Summer Buyer's Guide
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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…
The Cimarron might look a little aggro, but it’s virtually indestructible, thanks to its beefy molded-EVA exoskeleton and Keen’s patented toe-stubbing protection. Bonus: A full-length mesh-upper lining keeps feet secure and small pebbles out. keenfootwear.com…
Like the podium-topping Canon, the D90 shoots photos and HD video, but at less than one-third the price. Consider it the Corvette to Canon’s Lamborghini—i.e., it’s not the most luxurious, but it’s still one very sweet machine: 4.5-frames-per-second shooting, a 12.3-meg sensor, and a best-in-the-industry, super-hi-res three-inch LCD screen.
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…
Old-school hiking sole meets simple, leather oxford style in this classic-looking shoe. The organic-cotton-lined insoles mold to your foot, and there’s enough shock absorption in the midsoles for your daily walk to work. timberland.com…
Mountain-Ready The Bushland’s understated good looks, combined with its snug fit and low-profile but seriously grippy Vibram outsole, made this our pick for days that had us pounding both dirt and concrete. Among the shoes featured here, only the Vasque beats this capable scrambler on steep mountain…
Technically, the streamlined Venta LT is a soft shell. But because most of the jacket (the shoulders, arms, and back) is cut from highly water-resistant fabric—Gore’s best Windstopper stuff—and its seams are taped, it shed steady Seattle rain nearly as well as our favorite storm shells. However, thanks to…
Hiking, biking, trail running—we did it all with the Diablo. There’s just enough space in this 352-cubic-inch pack to stash an emergency shell, a bike pump, and a snack, especially if you take advantage of its waist-belt pockets, two external stash pockets, and bungee strap. But what really makes…
Let’s go ahead and call 2010 the year of the 29er. Though bikes built around 29-inch wheels, instead of the 26-inch standard, have been around for more than a decade, they’ve been largely a fringe category. No longer. Walk into any bike shop and you’ll see that 29ers—valued for…
Mud Control Tromping through sludgy puddles on the Appalachian Trail, the Moraga’s combination of a waterproof upper and snug-fitting gusseted tongue easily kept slop at bay. That was to be expected. What really impressed us was its bite. The Moraga’s toothy outsole shed the glop and provided plenty of stability…
Most Breathable Seems like 2,000 cubic inches is the magic number when it comes to versatility—just big enough to max out on a fast-and-light overnighter but not too big for a day hike. And size isn’t the only thing the top-loading Spectro AC gets right. It was the most breathable…
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…
Fire up Primus’s well-built and easy-to-light Atle 2 Burner Camp Stove. primuscamping.com…
Mountain Happy Trails The comfiest mountain-bike helmet in the test? You’re looking at it. The thumbwheel up top lets you snug a headband around your noggin via a cable for a pressure-point-free fit that every tester raved about. Bonus: enough vents for the hottest days. 9.8 oz;…
Sail Away The Ventus was designed in collaboration with the U.S. Sailing Team. And while it certainly looks the part, it’s no one-trick pony. The siped outsoles and mesh-protected drain ports performed nicely kayaking around the lake, and just as well beachcombing in Florida. sperrytopsider.com…
At night, the blinking rear light on Brooks’s Nightlife Hat is a little peace of mind. brooksrunning.com…
Road Race-Ready The first iteration of this remarkably light and stiff shoe had just one Boa dial to adjust the fit. Now it has two. The result? One tester put on a pair out of the box and rode, blister-free, the long way from San Francisco to Las Vegas—over…
Multisport Mixer An active type in casual-shoe clothing (and with sustainability cred), the comfy Sight Hemp features the tough eponymous fiber, a scrappy lugged sole, and an antimicrobial lining. If it weren’t such a great all-terrain traveler, it’d be in our mix of light hikers. merrell.com…
One-Second Photo Polaroid is dead. Long live Polaroid! When the company announced in February 2008 that it was discontinuing production of its iconic instant film, reports about the end of an era ignored the fact that Fuji has supplied “Polaroid” film to the commercial industry for years. To fill the…
You Can Hear Me Now?! A godsend to anyone who’s accidentally water-skied with a phone in his pocket, the Brigade is the first messaging phone sold in the U.S. that’s shock-resistant and waterproof (to one meter, for 30 minutes). At 4.4 inches long and 5.5 ounces, this sideways-clamshell unit is…
Not only does the design show off your back and shoulders, but you’ll never be annoyed by a falling tank-top strap. A shelf bra supports up to a B cup. lululemon.com…
I am an organization freak, so I find Zen when all of my gear has its own place, like in the multiple pockets of this compact 1,200-cubic-inch hydration pack, which holds three Nalgenes’ worth of water. ospreypacks.com…
When you’re ready to graduate from a touring bike to a zippier ride—one with the streamlined speed, stiffness, and low weight to tackle a race but enough gears to let you climb any mountain pass—hop on this svelte option. Its full-carbon frame has the energy transfer and agility of…
A harness is more than just something to hang by. You’ll want it to be durable with plenty of gear loops for carabiners, like the featherweight (only 11.2-ounce) R-280. Sure, it might look paper-thin, but its strength-dispersing technology uniformly distributes your body weight for maximum comfort.
GLASS MASTERY Like the Costa del Mars, these polarized, oleophobic shades prove that optically ground glass is still tops. And with the signature blue-flash mirroring of Revo’s premium J6 lenses, the cognoscenti will know what you’re wearing a block away. This unit’s stylishly wide temples actually provide nice side protection…
BELIEVE THE HYPE Yes, actually, the iPhone is all that. First off, it’s sexy. The aluminum-and-glass build gives a nice solid feel, the 3.5-inch touchscreen and Mac OS X make operation fast and intuitive (despite the typing learning curve), and it’s a breeze on the Web. Thanks to its…
1. With its fully gusseted tongue and a smooth sock liner, the Aether Tech just fits great. The easy-to-adjust Boa Lacing System provides a uniform snugness all around the foot—no pinching or pressure points. The foot-sculpting midsole is made from just the right amount of soft, single-density foam to…
SPEED DEMON “My initial response after trying these on was ‘Wanna race?’ ” one tester said of the aptly named Streak. With a flyweight construction, socklike fit, and soft yet energetic midsole, it’s basically a racing flat with just enough guts for daily training. The relatively generous heel cushioning and…
HEAD FOR THE HILLS In 2007, the mountainous Giro d’Italia and the best-climber’s jersey at the Tour de France were both won on Cannondales. It is with that climbing pedigree in mind that the company launches its new SuperSix. This is the same full-carbon frame Cannondale’s top pros are on…
Beyond the bling, the Limited is one serious shoe. The stiff carbon-fiber outsole wraps the heel to stabilize the foot, and a complete pair weighs about as much as the magazine in your hands. scottusa.com…
GO THE DISTANCE Serious photochromics make the Trails ideal for long race days. A yellowish tint, perfectly tuned for low light, deepens to amber in full sun, and this color spectrum kicks up contrast and depth. The biggish lenses are also soft and flexible, so they won’t add to the…
LITTLE PARTY ANIMAL The T2 is as much fashion accessory as camera. The all-metal design has a nonprotruding 3x zoom and a 2.7-inch touchscreen that all but eliminates the need for external buttons. In a word, sleek. Pull it out at a soiree—as we did with our lime-green test unit—and…
Ah, the sweetheart of black-ops agents and adrenalists every-where. This next-gen chrono is as tough as they come, is good down to 200 meters, features ultra-precise atomic timekeeping, and charges via any available light source. gshock.com…
These burly cotton-twill cargo pants are softer than Carhartts but tougher than what you got at the Gap. dickssportinggoods.com/NikeACG…
BEST FOR BIG LOADS Looking for something that isn’t a clodhopper but can handle a three-day back-packing trip? The Kayland’s waterproof eVent membrane lets sweat out, while the shoe’s plastic stabilizers and EVA foam form a lightweight support structure that allowed us to carry 40-pound packs without wincing. And if…
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…
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…
With sticky, honeycomb-shaped lugs and a rubber-encased toe, the Zen Lady is grippy enough for scrambles up steep, rocky fourteeners, but a thick sole offers enough cush for long days on the trail. Suede uppers quickly mold to feet, and the toe-to-ankle lacing system tailors the fit. 13 oz;…
The gold standard of expedition paddling gets a makeover with a more versatile neck closure to fit everyone from a linebacker to an Olsen twin and—thankfully, with all that water rushing by—a “relief” zipper. kokatat.com…
TRADITIONAL TOP LOADER “Airy and easy to adjust” is how one tester summed up the Locus 40. It’s light, too: The minimalist design boasts an impressive weight-to-capacity ratio. Torso adjustment takes just a few seconds, then the pack slides into place. The AeroFly suspension rides nice and tight to the…
TOUGH ON THE TRAIL The rubberized 400t was born for serious backcountry time, and you won’t find a more user-friendly or durable handheld GPS. A funky, do-it-all wheel replaces the usual array, making for easy one-hand navigation (nonexistent in most handhelds). It’s also tricked out with a three-inch, backlit color…
We loved the safety-goggle-like protection and peripheral vision of the Rx-compatible Semi Full. With the clear lenses in place, we felt more confident bombing down our favorite heavily forested local singletrack. Swapping lenses is a bit awkward, though. giro.com…
The fully-custom, carbon-and-titanium XS can save your ass, literally. One tester spent 19 hours on it—in a single weekend—and was still able to walk afterwards. Indy Fab, an employee-owned boutique builder in Somerville, Massachusetts, is known for its artistry (check the laser-cut lugs) and regularly pulls down awards at the…
Moderate Stability Unlike most stability or control shoes, which use a stiff medial post near the heel or arch to correct an overpronator’s foot roll, the ProGrid Stabil’s post runs the entire length of the shoe—heel to toe. Although you’d think that might stiffen the shoe, Saucony…
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…
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…
When it first emerged last year, face-recognition technology seemed hokey and didn’t even work that well. The F60fd changes all that. When we passed it around among amateurs and pros alike, it easily recognized multiple faces, even in full profile, nailing exposure, focus, and color balance every time.
Delivering huge, rich sound in a slim package, the Max speaker system is a must-have travel accessory. Dock your iPod or iPhone—or use the aux jack for other devices—and listen for 3.5 hours per charge. alteclansing.com…
Dress shoes with two secrets: The leather uppers are waterproof and breathable, and the outsoles are just grippy enough to run on cobblestones in the rain. rockport.com…
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…
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 smart little pack brings a dash of technical know-how to a street-savvy bag. In town, you can remove the hip strap to dial back the crunchy-guy factor, while a bit of reflective piping increases your visibility when riding or walking in the dark. Wherever we were, the water-resistant…
Versatile and Burly We gave GT top honors in our 2005 Buyer’s Guide, and the company’s underrated proprietary “Independent Drivetrain” suspension continues to impress. The design has been refined over the years; it’s lighter and more efficient. But the main benefit—isolating all suspension movement from pedaling forces—remains, as evidenced by…
A Stiff and Stout Day Hiker Some light hikers feel comfy at first, only to prove mushy after several weeks of testing. All the more reason to appreciate the up-front honesty of Oboz’s superstiff Contour. Sure, break-in time is longer, but that extra rigidity translated to a secure and stable…
Top Ultralight Lunch-hour hikes. Mountain-bike rides. Long trail runs. At 600 cubic inches, the Fluid 10 is just big enough to fit the essentials—shell, camera, lunch, etc.—without any wasted space. The light, ridged polypropylene framesheet gives it some stability (and a bit of ventilation) without adding too much bulk or…
Form and Function The Ruston was the surprise hit of the test. For starters, Scott’s designers nailed the details on this highly water-resistant soft shell: The hood is top-notch, and there are good-sized pit zips. Even more impressive is that this jacket doesn’t scream “I’m wearing a super-techy soft shell!”…
If you really want to impress, bake a cake, cinnamon rolls, or a lasagna in GSI Outdoors’ aluminum 12″ Hard Anodized Dutch Oven. gsioutdoors.com…
Road A hydration shirt? Yes. This three-pocket cycling jersey has an integrated compartment that snugs a 72-ounce reservoir (included) to your back. Some testers were initially skeptical, but being able to carry more water—and not having to reach down for a drink—sold them. Works just as well off-road, too, though…
An Updated Classic With its fully adjustable pull-through straps, comfy (and burly) footbed, and impressive grip on slippery surfaces, the Z2 has been a perennial favorite of boatmen. This updated version has a slightly beefier outsole and is made from a more durable rubber mixture. chacousa.com…
If I bring my dog Pontouf on a long run, I saddle him with Ruff Wear’s light, slim SingleTrak pack, which carries a liter of water. ruffwear.com…
Road Fits Any Foot Thanks to its combination of a mesh tongue and underfoot vents for good airflow, the RLs proved to be impressively breathable, even on scorching rides in New Mexico. And while they fit most testers fine, you can get a customizable insole at…
City Slick Want a more formal look in a protective package? The Rockaway looks swell with khakis and sports a soft leather upper and gummy rubber sole, between which you’ll find a footbed built for easy all-day cruising. keenfootwear.com…
Big-Trip Brawn Thanks in part to a hybrid internal-external frame, this pack is outra-geously light for how much gear it carries (enough for a weeklong trip). But REI made sure not to skimp in the important places—like the wide, cushy shoulder straps and the hipbelt, which is canted for a…
Mapping Maven This super-powerful GPS takes personal navigation to a new level. Testers were shocked by how eyeblink-fast it updated location on its gorgeous 4.3-inch screen—as if the satellites were just overhead—and how easy it was to enter a destination and then find arrival times, elevation, traffic alerts, and, of…
This 2,520-cubic inch duffel, made from recycled materials, held a yoga mat, water bottle, and post-yoga clothes with room to spare. Plus the inside has organizational pockets for your cell phone, ID, and more. prana.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…
Be safe with this well-vented lid. Quick-dry pads beat stink, and a sleek adjuster dial makes perfecting the fit simple. bellbikehelmets.com…
Protect your noggin with this first-ever women-specific (read: ponytail-compatible) ten-ounce helmet. Ten vents release steam on hot days and the removable foam is washable when it starts to stink. petzl.com…
ULTIMATE ANGLERS Talk about fly. Optically ground glass, like Costa’s premium 580 line, is the connoisseur’s choice for acuity. (Just note these are shatter-resistant, not -proof.) The polarized copper tint nixes surface glare, so fish in the shallows pop out, while way-cool green mirroring provides that air of mystery. An…
We expected the Epic to be fast—it's the same full-carbon bike that Swiss Christoph Sauser rode to the 2008 XC world championship—but not this fast. The Shimano XTR components and carbon cranks certainly help, but really it's all about the gray matter. The front and rear shocks feature Specialized's Brain…
A TRAIL SHOE FOR ROADIES Sometimes you drive to the trailhead; other times you just run there. This is your shoe. Built to have the same smooth heel-to-toe transition as ASICS’s road shoes, the lightweight Attack is sufficiently cushioned for gravel roads and packed dirt, yet it still feels responsive…
TRIATHLON-READY With a pronounced heel tab, quick-pull laces, and sole drain holes, the Tempo is designed to speed up your switches from bike to run. But the first-ever road shoe from the triathlon-apparel company Zoot is also a highly advanced, lightweight trainer for everyday roadies. The midsole’s dual-density foam and…
CHEAP THRILLS With so many astronomically expensive bikes on the market, it’s easy to get the impression that entry-level bikes perform too poorly to warrant consideration. The Xenith Comp proves that’s not the case. The full-carbon frame offers about as stiff a platform as you’ll find at this price, and…
Most people’s feet tilt down and out when they dangle. As with all Specialized Body Geometry shoes, the carbon-soled S-Works are designed around this natural cant, to reduce knee and foot strain. specialized.com…
DON’T JUDGE A BOOK… There’s a lot to admire here, and we’re not just talking about the funk factor. Looks are deceiving: The Emit’s frame and temples are 30 percent recycled nylon. The polarized ZB-13 lens is a multipurpose polycarbonate wiz, lending itself to just about anything. The copper tint,…
PRO SPECS, AMATEUR PRICE Need proof that technology trickles down? Just a couple of years ago, the 40D’s impressive features—10.1 megs, 6.5-frames-per-second shooting, self-cleaning sensor, nine-point autofocus system—would have set you back a few grand. Despite all that, this camera’s best asset is actually Canon’s latest DIGIC III image-processing engine.
Coordinate surf rendezvous with this tide-tracking titanium piece, which keeps you abreast of conditions, can handle depths of 200 meters, displays moon phase, and runs off a nine-jewel Swiss movement. nixonnow.com…
The perfect summerweight waterproof/breathable rain pants. So light (11 ounces) you’ll always pack them, they’re capable of fending off even the nastiest afternoon thunderstorm. groundwear.com…
1. No gimmicks here. The North Face’s new X-Radial suspension is the real deal. The secret is a lightweight aluminum, X-shaped frame that’s reinforced on the top and bottom to deal with heavy loads (up to 55 pounds) and actually pivots at the center of the X, which means…
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…