRIENDLY HEAVYWEIGHT Six-inch all-mountain bikes can be heavy and no fun to pedal, which is why they’re generally reserved for car shuttles and ski lifts. Not so El Guapo. With oversized aluminum tubing, stout links, and through-axle hub, it looks the part of a squishy all-mountain banger. But a Shimano…
Traveling Light These pocket-friendly glasses proved their worth on a trip down under, where spotting honeyeaters and musky rat kangaroos was easy. On our test back home, they were the best small binocs of the bunch, with tight, clean images, thanks to top-of-the-line SF prism glass and a light (13.5…
Deep channels and 22 vents keep the air flowing, but the three-way-adjustable retention system sold us on Bell’s top-of-the-line road helmet. Bonus: The included visor means the Volt can double as your mountain-biking lid. bellbikehelmets.com…
Place two fingers on the Duo’s sensors and, seconds later, you’ve got your pulse rate. The bargain price also includes a wireless heart-rate strap (for more accurate measurement) and chronograph. www.highgear.com…
With a more relaxed geometry and longer travel (4 inches vs. 3.5), Giant's all-new Anthem X line is a slightly more trail-tuned version of its race-specific Anthem line. Theoretically, those changes should make it slower, and maybe they do, but we couldn't tell. “Feels like a full-on race bike,” said…
At just 2.4 ounces and 2.5 inches when stowed, this microknife conceals some oversize innards: seven tools and a pair of pliers for those on-the-go, clutch repairs. www.gerbergear.com…
Versatile Starter If you’re looking for an affordable bike that can handle commutes and get you going on your first fitness or group rides, the Grand Sport is worth a look. If, like our testers, you’re already accustomed to riding light and stiff (and much pricier) bikes, you won’t be…
WEATHER BEATERThe Stylus 500 is one of the only cameras out there equipped to handle a downpour: I shot supercrisp photos along B.C.’s Howe Sound Crest trail in rain that would have fried most digis faster than you can say “one-year warranty.” The secret? Tiny rubber gaskets within the all-metal…
When things get mucky, throw on PEARL IZUMI‘s microfleece-backed neoprene BARRIER SHOE COVERS.
The G4’s cool, buffed shell, recessed ports, and ergonomic edges house Apple’s most powerful mobile command center to date. We love iLife—an included suite of powerful programs that edit and organize photos, movies, music, and more. With 64 megs of dedicated graphics memory, a hard drive that buckles its own…
BEST FOR PORTRAITS Are you a people person? What separates this camera from all the other 6-meg point-and-shoots is a sensor that enables it to detect faces in the frame—up to ten at a time—and automatically set the precise focus and exposure for each one. I was skeptical, but at…
Svelte (a quarter-inch thin), featherweight (1.4 ounces), and tough (anodized aluminum), this unit will be surpassed only by its descendants—plus it has more custom accessories than Barbie. Mac or PC; apple.com…
Designed by a fireman, the Rescue is the ultimate emergency knife, with snub-nosed blade, thumb stud, seatbelt hook, and window punch, plus an oxygen-tank wrench in the handle. gerbergear.com…
Beacon technology continues to evolve: The new S1 has the smartest electronic signal separation for multiple burials we’ve seen. It also includes an inclinometer and electronic compass. ortovox.com…
Audio quality is still not as good as you’d expect, but it’s good enough, and the two-inch screen renders video surpriÂsingly watchable. Buying the red unit helps fight AIDS in Africa. Mac or PC; apple.com…
This mountaineer-designed looker covers the basic bases with both work and pen blades, lanyard loop, flathead screwdriver, and, of course, vino liberator. buckknives.com…
Thank goodness for progress—the underwater MP3 player is finally here! The two-inch-diameter earbuds on the OCEANIC H20 AUDIO ($399) clip to your mask strap or sit inside your hood, sending sound waves a short distance through water, to play a surprisingly hi-fi starfish soundtrack.
Jimmy Odén’s new ski-mountaineering bible is so comprehensive—366 pages on route finding, equipment, avalanche safety, etc.—we’d shelve it next to Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills. But the stunning photography and hip design suggest a better home would be on the coffee table. freeskiingthebook.com…
Besides being mighty handsome, the sapphire-crystal Night Vision II has a superbright LED that not only allows reading in the dark but, should you get stranded, can also strobe/signal for help for a week straight. swissarmy.com…
Why It’s CoolTo support one-handed shooting, Fuji glued soft rubber where the heel of your mitt meets the camera’s body, and finger grooves up front on the “handle” below the shutter housing. » The 3.1-megapixel FinePix will shoot almost five frames a second, for five seconds. That fast mode, combined…
Good for Resort Just like the turquoise-and-hot-pink, three-in-one Columbia you skied in as a kid—only much better. The inner jacket, a trim-fitting, polyester-lined down puffy with pit zips and three internal pockets, is practically worth the price of admission on its own. Ditto the waterproof-breathable shell, with…
For pushing big sound around outside, the rugged Tailgater is a solid value. A 16-watt amp powers a six-inch woofer and one-inch tweeter; it’s not stereophonic, but it’ll get the party started. Just dock your iPod (or use one of several other auxiliary jacks) for 12 hours of audio…
Extreme Protection French specialist de l’alpinisme Julbo gives side-blinkered glacier glasses a sexy, multisport makeover. Photochromic lenses in brownish tint go from dark to really dark, ideally suited to ultrabright no-shade zones such as high alpine and deep desert. Since they’re polarized, they’re also water-worthy and a perfect match for…
Shots in the Dark It’s no secret that Nikon’s 12.3MP D300s (an HD-video-enabled update on their popular D300) and the Canon 7D go head to head in the prosumer DSLR category, but the two companies took different tacks in their designs. The D300s favors the still photographer, with a zippy…
One-Man Band A versatile backcountry watch at a great price. The Nomad has no fewer than eight intuitively designed functions: time/date, compass, altimeter, barometer, stopwatch, timer, alarm, and temperature. Yellow hurts your eyes? It also comes in white or black. freestyleusa.com…
Where are the gills? On a fast hike uphill in 40-degree weather, the latest iteration of Hardwear’s Epic fabric showed no signs of vapor trap. And when I picked up the pace, cracking the large pit zips and mesh-backed front pockets kept me cool. High-class touches include a laser-cut,…
There’s something reassuringly Terminator in this model’s military khaki “Unobtainium” rubber strap. With Swiss-made computer numeric control, an “impact-forged” steel case, and 100-meter water resistance, it’s the watch we grab when we don’t know what to expect. Thus its name, in honor of the hardcore World War II battalion.
Articulated sleeves don’t bunch or restrict mobility while you’re riding, making this one of the year’s most comfortable jerseys. Bummer: The Transformers-inspired graphics may not suit all tastes. www.sugoi.com…
During portages, the Centurio’s Vibram sole stuck to slick rocks. Soft neoprene lining feels great against bare skin and protects your foot topside. www.lowaboots.com…
You’ll look like an astronaut out for a run, but this Space Age polyester pullover—with a water-repellent coating—squashes to the size of a plum. The lone pocket is accordingly tiny. 3 oz; www.brooksrunning.com…
SONIC BOOMThis savvy 17-ouncer still looked fresh after an hour of running it through sticks and stones in the Santa Fe National Forest. The Omega‘s welded Gore WindStopper panels put up quite a fight when I tested the jacket’s hydrophobia by sliding down a snowy embankment—on my back. Verdict? There…
They look like a normal pair of chinos but perform more like Carhartts. Credit several industrial-strength touches— triple-stitched seams, reinforced cuffs, and bomber cotton canvas. mountainkhakis.com…
ECO ALL-STAR Nau has made a splash this year with its all-eco-friendly line, dedication to sustainable business practices, and fashion-forward style. All of which matters not a whit if the company’s signature storm shell can’t keep you dry. It does. The two-layer Quintessenshell’s 100-percent-recycled outer shell kept the rain out…
These future classics are a new spin on an old favorite, with a canvas upper for good breathability, a protective toe cap for knock-around durability, and an eco-friendly natural rubber outsole. keenfootwear.com…
These eco-socks are made with 65 percent corn-based fiber. And they work. The fabric over the toes is knitted like mesh to release heat, while a flat toe seam eliminates irritating hot spots. foxsox.com…
Few base layers make the transition from chairlift to barstool like this moisture-wicking, antimicrobial button-down. eesa.com…
These cozy slip-ons were an instant tester favorite. Pull loops make it easy to take them on and off, while the SmartWool lining keeps feet dry and stink-free. timberland.com…
Warm, yet wild. Touches of corduroy give these waterproof, PrimaLoft-insulated pants a dash of outlaw flash. But what feels downright illegal is when you shed your base-layer bottoms, go commando, and still feel warm and fuzzy inside. powderhorn-world.com…