CHEAP THRILLS With so many astronomically expensive bikes on the market, it’s easy to get the impression that entry-level bikes perform too poorly to warrant consideration. The Xenith Comp proves that’s not the case. The full-carbon frame offers about as stiff a platform as you’ll find at this price, and…

ALPINE TOURING Good for All Mountain With unrivaled downhill performance, the DIN-16 Duke does anything a resort binding can—huck air, carve rails, hammer bump lines. Just don't think of it as an AT binding. It's an alpine binding with a walk mode. Yes, the Duke will tour when you…

A great entry-level race shoe for high-volume feet, the MX170 has a heel-mounted Boa lacing system that cinches the shoe around the ankle to prevent heel lift. lakecycling.com…

A top-quality helmet with a (literal) twist. The inner shell rotates on impact, potentially reducing the twisting forces transmitted to your brain. Eight offset vents provide extra protection from pointy objects (like a branch or ski pole), but they restrict airflow a bit. TAGS: rotates, best protection…

We have to break out the superlatives for this out-of-the-box racer. It's the lightest and stiffest frame that Giant has ever produced—the same one (albeit without the integrated seat mast) that was ridden to more pro wins last year than any other bike. Granted, the SL 2 is hung with…

Alpine Touring The Quadrant’s four buckles, consistent flex, and 40 degrees of touring motion make it BD’s best all-mountain option yet. Testers praised the stout overlap upper cuff and the way the Boa closure system in the boot’s liner cradles your ankle. 7.8 lbs; TAGS: all mountain, Boa…

Road Comfortable Crossover In many ways, the Sterling is on the opposite end of the spectrum from the Prolight. There’s a removable (and padded) bug-net lining, a Boa-like knob that dials in the perfect fit with a few clicks, and a visor for mountain biking. All that, and it’s…

A side-mounted Boa lacing system equalizes the tension between the upper and lower boot, and an oversize Velcro power strap seals the deal. The result: exceptional heel hold and a soft, responsive flex for everything from pillow lines to the park. TAGS: versatile, Boa…

Easy Rider Using the Ritchey Breakaway system, this chromoly touring bike’s frame splits, and the whole thing packs down beautifully into one checkable suitcase in about ten minutes. Upon reaching your destination, you’ve got a sprightly ride that takes full racks and fenders, comes with fat 35-millimeter Schwalbe rubber…

FAT AND FURIOUS The Atlas was designed for guys who charge down 50-degree faces at downhill racing speeds. And what does that mean to you? Only this: The Atlas is fat enough for the deepest snow, but it handles like a traditional ski. So you can load it up and…

The XCELERATOR SKATE NIS BINDING lets you microadjust your position on the ski to locate your personal sweet spot.

All Mountain With a lower cuff, a super-comfortable walk mode, and a grippy sole, the intermediate, all-mountain Delight was a tester favorite. While it’s not quite as stiff as the Inferno (above), it delivers an impressive balance of power transfer and all-day comfort. Plus, quilted down in the lower liner…

  The instrument of choice for the Austrian national ski team, this basic carbon-fiber pole has a Velcro strap for easy adjustment. Light, simple, and inspiring. Just knowing that the world’s best ski team uses them makes you feel fast. komperdell.com          …

This easy-loading hitch rack keeps two bikes—of any shape or size—secure and separated. And it folds out of the way for hatchback access. thule.com…

Thanks to hydrophilic rubber pads and swappable lenses, the Dea can handle the sweat and variable light conditions of an aggressive mountain-bike session. But the fashionisto style is all about riding a cruiser to Sunday-afternoon beers. tifosioptics.com…

Road-trip much? While the rest of me sat seething in gridlock under a sizzling sun, my eyes were relaxing behind these polarized photochromic glass lenses, which mitigated glare off chrome, windshields, and all other things shiny while showing the path ahead in exquisite depth and detail. Which made it…

Thanks to dark gray-tint polarized poly lenses that won’t splinter in a crash, the Poseidon rules the waves, from whitewater paddling to surf kayaking. A special lens coating sheds spray, while an inner film layer absorbs glare from the rear, common in highly reflective water settings. Wide-wrapping lenses provide…

MOVING COMFORT’s silky CoolMax-and-Lycra MICRO THONG is designed for all sorts of active endeavors—but she’ll look so good, you might not make it outside. (800-763-6000, www.movingcomfort.com)…

Jessica Simpson glam meets sporty sensibility. Polarized lenses are dark enough for sailing at high noon, and a flexible nylon frame clings gently—but firmly—to your temples. www.kaenon.com…

Need a place to stash your train tickets? Pick one of the six pockets on these poly-cotton shorts. www.timberland.com…

Why They’re CoolPoly lenses hang from nylon frames and temples clad in sticky rubber. » Lenses snap in and out, and you can order other tints, though I can’t imagine improving on the polarized gold-iridium, an omnisport winner that pumps up contrast and depth. » The close fit at the…

GANGSTA WRAPThe O-folk make a flashy and vaguely criminal statement with these gold-mirrored frameless numbers. But the Dartboard happens to be a solid multisport performer. Give this one props for security, protection, and outstanding optics. The warm-brown tint dials up detail and depth, and a polarized poly lens kills glare…

A rubber toe guard armors the forefoot, while little slits in the outsole’s rubber grip tenaciously on rock. Chilling out? Remove the heel strap and wear it like a flip-flop. keenfootwear.com…

GOT BLING? Smith pimps up the sports wrap with a big-frame, big-lens magumba that slips in just enough of the necessities—coverage, security, shatter-resistant poly lenses, depth-enhancing optics—to qualify as legit. OK, semi-legit: bocce, yes; mountain biking, no. Fashionably thick temples aid with peripheral protection, while copper polarized lenses dial up…

The Serpent is stylish enough for casual wear, but thanks to its wraparound shape and nonslip rubber temples, it hugged tight even on the bumpiest of singletrack. bolle.com…

Part geek, part chic: Helly Hansen updates the argyle sweater. The Norse’s wool lining is surprisingly soft, and it’s warm enough to wear without a shell on mild days. hellyhansen.com…

Redesigned with 60 percent recycled polyester, the new R1 still maintains its signature stretch and breathability. Not that it’ll wear out anytime soon, but when you’re ready for a new one, send it back to Patagonia and they’ll recycle it. patagonia.com…

This acrylic beanie is warm and comfy, yes. But it also sends a message: I may or may not be going sledding. smithoptics.com…

An articulated leather palm + Gore’s Windstopper soft-shell fabric = the perfect lightweight glove. outdoorresearch.com…

The inner shearling couldn’t be softer and the tread couldn’t be steadier on icy sidewalks. Aspen-bound? Do like the celebs and tuck in your jeans. tecnicausa.com…

GO THE DISTANCE Serious photochromics make the Trails ideal for long race days. A yellowish tint, perfectly tuned for low light, deepens to amber in full sun, and this color spectrum kicks up contrast and depth. The biggish lenses are also soft and flexible, so they won’t add to the…

These burly cotton-twill cargo pants are softer than Carhartts but tougher than what you got at the Gap. dickssportinggoods.com/NikeACG…

Grand Canyon river guides spoke, and Teva listened. The result: supersticky footbeds, secure ankle straps, lightweight and simple buckles, and rugged rubber soles. teva.com…

The PrimaLoft-insulated and waterproof/breathable Ripped has a moisture-wicking liner made of odor-resistant bamboo charcoal. kombisports.com…

The inner layer is 100 percent bamboo charcoal, which is naturally antimicrobial, while the outer layer is a poly-and-merino blend. Upshot: It’s surprisingly warm for its weight, and I couldn’t stink it up no matter how hard I tried. kombisports.com…

Our favorite synthetic belay jacket in the test, the Enclosure is light, easy to pack, and slim-fitting. The supple recycled-polyester fabric and PrimaLoft insulation bottomed out around 10 degrees in a stiff wind. 1.6 lbs; cloudveil.com…

The super-breathable Tattoo comes with 3/4-length sleeves for (minimal) extra protection, a loose fit that can accommodate arm and torso pads, and a roomy zippered rear pocket. louisgarneau.com…

Dress shoes with two secrets: The leather uppers are waterproof and breathable, and the outsoles are just grippy enough to run on cobblestones in the rain. rockport.com…

Casual This 850-fill piece is the ultimate base layer (yes, it’s svelte enough to wear under a shell), but its chic western flair looks even better after you peel off the layers for après-ski. nau.com…

Good for Trail When the weather waffled between freezing rain and slushy snow, this top-shelf technical jacket hit its stride. It’s a hybrid—a 750-fill down sweater wrapped in an eVent hard shell—that never wet out, even in a deluge, but breathed well enough for alpine treks and…

Good for Resort The uninsulated, waterproof-breathable Odin was developed with input from four ski patrols across North America and Europe, then field-tested in Antarctica by ski mountaineer Chris Davenport. You can tell. Its shoulders and waist—where your pack rubs—are reinforced with Kevlar and TPU panels, there’s a…

With reinforcements at the palm and fingers, ample insulation, a removable liner, and Xtrafit technology (see Scott, left), these are the perfect mountaineering gloves. Of course, I loved skiing in them in frigid temps, too. marmot.com…

I’m also partial to ASICS’s Favorite Long-Sleeve shirt, which, despite being long-sleeved, is thin and cool enough to wear during summer speed work. asics.com…

Travel-Day Dream Mister Rogers was no dummy. A slip-on is a good thing—especially if you’re hoping for an easeful passage through airport security. The upgrade here is that the Standard is ultralight, with a super-cush footbed and soft canvas upper. sanuk.com…

Any guide will tell you: Keep your feet warm and dry. Merino wool naturally fends off water, keeps swamp foot away, and (as we were pleased to find) fights stink. point6.com…

Cycling shorts are key for pain-free pedaling. These moisture-wicking, nylon-polyester-Lycra bottoms won’t ride up your legs (even free of gripper elastic), and the waistband lies flat without pinching. shebeest.com…

Because they have winter in Southern California, too. On your foot, it looks like any flip-flop, but the faux shearling adds more warmth than you’d expect. In other words, buy it for the novelty if you wish, but don’t be surprised when you wear it around the house and…

Puff Daddy We were impressed by how well the Mission’s pit zips regulated temperature on a mild midwinter trip to British Columbia, but there was plenty of stuffing (500-fill down) for the most frigid test days, too. So if single-digit readings are commonplace at your home resort, check out this…

MAMMUT‘s hybrid plastic, fabric, and leather MAMOOK THERMO BOOTS have built-in gaiters to keep out the cold stuff.

If the temps dip into the teens, throw on a fleece-lined POLAR REVERSIBLE BUFF, an odor-resistant, two-layer tube that can be worn 12 ways.

THE NORTH FACE‘s slim-fitting APEX CLIMATEBLOCK FULL ZIP JACKET, is all wind- and slushproof panels except the stretchy sides and forearms.

This updated classic has multi-position eyecups that fit well with glasses or without, ergonomic thumb grooves, and excellent clarity in all light. 10×42; bushnell.com…

Why They’re CoolThe Magellans are hermetically sealed and nitrogen-filled, thus dirtproof, waterproof, and ideal for, say, river-trip camping, where they’re likely to get dunked and gunked. » Sub-$300 binos usually guarantee a degree of eyestrain, but these embody optical features such as BaK4 prisms—fine, high-density glass that minimizes light scattering—and…

The great communicator gets better in 2006, with a radio range extended to 14 miles. In case you missed the earlier versions, the Rino is a fully functioning GPS and a two-way radio in one unit. While hiking in the Grand Canyon, we could split up on a whim…

Never miss a shot again. With virtually no shutter lag—a luxury previously found only on high-end SLRs—and an almost instantaneous startup, the 6.3-megapixel F10 is ready before you can say “cheese.” This lightning-fast responsiveness, combined with the F10’s small size (slightly larger than a deck of cards, it’s perfect…

SPORTSTERAt a paltry 23 ounces, the Pinnacles are three to six ounces lighter than many full-size binocs, making them delightfully quick on the draw when chasing down skittish scrub birds. At 5.5 inches long, they’re also a little smaller than many competitors, and thus easier to pack. Light transmission and…

The God Bless America entry in this group, HP plays to our bigger-is-better leanings with this tote-bag equivalent of Imax. Multiple headphone jacks, Harmon Kardon speakers, BrightView widescreen, and a handheld remote (obviating the long reach from your first-class seat to the tray table) re-create the cinema experience. And because…

LUXURY FOR LUDDITES Why go back to manual controls in an age of whiz-bang do-everything automatics? Two words: speed and creativity. The 7.5-megapixel Digilux 3 is pricey, but after a few days of street shooting, we found the perfectly-placed controls let us manually frame and expose shots just as fast…

The Pro’s aircraft-grade aluminum housing was unfazed by snow and a stream dunk. And the slick “fast, close” focusing system makes it easier to find—and follow—your subject. 8.5×26; steiner-binoculars.com…

BEST FOR BEGINNERS Never used a GPS before? Check out the refreshingly straightforward Venture. On day hikes and quick overnighters around British Columbia’s southern Coast Mountains, testers with limited GPS knowledge found the cell-phone-size Venture’s simple menu system the most intuitive to operate. Its relatively big (1.3-by-1.7-inch), bright color screen…

Feeling competitive with no partner in sight? This featherweight plastic training watch has a Shadow Racer feature that lets you compete against your previous runs to check your progress en route. adidas.com      …

We love the Zen’s 2.5-inch screen and crisp sound. Music, photos, video, FM, and voice recording are standard, and a card slot lets you boost storage. PC only; creative.com…

Elegant enough for a five-star dinner but ready for anything, this brushed-steel, sapphire-crystal chronograph is rated to a depth of 100 meters and sports a tachymeter, date window, and luminous hands and numerals. swissarmy.com…

SMALLER AND SMARTER This is BlackBerry’s finest model to date. Svelte and ultralight, it’s more like a cell phone—and less like a paperweight—than its predecessors. But despite the diminutive scale, the Curve is endowed with a full qwerty keyboard we found to be unbeatable among smartphones for fast, accurate typing.

Not only is the Pro Elite the most stable portable stand we’ve ever tested, it’s also the easiest to use. The smart spring-loaded head allows for one-handed clamping and releases with the push of a button. feedbacksports.com…

For the Cousteau in you, the Sea-Touch records data for up to 220 dives. It’s also outfitted with compass, alarm, thermometer, and chronograph, but the shockproof construction, 200-meter depth rating, and sapphire crystal are what inspire confidence. tissot.ch…

The Bold is more than just a business phone. With a smoother, more intuitive operating system, it’s way more user-friendly than previous Black­Berrys. And it’s ideal for international travelers who want to stay in touch—with Wi-Fi to avoid roaming charges, cellular-assisted GPS, long battery life, and quad-band accessibility. For…

This stick is so light (six pounds for the seven-footer), a stiff offshore breeze nearly ripped it from my hands. Made from Salomon’s S-Core epoxy blank, it has a hollow core with a layer of carbon fiber and three triple stringers for a corky, lively feel. In junky, blown-out…

Flying south for the winter? The island-friendly Navigator 2.0 has a compass, 30-lap memory, three alarms, and 100-meter water resistance. The cool innovation is the free-form mesh band, which does away with set holes—great for between-size wrists. freestyleusa.com…

There’s no debate: This is one of the best touring boats on the water. We took the Brittany out in the stormy Atlantic and on glassy Lake Champlain, loaded down and completely empty, and in all conditions she turned like she knew what we were thinking. With the skeg…

Giant Killer The long-awaited prosumer follow-up to last year’s GOY-winning EOS 5D Mark II, the 7D is $1,000 cheaper than that top-shelf DSLR but in many respects a better camera. While it lacks the pro version’s full-frame sensor, the 18MP 7D more than makes up for it with a responsive…

A LIGHTWEIGHT, AGILE LONGBOARD You may recognize the Bear logo from the 1978 classic surf film Big Wednesday, but rest assured this longboard oozes modern performance. At nine feet one inch long and three inches thick, it felt like it could glide into anything. With a width of 22.5 inches,…

You’ll often leave before sunrise to make a summit push. Pack this small, light LED headlamp, which has two settings: a floodlight for illuminating the trail and a beam for long-distance (150 feet) spotting. princetontec.com…

A PERFORMANCE SIT-ON-TOP In addition to being the fastest undecked boat on the market, it’s also remarkably stable—one tester had to try several times to capsize it. The open cockpit lets air circulate on hot summer days but is protected enough to keep you dry when it’s cold. And who…

Most snow saws rely on puny teeth better suited for cutting crusty bread. This 14-inch (seven when folded) igloo saw uses quarter-inch shark teeth to rip through even the most consolidated snow. Use it for pit work or carving the perfect shelter blocks. Attaches easily to just about anything—ski…

The PsychoFreak introduces a new three-layer neoprene sandwich—two thin, solid layers around a perforated middle layer that traps air like a double-pane window—to keep you warmer with less fabric. It works: This super-stretchy, 3.5-milli-meter suit kept us as warm as a five-mil suit while affording tons more flexibility.

Expert Fisherman Using the underwater pedal-powered flippers and knob-controlled rudder, you can propel the Mirage across the lake hands-free so you can fish, shoot pics, sip a drink. Prefer to paddle? The flippers remove in a snap (OK, the press of a button) and you're free to paddle it like…

Why It’s CoolThis three-poler can easily muscle most of the fourth season—it brushed aside 40-mile-per-hour winds, sleet, and a wet two-inch snow load. » Pitch it with a headlamp, thanks to color-coded fly straps and a combo of pole sleeves and clips. The side twin-door design and seven-square-foot vestibules offer…

Why It’s CoolThe loft of the 900-fill down in the Helium EQ is simply amazing. This is one plush, comfortable bag—all the way down to the mid-teens. » It tips the scales at two pounds three ounces, largely because of a Pertex Quantum nylon shell that is waterproof, windproof, and…