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Say goodbye to tighty whities, guys. LOWE ALPINE’s DRY ZONE SEAMLESS BRIEFS are sewn from stretchy polyester, which wicks moisture—and scores points with the ladies. (877-891-7908, www.lowealpine.com)…
It has a date window, military-time markers, rotating bezel, 100-meter water resistance, and not much else—except for the great Swiss Army design that spawned a thousand imitators. This time with a cool European black-on-black feel, antiglare crystal, and comfy rubber strap. TAGS: classic, cool…
Inexpensive but not cheap, these kicks looked as good as new after a month of all-mountain abuse. It’s a solid starter shoe you won’t outgrow quickly. 13 oz; www.shimano.com…
Why They’re CoolWhat do you get when you shell out a few more shekels than you would for the Olympus? A sharper image (thanks to phase-coated prisms), better low-light viewing (credit a slightly larger objective lens), and a broader field of view. » You also get a close-focus distance of…
If you like riding up as much as down, get this light and nimble climber. In Moab, testers powered up steep slickrock and rutted trails with nonchalance. But it’s not just a mountain goat: The new Linear Link rear suspension, which provides almost four inches of travel, yielded one…
Why They’re CoolWith their high-gloss nylon frames and rectangular wraparound lenses, these shout “vintage muscle car.” Mucho macho. » The design sexes up the look without compromising protection. » Dark-gray, polarized lenses endure such perditions of brightness as the beach at noon. The Ghosts are a fine fit for pavement…
FULLY LOADED FEATHERWEIGHTEven at a pound and some change, this bombproof feature fest is still worthy of the Lite name. Its three-layer Alchemy3 fabric repels mountaintop precip, while flexible side panels breathe and move with you. Dig the see-through watch window (no more unbundling to check your progress) and the…
You think titanium bottle cages are a bit, um, extravagant. Your shorts: the Classic Pro, with solid construction, trim fit, and a workhorse chamois—all at a bargain price. descenteathletic.com…
HEAVY BREATHER Overheating is for cars. Move fast and stay cool with the Thru Hiker. It’s made with eVent, which testers generally agree is the most breathable of all the waterproof-breathable fabrics on the market today (and there are dozens). It’s also one of the most expensive—which is why this…
With its open-neck design and side vents, this polyester/organic- cotton shirt cools you down in the hottest climates. The fabric blend feels great against your skin and dries faster than all-cotton shirts. patagonia.com…
These wafer-thin socks rule for high-mileage jaunts in close-fitting shoes. With 69 percent merino, the fabric feels cool as cotton, while a dose of nylon hugs the arch like a second skin. smartwool.com…
DEEP-FREEZE FRIEND During a couple of back-to-back days of single-digit chairlift rides in the Alps, the insulated Evo shined. And thanks to a patchwork of supple fabrics—including swaths of breathable, super-stretchy material under the arms—it offers way more mobility than most ski puffies. The combo is perfect for skiing in…
SOFT BUT BURLY You know you have a winner when testers argue over who gets to wear it. Such was the squabbling over the Langtang, which, despite being cut from Gore-Tex Soft Shell fabric, performs more like a storm shell than a softie. It’s completely waterproof, of course, and survived…
These café loungers segue easily from snowshoe rambling to latte sipping. Credit a casual style paired with Helly’s proprietary waterproof-breathable fabric and built-in gaiters that fit a wide range of boots. hellyhansen.com…
The Churada’s photochromic, polarized copper lenses offer unmatched depth and clarity on the slopes. And with the removable, vented eye-cups in place, they act like goggles, shielding eyeballs from blowing wind and snow. panoptx.com…
This soft shell is lined with a “bunny fur” fleece liner that’s so soft and fuzzy you’ll think it’s real. The polyester face isn’t waterproof but sheds snow well. thenorthface.com…
MR. VERSATILE “Robin, my Batglasses!” Yes, this specimen’s secret multisport identities evoke camp and gadgetry. How? Snap-in foam gaskets and a headband (which replaces the detachable temples) turn these shades into decent ski goggles, and if you’re running or cycling, a snap-in foam brow piece nicely doubles as a sweat…
THE MINIMALIST Agile and responsive, the cross-country Scalpel Fem was the most efficient climber in our test and the top performer in tight, rocky terrain. The classic cross-country geometry lowers the rider’s center of gravity for total control even on steep or tricky descents. The carbon-and-aluminum Fem has a 4.3-inch…
SUPER-PACKABLE On those days when the forecast is for full sun, take the Triumph. Extremely packable and weighing in at an obscene five ounces (a bit more than a bag of potato chips), the Triumph is as spartan as they come—there’s one tiny front pocket and a basic but slightly…
FlyLow takes a classic pigskin-and-Thinsulate work glove and oven-bakes it with a beeswax coating. The result: warmth and water resistance for the price of dinner. flylowgear.com…
DUDE CRED Good for Backcountry FlyLow has a sense of humor. The care-instructions tag in this piece advises you first to “Drink Cold Beer.” But the Denver-based company also has a solid reputation for making durable, no-nonsense gear. And by using a highly water-resistant, stretchy “kung…
WIND Made of stretchy Windstopper soft shell with ultralight fleece insulation, the Venta shields against all but cyclone-strength wind and water. The hood fits well over a helmet but doesn’t fall into your eyes on hat days. arcteryx.com…
These four-mil neoprene booties are as burly as the steep granite gorge in the Sierra after which they’re named. Supersoft sticky rubber makes them grip the rocks on tough portages; a low-profile fit makes them comfy in your kayak. teva.com…
Chances are you won’t be tracking a wolverine anytime soon. But that’s exactly what one of our testers—an employee of Alaska Mountain Guides—did for several hours in the Stretch Ascent. His report: The 2.5-layer fabric fended off brambles and waves of heavy rain, while the combination of pit zips…
The Kirus have the best traction here—they gripped icy sidewalks like the company’s staple andals handle wet river rock. The feminine webbing accent near the top makes them skirt-worthy. teva.com…
Good for Backcountry Sugoi consistently churns out some of the best running apparel, and this midweight synthetic base layer—with built-in hood, integrated mitts, and half-zip for venting—is no exception. Plus the athletic fit and thumb loops mean it also works as an underlayer for slower pursuits.
Leather mid-tops that offer not only a funk factor (Polynesian tattoo design!) but also a generous anatomical footbed, minimalist rubber-and-leather outsole, and secure ankle fit.olukai.com…
Simple Security Talk to any jacket designer and he’ll tell you the same thing: The more pockets and doodads a waterproof jacket has, the more seams it requires, and thus the more opportunities water has to seep through. That’s why the Stash, part of online gear retailer…
Talks You Through It This small device delivers basic speed-up/slow-down instructions (based on your heart rate, pace, and a workout you select at micoach.com) through an earbud to help maximize your workouts—best for those who are new to training programs. Drawbacks: lots to fumble with, and no…
Need a place to stash important medical information on a long run? A personalized number printed on the inside of this bracelet-style “dog tag” leads EMTs to your medical records online or by phone. Requires a $20 annual subscription; first year included in price. vitaband.net…
Set yourself up for success with full suspension and you’ll be riding more trails with less fear. This aluminum bike has a 100-millimeter-travel front shock which locks out for maximum climbing efficiency. Lower-profile women-specific tubing and hollow saddle rails keep it light. specialized.com/women…
These shades are stylish and technical. Peripheral vision is great, and they stay firmly in place when running around on the beach. Go for the polarized version ($220) if you’re heading for water. oakley.com…
Doc Marten meets Blundstone in this supple leather boot equally suited for city sidewalks and making hay in the back forty. Named for the first man, per the Norse creation myth, the Ask boot, while less toasty than the rest, has bomber Helly Wear soles and construction that will…
An inner lining of reflective material—think space blanket for your hands—bounces your body heat back at you. It’s a smart idea, and it works: They’re toastier than they look. Breathability is so-so. Great chairlift-riding gloves. TAGS: silver lining, great price…
After testing half a dozen merino-wool midlayers last winter, this was the one we reached for most often, whether we were going skiing or to the bar. A high collar helps seal out the cold. TAGS: merino wool, shoulder patch…
This lightly insulated, water-resistant soft shell is perfect for nordic skiing or snowshoeing on winter’s coldest days. It’s got a plethora of pockets, activity-friendly four-way stretch, and a helmet-compatible hood. Why we didn’t want to take it off: The quilted lining is like wearing your softest sleeping bag all…
Few running caps can come close to the quality of PATAGONIA‘s slim, stretchy CAPILENE 4 EXPEDITION WEIGHT BEANIE, which is made with the same microfleece-lined stuff as your favorite soft shell.
This nine-footer is a high-performance board with plenty of float, so it’s Cadillac-smooth in peeling surf. Up front it’s wide, round, and inviting for toes-on-the-nose time. And the double concave hulls spill to the tail in a slight V, which gives the board a shot of high-octane get-up-and-go. Pair…
A wide chest band and ample cups suit a range of sizes and hold everything securely in place for pickup volleyball. $72; www.watergirlusa.com…
SUMMER RUNABOUT The oversize cockpit makes for easy entry, the desk-chair-style high backrest is ergonomic and supportive, and the front deck net holds a water bottle, sunscreen, or a map. In other words, it was easily the most comfortable boat for cruising on calm days. Plus it’s easy to tailor…
SMOOTH AND STEADY Liquid Logic consulted a flotilla’s worth of southeastern kayak instructors when designing the river-running Remix. The result is a boat that’s about as user-friendly as they come: No edginess, no surprises, and easy to keep upright in squirrely water. And if you do flip? “It’ll literally roll…
Water Runner Several two-year-old pairs of 920s are still in rotation among our staff—and this updated version proved to be just as popular. The reason is simple: The 921 is a well-built water-and-land shoe with aggressive off-road tread, rigid rubber overlays for lateral support, and generous (and well-protected) drain holes…
Light and Tough The 13-foot Revolution is part of NRS's new series of urethane boats. With ample rocker and sporty tubes, the Revolution doubles as a high-performance whitewater paddle raft and, as an oar rig, a stable deck for fishing and lounging. We put the 13-footer pictured here to the…
Mammut’s Smart belay device provides autolocking belay action at a fraction of the price and weight of other devices. mammut.ch…
1. Thanks to the 690-cubic-inch Bandit’s low profile, we barely noticed it while riding lifts. And when we wanted to leave the gates or head out for a quick backcountry tour, this pack was the perfect size. 2. The Bandit’s sleek look belies its utilitarian nature. Inside, you’ve got…
Why It RulesBeing on top isn’t always best. Here’s a rugged, functional, and—dare we say it?—elegant rack that totes gear behind your vehicle. » Finally, a hitch-mounted rack that doesn’t ask you to correctly sequence a half-dozen knobs when you want to get inside your car. Forget a water bottle…
Leave it to the GPS pros at Garmin to thoroughly idiot-proof heart-rate training: The company’s new Forerunner 301—our pick for Gear of the Year—is a no-brainer digital coach. It’s ideal for runners, trekkers, cyclists, paddlers, and anyone else who wants to collect satellite-enhanced workout data in the field and crunch…
1. Can you imagine a tent from the 1970s making it into these pages now? Not a chance. But a good surfboard is a good surfboard, and the retro shape of the single-fin MR, which was designed by surf icon Mark Richards, was hands-down this year’s most stable, predictable,…
Why It’s CoolOn a weeklong canyoneering schlep, the Delta handled crazy wind, three days of driving rain, and, um, an inebriated schlepper who bulldozed the tent after swilling some Bacardi 151. » Our team was all smiles in this palace, with its opulent 37-square-foot floor and 39-inch ceiling extending from…
1. Most shoes are either racers or trainers. The lightweight SpeedCross 2 manages to be both: Shock-absorbing rubber outsole lugs compensate for the minimal midsole cushioning. And because it’s soft-flexing, with a low-to-the-ground profile, it “hugs” all types of terrain. 2. Salomon designers took inspiration from the legendary…
Make your summer bag a cozy nook for two with the 12-ounce Functional Design Bag Doubler.
1. The problem with most waterproof trail runners is that they don’t breathe very well. So instead of using a Gore-Tex-like membrane in the Syncroseeks, Pearl Izumi opted for a tightly woven, DWR-treated soft-shell upper, which kept our feet almost as dry as with waterproof shoes, without any clamminess.
The Mercedes of the bunch is the eight-ounce BRUNTON LIBERTY, a little beauty of engineering with a price tag to match. A built-in igniter and permanent platinum mantle update the match-and-cloth-mantle setup of yore. Wing-like reflectors efficiently direct 80 watts of light where you want it; Proust was still quite…
Good for the Road It started with 45 new shoes and 20 testers. Three months and 5,000 miles later, it ended with the seven best road and trail shoes of the season. One shoe broke so far away from the pack, impressing us on so many levels—comfort,…
Behold a world-record holder: In wind-tunnel testing, the ultralight Spectrum withstood 130-mph-plus winds, says The North Face, thanks to a new design that funnels air through the tent via a front-awning scoop. While we never found a ridge where a Katrina-level blow was brewing, we assembled the fast-pitching Spectrum…
Because of the repetitive pounding of road running, you need a shoe designed for your particular foot strike. (Consult a specialty running store to diagnose your type.) If you overpronate, with your foot and ankle tending to roll inward, you need a “light stability” or “stability” shoe to help…
You’ll change batteries less frequently with the waterproof (to one meter), three-watt Apex Pro, which is powered by two long-lasting CR123 lithiums. Of course, that’s another type of battery to pack. 6.1 oz; princetontec.com…
A LUXE BAG FOR BIG DUDES Norway-based Ajungilak (now owned by Mammut) started making sleeping bags nearly 120 years ago, and the accumulated experience shows in this deluxe, full-featured sack. For starters, the Altitude is made with top-shelf materials, like 780-fill down and a burly, highly water-resistant nylon shell. Plus…
FOUR-SEASON CHAMPION If you’re looking for a lightweight shelter that can handle high winds and heavy snow, single-wall tents like the Valhalla are tough to beat. Thanks to an interior-pole structure, two testers were able to quickly and easily set up the Valhalla in 50-mph winter winds. To combat condensation…
Synthetic bags tend to have worse weight-to-warmth ratios than down. But the 25-degree Kira comes much closer than most, thanks in large part to the bag’s unusual internal-collar design, which snaps around the neck but still leaves plenty of space for claustrophobes. 25°F, 4.1 lbs; mammutusa.com…
The ribs really do make it easier to hold on to. But our favorite thing about this old-school-looking aluminum bottle is its proprietary liner that fights off gunk build-up and other unwanted nasties. 5.6 oz; mysigg.com…
The svelte, 2,150-cubic-inch Koa 35 was ideal for light, fast overnight trips. Testers loved the breezy mesh back panel and the cram-friendly roll-top closure. And although it looks minimalist, the Koa is actually bedecked with a bunch of clever features. There’s a stretchy zip-away pocket on the front of the…
Lightweight Luxe This classic two-door, two-man, two-vestibule backpacking tent has been rebuilt with lighter fabrics to weigh in at less than most single-door ultralights. The Skyledge 2.1 shaves ounces by eliminating the tent’s corners; instead, nylon webbing connects the body to the tent poles. The 20-denier fly fabric needs to…
Tough Guy It’s a little bit shorter-lived than similarly bright headlamps (1.5 hours at its 100-lumen max), but it’s also much more durable. That’s because, while most lights are housed in plastic, the Saint Minimus is made of hard-anodized aluminum. It’s also waterproof, and the light setting is easy to…
JETBOIL‘s ultra-efficient GROUP COOKING SYSTEM has a 1.5-liter pot for melting snow.
Besides exposing your naïveté, gaper gap—the bit of exposed forehead between your goggles and helmet—also exposes your forehead to ice-cream-headacheinducing cold. Scott’s new Fix, with its strap routed through the goggle’s frame (instead of bolted to it), eliminates that gap. scottusa.com…
Good for All Mountain If powder days are a rare treat, then how your utility ski handles hardpack is your number-one consideration. With its 20-meter turn radius and aluminum-alloy damping layers around a core of ash and silver fir, the MX88 lives for ice. True, all that…
ULTRA-RESPONSIVE In the X8, Burton brings the baseless binding back—with major improvements. Thanks to a cushioned platform, you get the main benefit (incredible feel) without the usual drawback (it has unlimited stance options). The deck’s negative core profile—thin underfoot for more flex, thick everywhere else—enhances the hair-trigger response, while its…
The micro-brimmed, crash-helmet styling of the Holt—often worn with goggle straps on the inside—is the choice for the park-and-pipe set. Come summer, the winter pads are removable for a warm-weather skate setup. smithoptics.com…
With four buckles and a dual-density shell, Scarpa's top-of-the-line T-Race is basically an alpine boot with a bellow. This year, it's been upgraded to include Scarpa's signature Intuition custom thermo liners, which are lighter, easier to mold, and have fewer pressure-point-creating seams. 8.6 lbs; scarpa.com Bonus: The heavy-duty cam-lock…
Designed by pro freeskier Alison Gannett, this lightweight twin-tipped big-mountain ski satisfied even our most aggressive testers. 134/100/125, 7.2 lbs; karhu.com …
THE CHANGELING Good for Groomed Runs Twist the Power Switch on the tail 90 degrees from “dynamic” to “power” mode and the Tigershark morphs from a damp, stable cruiser to an unrelenting high-energy carver. The switch engages two slender carbon-fiber rods inside the ski that load up…
Giro’s new Pop Top design is quick and easy. Flip the main switch, lift the double lens out of the frame, and replace it with the included low-light lenses. giro.com…
Good for Touring Extremely light for its width, the wood-core Manaslu impressed testers most when the snow got funky. While the tip is slightly rockered, the back third of the ski has more sidecut, which allows for quick turns in steep and tight terrain. Note: The pre-cut inserts are…
Fatter underfoot than the K2 (below) by 7mm, the Aurora delivers off-piste versatility without sacrificing edge control. Credit goes to the Aurora’s beefy wood core and titanium construction, and Marker’s new iPT WideRide binding design, which sends more power to the edges of fatter skis. “It held, even on…
A SOFTY WITH GUTS This true twin spins like a top with incredible control, but thanks to its predictable flex and soft feel, it’s an extremely forgiving board—and a great choice for intermediates looking to take it to the next level. It won’t let you down: Testers were surprised by…
Testers loved everything about the women-specific Molotov, from the way the winged highback wrapped around their calves to the gel cushioning under the ball of the foot. The downside: This binding is compatible only with Burton’s new (and super easy and quick-to-adjust) EST mounting system.
Good for Resort Whereas most of the boards here have either traditional or reverse camber, the Travis Rice is a combo. The mixed camber—reverse between the bindings; traditional at either end—of this super- aggressive board makes for a remarkably stable and smooth ride that’s quick to…
Good for All Mountain If the Watea 94 were ten millimeters wider, you’d call it a big-mountain ski. From the “powder hull” tip—it’s shaped like the prow of a ship—to the loose and playful feel, this ski was built with the resort powder skier in mind. On…