This is the only synthetic-insulated bag we’ve found that matches the loft, weight, and compressibility of a comparably rated down sack. The key is Mountain Hardwear’s proprietary Thermic Micro insulation, which testers found both more compressible and loftier than other synthetics. Plus, the baffles are welded rather than sewn,…

The two big things to take into consideration when choosing a kayak: the kind of water you will be paddling and for how long. Some boats, like the Emotion Comet (seen here) and the Necky Rip, are great for day trips, while some, like the Current Designs Infinity, are better…

Backcountry Headquarters There are plenty of sturdy and roomy four-person base-camping tents on the market. What makes the Hideaway our favorite is that, while it’s downright cavernous it’s still light enough (nine pounds) to take into the backcountry. And once there, it’s a comfy base of operations, with two huge…

Night Hiker You can preset your favorite three brightness levels from a menu of ten. And, thanks to an internal regulator, the Myo RXP burns bright right up until its indicator light says it’s time to change the batteries. But the reason we took it to Rainier? Whiz-bang features aside,…

GRAND SHELTERS’ lightweight (five-pound), sturdy, and easy-to-use ICEBOX forms perfect blocks.

It's a super-solid ski that's quick and holds incredibly well on ice but also likes to float through powder. To achieve that versatility, and allow the ski to flex unimpeded, the Austrian company affixes its integrated IQ binding system (included) with a single screw. Which, combined with the full-wood core,…

Big Daddies If these were skis, they’d be your superfat powder boards. With smaller teeth and abundant surface area, the aluminum-framed Mountain Quests easily kept testers afloat when smaller snowshoes began to sink. While it takes a bit of practice not to feel as if you’re walking in flippers, they’re…

Don’t be deceived by the classic outer. This boot’s cutting-edge inner includes a high-rise back pad, flex hinge, and shock-absorbing heel pad. celsiussnow.com…

Use your ski pole to switch this durable binding to the more efficient touring mode (instead of your toe pivoting in the binding, the binding pivots with your foot). 3.7 lbs; bdel.com Bonus: Choose from three compression-spring cartridges of varying stiffness (binding comes with one; pay $56 each…

STEEP AND DEEP When a heavy nor’easter buried the lean-tos on Vermont’s Long Trail, the high-flotation Mountaineer simply cruised over the deep snow. But it’s more than just a big deck. This shoe has Tubbs’s most aggressive traction system yet: stainless-steel claws under toe, ball, and heel that bite in…

FREIGHT TRAIN COMIN’ Good for Powder Our favorite powder ski, the Kuro just might redefine the class. Whereas most rockered skis are surfy by design, the Kuro effortlessly blasts through powder like a more classically shaped fat boy. Credit Völkl’s Elongated Low Profile design—essentially less rocker in…

Are you an intermediate skier looking for a do-it-all boot? The easy-on/easy-off—and surprisingly responsive—Impact 10 is your answer. salomonsports.com…

Are we not dudes? Must we sport beads and faux fur on our goggles? Oakley, thankfully, says “No!” The new Ambush is blessedly simple but stylish, comes in six different colors, and has top-notch helmet compatibility. oakley.com…

Good for All Mountain While a few of our old-school testers found the unchanged 01 too powerful, our hard-chargers once again loved it. Because of its underfoot cartridge-and-cable routing and lots of heel retention, every ounce of your energy gets transmitted to the ski. Three different cartridge offerings allow…

ALPINE TOURING The third-year Aura is lively on hardpack and absorbs crud, thanks to Völkl's poplar-and-beech core and the two sheets of titanium that cover it. Bonus: The progressive sidecut holds an edge at all speeds. Bummer: Dampness and power equal extra weight. 130/94/113, 7.3 lbs; volkl.com…

The all-mountain Climate feels great out of the box and, thanks to a memory-foam footbed, just keeps getting better. And the locking lace loops on the side of the ankle keep the laces below tight. We also happen to think it’s the best-looking boot here. celsiussnow.com…

Testers loved the no-brainer binding on this aggressively cramponed shoe: It positions your boots in the snowshoe perfectly every time, and with one pull you’re in—no fiddling with toe and heel adjusters required. 23″, 27″; atlassnowshoe.com…

Good for Resort As with the Rossignol Angus (left), the true-twin Carbon Credit impressed testers with how confident it felt on every part of the mountain. “This board does the work for you,” one tester noted. While it has the same basic shape as Lib Tech’s Travis…

Good for Frontside Got fresh legs and a belly full of breakfast burrito? Rotate the knob on the Tigershark’s tail to dynamic mode and feel this damp and stable cruiser morph into a hyper-energized beer-league racer. Already had that beer? Switch it back to cruise control mode…

MOST DURABLE We wriggled and scraped through boulder caves on New Hampshire’s Six Husbands Trail, and the Asana didn’t get hung up or show any wear. The contoured shoulder straps and hipbelt, paired with Mammut’s stiff yet flexy butterfly frame, supported epic-day loads and still moved with our bodies. The…

All goggles dissipate fog well these days, so the three things that matter most are peripheral vision, optics, and fit. The Trevor scored well in all those categories: Side vision was top-notch; the amber lens isn’t too dark for bad light; and its three-layer foam conforms to your face.

Why It’s CoolMinimalism ain’t for everyone—this pack will tote whatever load you can. Two stiff aluminum stays convey the 4,600-cubic-inch burden onto an exceptionally comfortable padded hipbelt. » That belt utilizes two parallel adjustment straps on each side so you can pamper your hips. Why don’t all pack makers do…

TELEMARK Good for All Mountain If you loved the snow feel and adjust-ability of TwentyTwo Designs' classic HammerHead, you'll go for the Axl, the same binding with a free-pivot tour mode. “Every bit as powerful and responsive as the HammerHead,” said one tester. And for the ups, another added,…

This pack manages what politicians can only aspire to: It really is all things to all people. Numerous testers praised the AT 55 for apparently conflicting benefits, but they were all correct. It carries comfortably even when overpacked for a long weekend yet is compact and light enough to…

A pump inflates a bladder at the back of this audio-enabled lid, snugging up the fit, and the removable earflaps are loaded with better-than-average speakers. Smart detail: The cord has a volume adjuster, and it breaks away easily from the helmet if it gets snagged. TAGS: wired, inflatable…

Testers didn’t want to take this shoe off, thanks to its blend of trail-worthy guts and low-key style. The sole’s balance of support and flexibility was perfect for speedy trail hiking. And while the rubber toe cap makes it look like other approach shoes, the Paso has a wider…

Alpine Touring Built with a new steel-rod touring mechanism, the Mobe skis like a (softer) alpine boot with a walk mode and lug soles. Only it’s just eight pounds per pair—about 30 percent lighter than your average alpine boot. Add a booster strap, a rockered mountaineering sole, and tech fittings…

FIT FOR LONG DAYS Can your hiking shoes survive the airplane test? On a long journey, swollen, sweaty feet can drive you mad, but en route to Spain’s Canary Islands mine stayed cool and comfortable while I hustled through three airports and nearly 24 hours of nonstop travel. Credit plenty…

The softest-flexing boot here, the Ceptor is designed specifically for freestyle riding and landing big airs. A proprietary gel material in the heel adds comfort and helps absorb some impact, while molded vents release steam during long hikes up the pipe. TAGS: freestyle, lightweight…

A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING The top-loading Jade is like a compartmentalized closet for the backcountry. A cinching shove-it pocket was handy for stowing peeled layers on a 20-mile hike on Vermont’s Long Trail; a U-shaped zippered pocket stores shades, sunscreen, and snacks; and expanding side pouches hold a water bottle…

THE TWOFER Remember what we said about simple ski design being the best? Forget that for a moment. Atomic’s DoubleDeck (D2) technology actually delivers. Each ski is essentially made up of two decks: The bottom one contours the snow surface—boosting edge hold, control, and glide—while the upper one responds to…

STEEP AND DEEP With a layer of low-bulk PrimaLoft insulation, Gore-Tex waterproofing, and abrasion-resistant uppers, these shoes are made for slogging it out in rough conditions. A fleece liner adds coziness. lowaboots.com…

MADSHUS‘s NANO SKC BOOT is a no-frills carbon-cuffed racer.

SPARTAN AND PACKABLE No suspension system, extraneous buckles, or even a sleeve for a hydration bladder. And that’s why we love the Cierzo: It’s perfect for those times when you’re not sure you’ll need a small daypack—be it a business trip to San Francisco or a river trip with the…

All Mountain The Kenja is a master of all terrain, thanks to an even flex and a modestly tapered sidecut. On snow, that translates to a huge sweet spot—you don’t have to be “on it” all the time—with a low swing weight and silky ride. At 86 millimeters underfoot, it’s…

Mellow stroll to a mountainside lodge? The Gemini 200 is just your speed. This faux-fur-lined, insulated boot has a waterproof suede exterior, feminine side lacing, and a comfortable cushioned midsole. hi-tec.com…

PLAYFUL POWER As the name suggests, the Pro was originally designed for Dynastar’s big-mountain freeskiing team. But now any hard-charger with the chops can pony up for these wide bodies. This “big-boy toy,” as one tester described it, is built with a wood core, two sheets of metal, and a…

Mountain-Ready With its sturdy, full-grain-leather construction, Gore-Tex liner, and plush EVA midsole, the Ascend is far and away the burliest, most rugged boot to win our respect this year. It’s twice as heavy as the Stumptown but twice as supportive, too; it’s the only boot here we’d…

Good for Backcountry Winter hikers, stop making do with ski packs: The 1,700-cubic-inch AirZone Snow is designed specifically for you. The back panel is more like one found on a warm-weather backpack. Rather than flat padding, there’s an airy, suspended mesh that adds both comfort and ventilation…

Catchall Versatile is this bag’s middle name. The big opening makes it easy to pack for a weekend in a hurry. With both a shoulder strap and handles, it transforms from purse to gym bag easily, and the polyester interior dries quickly after toting sweaty yoga clothes. 2.1 lbs, 1,586…

Snowshoe runners and fast-and-light hikers, rejoice. Salomon’s most popular running shoe is now winterized, with insulation, Gore-Tex waterproofing, and a higher cut for keeping snow out.

From car to curb to camp, this seven-cubic-foot soft-sided carrier does it all. With integrated straps and a nonabrasive quilted bottom, it attaches securely to side rails or crossbars. Tuck-away shoulder straps make it easy to schlep an expedition’s worth of gear through airports. Water-resistant construction keeps rain out.

Why They’re CoolWhy They’re Cool: They’re high-performance, but not so overdesigned that you’re afraid to get them dirty. » Tecnica named these 26-ouncers after their three-part midsole: You get swaths of shock-absorbing rubber for the heel strike, denser EVA to keep you from rolling inward, and a mid-density EVA layer…

PLUSH RIDELooking like a track shoe built atop a precarious scaffolding, the Mega Ride doesn’t scream “marathon.” But I found myself comfortably chewing up the miles on the cushy undercarriage. Near the end of one long run, I was still cruising on downhills where I’d typically be bracing for impact.

ROAD-TO-TRAIL WONDER Admit it: For most of us, the odds of running wilderness trails 100 percent of the time are about the same as the likelihood we’ll win the Leadville 100. Which is why the Wave Ascend 2 received high marks from testers who ran on a mix of trails,…

SMOOTH AND STABLE Prone to twisted ankles? The sole below the Ascend’s fore-foot fans out slightly, which made testers feel secure on trail and road alike. Additional support comes from a visible, wave-shaped, shock-absorbing composite plate that runs from the heel of the shoe to the midfoot. 9.9 oz; mizuno.com…

Tackle the trickiest winter trails with this all-conditions shoe, thanks to a tough toe cap, sticky rubber outsole, and rigid midfoot support. ASICS’s signature gel pockets in the heel minimize pounding, and testers loved the smooth transition from heel strike to toe-off. 11 oz; asics.com Bummer: Check…

SLOW AND STEADY The Structure Triax creates fortresslike heel stability via three densities of foam: a rigid medial post that tempers foot rolling, a medium-density foam to absorb heavier heel strikes, and a supersoft crash pad that channels foot plants forward from the moment of impact. Amazingly, despite all the…

While this trainer may not serve up super-stability or piles of cush, we appreciated its simplicity, light weight, and ability to comfortably take on miles. It’s a good choice for neutral runners to mild pron­ators, as the medial post does offer a tinge of support, which is plenty for…

CushioningCombine a lightweight race shoe with a long-distance trainer, and you’ve got the Praya 2. Although it has more cushioning than the Karhu—and more than enough padding for ten-plus-mile runs—the midsole is light and snappy and had no trouble on shorter, faster-tempo runs. “It’s one of those…

No shoe is perfect for road and trail, but this one comes close. Gel cushioning in the heel and a flexible forefoot make the 2140 pavement-friendly, while traction (beefier than last year’s model) and good side-to-side stability help it perform off-road. 10 oz; asics.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…

Mountain Scraping the bottom of your bike budget? The Slant blends surprising performance (21 vents and the secure ErgoDial fit) with sleek good looks in a killer value. www.bellbikehelmets.com…

With a thermo-regulating Outlast liner, this futuristic Italian helmet is a Renaissance performer: great in any weather. trialtir-usa.com…

FREERIDE FUN Kona keeps upping the ante with its perennial freeride favorite, the Stinky, and this year’s version is the sweetest one yet. Designers added new swingarms to stiffen up the seven-inch rear shock (nice), but the big news is a brand-new rear brake system—dubbed D.O.P.E.—that allows the rear disc…

Suffer from hot feet? Then the superior ventilation of the P.R.O. may be just what you’re looking for. And when the pace quickens, the anti-slip heel and carbon sole get the power to the pedals. pearlizumi.com…

One of the most versatile bikes we tested, the 928 Carbon is comfortable enough for mountain centuries and quick enough for hard efforts on twisty courses. With its race-inspired geometry and compact gearing, the Mono-Q earned high marks as an efficient climber, though testers would have liked to see wider…

Mountain Moto Style The Cyphon was a surprise hit. Testers initially thought this hard-shelled hybrid would be heavy and not very ventilated, but it’s lighter and cooler than it looks. Riders in hot climates might want a helmet with more vents, but for everyone else, it’s airy enough.

Mountain Off-Road Rambler On the bike, the M-161s are reasonably stiff, if a touch heavy. But if you're planning on doing any hike-a-bike, you can't beat this burly shoe. The uppers are well armored and the rubber sole and replaceable spikes afforded best-in-test traction. 1 lb;…

Good for Backcountry Because both the head and shaft are made out of aluminum (with steel tips), the Corsa weighs half as much as normal axes (just 8.8 ounces). Of course, that lack of heft also makes getting purchase in blue ice more difficult. Think of it…

This genius watch measures your resting heart rate (collected while you take a five-minute break) and automatically builds a weekly training regimen. Then it tracks your progress and updates your workouts accordingly. www.polarusa.com…

Updated with an elegant new ergonomic case, the classic traveler’s tool kit still includes nearly every widget you could wish for—even a wrench. www.wengerna.com…

GEEK’S DELIGHTPaging all data whores! The S625X, which ships with a wireless speed sensor that mounts on a shoe, lets you program and track a seemingly infinite combination of complex workouts. (Wireless bike cadence and speed sensors are sold separately, $40 each.) Forty bucks also buys you an infrared PC…

BOLD STATEMENTIt felt good to be the only guy running the trails of Boulder, Colorado, sans flapping headphone wires. In a wild science project, Oakley pimped out a pair of its Half Jacket sunglasses by tucking a 256MB flash-memory-based player in the stems and adding flip-up lenses. Phones slide directly…

You know your VO2 max and resting heart rate, but what about your “excess post-exercise oxygen consumption” value? Maybe it’s time to spring for SUUNTO’s new T6 ($449). After measuring millisecond differences between your individual heartbeats, the wrist computer will indicate how quickly you bounce back from a tough training…

Whether you’re playing preloaded tunes or the radio, that built-in speaker sounds a helluva lot better than you might expect. And when you’re ready to plug in earbuds, just slide the speaker back behind and watch the display shift from horizontal to vertical. PC only; samsung.com…

There’s nothing quite like a beautiful, badass blade, especially when it’s a one-handed, mechanism-assisted opener like this pocket sword. $382 with pictured handle inlays; benchmade.com…

TIMEX took the heavy metal out of its Ironman. Sure, the MEGA-LAP SLEEK ($70) has an ultraslim design and svelte resin band. But with its 200-workout memory and calendar reminder with text memos (“Get ass in gear for half-marathon!”), the features are as phat as ever.

Want rugged portability? Then this sound system in a suitcase is a no-brainer. The weather-resistant i-F3 features iPod charging and storage, auxiliary input, FM, and alarm and puts out respectable sound for 20 hours per charge. si5.com…

A pivot fin along the back, assisted by an internal tension rod, lets you open this utility knife like a switchblade, fast and with a flick of the finger. kershawknives.com…

GLASS MASTERY Like the Costa del Mars, these polarized, oleophobic shades prove that optically ground glass is still tops. And with the signature blue-flash mirroring of Revo’s premium J6 lenses, the cognoscenti will know what you’re wearing a block away. This unit’s stylishly wide temples actually provide nice side protection…

CREATIVE’s 3.1-ounce NOMAD MUVO² X-TRAINER 512MB ($269) is built for rough handling, with a half-gig of fixed flash memory wrapped in a protective rubbery case. The rugged X-Trainer gets about twice the battery life (16 hours) of most hard-drive-based spinners.

SOPHISTICATED STYLE Don’t let supreme aptness for driving and upmarket fashion blind you to the fact that these are also terrific sports shades. The Celcio’s polarized photochromic lenses are so spectacularly good it’s hard to believe they’re polycarbonate, not glass. Self-adjusting light transmission accommodates all the day’s bright hours, and…

This compass weighs just 1.2 ounces, and its smash-proof housing also contains an inclinometer. brunton.com…

Why It’s CoolIf you’re planning on hitting Costa Rica’s Arenal volcano—or any rainforest from B.C. to Brazil—this is what you want. Ditto for changing a tire in the rain. » Thanks to its slightly longer cut, your thighs stay dry, too. » Two-layer construction—nylon laminated with a proprietary waterproof-breathable membrane,…

When it first emerged last year, face-recognition technology seemed hokey and didn’t even work that well. The F60fd changes all that. When we passed it around among amateurs and pros alike, it easily recognized multiple faces, even in full profile, nailing exposure, focus, and color balance every time.

Say goodbye to tighty whities, guys. LOWE ALPINE’s DRY ZONE SEAMLESS BRIEFS are sewn from stretchy polyester, which wicks moisture—and scores points with the ladies. (877-891-7908, www.lowealpine.com)…