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If you run hard-packed trails, the Whisper is for you. While the thin sole wasn’t comfortable on rocky terrain, the Whisper’s great traction on loose gravel and secure one-pull lacing (plus its light weight) make it race- ready. Best for wide feet. 9 oz; salomonsports.com…
Pavement Pounder The Glide 2 is the Tempur-Pedic bed of the road-running world. Case in point: Soft, moldable foam conforms around your heel and the top of your foot, making this one of the most comfortable runners we've ever stepped into. It's a breezy, mesh neutral trainer with ample cushioning, ready…
Tough Guy This is a stand-up pack—literally. Thanks in part to its extremely heavy-duty fabric (“Like Carhartts,” said one tester), the 29.5-liter Pit Boss stands up straight, on its own, even when empty. But the truly unique feature is the pack’s three interconnected zippers. Two close the lid over the…
The Ghisallo is a wake-up call for weight-freak roadies dutifully switching everything (even water-bottle-cage spacers!) to carbon: There’s another gravity-defying game in town. Weighing less than a box of Clif Bars, this all-titanium frame is not only the wispiest factory model available; it’s the lightest complete bike we tested.
WIN A TRIATHLON Lance-like speed, La-Z-Boy comfort. Well, almost: The 9.9 features the same basic design of Trek’s Armstrong-era time-trial bikes—the TTX foil shape, bottom bracket, wheel cutout, and fork. But thanks to longer head tubes and a slightly steeper, 76-degree seat-tube angle (a flip-flop head allows 74.5 to 79…
With a buckle closure and carbon sole, these have all the features of a top-end cleat—except the staggering price tag. bike.shimano.com…
Face it: You’re too old for the PlayStation. Still, an all-business laptop would be pure drudgery. Lucky for you, Alienware—the Miami-based notebook-gaming powerhouse that custom-manufactures some of its systems with twice the computing oomph of an Xbox—has released a hybrid that can crank through the “Legendary” level of Halo 2…
RACE-READY CARBON If you place speed above all else, consider this hardtail. The 986 may be Look’s first foray into the off-road world, but as their road bikes have proven, they know their way around carbon. With dramatically shaped tubing—faintly hexagonal in the top and seat tubes and broad in…
Why They’re CoolForget hedged kudos like “pretty sweet for tiny binos.” These glasses offer sharpness, clarity, and even darn good light transmission—all superior to many midsize models that cost a whole lot more. » They’re also the brightest 8x20s I’ve used—a tribute to Nikon’s expertise in grinding and coating glass.
To create our new favorite road shoe, Sidi took the slipperlike synthetic upper, full-carbon sole, and adjustable heel retention of its top-of-the-line (and rather narrow) Ergo 2, then reassembled it all for those of us with wider feet. sidiusa.com…
If you thought real GPS navigation was beyond your budget, you haven’t seen the cell-phone-size 210. It’s not the only player in its price range, but it stands out for its internal 22MB memory—essential for digital mapping. The 210 ships with a built-in North American base map that shows…
Plush Hardtail For years, carbon fiber and full suspension have been the driving forces in mountain-bike innovation. But the industry’s recent embrace of big-wheeled rigs has breathed new life into aluminum frames and hardtail designs. “This bike reminded me that aluminum hardtails are incredible climbers,” wrote one tester. “Extremely comfy…
The GERBER NAUTILUS marries a multitool and an LED. Four different modes light up the trail—or that prize trout you’re cleaning. (800-777-6805, www.gerberblades.com)…
Climb Any Mountain The only difference between this frame and the one Cannondale’s pros are racing in Europe is the carbon fiber. The SuperSix 3, built up with Shimano Ultegra components, uses a less expensive weave, but the molds are the same. Given that, we were expecting it to handle…
THE BIG EASYWithin its minimalist design, the 5.1-megapixel R707 packs some sophisticated imaging features. The adaptive light setting helped bring out foreground details in tough-to-expose backlit situations. To wit: I nailed the “Hell, yeah!” expressions of my climbing buddies at the foot of a wall in Skaha Bluffs, B.C.—a detail…
The Modena is the first carbon-fiber stock road bike from Titus, a company known for its formidable custom-made machines. That may sound like a come-down, but consider this: For half the cost of most naked frames in the custom line, you get a complete bike (lighter than last year’s…
Yowza, this one’s thinner than Mary-Kate Olsen! To achieve a sub-one-inch cross section, Toshiba stripped the Portégé R100 down to the basics and offers a separate docking station and a readable DVD and read/write CD drive. While its competitors obsess over silvery Mac-style aluminum, Toshiba—en route to an impressive three-pound-two-ounce…
DOUBLES AS A PHOTO ALBUM Sony has recognized the way people use digital cameras today—to show pictures, not just take them—and created a model well suited to the task. The DSC-N2 records each photo twice—once to the memory card and once, at a lower resolution, to an internal 26MB memory.
The movement may be 28-jewel Swiss mechanical, but the watchmaker is from Pittsburgh. KOBOLD created the POLAR SURVEYOR ($2,650) to convey a.m. or p.m. along with the time—crucial to those disoriented by whiteouts.
These two ounces of steel are all you need if you want to whittle or slice salami. Or snip Cubanos—there’s a built-in stogie slot. xikar.com…
This sturdy new aluminum shovel has all the perks of a big spade—namely, a strong scoop for quick digging—without the bulk or weight (it’s just one pound nine ounces). If you’re ultra-skilled, it can also double as a rescue sled or a snow anchor for rappels. voile-usa.com…
This unit bangs out some of the best sound we’ve heard from a digital audio player. Sixty hours of playback per charge, FM, and voice recording only sweeten the deal. Mac or PC; cowonamerica.com…
COBRA’s PR 4000 DX radios ($120 per pair) have range in spades: They reach across seven miles of unobstructed land or water. Add ten weather channels, a digital compass, and vibration alert and you have one serious expedition tool. FCC license required.
FOLLOW THAT VOICE Calling HP’s Travel Companion a GPS unit just isn’t fair. The 4.3-inch screen is huge, and 3-D technology means maps can be viewed topographically or at street level—making for foolproof (and fun) navigation. On the road, mate it with a Bluetooth cell phone and it doubles…
Why It’s CoolGot an existing arsenal of Nikon lenses? The 6.1-megapixel D100 will accept them all. » It can fire at 1/4,000 of a second to capture true stop-action pictures. » If you can’t find a power receptacle for the removable, rechargeable battery pack, the D100 will accept standard AA’s.
With 75 preprogrammed beaches around the world, the 100-meter-depth-rated Tide 3.0 churns out high and low tide, direction, and wave height for any day in the next 15 years and features stopwatch, alarm, and dual zones. freestyleusa.com…
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…
The N96 is a multimedia wizard, and it comes with the same five-meg camera and Zeiss lens that helped make the N95 our 2008 Gear of the Year winner. Unlike most phones, in which the camera feels like a gimmicky add-on, the N96 has the exposure and flash controls…
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…
The confidence inspirer: All uncluttered TAG manliness, this sixties-inspired watch is water- resistant to 200 meters, with superluminescent hands and a bezel coated with scratch-resistant titanium carbide, the stuff used on drill bits. tagheuer.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…
Less Is More The war for more megapixels is over. In the G11, Canon actually drops to a 10MP sensor from the 14.7MP sensor in this camera’s predecessor, the G10. But don’t call it a retreat. No quality is lost—the new sensor presents a clearer picture, even in low light.
The Milestone Sunglasses powerhouse Rudy delves further into timepieces with its best watch yet, in an edition of 1,985 to mark 25 years in business. Like their shades, the Steelium is built to perform and endure, with a two-dial chronograph and 100-meter water resistance, while holding to a classic look.
(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…
The smartdisk FLASHTRAX 40GB portable hard drive ($500) gives you a place to park your digital pictures on an extended trip, freeing up space on your camera. When you consider that a 2GB Compact Flash card would cost the same as this 40GB hard drive, it’s easy to see how…
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…
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…
A SOFT SHELL ON STEROIDS Instead of storm-shell-vs.-soft-shell controversy, Switzerland-based Mammut gives us a truce: the Blend, which perfectly splits the difference. The hybrid’s hood, shoulders, and tops of the arms are constructed with a three-layer waterproof-breathable laminate, while the body is made of more-breathable, stretchy Polartec Power Shield. The…
RACE READY This sleek, stiff racer is so smooth it’s like a BMW on the autobahn—at lightning-fast speeds, it feels like you’re hardly moving at all. Dura-Ace shifting is precise, and the Mavic Ksyrium SL wheel set and Vittoria Diamonte Pro Light tires stick to any surface. 15.7 lbs; fujibikes.com…
Like most ski pants, the waterproof-breathable Havens have thigh vents and plenty of pockets. But thanks to smart details—like leather zipper pulls and a loose cut—they look better than most. orageski.com…
With goatskin palms, waterproof-breathable fabric, and the perfect amount of insulation, these gloves provide the best of both worlds: warmth and dexterity. powgloves.com…
Thanks to a lugged Vibram sole, the Ranger Smith has the best traction of any boot we tested. But it also has a soft side—a Polartec lining—that keeps toes toasty. patagonia.com Bonus: The outsole is made from 30 percent recycled rubber, and a wool footbed helps cut the…
Thanks to a smart combination of wool and synthetic insulation, the leather-palmed and waterproof Vector kept our fingers toasty in single-digit temps. gordini.com…
During blizzard conditions on a 40-mile backcountry ski race, this 800-fill-down, highly water-resistant shell kept our tester’s core “warm without the bulk of a traditional Michelin Man coat.” Also available in a hooded version called the Catalyst for $20 more. 1 lb; thenorthface.com…
To trim grams, the Hydrogen forgoes everything but a small key pocket and full zip. The nylon breathes moderately well without the help of vents yet still shrugs off a light drizzle. 3 oz; thenorthface.com…
PRACTICALLY WATERPROOF If you took your favorite base layer, hard shell, and soft shell and threw them all in a blender, it would be a terrible mess. But Westcomb’s mash-up makes terrific sense. A thin layer of merino wool on the inside wicks away moisture (like a base layer),…
Not only did the Octopus lens stay streak-free on a drenching Class IV rapid; it actually repelled water. Caution: Of the two sizes available, the small is small—really, really small. julbousa.com…
The best-kept secret in the boot world? Tasmanians know better than anybody how to combine good looks, slip-on ease, and soft yet firm footbeds to create high-mileage, go-anywhere kickers. blundstoneus.com…
Good for BackcountryStretchy Windstopper fabric places these versatile beauties somewhere between hard shell and soft. Which is to say they’re just right—weatherproof but also comfy on long climbs. arcteryx.com…
MINIMALIST PERFORMER Good for Backcountry Like the Marmot (near left), the waterproof-breathable Shuksan was a tester favorite among all-season jackets. True, this pared-down shell has no winter-specific features, but that doesn’t mean it can’t handle the cold. The well-designed hood can accommodate a helmet, and the…
Good God, these things are plaid! Hell, yeah, they are, and that’s not even the most awesome thing about them. Dark-gray polarized lenses kill glare while showing scalpel-sharp detail plus surprising depth and contrast for gray tinting—a testament to Oakley’s superior plastic. Throw in the adventurous but classic looks,…
Technically, the streamlined Venta LT is a soft shell. But because most of the jacket (the shoulders, arms, and back) is cut from highly water-resistant fabric—Gore’s best Windstopper stuff—and its seams are taped, it shed steady Seattle rain nearly as well as our favorite storm shells. However, thanks to…
Good for Backcountry In-bounds or out-of-bounds, the Skinnard has your back. With a ski-pass window, detachable powder skirt, and headphone port, it’s ready for a full day on the lifts (it’s cut to fit over bulky midlayers). And while the Skinnard has neither pit zips nor vented…
Good for Backcountry High-performance merino wool inside means the soft-shell Six always keeps you at optimal temperature: warm when the snow chills and cool when the sun roasts. Four real pockets—two front, one back, one cargo—and scuff guards round out this highly practical piece.
A claw-like hybrid that offers up the best of both worlds: It’s mitten-toasty but, because your index finger has its own separate condo, nearly as dexterous as a glove. levelgloves.com…
Utility Warm early in the a.m., cool at noon, and itch- and stink-free, highly breathable, and water-repellent at all times, the merino-wool Giro impressed the hell out of us. There are also three rear pockets and a full zip for the hottest climbs. ibexwear.com …
Racy Sailor A featherweight sports wrap, tricked out with Bollé’s nautical Offshore Blue poly lenses, the Kicker played against type for watersports shades, which tend to be massive Mac Daddy numbers. But the combo of sharp optics and blue tint, with antiglare polarizing—plus a lens coating to make water sheet…
Soft, quick-dry nylon makes this flattering knee-length dress the perfect thing to throw on after a sweaty yoga class. patagonia.com…
Deep lugs even in the instep offer traction, while to-the-toe laces customize the fit. specialized.com/women…
Your boxers weigh more than this full-zip nylon jacket. It blocks the breeze but lets steam out with a latticework of armpit vents, then disappears into your pocket when the wind dies down. 2 oz; www.hellyhansen.com…
Town Crossover Combine a down vest with a fleece-lined soft shell and this is what you get. We liked the long cut and urban utility look but not the floppy collar or double-what-we-expected price. 1.6 lbs; TAGS: soft shell, down, hybrid…
SMART INSULATOR Like the Gravitor (left), the Prima Fusion is also an insulated hard shell—with a few key differences. First, it’s insulated only in strategic areas along the chest, back, shoulders, and tops of the arms. The uninsulated sides, helmet-compatible hood, elbows, and pit-zip-equipped underarms make it cooler but…
When paired with high-quality base layers, CRAFT‘s full-zip ACTIVE CROSS COUNTRY TOURING PANTS are all you need 90 percent of the time.
The waterproof, nubuck Snowmass was the easiest boot here to slip on, thanks to stretchy elastic side panels. It’s also warm; a combination of wool felt and space-blanket-like material in the footbed kept our feet toasty.
MOVING COMFORT‘s MOBILITY 1/2 ZIP is soft and breathable but practically looks like a piece you can wear to a cocktail party.
Why It’s CoolOnly Riot could build a six-foot-eight kayak and call it anything other than a dedicated playboat. The Turbo’s speed and quick-curve abilities will please big-wave adrenaline junkies, while a high bow rocker and forgiving hull design provide downstream stability in rowdy rough stretches. » Riot deserves a most-innovative-outfitting…
WILD STALLIONDig in your paddle and the Fish will instantly respond. But this one isn’t for newbies: With sharp edges and cavernous volume, this DragoRossi will toss those who don’t fully commit to their tricks. That said, the Fish is packed with nifty design elements, like raised bumps on the…
A REC BOAT WITH MOJO With its behind-the-seat gear hammock and adjustable, ergonomic seat, the Bliss looks like your run-of-the-mill beginner boat. But because of its shapely lines and dual hull channels, it handles and tracks better than any other rec model we tested. I kept pace with boats twice…
The Willis freestyle vest employs Astral’s split-panel design with two independent foam sections. An inner panel hugs your ribs, while the outer panel moves with your shoulders. astralbuoyancy.com…
An Updated Classic With its fully adjustable pull-through straps, comfy (and burly) footbed, and impressive grip on slippery surfaces, the Z2 has been a perennial favorite of boatmen. This updated version has a slightly beefier outsole and is made from a more durable rubber mixture. chacousa.com…
Yes, the name says “boardshort,” which means these quick-dry bottoms are meant for ocean play. But they’re so cute, you won’t feel as if you’re wearing your bathing suit around town. columbia.com…
While you can continue to use your daypack, eventually you’ll want to upgrade to something climbing-specific, like this 2,250-cubic-inch hauler, built roomy enough for a rope, a sling full of quickdraws, and extra layers. Why else do we love it? Ski loops mean it can double as a winter…
The debate between bigger and lighter ends here. On an early-fall trip in the Wind River Range, Black Diamond’s Skylight performed like a big top, allowing a pair of testers (one over six and a half feet tall) to stretch out and stay dry. The shelter weathered a gusty…