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Pull the insole out of this boot and—voilà—you’ve got a flip-flop. www.teva.com…
FLYWEIGHT CONTENDERThe seven-ounce Essence is no sissy, thanks to a tough ripstop nylon fabric. The tapered cut keeps excess fabric from flapping—but a little extra material under the arms keeps the jacket from sneaking up your torso when you go for that just-out-of-reach bolt. This two-layer, welded-seam shell is armed…
After vanishing for a few years, Swobo is back and producing the same lust-worthy merino gear that built its reputation. These jerseys are cut generously, feel great on the skin, and, thanks to natural anti-stink properties, don’t need to be washed after every ride. swobo.com…
ULTRALIGHT INSURANCE Does it make sense to buy a jacket for times when you don’t actually want a jacket? In a word, yes. When you’re going light, the forecast is decent, and you’re tempted to leave your storm shell behind, pack the Isotope. At five ounces, it vanishes until you…
BEST FOR BOATERS The near-extinct single-piece shield lens, once a staple of performance eyewear, survived in exile on Rodeo Drive, a prisoner of designer-label fashion. Now Maui Jim springs it free with this hingeless, frameless model. Coverage couldn’t be better, nor could the view. The Breakwater’s polarized rosy-tinted lenses slay…
Although they look feminine enough for drinks on the patio, the Cubic Lush stayed put even on a windy road ride. Lightweight and rimless, they’re best suited for women with small features. adidas.com…
BARGAIN PUFFY Good luck finding an equally tricked-out, ski-specific soft shell at this price. In addition to a removable powder skirt and helmet-compatible hood, the Wildcard has everything you need—hidden pass clip, dedicated goggle pocket, and audio-player compartment with earbud port—for an organized day sans backpack. Its low-profile layer of…
THE CLASSIC If Toyota made a jacket, it would be a lot like the Escape: solid performance, great value. Made of Gore-Tex Performance Shell (the new name for the classic two-layer waterproof-breathable fabric), the Escape shucked off the elements in the nastiest Northwest storms. It’s not as light as comparably…
Thanks to a breeze-busting layer of fleece-lined Gore Windstopper, this is the warmest hat here. dakine.com…
Like their namesake, these shades are made for performance on the road. Everything about them screams cool, from the unbreakable blue-green polycarbonate lenses to the slim, squarish frames. porsche-design.com…
Credit Dansko’s signature contoured insole and roomy toe box for making these boots the most comfortable we tested. The shearling lining was cozy but not suffocating, even for testers with sweat-prone feet. dansko.com…
SWAP FEAT Beautiful. Smith’s ingenious Interlock system (which thankfully comes in several cool frame options) lets you change out lenses with heretofore unknown ease. Simply rotate the temples laterally to loosen the frames’ grip on the lenses, which easily pop out, then pick your next tint, pop ’em in, and…
LOVES TO CLIMB With its relaxed geometry, vibration-damping elastomer inserts, and highly engineered full-carbon frame, the Ruby is the most comfortable bike in our lineup. That was especially true during rides through the rolling terrain of Tuscany and on a climb to the top of Vermont’s Ap Gap, which includes…
The hiking-boot mainstay built its classic arch support into these shoes. Tiny perforations in the toe allow water to escape, while the mesh blocks grit. hi-tec.com…
Removable wool liner. Remarkably supple. And the leather is made without any synthetic dyes or harmful metals. hestrausa.com…
AEROBIC MASTER Good for Resort Hesitant about wearing a soft shell to the resort? Relax. In drier climates, the fleece-and-soft-shell Gamma SV is the perfect choice for hard-charging lift-lappers. Built with cozy, high-loft Polartec Power Shield fleece in the chest and a lighter version of the…
This ultralight 700-fill down jacket is comfortable down to the low 20s, and it’s reversible: black to soak up extra solar rays, white to reflect them and keep you cooler. 11 oz; columbia.com…
Two reasons we rarely took these off: One, the bamboo-lined uppers are extremely fast-drying and comfy. Two, thanks to the collapsible heel and quick-lace system, you can wear them as slides or true stay-on-your-feet water shoes. salomonsports.com…
The WeatherEdge was this year’s biggest surprise. Less than $120, pit zips, a fully functioning hood? There really isn’t a catch, though. It’s every bit as waterproof as jackets that cost twice as much and, while it’s not quite as breathable as the pricier jackets here, all you have…
The faux-fur lining of these water-resistant cuties will keep your toes cozy when the mercury takes a dive. The toggles are just for show—an inside zipper makes the boots easy to take off. keenfootwear.com…
Good for Backcountry This mostly wool-and-nylon button- front was a midlayer before the term “midlayer” existed. Ski with it over a base layer, then wear it with a T-shirt to the bar. smartwool.com…
Good for Resort “It’s like you’re wearing a Muppet,” one tester said of the Flow’s ridiculously plush fleece lining. This jacket—the warmest here—is what you want if you’re heading somewhere frigid, like Wyoming or Alaska. But because all that insulation is wrapped in a waterproof-breathable eVent membrane,…
Fast and Light In a word: dense. That’s the best way to describe this thin but surprisingly tough and weatherproof jacket. Because its fabric is much more tightly woven than most soft shells’, it was, according to one tester, “way more windproof and burly than I would have thought.” Even…
At night, the blinking rear light on Brooks’s Nightlife Hat is a little peace of mind. brooksrunning.com…
On a hot day, you’ll feel speedy as the breeze swooshes into the mesh vents along the sides of this quick-dry polyester running tee. It’s so silky, in fact, that you’ll forget it’s there—especially because of its flat seams. marmot.com…
Remove the plastic side shields from these mountaineering-specific shades and you’ll resemble any Boulderite. But once you reach the high country, evade sunburned eyeballs by snapping them back on: Studies show they’ll block about 85 percent more light than going without. julbousa.com…
These full-wrap shades with interchangeable smoke lenses won’t fog on climbs but will protect eyes on fast descents. e-rudy.com…
Keen started out as a summer-shoe specialist; now they go to the other extreme with a nubuck leather sneaker-boot thing—with faux-shearling flourishes at the ankles—that, surprisingly, works. Warm as your fireside, grippy on wet surfaces, waterproof-breathable, and rugged enough (though a bit clompy) for real work. TAGS: solid,…
Soft Touch “It just feels right,” said one tester. That pretty much sums up the Welder, and after we added up all the comments, it was clear that it was the most breathable, stretchy, supple, and comfortable insulated soft shell we saw this year. The Welder delivers enough water and…
Patagonia redesigned its flagship line of base layers, and it claims the new fabric wicks and dries faster than ever. We couldn’t confirm that, but one thing’s for certain: Thanks to an antimicrobial treatment, this slim-fitting layer did a much better job of fighting funk than our decade-old Capilene.
Nothing beat the uninsulated Snowbelle on bluebird spring ski days. Patagonia’s proprietary fabric is completely waterproof but didn’t suffocate, even when we wore it on a steep, snowy hike up 9,111-foot Atalaya Mountain in Santa Fe. Our taller testers applauded its extra length (which kept snow out), and everyone…
SAUCONY‘s wind-resistant, hunter-orange PROTECTION GLOVES have great features (terry snot wipe, big reflective patch, breathable palm panel, and nifty USB-rechargeable, clip-on light).
On this wave glutton, I had to stop myself from gobbling up more than my fair share of rides. Designed by legendary shaper Al Merrick, this seven-foot-six-incher is basically a scaled-down longboard. The payoff: It’s versatile enough to handle ankle biters as well as pitching six-foot faces. The 21-inch…
With exceptional primary and secondary stability and surprisingly speedy acceleration, the Tsunami blends beginner-friendly handling with performance that won’t leave you wanting once you’ve mastered the basics. Everyone who paddled it—from testers to their mothers—had fun. A high-backed seat provides superb support, and with seven sizes available, it fits…
A DO-IT-ALL BARGAIN This is the shortboard for surfers with champagne taste and a box-wine budget. The six-foot-plus Glider was designed by Al Merrick, the revered shaper at Channel Islands Surfboards, and then mass-produced in Thailand by Global Surf Industries. It’s a classic all-around shape, and in both medium-size beach…
EXPEDITION BOAT The Delta Sport 17’s full-volume hull, from bow to stern, means dry decks and more than 55 gallons of covered storage—not counting what you can cram around you in the cockpit. Translation:It’s possible to haul up to 350 pounds of gear in this expedition-ready boat. It’s tough:…
It’s five bucks cheaper and every bit as comfortable and secure as any leash we’ve tried. Plus, it’s the first leash made from recycled rubber. Comes in six-to-nine-foot lengths. wavetribe.com…
Packable Sailboat “I can hardly believe it,” remarked one tester, “but it really does sail like a legit boat.” That pretty much sums up our take on the inflatable Smartkat. It took testers about an hour to assemble, but once on the water this 15'7″ masted catamaran, which is capable…
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 CoolIt’s one of the few solo tents I can get dressed inside of without doing Pilates. The 36-inch ceiling let me sit posture-perfect. The 20-square-foot floor spans seven and a half feet, with enough room to sleep and also stash my clothes and other essentials. » The all-mesh…
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 CoolWhen considering an envelope rated to 40 degrees or higher, make sure it’s light. The Butterfly weighs in at a pound and change. It shaves ounces by using a quarter-length zip, 700-fill down, and moisture-repelling Pertex Quantum fabric for the shell and liner. » An interior storage pocket…
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 Cupinspired laminate construction and vertical sidewalls still deliver impressive…
Separate buttons for each set of LEDs — there are penetrating beams in both spot and spread patterns — save click-through hassle. The three-watt power is superbright, but as with the L3, it’s a hefty package. 9.8 oz; www.princetontec.com…
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…
Eyeing the Morpho’s inflatable beams, I was ready to dismiss this pneumatic freak. Then I pumped it up in about one minute and dived into the two-person playroom. Intrigue grew when a not-so-errant pocketknife didn’t pop the rigid airbeams, which are made from a derivative of sailcloth, with guy-outs…
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…
We took this mini-lamp everywhere—hiking, paddling, road-tripping—because it weighs an ounce, has several modes (including a red LED for night vision), and, thanks to a highly adjustable strap, can be worn on the head or wrist, or lashed to almost anything. 1 oz; petzl.com…
DATE NIGHT, UPGRADED The problem: You and your significant other share a love for camping, but your zipped-together sleeping bags and mismatched pad combo are causing a divide. The solution: The King Solomon. When its internal pad sleeves are stuffed with two 20-inch-wide mats, the King’s system works beautifully—there’s no…
BEST FOR HOT WEATHER Beat sweaty-back syndrome with the Z 55's ventilated suspension. The frame's concave shape creates a pocket of cooling air between your back and the pack. Most impressive: There's zero drop-off in load support. The perforated framesheet efficiently transfers weight to a perfectly sculpted hipbelt, and a…
Tiny and versatile: Simply slide the featherweight, CR2-lithium-powered headlamp’s toggle to strap it to anything, be it your cranium, messenger bag, or handlebars. 1.4 oz; coleman.com…
VERSATILE THREE-SEASON SACK The EcoPro costs a bit more than Marmot’s other synthetic 15-degree-rated models (like the Trestles 15, $90). But this bag has good karma. Its insulation and shell are spun almost entirely out of recycled plastic bottles. In fact, the only unrecycled things on this roomy bag are…
For such a light and warm bag, the 800-fill Peggy is packed with such thoughtful features as a built-in pillowcase. Like all of Big Agnes’s bags, there’s no insulation on the underside, but it’s compatible with any 20-inch-wide sleeping pad. 15°, 2.5 lbs; bigagnes.com…
EMS’s 20-degree Boreal is the first sack to use a new synthetic insulation from PrimaLoft called Infinity, which EMS claims is “18 percent warmer and 25 percent more compressible” than comparable fill. Although it was impossible to test that boast, the Boreal squashes down to the size of a…
Thrashers Welcome The 725-fill Tumble Mountain features recycled fabric, zipper, drawcords, and cordlocks, making it the most sustainable bag here. It’s also the most tricked out. Big Agnes shaves a few ounces by eliminating the unnecessary insulation under the half-length pad sleeve on the back. Slide any standard-width (20-inch) pad…
New-School Lantern Your old propane-powered lantern might have sentimental value. But it’s also fragile and high-maintenance. That’s why we like the Titan. It runs on four D batteries, is bright enough to illuminate an entire cooking area (45 feet in diameter), and has a power meter to let you know…
Not that you’d need it, with SIERRA DESIGNS’ BTU -5 SLEEPING BAG—an 800-fill down heat factory with one of the best heat-sealing hoods we’ve ever tested and a waterproof-breathable fabric.
Hate cold toes? This is one of the first boots with an integrated, rechargeable heating system in the liner—crank it to a cozy 104 degrees for up to six hours. Caveat: The liner lacing always seemed to loosen by midday. burton.com …
POWDER KING The Gyrator strikes a nostalgic chord with its graphics, but there’s nothing retro about the ride. Reverse-camber construction (the deck has a concave bow) enables the Gyrator to float atop powder with the ease of bigger, wider boards. But it can also tackle groomers thanks to its progressive…
Basically a stripped-down and lighter version of Rossi’s Bandit B94 alpine ski, the Respect was the perfect ski for a day at Silverton that involved hiking, skinning, and skiing everything from untouched powder to windblown mank. It also impressed testers with its grip on firm snow. 122/94/112, 8.4 lbs;…
There's a reason Scarpa hasn't made many changes to the T2X over the past few years: It's solid just the way it is. A three-buckle lightweight that comes in at a pound less than Scarpa's bulkier boots, it's most at home far from $12 hamburgers. 6.5 lbs; scarpa.com Bonus:…
Want an AT boot that can hold its own when you stay inbounds? Try the new Diva, which has rigid dual-density plastic that makes it beefy where it needs to be, plus a hinged tongue for easy touring. 6.7 lbs; scarpa.com …
RIDE THE RAILS Good for Groomed RunsEquipped with a race-worthy binding plate and wrapped in the classic sandwich construction, the Cool Heat penetrates the hardest snow with minimal ankle flexion. “You can feel Fischer’s racing heritage when you bring these up to speed,” said one tester. The Cool Heat…
What’s unique about the Kamaleon is that you swap out just the outer lens; the clear inner lens (perfect by itself for night skiing) stays fixed. Use the mirrored gray on bright days and switch to vermilion for flat light. markerusa.com…
Good for All Mountain Don't let the new costume fool you. El Hombre's guts are unchanged, and he still controls all corners of the ring–er, mountain. “It has good western all-mountain dimensions,” said one tester, “and enough shape and torsional stiffness to rail on variable snow.” It can be…
This teardrop-shaped shoe is designed for speed: The binding cinches tight with a single strap across your feet. And the heel strap, which is fixed on one side and ratchets down on the other, was praised by testers for both its glove-friendly operation and snug fit. 24.5″;…
FAST AND LIGHT Hailed as the lightest snowboard on the market, this all-mountain model’s superior float in the soft stuff made it a tester favorite. But lightness doesn’t equal weakness. Thanks to a synthetic polymer placed beneath the binding inserts—K2 calls the stuff Harshmellow—this setback twin has guts, silencing chatter…
Dialing in the perfect fit is a cinch. A tug on the right pull tightens the upper and toe zones, while the left controls the ankle, the most sensitive pressure point. Then you can tuck both away in between the liner and shell. forumsnowboards.com…
Simple, easy to use, and time-tested, the durable Freeride remains as comfortable inbounds as it is on the Haute Route. Its 6–12 DIN accommodates a wide range of skiing styles and abilities, making this one of the most versatile AT bindings around.4.5 lbs; blackdiamondequipment.com …
Good for All Mountain Hands down the most powerful ski in this category, the Magnum IQ sports race-worthy edge grip. “This is an all-mountain ski for East Coast hardpack skiers,” said one tester. Featuring a full wood core that’s overbuilt at the edges for still more bite,…
Good for Resort Salomon adapted the technology usually reserved for custom-boot makers for the rest of us. With some heat and the help of a professional fitter, two sections of special plastic on this all-mountain boot mold to your foot for a precise fit.
ALPINE TOURING Good for All Mountain Reengineered for 2010 with an early-rise, rockered tip that sucks up crud, the Overlord wowed testers with its take-no-prisoners, high-speed onslaught through choppy conditions. “The rocker, width, and length absorb every bump on the mountain,” reported one tester. Meanwhile, the squared-off pintail allows…
Fits Any Foot With most snowshoes, it’s just strap ’em on and go. That’s fine, unless you’re a bit duckfooted or pigeon-toed, in which case you’ll likely step on your tails, trip on your tips, and generally stumble around in misery. There’s another way: With the pull of a pin,…
Fast and Light With its paulownia-wood-and-carbon-reinforced core, the Aspect’s surface-area-to-weight ratio is tough to match, so it’s a natural choice for longer tours. And with a bit of tip rocker, the Aspect planes quickly and smoothly without affecting hard-snow edge hold, which multiple testers called “tenacious.” Add some extras, like…
Zeal has carved out a niche for itself in the ultra-high end of the market, and the SPPX Eclipse fits right in. Not only did the lenses get the highest score for optical clarity; they’re also polarized and photochromic. It’s the latter feature that will really blow you away,…