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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…
ITALIAN FLAIR FOR THE MASSES Before carbon took over cycling, aluminum was the racer’s material of choice. And before Trek took over the Tour de France, Pinarello owned that event. While the Italians’ top offerings can cost more than college, the aluminum FP2—which comes with a vibration-damping carbon fork and…
As many manufacturers pare down their bikes, Ventana goes gleefully big. Bouncing into the growing 29er fray—these mountain bikes sport XXL wheels for higher clearance and better momentum than you get with their 26-inch counterparts—the El Cap is a handcrafted, dual-suspension aluminum rig that soaks up bumps like an…
SPORTS SEDANA champion’s philosophy underscores each LeMond rolling out of the Wisconsin plant: Comfort trumps efficiency. That’s how Greg LeMond won three Tours de France—atop buttery steel frames like this one. And the Buenos Aires offers something extra: carbon fiber. By mating carbon tubes in the top half of…
The aptly-named Robota hugs the head with an even and snug grip, thanks to the proprietary Spiderlock Elite system. Bonus points for the detachable visor and moisture-wicking liner. louisgarneau.com…
FORMULA ONE ON TWO WHEELS The purest racer in our lineup, the updated Tarmac shaves ten grams off its predecessor while delivering better drive-train efficiency. The tapered head tube widens at the bottom for increased stiffness. This also allowed designers to move the bearings up so that steering forces are…
By bolting a stiff carbon insert to a nylon frame, the microfiber-and-mesh SRS’s provide just enough toe flex to keep the blood flowing, without sacrificing efficient energy transfer. sidiusa.com…
These “green” binocs use lead-free glass and non-chloride rubber, plus the case is made with eucalyptus pulp. And they’re both water- and fog-proof, a claim verified after we dropped them in a stream. 10×25; nikonecobins.com…
From a world championship–winning race bike to a revolutionary all-mountain bomber, dozens of bikes took our abuse for months on trails all over the Southwest. Our verdict: Suspension technology is doing things we couldn't have imagined five years ago, and carbon fiber is changing our expectations of what bikes should…
Don’t be fooled by the swank stainless-steel casing: The X6M provides hardcore features, including compass, feet-per-minute altitude tracker, weather gauge, and PC connectivity. www.suuntousa.com…
Road Fastest and Lightest The Prolight is back—and it’s nothing like the 1985 original. The lightest helmet on the market has a streamlined design and ultrathin, minimalist webbing that make other helmets look comically overbuilt. The only downside is that it’s not as easy to tweak the fit. 5.9 oz;…
Fancy yourself a Mr. Fixit? You’ll never lack for the right screwdriver with this foldout tool and its six interchangeable bits (Phillips, flat, and Torx). Fix failed? The ‘biner clip can pop open a cold bottle of consolation. www.leatherman.com…
SCOTT CX TEAM BIKE features a Shimano Ultegra build and ‘cross touches like wide tire clearance and a shaped top tube for easy shouldering. Tread is key, too.
The BENCHMADE 921 SWITCHBACK knife features an ultrasharp 3.4-inch blade for smooth slicing, plus a bonus two-inch cutter tucked in the back. (800-800-7427, www.benchmade.com)…
Not sure if you need a heart-rate monitor? End the debate with this bargain: It has basic functions (percent of max, calorie burn, and vibrating or audible HR zone alarm, but no lap splits or data storage) in a reasonably low-profile design. www2.oregonscientific.com…
If you want a serious heart-rate monitor, there’s simply no getting around that chest strap. Many chafe and leave red marks, but POLAR’s new M61 ($169) employs a soft fabric electrode to more comfortably tune in to your ticker. The unit also sets up your own target exercise zones, whether…
Music, photos, and video, sure—but FM, dual-orientation display, line-in recording, and a mike, too? This diminutive dude does it all. And talk about cute. PC only; creative.com…
This is as tough (and pretty) as a hatchet gets, plus the nigh unbreakable handle features a stow-away saw. gerbergear.com…
Just as Apple polished its Mac over the years, NIKE has perfected the user interface on the OREGON SERIES ALTI-COMPASS ($199). Huge numbers deliver the most critical information, and a clever system of rotating buttons allows you to scroll through barometer, thermometer, weather, and altitude readings.
The TRIPOD DATA SYSTEMS RECON ($1,500) is the ideal PDA for extreme environments. This Windows-based handheld withstands immersion for up to 30 minutes and repeated drops onto rock.
From a forge known for out-standing innovation and design comes this watersport knife, which features a combo blade with a snub nose—lest you poke a hole in your hose or raft—and an antigravity sheath (i.e., you can mount it upside down). crkt.com…
This little Napoleon (think small but powerful) packs high-performance optics into a lightweight, compact package that feels balanced and substantial in hand. 10×25; minox.com…
Made of lightweight carbon fiber, this sturdy probe is long enough for real rescues and thick enough to feel solid in chunky debris. 8 ft extended, 16 in collapsed, 8.7 oz; genuineguidegear.com…
The LX3 has ended up in the pocket of more than a few pros we know. Why? For starters, it has a hi-res 10.1-meg sensor, can shoot RAW files—the best format for creative post-processing—like a DSLR, and features a tack-sharp Leica lens that zooms out to an ultrawide 24mm…
You could plan a vacation around the Passage: hours on sundecks, strolls in bucolic settings, long drives with the top down. Just mind the drool when you first gaze through these state-of-the-art photochromic polarized ground-glass lenses. The classic look (not stodgy!) is sexed up with metallic mirroring, and the…
This versatile polycarbonate binoc has an upgraded, open-bridge design, creating a grip more comfortable than on previous Excursion models. The 400-foot-plus field of view is ideal for spotting game out in the wide open. 8×36; bushnell.com…
Why It’s CoolThe straitjacket-slim Besal does everything an alpine shell should, yet moves with you like a second skin. Throw a sling of ice screws over your shoulder and you won’t be fighting billows of fabric when you reach for a piece of protection. » The three-layer Besal is sewn…
A titanium body and extreme ease of use made the fast-and-light TG5V our favorite sea-to-summit shooter. Record in full 1920×1080 hi-def, capture four-meg stills, geotag everything with the built-in GPS, and save to an upgradeable 16GB internal flash. sonystyle.com…
This svelte wonder is eminently forgettable—high praise for sports shades, which should be neither seen nor felt. Light weight is only part of the disappearing act. The rimless design means there’s no frame to impede your view. The wrap lens shape covers eyes so well, you barely notice the…
Front of the Pack A GPS watch without compromise. The Forerunner 110 measures distance, heart rate (with $50 strap), and real-time pace. The interface is intuitive, uploading to a computer is easy, and the watch itself is smaller than a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. Add it up and you’ve got…
Pocket Philharmonic We’re all iPod junkies, but Microsoft’s Zune HD was a nice surprise. As a video player, it’s comparable to the iPod Touch, and for pure audiophile pleasure we daresay it’s better, with warmer tones and sharper high notes. What’s missing? Non-Windows functionality, a camera, and easy navigability. The…
(The Hybrid)This mix-and-match jacket uses two types of fabric to deliver a blend of soft- and storm-shell performance. Waterproof-breathable nylon protects the shoulders, chest, and hips—the points where you get the most exposure. Stretchy, breathable material covers the sweat-prone areas of the core. The hybrid won’t keep you…
It has a date window, military-time markers, rotating bezel, 100-meter water resistance, and not much else—except for the great Swiss Army design that spawned a thousand imitators. This time with a cool European black-on-black feel, antiglare crystal, and comfy rubber strap. TAGS: classic, cool…
These beautifully crafted workhorse shorts are a good bet for cyclists on a budget who want plush comfort that won’t fall apart after a season or three. www.descenteathletic.com…
Why They’re CoolWhat do you get when you shell out a few more shekels than you would for the Olympus? A sharper image (thanks to phase-coated prisms), better low-light viewing (credit a slightly larger objective lens), and a broader field of view. » You also get a close-focus distance of…
Monofilament-nylon webbing keeps your foot straitjacket snug when you’re in water all day. The quick-release heel buckle is smart—if potentially breakable. www.teva.com…
Stretchy taffeta panels in key places—elbows, shoulders, and sides—make the Razor our choice when mobility and breathability (not weather resistance) are the highest priorities. 4 oz; www.orgear.com…
An infusion of stretchy, breathable polyester fabric (in the back, underarms, and wrists) makes this ultralight one of the year’s best aerobic pieces. Fit is accordingly trim. 4 oz; patagonia.com…
These supersoft, organic-cotton cords seem too nice for climbing or hiking—or even changing a tire. But fear not. The fabric is doubled up at the knees, and the fit is climbing-harness-friendly. patagonia.com…
SMART AND SIMPLE The Mojave earned the highest praise a soft shell can get when one tester said, “Awesome. The perfect combination of warmth, weather resistance, and breathability.” Credit goes to the fabric itself—the Mojave is made entirely of Polartec Power Shield, a standout for its standard-setting versatility—and the elegantly…
QUEEN OF THE HILLS Testers loved the Diva’s asymmetrical carbon frame: It looks sexy and, more important, provides a smooth ride. Equipped with a SRAM Force drivetrain and light-but-stiff Ksyrium ES wheels, the stiff and spunky Diva climbed effortlessly up gap after gap in Vermont’s Green Mountains. The dialed geometry…
When buttoned up, the 550-down-filled Format can handle the coldest mountain weather. And when it finally warms up, detach the hood, crack the underarm vents, and keep on riding. scottusa.com…
Old-school cool meets new-school green in the lightweight Klein, made in part with recycled polyester. Wear it with just a base layer on mild spring days. Or around town all fall. holdenouterwear.com…
FEATHERWEIGHT First impression: Too light to abuse—or rely upon on in really nasty weather. But doubters became believers in the field: It’s every bit as durable and waterproof as jackets twice the weight and didn’t slow testers down on a wet-weather run from the summit of Mount Adams. The trick?…
Because all the LightSpeed’s major seams are sealed, it’s the most waterproof glove we’ve ever tested. mountainhardwear.com…
Smarter than its predecessors, the Split Thump features removable earbuds and disguised controls (the O’s on the temples) for the integrated digital audio player, which now handles almost all file types, including iTunes formats. Mac or PC; 512MB; oakley.com…
Air scoops on the shoulders, a full-size back vent, and the softest, most porous nylon of the bunch makes this an ideal pick for intense or humid runs. Style kill: See-through fabric reveals ugly inner workings. 5 oz; asics.com…
Bushwhacking to the beach? The DWR-coated and tightly woven Inertia Peaks won’t blanch. Making for the water? Snap the roll-up legs into place and take a dip. cloudveil.com…
Specialized’s first-ever women’s-specific design has rose-colored lenses that dim bright road conditions, lighten shadows, and enhance contrast. specialized.com…
Primo globe-trotter tread from the maker of some of the best-wearing boots and shoes around. These waterproof leather numbers feature trail-ready soles, burly toe boxes, and rubber all around. merrell.com…
Good for BackcountryWe loved the subtle pinstripe herringbone pattern and the ceramic scuff guards on the ankles. And thanks to the waterproof/breathable eVent fabric, they didn’t get stuffy on an hourlong hike to Taos, New Mexico’s Kachina Peak. westcomb.com…
IGNORE THE FORECAST Good for Resort The Hoback is our favorite fully insulated ski jacket. The incredibly light Gore-Tex Pro Shell exterior is as waterproof and breathable as shells get, repelling even high-moisture squalls in the Cascade Range better than any other fabric we tested. Inside…
The killer-whale look is definitely polarizing, but the supportive fit and smartly articulated chamois of these handmade bibs felt great even after six hours in the saddle. Bonus: SPF 50 sun-protection rating, so your legs won’t burn under that white fabric. pearlizumi.com…
Don’t let the laid-back, skate-shoe looks fool you. With sturdy Vibram outsoles and tough, water-resistant uppers, the Boaris are meant to double as your lightweight hikers. patagonia.com…
Down Economic stimulus in the form of a 650-fill down jacket with a soft, shaggy hood and a feminine cut. llbean.com…
Good for Trail Easily the warmest jacket here, the XV is absolutely stuffed with top-tier down (850 fill) and wrapped in a tougher-than-average DWR nylon shell. It’s a bit heavier—but a lot burlier—than other down jackets we tested. 2.1 lbs; firstascent.com…
How to make perfect cycling sunglasses: Start with photochromic lenses (not polarized, which hide the glare on slick spots) for day-to-night wind deflection and auto-adjusting tint. Then throw exhaust vents on the lenses to cut fogging. Next, grippy rubber at nose and temples. Last? Price it right.
I loved this glove for midwinter tours. My routine: Skin up wearing just the waterproof-breathable shells, then put the fleece liners in for a warm, dry descent. blackdiamondequipment.com…
Utility Whether touring or just pleasure-cruising, these lightweight soft-shell cycling trunks are our top pick for simple, relaxed, chamois-free bottoms. Quick-drying after a rainstorm or roadside swim, acceptable at the bistro or B&B, and sporting four pockets, they're a godsend. outlier.cc …
German Engineering If, like in that song, I was walking 500 miles, I’d wear this incredibly comfortable shoe, no question. Suede-lined, molding ergonomic footbed below. Supple, unlined leather above—meaning you control the climate with your choice of socks (or lack thereof). birkenstockusa.com…
If you prefer to do sun salutations in a T-shirt, opt for something moisture-wicking, like this mostly polyester one, which also has strategically placed mesh panels for releasing steam. marmot.com…
When you’re ready to graduate from a touring bike to a zippier ride—one with the streamlined speed, stiffness, and low weight to tackle a race but enough gears to let you climb any mountain pass—hop on this svelte option. Its full-carbon frame has the energy transfer and agility of…
All-conditions excellence marks the Fasano’s hi-def optics: The polarized, amber lenses are also photochromic, adjusting to light intensity on the fly. So you can trust these to take care of your eyes from dawn to dusk, whether you’re on the road, on a sunny deck slopeside, or in a…
Town Crossover Stuff the synthetically insulated Guise into one of its pockets and—voilà—it’s a U-shaped travel pillow. Though the DWR coating and pit zips give it a bit of technical prowess, without interior pockets, Velcro closures, or a hood cinch, this jacket is not designed for serious backcountry use.1.8 lbs;…
PUFF LIGHT Of all the jackets we tested, none saw as much field time as the Xenon. The slightly puffy top is stuffed with enough PrimaLoft insulation to be worn alone down to about 30 degrees. And while its face fabric appears thin and fragile, it’s anything but. One tester…
Warm feet, plus giving the planet a helping hand: The Brrogue’s outsole is made with recycled and natural rubber, while the suede and full-grain leather are both produced in factories that work to create fewer emissions. These boots aren’t for bitter temperatures, but the toothy tread will surprise you…
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…
EXPEDITION BOAT The Delta Sport 17’s full-volume hull, from bow to stern, means dry decks and more than 55 gallons of covered storage—not counting what you can cram around you in the cockpit. Translation:It’s possible to haul up to 350 pounds of gear in this expedition-ready boat. It’s tough:…
It’s five bucks cheaper and every bit as comfortable and secure as any leash we’ve tried. Plus, it’s the first leash made from recycled rubber. Comes in six-to-nine-foot lengths. wavetribe.com…
Packable Sailboat “I can hardly believe it,” remarked one tester, “but it really does sail like a legit boat.” That pretty much sums up our take on the inflatable Smartkat. It took testers about an hour to assemble, but once on the water this 15'7″ masted catamaran, which is capable…
Eventually, you’ll probably own multiple pairs of shoes for different types of rock, but at first you want something with a flat last and ample support that’s agile in a variety of conditions, like SCARPA’s Thunder shoes. scarpa.com…
Long a champion of oversize aluminum tubing, Cannondale shifts gears to create an all-carbon rig that’s fast enough for testosterone-addled group rides but much more comfortable than its trademark metal frames on epic outings. With slack geometry, a moderately upright riding position, and the superior road-damping qualities of carbon…