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…

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).

This stick is so light (six pounds for the seven-footer), a stiff offshore breeze nearly ripped it from my hands. Made from Salomon’s S-Core epoxy blank, it has a hollow core with a layer of carbon fiber and three triple stringers for a corky, lively feel. In junky, blown-out…

There’s no debate: This is one of the best touring boats on the water. We took the Brittany out in the stormy Atlantic and on glassy Lake Champlain, loaded down and completely empty, and in all conditions she turned like she knew what we were thinking. With the skeg…

A LIGHTWEIGHT, AGILE LONGBOARD You may recognize the Bear logo from the 1978 classic surf film Big Wednesday, but rest assured this longboard oozes modern performance. At nine feet one inch long and three inches thick, it felt like it could glide into anything. With a width of 22.5 inches,…

A PERFORMANCE SIT-ON-TOP In addition to being the fastest undecked boat on the market, it’s also remarkably stable—one tester had to try several times to capsize it. The open cockpit lets air circulate on hot summer days but is protected enough to keep you dry when it’s cold. And who…

The PsychoFreak introduces a new three-layer neoprene sandwich—two thin, solid layers around a perforated middle layer that traps air like a double-pane window—to keep you warmer with less fabric. It works: This super-stretchy, 3.5-milli-meter suit kept us as warm as a five-mil suit while affording tons more flexibility.

Expert Fisherman Using the underwater pedal-powered flippers and knob-controlled rudder, you can propel the Mirage across the lake hands-free so you can fish, shoot pics, sip a drink. Prefer to paddle? The flippers remove in a snap (OK, the press of a button) and you're free to paddle it like…

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.

Why It’s CoolThe freestanding Sage didn’t budge during 80-mile-per-hour gusts—its aerodynamic three-pole architecture lies low. » You can’t go wrong with the unique color-coded strap-and-buckle design that accepts the pole ends in tidy slots. » Two see-through windows are great for starry nights. Mesh canopy panels, a mesh D door,…

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 CoolThis one-pound-three-ounce bag has no hardware—no zip, no Velcro—just a single cinch clasp on the hood’s drawcord. » The Beeline is rated to 30 degrees, thanks in large part to the 900-fill goose down’s impressive loft. » Shaving additional grams is the Pertex Quantum fabric used in the…

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…

Why It’s CoolThe Eagle has landed! This one bears a retro-chic likeness to the 1969 Apollo landing craft, down to the folding footpads. » Dock fuel line to fuel bottle with a gratifying click, commence pumping, and—presto—the Apex II is chugging away with a whof-whof—and no need to prime it…

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…

This freestanding dome is only a few tent stakes over three pounds, yet it skimps on almost nothing. With a design that eliminates wasted corner space—hence wasted weight—the Evolution has two doors, two vestibules, a legit two-person floor, and a comfy 42 inches of headroom. Double-wall construction, with a…

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…

The bright, travel-friendly Icon runs on either alkaline batteries or an optional rechargeable battery (called the NRG; $30) that comes with four different outlet adapters. 6.6 oz; bdel.com…

WARM IN ANY WEATHER OK, sometimes sleeping outside just plain sucks—like when it’s cold and wet and you’re without a tent. Fortunately, the Cirque is made for just such nights. On a soggy ski-touring trip in Mount Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest, testers spent two nights en plein air in the 800-fill-down…

OVERACHIEVER This streamlined pack performed above its weight class on every trip, thanks to durable polyurethane-coated nylon throughout and a suspension—framesheet and aluminum stay—that can handle a heavy load. One tester took a larger version (called the Quest, 4,250 cu in, $175) on a weeklong trek in Wyoming's Wind River…

It’s like putting your car’s high beam on your head. Powered by a 1.4-pound rechargeable battery pack, this Swedish-made, 20-watt halogen lamp is ridiculously bright and per-fect for caving or mountain-biking at night. 1.8 lbs; milausa.com…

EXPEDITION-READY Kelty developed the new Foraker line in conjunction with Alaska Mountain Guides, an adventure outfitter whose guides spend hundreds of days in the field. You can tell: This 750-fill sack is the toughest, most packable sleeping bag Kelty has ever made. It’s cut from three different fabrics. A water-resistant,…

If we had a Most Comfy award, this recycled-synthetic Climashield bag would win. Credit the recycled Cocona liner—which wicks moisture and feels more like sheets than slick nylon—and the cozily lined foot area. The trade-offs: It’s not as compressible as other synthetics, and it’s a tad heavy. 5°, 3.4…

As with previous Kazoos, this 15-degree bag is still stuffed primarily with 600-fill down and bedecked with smart features—glow-in-the-dark zipper pulls, easy-to-adjust hood, etc. Even more impressive, this Kazoo’s shell and insulation are made with 100 percent recycled materials. Plus, it’s a hybrid. There are compression-resistant, synthetic insulation pads…

Best for Cold, Wet Weather This is a great price for any zero-degree-rated bag, never mind one stuffed with PrimaLoft Infinity, a top-shelf but affordable synthetic insulation with a great loft-to-compressibility ratio. Just don’t expect the same fabrics and tailoring as on high-end bags. There’s no ergonomic footbox, and the…

Rainbow Bright The Multi Color’s main LED has three light-level settings and four smaller, colored bulbs (two red, two blue) that are more useful than you’d think. Their muted glow preserves your night vision, whether you’re up late stargazing or tying on a predawn fly. 4 oz;…

Now, shelter. The steep walls of BLACK DIAMOND‘s ultralight (2.8-pound), single-wall HILIGHT TENT shed snow, and it packs down small enough to save space for booties. Or build an igloo.

  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…

Thanks to the stiff carbon-fiber tongue and “stringers” that laterally reinforce the Zzeros, these ultralight four-buckle boots felt surprisingly solid and stiff bombing down steep shots around Loveland Pass. 7 lbs; dynafit.us   Bonus: Grooved guides in the toe make the boots much easier to click into the bindings than…

K2's fattest women's AT ski has enough sidecut to arc GS turns on hardpack, enough flex to bounce through a foot of powder, and enough dampness to tame a crusty minefield. 120/88/108, 8 lbs; k2alpineterrain.com      …

EVERY RESORT, EVERY RUN Good for All Mountain Rossi bills the Phantom as a 60 percent off-piste ski. So we were a little nervous taking it out on early-morning boilerplate at Taos. But even though this shark-nosed and fairly straight ski is silky and light, it…

Chute fiends: This classic self-arrest pole has been redesigned with a non-removable (i.e., more confidence-inspiring) head and a pick cover (5/$10, not included)—so you won’t gut yourself in a wipeout. bdel.com…

Good for All Mountain The Anti Piste has the exact same dimensions as K2's popular Coomba but with a bit of rocker in the tip. You can tell. Testers loved the way the subtle tweak to the shape allowed them to smear turns in a flash but noted…

For the second year in a row, Atlas’s Elektra snowshoes made the cut for their superior performance and good value. The new Elektra 8’s have a contoured shape that doesn’t interfere with your stride and a light, easy-to-operate spring-loaded binding that accommodates a wide variety of boots. 23″ and…