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Here’s a cleanly designed multitasker with the right goods for road tripping, globe-trotting, or anything in between. Trundle this 2005 Gear of the Year fave up to the reception desk at the W Hotel without looking like you’re fresh off the mountain, then zip off the bomber backpack to launch…
1. The LX2 is one of the rare pocket digicams that offers the manual exposure control and instant shutter response required by serious photographers. Add a proven image-stabilization system, a high-res movie mode, an ultraclear LCD screen, plus sharp Leica optics, and the LX2 is a clear standout in…
1. With its fully gusseted tongue and a smooth sock liner, the Aether Tech just fits great. The easy-to-adjust Boa Lacing System provides a uniform snugness all around the foot—no pinching or pressure points. The foot-sculpting midsole is made from just the right amount of soft, single-density foam to…
Good for Backcountry 1. No matter what the weather, the Icefield was ready. The shell—a slightly stretchy, very sturdy ripstop polyester with a waterproof-breathable membrane—shucked off epic dumps at Jackson Hole and wet slop on Washington’s Mount Baker. But inside was the perfect amount of…
Good for Resort Four years ago, Mervin Manufacturing (the owner of Lib Tech and Gnu) introduced so-called multiple sidecut—and turned the industry on its head. Instead of one continuous sidecut, these new boards have multiple contact points along their edge, which improves edge hold and gives you…
Explosive underwear, full-body scans, luggage fees? Welcome to the friendly skies. To subdue some of travel’s travails, shop smart for luggage; no one wants a finicky travel companion. With airlines’ checked-luggage charges, carry-ons have renewed appeal. The newest batch strives for lightness—generally good but not if shaved ounces compromise…
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…
BIGFOOT WITH BIG TEETH Whoever was wearing these snowshoes spent most of the time breaking trail. In deep snow, the Lacrosse offered the best flotation of any shoe here, and its aggressive claws also kept testers feeling secure on ice. The optional Pilot II binding (far superior to the baseline…
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…
OVERACHIEVER We had to keep looking down to remind ourselves that this is a 152. The Drift blasted through crud that typically slows up similarly sized boards, plus its rubber sidewalls damped chatter. And it’s fast. The Drift kept up with the big boys—some 159s, even a 162. In the…
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;…
At a pound less than Karhu's in-bounds version, the Jak BC is a featherweight climber made with carbon components and the new environmentally friendly Greenlight Core, which is made of sustainably harvested Chinese wood. 124/90/113, 7.1 lbs; karhu.com Bonus: Lots of pop for such a light ski. Bummer:…
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.
Thanks to a DIN of 16, an innovative toe-height adjustment, and a beefy plate underfoot, the new Duke outperforms all other AT bindings on the descent. Or, as one tester put it, “The playing field has totally changed.” 5.6 lbs; markerusa.com Bonus: There's nearly zero ramp angle, so you…
This day tripper has a wraparound binding so easy to put on, you can do it with bulky gloves or cold hands. The women-specific shape is tapered, with upturned toes and tails to make your stride more natural. 3.6 lbs; tubbssnowshoes.com. Pair them with: ULU CROW RABBIT…
SCARE-THE-TOURISTS FAST Good for All Mountain “It feels like a World Cup race ski and a powder ski had a love child,” said one tester. Part of the completely revamped line of skis from Blizzard, the Magnum 8.7 features the company’s Powerframe construction—essentially stacking more of…
The Tartan’s ergonomic grips are the most comfortable of any here, and the aircraft-grade aluminum should stand up to years of abuse. scottusa.com…
Good for Big Mountain This year's Ravyn received a facelift (new graphics) but otherwise returns unchanged. It remains relatively light for its footprint but still impressed testers with its damp feel and edge-to-edge prowess. “The harder the Ravyn is pushed, the easier it is to ski,” said one tester.
Good for All Mountain Testers praised the Push for its terrain-soaking dampness and remarkable out-of-the-box fit. Credit the snowboard-boot-like Boa liner (a nexus of metal wires you ratchet down tightly). “The best off-the-shelf fit and feel of any boot liner out there,” one tester noted. It's a bit softer…
BUILT FOR SPEED A teardrop shape and snappy return make these lightweight shoes a good pick for midwinter running or aerobic hikers. An extra toe claw delivers more power during quick-stepping toe-offs, and the easy-ratcheting binding feels stable in running shoes or low-profile boots. The frame is a magnesium alloy,…
By using different materials in different parts of the binding, EVA padding in the baseplate and gel-infused ankle straps, the United pulls off a nifty trick: It’s soft enough to take the sting out of flat landings but stiff enough to feel solid on firm snow at high speeds.
Good for Telemark While not a women-specific boot per se, the NTN-compatible TX is now available in women's sizes, providing testers with their first look at this sleek boot-and-binding system. Across the board, the results were clear: NTN provided our women the most arcing power they'd ever experienced. Bonus:…
The pounds you carry on your feet tax your body more than the pounds you carry on your back. That’s why our testers were such big fans of the Backcountry. At under three pounds a pair, they’re the lightest 30-inch snowshoes we’ve ever seen. To achieve such a low…
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…
Good for Resort The first alpine boot made from sustainable (and recyclable) materials, the Renu has a shell made with a castor-oil-based plastic, a cork insole, and a bamboo-fiber liner. Experts will want something stiffer, but it’s plenty firm enough for intermediate to advanced skiers.
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…
TELEMARK Good for All Mountain With the same footprint as Doug Coombs's original namesake ski, the new Coomback features a low-rise rockered tip for better flotation. “Nimble, agile, lightweight, and able to handle heavy pow with ease,” said one Alta-based tester. With tip and tail holes for K2's new…
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…
ALPINE TOURING Good for Touring The Virus Tour, designed by extreme-skiing pioneer Glen Plake, impressed testers with a split, hinged tongue that allows seemingly limitless articulation for skinning or scrambling. “Incredible range of motion,” said one tester. We also love its smooth, if somewhat soft, flex. A thermomoldable EVA…
Big Mountain The Freeride has been the go-to AT binding for years. Why? It’s an all-around performance-driven binding that accepts alpine and AT boots. Switching between ski and walk mode, as well as adjusting the heel riser, happens with the flick of a pole. Taking a cue from its little…
(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…
Each size of this all-mountain twin is adorned with a different dude, like John Lennon, Albert Einstein, or Martin Luther King Jr. But all the dudes ride the same: Thanks to a robust poplar-and-beech core, it’s the stiffest and most carve-ready board here. Like the Rossignol One Magtek, it’s…
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…
STREET-LEGAL ROCKET The Enforcer wowed us with its off-the-chart stability at high speed and penchant for tearing through piles of crud with nary a twitch. Credit its wood-core, vertical-sidewall, metal-reinforced construction and monster sidecut. The downside? The Enforcer can take its toll on lighter skiers. “It’s not a lazy-afternoon ski,”…
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…
Designed by Nordica’s big-mountain and park athletes, the brand-new Ace of Spades has an upright stance designed to give you a solid, well-balanced platform for skiing switch and landing big airs. And should you land in the backseat, extra room around the big toe helps disperse some of the…
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…
Yes, the graphics are a bit much, but testers couldn’t get over how stable this reverse-camber park rat was. “I went for any lip I saw,” one tester said. “It was so responsive.” Credit the true twin shape and its shallow sidecut, which also made arcing in and out…
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…
Ultimate Power Need more leverage on your reverse-camber or mixed-camber board? Rome Snowboards is bringing it to you via a system of interchangeable canting beds in its new 390 Boss binding. Picture a wedge with the thickest part under the outside of your foot—when you push against it, you can…
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…
Break poles like Bode breaks rules? BD’s strongest carbon-fiber pole has a lower Kevlar wrap to further protect them against your skis’ edges. Plus oversize baskets stayed afloat even in powder. Heading into the backcountry? Also available in a collapsible version, with an aluminum upper shaft, as the Carbon…
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?…
Sure, you can manhandle your 17-foot sea kayak onto the roof and ding your car in the process—or you can load it effortlessly and dent-free with the SlipStream. It incorporates a roof-long base-and-roller system that attaches to most racks. The movable cradles eliminate boat-car contact, make solo loading easy,…
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…
A black carbon-fiber shell makes the Pro-Formance look like a stealth bomber, but you won’t be flying under the radar with this baby: It’s a guaranteed head turner. The six-foot-six-inch hollow carbon-fiber thruster is speedy down the line and fast enough to make easy work of shoulder-high thumpers at…
MIRACLE LENSThose clever Germans have done it again: The FLs boast the first binocular lenses infused with fluoride. The chemical, commonly used in telescope lenses, reduces the tendency of glass to disperse colors, and, as billed, these barrels seduce with stunningly bright and crisp images. I tried them at dusk,…
This suit’s halter top and low-rider bottoms favor slim shoulders and long legs. $74; www.billabonggirls.com…