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VIKING-TESTEDThis is virtually the national label of Iceland—and for good reason. When it’s raining daggers in ReykjavÃk, this two-layer piece keeps you bone-dry, thanks to an eVENT waterproof-breathable membrane that bars rain and wicks away perspiration. Soft fleece lines the collar and pockets, and a zip-off hood moves with you…
In spite of the daunting name (note to Garneau: Don’t let the lab guys name things), these shorts work quite simply. The stout carbon-infused Lycra provides plenty of support but still wicks moisture on the hottest days. louisgarneau.com…
HIGH-PERFORMANCE HIPSTER Our guarantee: With this jacket you’ll either be the best-dressed guy in camp or the driest sidewalk cruiser in town. The Sray is unabashedly unlike any storm shell we’ve seen before, and that’s why we love it. With a slim cut and head-turning plaid pattern borrowed from Helly…
When is cotton not cotton? When it’s treated with Schoeller 3XDry, like the fabric used in this shirt and others in Woolrich’s new 3XDry collection, making it water-resistant, odor-resistant, and quick to dry. woolrich.com…
Shades in this price range are usually ill-fitting or outfitted with crappy lenses. Not so with the Alpe. The ear pads are adjustable and the polycarbonate lenses are surprisingly crisp. tifosioptics.com…
ALL-WEATHER PERFORMER Unlike most soft shells, which will keep you dry and comfy 90 percent of the time, the ultra-stretchy Tremor won’t wilt when conditions get sloppy. While OR won’t officially call the Tremor waterproof, our testers will. Thanks to a Gore Windstopper membrane and taped seams, the Tremor bested…
MOST VERSATILE New Gore-Tex Pro Shell fabric, which is lighter, more comfortable, and more durable than the company’s former top-of-the-line stuff (XCR), is one of the season’s standout innovations. The key is a softer inner fabric that works great when worn over a base layer. In the La Grave, Marmot…
The ubiquitous brimmed hat, done right: The Yukon’s understated style, chunky wool knit, and a band of fleece lining make this best in class. coalheadwear.com…
Wherever you roam—on the sea under a blazing sun or in the forest on an overcast day—these polarized green-gray lenses, with a gradient that’s darker up top, let your eyes relax and enjoy the scenery. revo.com…
With duck down inside and houndstooth graphics outside, this puffy fared well during cold days on the slopes and in town. roxy.com…
ONE FOR THE ROAD The worst highway glare disappears with these polarized, photochromic lenses. The reddish tint is even called Driver. And comfort is king here. With ultraslim nylon temples and barely-there frames, the Maestrale is so lightweight you forget you’re wearing it. It sorta disappears, too: You don’t notice…
ROCKET LAUNCHER This lively, full-carbon ride has about as much zip and stiffness as anyone could hope for, thanks to a true monocoque build and high-grade carbon fiber throughout. By mixing Shimano’s top-shelf Dura-Ace and midrange Ultegra components, Felt delivers true race-worthy performance while keeping the price down. The cutout…
BIG PROTECTION The anorak is back (also see the Triumph, below)—and we like it. When a group of testers got stuck in a downpour on a mountain-bike tour in Utah’s Abajo Mountains, the only guy who stayed bone-dry was the one in the Alpha SL anorak. Credit the material, Gore’s…
Removable liner, elastic leash, chamois, goggle squeegee, iPod-wheel fingertip dots: If the Patrol had a bathroom, you could sublet it. 180s.com…
BACKCOUNTRY STANDBY Good for Backcountry Technically, the Vanquish is a “soft” shell, but it certainly didn’t behave like one in the field. Gore-Tex’s Soft Shell material is fairly breathable and virtually waterproof—we didn’t test it in driving rain, but it easily shed several hours of…
With welded seams and a water-resistant polyester shell, this insulated soft shell is ready for any winter-weather play. 1.6 lbs; patagonia.com…
OK, so they cost five times more than gas-station flip-flops. They’re worth it. The Chaco Flip uses a low-profile, ergonomic footbed that gives you just as much arch support as a good pair of running shoes. Plus, the sole is made out of 25 percent recycled rubber.
Both the Ekolab’s vegetable-based waterproof-breathable membrane and DWR finish are fluorocarbon-free and recyclable. Testers were a bit skeptical that the sustainable chemistry would perform as well as the regular stuff, but the shell easily fended off hours of rain during a wet hike in Colorado’s Indian Peaks. Although the…
Felted wool wraps the upper, while the outsole is made from natural crepe. The webbing is made from recycled plastic bottles, and water-based cements glue it all together. Of course, they’re comfy, too. simpleshoes.com…
Good for Backcountry Stretch is right. This super-soft bamboo-and-poly shirt moves like second skin. Bamboo complements the speedy wicking of polyester with natural anti-stink properties. kombisports.com…
Après Shoes Yet another travel-day dream from Patagonia, this is our pick for those rambles that take you from rain-soaked streets to sprawling airports to snow-piled sidewalks to hotel bars—and back. patagonia.com…
Versatile Hybrid Much like the Ruston, the Doublet is a soft/hard shell hybrid. While it’s not 100-percent waterproof, it offers up way more protection than your average soft shell. But don’t get hung up on classifying it. The Doublet’s hood, shoulders, arms, and body are constructed from highly water-resistant ripstop…
If you spend a lot of time doing self-rubdowns, get Trigger Point Performance’s Smrt-Core Grid, which gives a better massage than cheap foam. smrt-core.com…
Keep the sun out of your eyes with this ultralight and flexible all-mesh visor. It pairs perfectly with Smith’s PivLock sunglasses and is easy to adjust on the fly. mountainhardwear.com…
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that protection from wind, rain, and sun is important. This DWR-finished, recycled polyester windshell weighs no more than one pound and scrunches down to the size of an apple. Your pack won’t even notice. nau.com…
Testers raved about how smoothly this waterproof trench coat transitioned from hikes in the woods to art galleries. Plus it was pineapple-size in our suitcase. merrell.com…
Light as a feather and stuffed with 700-fill down, these moonboot-like waterproof-breathable pillows-for-your-feet have just enough guts for a run to the beer store, while cordlocks cinch tight to keep out snow. Though designed with winter camping and hut trips in mind, it’s really the perfect après footwear anywhere.
This is the warmest glove here. The outer is a beefy, Gore-Tex-lined and insulated glove with goatskin fingers and a full over-the-jacket-cuff gauntlet. But testers especially loved the inner glove, which has a Windstopper liner and tacky palm that make it perfect for nordic or spring skiing.
It’s not just a name. The Sonam, like 90 percent of all Sherpa apparel, is made in Nepal, with a small portion of the proceeds going to support the education of Sherpa children. The poly-and-nylon fabric wicks like a champ and, thanks to silver ions, resists odor. Slim-fitting.
The wrong knee-length parka can make you look like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. Not the Aria. Its 650-fill down is toasty on blustery winter days, but the close-fitting silhouette doesn’t add bulk. Plus one of the hand pockets doubles as a stuffsack. TAGS: knee-length, media pocket, packable…
Reflective highlights on your shoes don’t keep you safe—defensive running and big stripes of the shiny stuff, like those on ASICS‘s REFLECTIVE VEST, do.
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…
This suit’s halter top and low-rider bottoms favor slim shoulders and long legs. $74; www.billabonggirls.com…
SURFING’S NEXT FRONTIER Instead of stroking with their arms, stand-up surfers use a long-shafted paddle and a huge board to catch waves—from the tiniest Cardiff shin-slappers to beefy Makaha bombs. It’s not easy, so learning on a superstable board like the 4.5-inch-thick, 12-foot-long Walden is best. You’ll also want a…
A PLAYBOAT FOR THE WHOLE RIVER We love the kayak industry’s renewed focus on floating down rivers, but that doesn’t mean play-boating is out. The Fuse brings a river runner’s sensibility to freestyle: “Its edges were aggressive enough that moves didn’t feel mushy but soft enough that boiling eddies were…
Slippery hands make for slippery surfboards. Avoid SPF-related wipeouts by using this nongreasy, water-resistant SPF 50 sunscreen stick. It ain’t cheap, but your skin is worth it. vertra.com…
Take It Anywhere The greatest thing about canoes like the Explorer LT is their versatility. There's enough room (1,100 pounds of capacity) to tool around with dogs, lunch, and kids—or pack up camping supplies and head out for a week. And because it has a moderate amount of rocker and…
Sterling’s 70-meter, 10.1-millimeter Marathon Pro rope strikes a good balance between lightness and durability. sterlingrope.com…
 1. It’s a friendly monster. Our advanced-intermediate testers felt like heroes, our former U.S. pro said it “laid a nice rail,” and everyone in between praised its ability to stick on hardpack, plow through crud, and provide the overall smoothest ride of any of the skis we tested. 2.
Why It RulesThe Blur gets its boing from a new system that keeps the shock from being activated by the up-and-down motion of pedaling. Released last year, the so-called virtual pivot-point design still tops anything new for 2004. » The suspension point between this bike’s rear swingarms isn’t fixed to…
You could pay more than twice as much for a bike and not have this much fun. With a one-piece carbon frame, competition-worthy components, and intuitive handling, this Gear of the Year winner is an entry-level racer that moves “entry level” into the same neighborhood as “elite.” 1. For…
1. Last year, Mountain Hardwear wowed the sleeping-bag world (OK, us gearheads) with its welded-insulation Lamina series. Even non-sleeping-bag geeks will appreciate this upgrade: The UltraLamina 32 is lighter (2.1 pounds) and compresses down to almost two-thirds the size of its predecessor. 2. Hardwear chopped up its synthetic…
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…
1. Black Diamond rolled out an impressive 11 new models this year. But our tele and alpine testers agreed: Of all the new skis we reviewed, the redesigned Verdict was the most versatile, wide enough for the deepest days and stable on hardpack yet still lightweight enough for touring. 2.
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…
1. Most frontside skis are too precise and exhausting for freeskiing. Not the pared-down CX 80, which does away with heavy add-ons like complex binding plates for a more responsive feel. It’s ten millimeters fatter than most, but its World CupÂinspired laminate construction and vertical sidewalls still deliver impressive…
Why It’s CoolThe well-engineered OmniFuel has all the reassuring stability of a good marriage, thanks to an impressive wingspan (three arms form a pot landing pad some six inches across) and a stainless-steel-sheathed fuel line long enough to lift and pump the bottle without reprisal. » Twist the glove-friendly flame…
1. Thanks to its top-of-the-line 800-fill down, light fabrics, half-length zipper, and trim cut, the Adrenaline 20 packs down to the size of a loaf of bread. Even more impressive, at less than two pounds, the Adrenaline is about a half-pound lighter than the average 20-degree down bag. Add…
The perfect workhorse, this do-it-all two-person shelter is light enough for summer, sturdy enough for shoulder-season storms, and big enough for a pair of tall strangers to share. The stable pitch is drum-tight and condensation-free, and two doors and vestibules make for easy living. While its 40-inch peak height…
The two big things to take into consideration when choosing a kayak: the kind of water you will be paddling and for how long. Some boats, like the Emotion Comet (seen here) and the Necky Rip, are great for day trips, while some, like the Current Designs Infinity, are better…
The L5 is smart and bright. It automatically switches to power-save mode when 15 percent of its rechargeable 4.5-volt battery remains. And its five-watt bulb can throw an intense beam of light 203 feet. 10 oz; brunton.com…
VERSATILE THREE-SEASON SACK Now in its umpteenth iteration, the 2007 Cat’s Meow is like its predecessors in one respect only: It’s still one of the most versatile, durable three-season synthetic bags available. The roomy sack is stuffed with lofty, long-lasting Polarguard Delta and wrapped with a tough skin of water-resistant…
CLASSIC WEEKENDER If today's stripped-down packs are a little too austere for your tastes, but full-featured packs are too heavy, you'll find the Ridgeline just right. It's light enough for weekend duty but doesn't require a minimalist approach to packing. Go ahead and throw the espresso maker and extra vino…
BEST SPACE-TO-WEIGHT RATIO Testers were impressed with the two-person model of this tent; it’s roomy (30 square feet) and light (less than four pounds) and has the critical double doors and vestibules (13 total square feet of storage). Then they tried the three-person version (pictured here), which adds a luxurious…
It’s slightly dubious that a bag that packs down to the size of a tennis shoe can keep you warm, but even on a 38-degree night, you’ll be snug. Credit the 650-fill down insulation and an additional interior foot pouch that can be pulled over your toes. 40°F, 1.6…
It’s like having MacGyver in your pack. This first-aid/survival/gear-repair kit has everything from zip ties to EMT shears to a firestarter. Even better, there’s a mini LED headlamp and instructions on how to use it all. 1 lb; adventuremedicalkits.com…
Got straps? The 3,350-cubic-inch Mountain Guide has plenty, making it a favorite with our most fastidious testers—you know, the guys who spend hours fiddling with their pack until it’s just right. The vertical-carry center straps held a Therm-a-Rest, snowboard, or snowshoes equally well and, thanks to sturdy molded-plastic reinforcements,…
Light and Roomy Even when building a “value” tent, Big Agnes gets the details right. With amenities like a vestibule that turns into a shade canopy with trekking poles, high-visibility (read: trip-preventing) guylines, and mesh vents on baffles that help silence wind chatter, the two-man Lynx Pass’s only sacrifice is…
Simple and Sturdy Basic, tough, reliable—for most testers, the water-resistant Remix had all the qualities they wanted in a headlamp. There’s one big LED when you need a focused beam of light (like when you’re looking for the outhouse) and three smaller LEDs for less precise tasks (like reading or…
Illuminate your tent or igloo with PRIMUS‘s SOLAR CAMPING LANTERN for a homey touch.
Thanks to a luxurious shearling lining, this is the warmest dress boot we’ve seen. It’s ideal for dressy dates in the dead of winter in places like Chicago and Jackson Hole. Be careful on ice—the smooth soles aren’t that grippy. johnstonmurphy.com…
The Artica won last year’s Gear of the Year, and everything testers raved about then is still here in this updated model. The symmetric and flexible aluminum frame that self-adjusts to tricky terrain. A tapered tail that doesn’t interfere with your natural stride. A free-pivot, articulating binding that prevents…
REBEL DESIGN Lib Tech has abandoned traditional geometry and camber design to create a new rocker shape. The result? The Skate Banana has tremendous edge hold and is controlled directly under your balance point, making turns effortless on hardpack. And thanks to its detune-friendly Magne-Traction sidecut, it yielded catch-free balance…
With a DIN of 12 and alpine-like toe and heel releases, the Freeride Plus is ideal for skiers who split time equally between the backcountry and the resort. 4.5 lbs; bdel.com Bonus: Also available as the Explore ($370), which have a max DIN of 10 and weigh almost…
Stiff plastic and a double-injected cuff afford alpine-boot-like downhill performance, but thanks to a walk mode it feels like an alpine-touring boot on the way up. 8.3 lbs; garmontusa.com  Bonus: Further evidence of its split personality: It comes with two interchangeable soles, one a grippier ski-mountaineering sole and one…
The Explore has the same bells and whistles as Fritschi's classic Freeride—an adjustable toe piece to fit different boots, a four-level climbing bar, and a mindless alpine-style step-in—but it's considerably lighter. 3.8 lbs; bdel.com    …
TURN, TURN, TURN Good for Groomed Runs OK, so most of mainland Europe is still heavily into caaarvvink. That’s a good thing, because it means they’ll keep making detuned race skis like the powerful SX 12pb. In addition to a wood-like synthetic layup buttressed by sheets of…
The best goggles we tested, the frameless and interchangeable I/O offers unparalleled peripheral vision. But credit Smith’s Vaporator technology—a valve in the double lens that prevents distortion—for the optical clarity. smithoptics.com…
Good for Touring Though recently bought by K2, 32-year-old Karhu has so far stayed true to its roots, continuing to make some of the best touring skis on the market. Testers found the Storm predictable, versatile, and, of course, an absolute blast in soft snow. “Edgy and stable at…
The Hike is a great technical snowshoe—with a long, slender shape for lots of float, a slight banana curve for easy walking, and a frame that twists so your knees, ankles, and hips don’t. 21″, 25″, 30″; eastonsnowshoes.com.
SAFE AT ANY SPEED With its cap sidewall construction, the Timeless dishes up supersmooth, chatter-free turns at any speed. But it likes to rip, too. At higher velocity, Palmer’s FLF technology (which earned the company a Gear of the Year award last year) slightly lifts the nose and tail, to…
We’re skeptical that the PVC-free Lily G.I.F.T.’s green-tea treatment on the boot’s bamboo footbed will stave off foot funk, as claimed. But testers liked the heat-moldable liner, the plush padding above the foot, and the thin, sneaker-like, rice-based outsole (it allows you to feel much more of your board’s…
Good for Resort If we had a Most Likely to Succeed in Any Conditions award, the reverse-camber, twin-tip Dreamboat would have been champ. Credit Forum’s old-school philosophy, which eschews the new multiple sidecuts—unlike almost every other board here—believing instead that one constant arc from tip to tail…
Good for All Mountain Like the K2 Xplorer (above), the brand-new SC 87 wowed testers in every condition. “Silky,” “energized,” and “stable but completely maneuverable” were tester refrains. Credit that wealth of positives to Rossignol’s attention to the balance between a ski’s longitudinal and torsional flex, one…
The optical quality is impressive, but it’s the frame design that really shines: An internal skeleton gives the frame more structural integrity than most goggles, and it takes pressure off the bridge of your nose for a fit that’s firm but even. oakley.com…
ALPINE TOURING Good for Touring If you want only one ski for the backcountry, the S3 is your ride. An early-rise tip creates lift to plane above mank, crud, and pow like a much wider ski, while the traditional camber underfoot holds an edge on hardpack. The pin-shaped, twin-tip…
Except for a few tiny holes on the brim and back, the Rival has no vents. The result is better weather sealing during storms but a sweatier head come spring. It’s a high-volume helmet. TAGS: simple, well-priced…
Fast and Light Pounds lighter than the competition, the Vertical FT-12 is built to tour and ski anything. “If you’re not touring on Dynafit, you’re missing the boat,” declared several longtime Dynafit cultists. Dynafit introduced a power plate to increase the footprint of the binding from 52 to 74mm for…
Testers were impressed with the Prophecy’s secure fit and crisp lenses, but the coolest feature is its Porex Filter. This tiny little portal lets air but not water pass through, which prevents moisture buildup between the lenses and also regulates the air pressure, thus decreasing the chances that the…
MOST DURABLE We wriggled and scraped through boulder caves on New Hampshire’s Six Husbands Trail, and the Asana didn’t get hung up or show any wear. The contoured shoulder straps and hipbelt, paired with Mammut’s stiff yet flexy butterfly frame, supported epic-day loads and still moved with our bodies. The…