The fold-up design of the DCF saves space and weight. At 2.5 inches wide, it’s the smallest here. One nit: We weren’t crazy about the forward placement of the focus wheel. But tight, clean images make up for it. 8×25; pentaxsportoptics.com…

Unlike many of its juice-sucking peers, GARMIN’S 5.4-ounce GPSMAP 60C ($482) keeps its brilliant 256-color screen powered for an impressive 30 hours. With its fast processor, flipping through the brilliant, high-resolution screens is as easy as cruising around your Mac, and the USB simplifies connections.

Why It’s CoolIt’s tough, for one thing, owing to its magnesium body. But it’s also smart, with a 28-200mm SLR-equivalent Carl Zeiss zoom that’s very bright and supersharp. » You can start firing within a second of powering up—and we’re talking full-size eight-megapixel shots at a screaming 2.6 frames a…

Hate wires? With its Bluetooth adapter, this noise-isolating stereo headset, which floats behind your neck, streams audio and calls (there’s a built-in mike). Fidelity is better than average for Bluetooth. motorola.com…

Glacier glasses are back with this mean mirrored-lens number, which eschews old-school side shields for an all-encompassing wraparound design. But the Egg Square’s coolest feature? It folds down to half the size of other shades, hinging at mid-temple and nose. carrerasportna.com…

Good for Backcountry It’s the tips and tails that most often give you trouble, which is why we’re loving BD’s new nylon-and-mohair skins. In addition to being a bit lighter, faster, and more packable than previous generations, this model has riveted top loops to latch cleanly onto…

Why They’re CoolYour peepers will plead to stay in the car and keep on drivin’ in these shades, shamelessly engineered for motoring. The polarized copper-tint lenses prove that glass remains the royalty of optics—the view is sharp-edged and wondrously 3-D. » The metal-frame Monzas hang on hard when the road…

Stay Connected When you pair Delorme’s full-featured GPS (topo maps, aerial photos, 3.5 gigs of memory) with the companion Spot transmitter, something very cool happens: In addition to sending standard Spot messages (“I’m OK,” “SOS”), you can also type 48-character text messages to friends, Twitter, or Facebook. Annual subscription starts…

Native’s Hardtop is the sunglass equivalent of the Swiss Army knife—four sets of snap-in poly lenses, plus two sets of temples, one of which has a built-in elastic head strap. The kit borders on overkill, simply because the standard polarized sepia lenses yield such a sharp view. Other lenses…

3G in the Sahara The 2540p is a 3.6-pound, “business rugged” machine built to military standards: Its magnesium-alloy case can handle 300 pounds of force, and the shock-mounted hard drive is rated to survive 26 drops from 30 inches. It’s also made to tolerate blowing dust, altitude (15,000 feet), high…

Why It’s CoolWith its microfleece lining, this silky nylon-twill shell is soft enough to use as a pillow. » Hardwear’s own Conduit waterproof-breathable membrane does its job admirably and keeps costs down. » Inner cuffs snuggle around your wrists to keep out blowing mist; a similar fleece gaiter inside the…

Billabong partnered with Sony on the design of this special-edition, boardshort-inspired, pick-up-and-go notebook that weighs in at less than three pounds. Under its lime-green hood is a 250GB hard drive, 1.83GHz processor, and vivid 10.1-inch LED display. TAGS: vibrant, travel-ready…

The features justify the price. You get a carbon sole, Boa ratcheting system, and thermomoldable footbed that can be custom-shaped for the ultimate fit, providing long-haul comfort for epic days. 9 oz; www.lakecycling.com…

SKULLCANDY‘s lightweight CHOPS HEADPHONES. With arms that wrap firmly behind your ears, they keep the tunes coming at you loud and clear.

A sweeping frame protects and compliments broad, high cheekbones, and the gradient lenses are ideal for variable light conditions. www.dirty8eyewear.com…

No ordinary denim pant here: The vintage-wash fabric combines the stretch of Lycra with the wicking power of Coolmax. www.royalrobbins.com…

Why They’re CoolSmith goes Hollywood with a glitzy update of its lens swappers, the Sliders, without upstaging function. » The three poly lenses in this kit span the tint rainbow: rose-copper, yellow, sienna-brown. » With security enhanced by rubber stickies, and good protection from light, you can use these dudes…

Patches of dimpled fabric are supposed to cut wind drag. It’s hard to say if the gains are significant, but who cares? Just pulling on this sleek jersey makes you feel like an Italian racer. castelli-us.com…

Great traction isn’t limited to the Kailua’s sole. When I was tromping around the jungles of Panama, the combination of overlapping Velcro straps and a grippy footbed kept my wet feet firmly and snugly in place. columbia.com…

With a tiny Bluetooth-enabled cell-phone headset built into the thick temples, the Confidant is simultaneously cool and practical. Even better, the earbud is removable—and, if you break it, replaceable—and Zeal didn’t shortchange the photochromic lenses. The impressive tint-density range (23 percent to 87 percent light transmission) can handle everything…

Designed with wide, curved lenses to optimize peripheral view, the Grapevine is sporty enough for a day hike, but fashionable enough for the city. oakley.com…

BEST FOR BACKCOUNTRY Unlike a lot of windproof soft shells, which rely on an embedded membrane, the Winter Guide’s gale-thwarting abilities come from a supertight weave, enabling it to breathe better than most. During a day of ski touring in Washington’s North Cascades that involved everything from cold descents to…

HIGH-PERFORMANCE HIPSTER Newcomer Scapegoat absolutely nailed “performance casual” with the Rosti, which instantly felt like an old favorite. It’s ideal for resort cruising and sidewalk surfing. On the slopes, the waterproof-breathable fabric, PrimaLoft One insulation, and meticulous seam-taping stood up to driving squalls at Beaver Creek. It doesn’t have tons…

Perfect for backcountry or nordic skiing: A touch of spandex gives this soft and lightweight wool beanie a snug fit. smartwool.com…

With aviator-like coverage (but up-dated design) and color-enhancing light-brown optics, these big boys will serve you equally well driving to the hill or hucking the disc. bolle.com…

Now you really can wear Crocs year-round. Remove the faux fur for washing. crocs.com…

FAST AND LIGHT This is about as hi-def as polycarbonate gets, man. Visual champagne. The polarized lens—reddish brown but called VR28 Black Iridium—accentuates depth and contrast, makes colors jump out and throb, and provides wonderful acuity. A frameless, featherweight single-blade shield gives big rectangular coverage and protection with attitude. Add…

FAST BUT SMOOTH The Contessa Speedster is like a gateway drug: perfect for your first century or club ride. For starters, Scott nailed the women-specific cockpit design. More important, whereas most aluminum bikes feel fast at first but irritate some riders with their rigid feel a few hours into the…

These synthetic hybrids aren’t just comfortable to pad around in; they also cinch down tight, via a one-pull lacing system, for fording fast waters and hiking moderate trails. ecco.com…

Backcountry skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, skate skiing. We did it all in this versatile soft-shell glove. seirus.com…

I love waffle patterns like this—they trap warm air close to the body for remarkably toasty first layers. Bonus: The relaxed cut and tattoo-like graphic on the shoulder make it stylish enough to wear around town. hotchillys.com…

The only true skiing-compatible puffy here (removable powder skirt, hood, music port), the Diablo is lined with heat-reflective metal, like a space blanket, for warmth without the Michelin Man bulk. 2.2 lbs; golite.com…

It’s just big enough to carry a multi-day load, but because there’s nary an unnecessary strap or frilly feature here, it’s also ultralight. The roll top cinches the pack tight, and finding things is a snap, thanks to its enormous opening. 3.4lbs, 3,050 cu in; mountainhardwear.com…

Heading someplace hot and wet? The Cruiser is your jacket. It’s cut from eVent fabric—arguably the most breathable waterproof fabric on the market—and has big pit zips for extra venting. As for keeping water out, the combination of an extra-tall collar and four-adjustment-point hood is as good as it…

Classic Argyle Knit Like wearing your favorite sweater on your feet. But because these cotton-knit boots have the classic plush Ugg sheepskin insole, they’re more supportive than they look. uggaustralia.com…

Good for Backcountry The inner synthetic layer disperses sweat on contact for quicker evaporation, while any condensation from your jacket instantly beads right off the wool exterior. After wearing it nonstop on three Cascade volcanoes, our tester was addicted. dakine.com…

Good for Resort It’s the love child of a high-end mountaineering jacket and a toasty resort parka! Combining Gore’s most durable waterproof-breathable fabric, Pro Shell, with PrimaLoft’s top-of-the-line insulation, the Sentry wowed every tester in the field, besting everything from arctic gusts on the lifts at Colorado’s…

Streamlined Protection Martinis. Lobster rolls. Jackets. At the end of the day, each is only as good as its main ingredient. And that’s why the Brisk was so universally lauded this year—it’s cut from Gore’s Windstopper fabric, a perennial tester favorite that strikes a good balance between protecting you from…

In cool weather, Marmot’s Trail Wind Jacket rarely feels clammy, thanks to its moisture-wicking fabric and underarm vents. marmot.com…

Even though the V90s have a small fit that’s friendly to female faces, the interchangeable bronze mirror lens on these impact-resistant shades still successfully shielded the sun during a brutally hot Arizona 5K last fall. With extra lenses available—like amber and clear—at $20 a pop, you’ll be covered no…

Not only is this racer-back tank adorable on its own; it’s also a smart next-to-skin layer. The built-in shelf bra has you covered when it comes to support (even if you’re a C cup), and the nylon-spandex combo is soft to the touch, wicks moisture, and won’t make you…

To turn your power into forward momentum, you need stiff footwear. These have a carbon-nylon sole for extra rigidity. Plus, mesh inserts and vents create airflow around your feet. louisgarneau.com…

This mid-height snow boot is stuffed full of that patented Ugg sheepskin lining to shield you from the harshest temperatures, but it’s also a better overall performer better than their other models. That’s thanks to a waterproof ballistic-nylon upper, wet-and-snow-resistant Vibram outsole, and waterproof-breathable eVent lining. It’s solid underfoot,…

Twofer The big selling point here is obvious: You get both a warm, burly ski shell plus a thick, synthetically insulated sweater that can be zipped in to boost the warmth. Both jackets are constructed with Columbia’s new Omni-Heat lining, a matrix of metallic dots that reflect heat back to…

Keep your nether regions toasty with I/O BIO‘s full-body, merino-wool PILOT SUIT.

Throw on this 540-fill faux-down jacket (our warmest here), insulated side in, when you’re at the resort. The waterproof, breathable, neon-sunshine hard shell will keep you safe from the elements (and from getting lost). Afterwards, turn it inside out for a street-smart lime puffy. TAGS: reversible, neon, technical…

SKINS SPORT SOX provide both compression and insulation for calves, which get colder more quickly than upper-leg muscles.

Fish-style surfboards—’70s-era shapes with a pair of keel fins and a deep swallowtail—have been enjoying a comeback, and San Diego shaper Chris Christenson makes the ultimate catch. This five-foot-eleven-incher is a highly evolved shortboard, equally at home skating knee-high waves or threading overhead tubes. The straight rails held the…

This classic touring boat got an overhaul for 2006, with improved seat, hatches, and primary stability. Cross-Lock quick-release closures on the hatches are user-friendly, and increased cargo space easily stows gear for multiday trips. While it takes paddle power to get the weighty Looksha going, it tracks true once…

FAST STICK FOR BIG GUYS If you’re a shortboarder stuck in a longboarder’s body, the Moby Fish may be the choice for you. Because this seven-foot-plus funboard is 22 inches wide, nearly three inches thick, and made with floaty EPS foam, it paddles like a longboard. But thanks to the…

PORTABLE AND RUGGED Packing down to carry-on size and weighing just 24 pounds, the Helios is light and compact enough for hikes to remote lakes and rivers—or to check on your flight to Belize, without weight or size penalties. The tough, 1,200-denier hull pumps up as stiff as a…

Normally, a paddleboard will set you back close to two grand. That’s what makes the NSP so noteworthy: You get the whole package—traction pad, leash, and fins—for about half that. At 31 inches wide and nearly five inches thick, this board has plenty of confidence-building stability and is well…

Best for Beginners One of the hardest things to learn in a kayak is how to go in a straight line. That's why kayaking newbies especially loved this ten-and-a-half-foot plastic boat. It stays on course and maintains speed almost in spite of what its paddler is doing. In rough seas…

Black Diamond’s Aspect harness has intelligently designed seams that don’t dig or chafe, while the three speed buckles provide maximum safety and flexibility in a light, affordable package. bdel.com…

1. An awkward name may be the J S3’s only weakness. It has a perfect blend of agility and support: An airy top half made from a durable, ultralight mesh nylon keeps weight down—and debris out—while an innovative wraparound tongue provides an exceptionally secure fit. 2. Flexibility is key…

For decades, world-class athletes have conditioned their feet—and upped the speed at which they shift from one foot to the next—by leaving their shoes at home. Nike gets barefoot-running religion with the Free, which distills the training shoe to its very essence. For an ultra-minimalist platform, this year’s Gear of…

1. The Gore-Tex XCR–lined Sandstone has a strip of airy mesh along the tongue (where it can best release the foot’s heat) and leather/tightly woven mesh along the sides, where durability is key. The upshot: No sweaty feet or blisters—even after four back-to-back 12-mile days—and no blowouts. 2.

This 11-ounce filter’s reliability has made it a hugely popular option for nearly a decade. When it does eventually slow down, you just replace the pleated filter component ($30). You also get great volume per stroke; we filled a liter with just 43 pumps. A nifty zippered case includes a…

1. It’s long enough to float in powder and generate white-knuckle speed on groomers, but still light enough for easy spins and big airs through the park and off backcountry booters. “This behemoth makes turning thoughtless, spinning simple, and powder a pleasure,” said one tester. 2. Palmer debuts its…

Why It’s CoolI know campers who bed down with a Nalgene full of hot water for extra warmth; my wife prefers our 20-pound pug. Seeing the two of them in the Van Winkle—with its stretchy bands on the baffles for an extra-snug fit—reminded me of a snake that had swallowed…

1. Introducing the rare smartphone that earns the title. Most do-it-all devices compromise one system for another, but the N95 shines as both multimedia and communication device, with Wi-Fi, GPS, and FM to boot. And the intuitive setup makes operation a snap: Slide the panel up for the keypad…

This tiny but powerful lamp easily lit the way on a night hike in the Grand Canyon. But the limited swivel range means it’s not ideal for dicey terrain. 2.8 oz; www.petzl.com…

1. At 50 square feet, this three-person model is as big as many four-person tents but weighs the same as some built for two. Even more impressive, it achieves this balance without sacrificing livability. Thanks to an efficient architecture, ultralight poles, and thinner fabrics, the Losi still boasts two…

The Seedhouse is one of the year’s standouts in a smart class of tents: They’re technically big enough for three but so light they should rightfully be considered two-person shelters. Consider: It’s six feet wide at the hips and nearly four feet tall—and still has double-wall protection that kept…

You might not recognize all the new jacket ingredients these days, but the main courses remain the same. There are still waterproof-breathable hard shells for full-on deluges, breathable and stretchy soft shells for just about every other kind of weather, and the growing category of lightly insulated jackets for…

SOLID PERFORMERThis one doesn’t exactly scream “sexy beast,” but SD has always prioritized the basics—manifest here in details such as anti-snag seams. The best thing about the three-pound-four-ounce Arrow Rock is that “toasty” (it’s rated to 15 degrees) isn’t spinspeak for “cramped.” On a nippy late-summer outing in North Cascades…

THREE-SEASON ULTRALIGHT Go hard all day and sleep like the dead all night? We liked this bag for both pursuits. It’s light and compressible, thanks to a three-quarter-length zipper, a tapered design, and lofty 750-fill down. The narrow, efficient cut makes it one of the warmest two-pound bags we’ve seen,…

LIGHT AND VERSATILE Consider the Talon an experiment in reduction: Every detail has been whittled down to bare essentials, making it a great warm-weather ultralight. But it's no one-trick pony. Thanks to a stiff aluminum/composite suspension, smart external lashing options, and a large stretch-woven shove-it pocket, one tester was able…

Need to make sure you’re still on route—or wondering if that rustling is a bear? Hit the boost button and the Myo XP throws a focused, ultrabright beam of light over 300 feet. Smart feature: Diffusing the beam on any of its four settings requires the flip of a…

BUILT TO LAST The Woodpecker, from Swiss company Exped, is meticulously crafted—just what you’d expect from a nation of legendary watchmakers. (Of course, its heavy-duty zipper is the only moving part.) A well-placed, down-filled chin guard keeps your face from brushing against frosty zippers. Glow-in-the-dark zipper pulls prevent late-night fumbling.

It’s what’s on the inside that matters most, and because the Boreal 20 is stuffed with some of the loftiest, most compressible synthetic insulation around, it’s remarkably warm and cushy for its weight. Bonus: The ergonomically tailored foot area and hood are designed specifically for women’s bodies. 20°, 2.7…

Need a three-season and a summer-weight bag but can’t afford both? Sidestep the decision with the Chasseral. If conditions are too warm, simply zip off the topsheet, which folds into its own stash pocket, creating a ready-made camping-size pillow. And although the Chasseral is the roomiest bag here, it…

Durable and Well-Priced With beefy draft tubes around the hood and along the full-length zipper, glow-in-the dark zipper pulls, and 600-fill goose down, the 15-degree Hotlum is built to the same general specs as fancier (and more expensive) bags in the North Face’s line. The only difference is that the…

Fast Clip Not only is this pocket-size, water-resistant flashlight impressively bright (25 lumens), but its included alligator-style clip accessory lets you attach the light to just about anything. 1.6 oz; nagear.com…

You can winterize any inflatable sleeping pad with an inexpensive (if bulky) closed-cell foam mat like THERM-A-REST’S Z LITE PAD.

  This stripped-down boot has a low flex point and an upright feel, but is plenty stiff enough to crank high-speed turns with confidence. head.com   Bonus: Its micro-adjustable alloy buckles were easy to fine-tune, even in bulky gloves.      …

LAP THE PARK The Fix’s reinforced edges are designed specifically to stand up to wear and tear in the park, while its soft flex allows for easy spins and takeoffs. The Fix also features Burton’s new Scoop Technology, which refers to the board’s forgiving, spoonlike convex curve and tapered edges.

LIGHT AND NIMBLE Ride engineers whittled away every bit of fat from this board by using tricks like a topsheet made with fabric-like material, which slices the weight of a typical topsheet in half. Ride even slimmed down its Slimewalls without losing their incredibly poppy action. But while most ultralights…

At 105 millimeters underfoot, this fatty skis through crud like a tank. It was truly at home, however, in thigh-high Rocky Mountain powder, where it floated tips-up even when the knee was down. 136/105/124, 8.6 lbs; genuineguidegear.com Bonus: It released out of turns with the agility of a…