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A TRAIL SHOE FOR ROADIES Sometimes you drive to the trailhead; other times you just run there. This is your shoe. Built to have the same smooth heel-to-toe transition as ASICS’s road shoes, the lightweight Attack is sufficiently cushioned for gravel roads and packed dirt, yet it still feels responsive…
CAN HANDLE HEAVY STRIKING The Elixir is like a Ferrari with all-terrain tires. It combines the barely there mesh upper of a race shoe with the full-foam midsole of a distance trainer. A snug heel cup and soft forefoot flex promote maximum thrust at toe-off, while a thermoplastic spring mechanism…
ROAD-AND-TRAIL HYBRID Good for Packed Trails Take a road trainer and a trail runner, smash them together, and voilà: the Adrenaline ASR 5. Medial posting (a.k.a. denser foam) in the midsole delivers moderate pronation support, a rarity in trail runners, and the slender fit feels nimble…
Mild Stability Which sounds more like your morning ritual: Trying to set a new PR, or trying not to hit snooze again? If it’s the latter, the SyncroPace III is your shoe. Like most of Pearl’s running shoes, it has a remarkably comfortable, seamless upper and a…
If cushioning shoes are mattresses, the Cruise is a futon. “It’s firm, but good firm,” said one tester. The Cruise has Pearl Izumi’s trademark seamless upper, fabric eyelets that allow fine-tuning of the laces, and unique cushioning pads under the forefoot and heel that deliver a responsive ride. Best…
When the slope rips out beneath you, your beacon will help friends find you, but how deep you’re buried will likely determine whether you survive. The BCA Float 30 (with an insulated hydration sleeve; shovel and probe pockets; and, new for this year, a diagonal-ski-carry system) deploys a 150-liter…
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…
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…
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;…
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.
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…
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.
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…
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)…
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…
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.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.
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…
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.
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…
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…
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…
Serious warmth: baffles overstuffed with 650-fill down and a waterproof-breathable (and crazy light) Pertex Endurance shell. Plus snug-cinching cuffs, double storm flaps, and two large internal water-bottle pockets. 2.2 lbs; outdoorresearch.com…
This coat is a two-in-one piece: a zip-in reversible vest (insulated with synthetic fill) plus a water-resistant nylon shell. Wear the combo on a cold day, then sport the flower-printed vest at the bar later that night. spyder.com…
BEST IN BAD WEATHER The Touring Hoodie is fashioned completely from Polartec Powershield, a time-tested fabric that still provides one of the best combinations of stretchiness, breathability, and protection from the elements. Its sleek, understated design makes it a great choice for everything from day hiking to walking the dog,…
With a wide peripheral view, the Betrays are fit for a romp in the woods yet fashionable enough for a stroll through the city. oakley.com…
NO MORE OVERHEATING Breathability can be a bugger to gauge. But of the 30-odd hard shells we tested, the Pinnacle, from British newcomer Rab, let the moisture out better than the rest. Credit the jacket’s two-layer eVent fabric, which, like most waterproof-breathable fabrics, uses a porous membrane that vents…
Good for BackcountryPatagonia’s H2No shell is about as closed off as North Korea, only much cozier, thanks to a polyester mesh lining that puts a warm buffer between your skin and the well-guarded exterior. patagonia.com…
THE CRUISER Good for Backcountry The Burnside is neither the lightest nor the most technical jacket here, but that’s not this crossover shell’s point. The two-ply waterproof-breathable polyester shell repels precipitation well enough for a full day on the slopes or a long hike or walk…
APRÈS This jacket is as comfy as a sleeping bag, but with a flattering waistline it looks exponentially better. The DWR-treated exterior repelled light precipitation surprisingly well, but the wind whipped right through. Alter ego: Use as a liner under a shell on cold days. cloudveil.com…
Temples that snug perfectly under a helmet + wide-wrap polycarbonate lenses that fend off wind + airflow between lens and cheekbone to fight fogging + no-fuss lens interchangeability for all-conditions riding = great cycling shades. With a twist of the inconspicuous cams at the frames’ upper outer corners,…
The most breathable soft shell here, the Verglas was our favorite jacket for high-energy excursions. Whether testers were climbing or simply riding their bikes home from work, they were impressed with the Verglas’s vast comfort range. Credit the thumb loops, hood, and a woven nylon fabric that’s treated with…
Good for Backcountry There are lots of versatile soft shells in this price range, but none as smartly constructed as the Baltoro Alpine. The stowable hood was the best we tested: A three-point adjustment secures over hat or helmet, while the moldable wire-stiffened brim can be tucked…
Good for Backcountry The only one of our selection with a built-in Recco avalanche-rescue reflector, the Shuksan is a waterproof-breathable eVent pant—with four front pockets, full side zips, and scuff guards—built to last. And the generous cut makes these wear like an old favorite pair that’s been…
When it comes to sharp looks and uncompromising comfort, Blundstone’s slip-on boots are hard to beat. And when things turn muddy and/or slushy on that hot date, the grippy, cushy outsole of the 550 allows you to relax and enjoy the scenery. blundstoneus.com…
Packable Half-Zip “It’s as packable as it is practical,” observed one tester. That pretty much sums up the Zephyrus. While it has roughly the same amount of synthetic insulation as the Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoody, it was better at shedding light rain and snow, due to its more windproof (and…
Ironman in Training With this three-lens set, racing-bred Rudy takes the high ground—high performance, high quality, and, yes, high-end pricing that’s still sensible after you figure what three ultra-premium sport shields would run. Two of the three snap-in, single-piece lenses are photochromic: Clear took us from no light to pretty…
Even though communal yoga mats get cleaned, they still make us cringe a little. We love that this one’s free of toxic glues, and, unlike other mats we tested, it never let us slip in downward dog. manduka.com…
Breathable mesh and perforated palms kept riders’ hands cool. Plus, grippy fingertips helped slippage on shifters. konaworld.com…
Unfold the top of this flowy skirt and you have a dress. Testers gussied up this beachy item with espadrilles for dinners in Sayulita, Mexico. patagonia.com…
Technical This waterproof hard shell is stuffed with the same amount of synthetic fill as the Igniter (above), making it a bit warmer (and more windproof) but also, not surprisingly, not quite as breathable. Because it’s completely impervious to wet snow and sports a hood with a visorlike rain brim,…
FORCE FIELD If you’re often out in the wet conditions typical of places like the Pacific Northwest, a classic Gore-Tex shell like the Albaron is an indispensable outer layer. It’s cut from Pro Shell, Gore’s best material, so it’s the most water- and windproof piece here, with user-friendly pit zips,…
LEKI‘s SHARK CRUISER GLOVES are stylish and comfortable.
The waxed-suede Jillian zips easily over jeans, hugs your legs and feet with soft sheepskin, and grips icy sidewalks with a molded rubber outsole. It’s the perfect snuggly boot to make you feel put together after a day in baggy ski clothes.
KINCO‘s insulated PIGSKIN LEATHER SKI GLOVES are as tough as they are well priced, but you’ll have to waterpoof them yourself with a coating like Nikwax’s Glove Proof ($7; nikwax.com).
High-Performance Softboard Not long ago, the words “soft surfboard” would’ve drawn jeers from core surfers. Now comes the ultralight Y-Quad, a truly high-performance softboard designed by Tom Morey, inventor of the boogie board. The semihard slick-skin deck and bottom suggest a glassed board, but the soft rails and boxy tail…
Designing a one-boat quiver is always a compromise, but the Rx (a.k.a the Prescription) is no horse by committee. It can both play and run downriver, because it combines a flat freestyle hull—for spinning on a wave—with a progressive rocker and relaxed chines behind the hips, where eddy lines…
CREEK SPECIALIST The Habitat incorporates the trademark roominess of Wave Sport’s previous creekboats, but its new hull design is carvier, more forgiving, and not as flat-bottomed (read: you won’t crush your spine boofing). At just over eight feet, it was fast enough to cut across eddy lines on the Colorado,…
MOST VERSATILE The Avocet LV slices through ocean whitecaps as well as it holds a fast, true line on a glassy lake. This British-hulled boat—low-profile, high foredeck—has great secondary stability, which will build confidence in beginners learning to tour. But you won’t outgrow it, either. With fore, aft, and day…
Designed by Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard’s son, Fletcher, the quad-fin Quark is one of the lightest, greenest, most durable boards we’ve seen yet. Its fishlike characteristics include a nearly 20-inch width, high flotation, and mild swallowtail that make even the mushiest surf entertaining. Meanwhile, the Quark has mucho acceleration…
Fitness King Paddling to get a workout? This lightweight performance touring kayak absolutely flies when you put your head down and hammer. “It sprang from stop to go like a racehorse,” reported one tester after zipping across Lake Champlain and back. The Cat 5's deck is arced high to accommodate…