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 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      …
KEEPS YOU COOL Admit it: Ever since you retired your fanny pack, you’ve missed being able to hike in the heat without soaking your T-shirt. With a curved suspension that lets air flow across your back, the Garmsal cools without compromising its carrying ability—or your cred. The crossed aluminum stays…
HUT CHAMP A two-in-one pack is the smartest choice on a hut trip, and the Windpack is one of the year’s best. The main pack’s 2,550 cubic inches easily swallowed sleeping bag, clothes, and tequila on a three-day hut tour in Colorado. And chasing face shots, the detachable, 500-cubic-inch yo-yo…
LIKES IT ROUGH The Voyageur was one of several shoes that we sent to our most abusive tester. His take: They’re “as tough as beef jerky.” After several weeks of hiking, the upper’s sturdy leather hide, the rock-solid stitching, and the company’s trademark brawny toe bumper showed virtually no signs…
This large daypack is adaptable, tough, and loadable both from the top and through a U-shaped front zipper. Expandable side pockets stow flip-flops, and two zippered, detachÂable pouches in the top comÂpartment organize small stuff. The gel-padded harness system is cushy yet supportive. 3.5 lbs, 2,130 cu in; lafumausa.com…
With nine pockets (including a hideaway bottle holder) and a magnetic closure that makes getting at junk a cinch, the burly nylon Stroll is the perfect personal assistant. 1 lb, 380 cu in; merrell.com…
p>It might look frilly. But this pigskin lace-up, mid-calf boot with quilted lining is waterproof, warm, and, thanks to rubber toe and heel rands, surprisingly tough. patagonia.com…
Most Breathable Seems like 2,000 cubic inches is the magic number when it comes to versatility—just big enough to max out on a fast-and-light overnighter but not too big for a day hike. And size isn’t the only thing the top-loading Spectro AC gets right. It was the most breathable…
Top Box It’s pricey, yes, but it’s also the Rolls-Royce of rocket boxes. The sleek design helps decrease wind drag and preserve gas mileage, yet its 15 cubic feet of storage still easily fits five pairs of skis. And the solar-powered internal light that automatically comes on when you open…
Why They’re CoolMyriad mesh panels allow huge airflow, yet the pores are tight enough to screen out even the most determined trail dust. The combination proved perfect for a fast-paced desert hike on a 90-degree day. » Teva injected these slip-lasted fast hikers with some running-shoe DNA—in the form of…
HIGH-MILEAGE CUSHION If you’ve followed a marathon training program, you know what a grind it can be to crank out those 18- to 22-mile runs about a month before race day. Not so with the dreamy Praya NC, a lightweight trainer that derives cushioning from a thick foam midsole and…
Why They’re CoolThey’re anti-gearhead shoes—the sort you’d see on the feet of a humble Kiwi adventure racer with a resting heart rate of 32. They’re hip yet unimposing, functional without being encumbered by newfangled compounds. » Actually, we take that back. Teva uses an abrasion-resistant fabric impregnated with rubber in…
ONE SWEET RIDEForget the South Beach Diet: The cushioning here will convince you that you’ve lost ten pounds. Credit trademarked midsole components (they boil down to strategically tuned EVA and a bit of foam rubber), which render each foot strike a pleasure instead of a pain. A thickly padded, noncreeping…
STABILITY ON AND OFF THE TRAIL This shoe is like the SUV—er, make that the all-wheel-drive wagon—that you drive to work on weekdays, then load up with gear and take to the mountains on weekends. The versatility lies in this stable shoe’s adaptive midsole and deep, supportive heel design, which…
So hot you’re tempted to run in sandals? Give your feet the air—and support—they need with the Cardrona. Thin, open-weave mesh means your dogs can feel every cool mountain breeze that blows their way, and vents in the midsole actually let air circulate beneath your feet. The design works…
Run in any weather? A Gore-Tex XCR liner and Salomon’s aggres-sive Contagrip tread handle the ugliest conditions. One-pull Kevlar laces are hassle-free and secure on wild descents. We loved the snug, fully gusseted tongue and lower heel height of the women’s model. Buying tip: They run almost a full…
LOVES LONG RUNS If neutral shoes are sedans and stability shoes are SUVs, then the Infiniti is a minivan. It’s part of Brooks’s new “guidance” line of shoes, which are designed to be a bit less structured than stability shoes but not quite as minimalist as trainers. To wit: The…
“Just right” is not exactly a technical attribute, but that’s what testers kept saying about this shoe after subjecting it to a variety of conditions. It’s simply the most versatile runner of the bunch. The Syncro Pace has sufficient motion-control mechanisms to combat mild pronation, it’s light and flexible enough…
Mild Stability Old perceptions die hard, and a few of our testers initially scoffed at the idea that Puma, better known in other sporting arenas, is making legitimately high-performance running shoes. The Concinnity III changed that. At under ten ounces, it’s a remarkably fast and agile shoe.
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…
Road Here’s a top-shelf road helmet masquerading behind a midlevel cost. The removable mesh interior, one-handed twist-lock adjustment, and scant weight (11.2 ounces) are the types of features normally found on models twice the price. www.rudyprojectusa.com…
The super-svelte, 8.8-ounce Actyum has two interchang-eable pads, one with a mesh protective net that aligns with the front vents to keep bugs from splattering your noggin. rudyprojectusa.com…
ALL-MOUNTAIN LUXURY With its upright geometry and five-plus inches of travel in front and rear, this bike is Barcalounger comfortable. But unlike other plush, slack-angled bikes, the Possum’s cushiness doesn’t detract from all-mountain performance. It let us charge nimbly on the windy and banked Chutes, a technical loop outside of…
Heat the race-worthy, carbon-soled R220 in an oven at an authorized shop and a special vacuum will mold the shoe to your foot for a stable, slipper-like fit. bike.shimano.com…
Birding on the Cheap Perfect for the neophyte birder who wants quality glass without blowing his inheritance. The DCF NV’s semi-compact design was fast on the draw, and the rubberized exterior helped protect them from inclement weather—and more than one clumsy drop. Their 16mm eye relief allowed for comfortable, strain-free…
Last year, consumers were buying $9,000 bikes and bad mortgages like there was no tomorrow. Then tomorrow showed up. The spendy bikes are still out there, and still worth it for racers who have the cash. But in a time of great frugality, it's nice to know you can get…
Training in unfamiliar terrain? This watch wirelessly connects to a heart-rate strap and a belt-or arm-mounted GPS unit for altitude and navigation coordinates. www.timex.com…
Downhill Dream Trek’s redesigned aluminum Remedy pedals surprisingly well for an all-mountain, 5.9-inch-travel bike—especially with the Fox Float Rp2 rear shock in its firm Pro Pedal setting. And while it’s a decent climber, the point here is rolling past big obstacles on the climb and then flying over them on…
Weighing little more than half an ounce, the Two Can is either the lightest little knife we’ve seen this year or the smallest pair of scissors. www.kershawknives.com…
Road Fits Any Foot Thanks to its combination of a mesh tongue and underfoot vents for good airflow, the RLs proved to be impressively breathable, even on scorching rides in New Mexico. And while they fit most testers fine, you can get a customizable insole at…
ESSENTIALISTSuunto stepped back and asked, “What do athletes really need?” then answered with the t6, which charts heart rate, time, and elevation gain and shares it all with a PC. The bundled Training Manager software is easy to use. An optional wireless speed sensor ($109) attaches to your shoelaces and,…
FLYWEIGHTCountless ambles down to the local java joint validated the TrailAudio’s always-at-hand design. I stocked this two-ouncer with 11 Led Zeppelin albums and clipped it to my belt loop. With a water-resistant casing, this 256MB memory-card-based player is ready for the rain and the rough. Plug it into a USB…
A LIGHTWEIGHT, WALLET-FRIENDLY DSLR A full-featured DSLR can be an awkward load when you’re traveling, especially in cities. Not the D40. I had no problem toting it through the streets of London and Barcelona. At just over a pound, the D40 is one of the lightest interchangeable-lens DSLRs around. But…
This Henry Kloss–inspired beauty, which takes auxiliary input from any player, features a high-precision AM/FM tuning dial, water resistance, rechargeable batteries, and a surprisingly beefy 2.5-inch speaker. tivoliaudio.com…
Find your way in the dark, or signal extraterrestrials, with this limited-edition titanium, true-variable-output, 70-lumen LED torch; it’s the size of your finger, weighs 1.9 ounces, and burns for 50 hours. surefire.com…
Because they stay sticky in a variety of snow conditions and temperatures, G3 skins have long been a tester favorite. This year, thanks to an extra coat of waterproofing and a redesigned tip attachment (which now fits any ski shape), they’re even better. genuineguidegear.com…
Made for music phones—note the mike on the wire— these little hi-fi numbers snug comfortably and stay put. v-moda.com…
Tweeze the unibrow, pick your teeth, drive screws, and, in case you’re trapped in a vehicle as it sinks to the bottom of a river, punch out the windows and slash your seatbelt. swissarmy.com…
The most full-featured of the key-chain strongboxes, SAMSUNG’S YEPP YP-55V ($199) holds 256 megabytes of music in bump-proof flash memory. It plays FM when your mixes get moldy, and records digital files from radio, voice, or aftermarket mike. To fill it up, plug the 1.2-ounce unit into your PC’s USB…
With a new third antenna that delivers more accurate distance-to-victim measurements, a pull-tab-activated search mode, and a directional display, this is the simplest and most intuitive beacon on the market. 8.8 oz; backcountryaccess.com…
Making the switch from point-and-shoot to DSLR? The 10.2-meg K2000 comes with a 27.5–85mm (35mm-equivalent) zoom lens and a flash for the price of some digicams. Plus, at 20.8 ounces with batteries, it’s one of the lightest and smallest DSLRs on the market. Beginner-friendly features include built-in image stabilization…
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…
Looking for something more sophisticated than your basic cell phone but not crazy about stuffing a mini-computer into your pocket? This slim unit is a perfect middle ground. Because the touchscreen provides feedback—clicking and vibrating with each touch—we found texting, especially when multitasking, easier than with most phones. The…
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…
We love the actual physical control dial and gas-gauge-style memory and battery indicators up top of this 12.2-meg digicam, but its wide 24mm lens, ultrabright, three-inch active-matrix OLED display, and HD video are the real sells. samsung.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…
Why It’s CoolCanon clearly gets feedback from pros; their cameras are better balanced and easier to hold while scrambling up trails. » The metering system measures focal distance and light from 35 locations within the frame. I captured perfectly balanced images, whether I was using close focus to secure shots…
Time Trialer If this black-on-black piece from Spanish company Festina were a movie character, it would be one of the Nihilists from The Big Lebowski. In a very good way. With a scratch-resistant mineral crystal, 100-meter water resistance, and ultrasmooth movement in its three-dial chronograph, it’s all you’d expect from…
(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…
Like Suunto’s Extreme Edition Silver ($329), this watch has an altimeter, barometer, compass, storm alarm, sunrise/sunset times, etc. It’s also engraved with the signature of Apa Sherpa, who this year made his record 20th summit of the big peak. (It’s an edition of 8,848—the mountain’s elevation in meters.) Plus…
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 CoolThe 10×25 configuration is tricky—it’s a lot of magnification in a small package—but Brunton gives the XC10 the most solid, ergonomic, tactilely pleasing body in the field. The rubber-clad housing grips just right, with flat spots on the underside for the thumbs. The barrels stay just where you…
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…