Ten items to make you a grilling master.

Thodio听iBox听XC Speaker ($800)

Two 100-watt amps in Thodio鈥檚 bamboo speaker pump out 106 decibels of rich sound. There鈥檚 a mini-plug jack to wire in your smartphone, but optional Bluetooth ($85) or Wi-Fi ($105) capability let you play DJ without leaving your post at the grill.听

EcoChic Swell Chair ($389)

The weather-resistant Indonesian teak in EcoChic鈥檚 low-slung, curvy is reclaimed from fishing boats in Southeast Asia, giving it that comfy, worn-in feel.

Supermechanical听Ember Range Smart Thermometer ($70)听

Supermechanical鈥檚 brainy takes the guesswork out of grilling. Tell it what type of meat you鈥檙e serving, stick it in, and tend to other pressing duties鈥攍ike mixing drinks. The Ember will send an alert to your iPhone when the beef, chicken, or pork is done.

Food52听Ultimate BBQ Set ($185)听

贵辞辞诲52鈥檚 has it all. The stainless-steel tongs, spatula, barbecue mop, marinade听injector, and chicken roaster make food prep easy, while thick leather gloves ward off burns.听

Goose Island 312 Urban Wheat Ale ($10 for six)

Hot weather calls for a crisp beer. Goose Island is just that, with citrus notes that don鈥檛 linger too long. The higher carbonation is refreshing when you鈥檙e cooking up a pile of burgers.

Hydro Flask True Pint Tumbler ($25)

The double-walled Hydro Flask is insulated to keep your drink frosty. Plus, the grippy powder-coat finish helps prevent spillage.

Food52听Rechargeable Camp Lantern ($50)

Elegant and understated, the Food52 has a steel cage to protect the bulb from errant elbows and cranks out 325 lumens for four hours on full blast.

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Hardmill Canvas Rugged Apron ($235)

Duck waxed, leather reinforced, copper riveted: this handsome, sloughs off steak juice, errant embers, and the inevitable tipped beer.

Yeti Tank 85 Ice Bucket ($250)

It looks like your average tub, but thick, seamless polyethylene construction keeps up to , even without a lid.

Fuego Element F21C听Grill ($300)

Thank former Apple designer Robert Brunner for the 鈥檚 quirky looks. But it has plenty of grilling chops: it hits 500 degrees in five minutes, and the push-button starter is dummy-proof.

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Teva Riva Peak ($200)

Best For: Maximum Comfort
In the , Teva combined the Mush technology of its classic sandals with the support of a midheight boot to create an exceedingly comfortable trail shoe that doesn鈥檛 require breaking in. But cush doesn鈥檛 mean soft. The sturdy nylon shank added arch support, and the thick heel absorbed shock even with a loaded pack. High ankle cuffs and beefy midsoles bolster the armor, albeit at a weight penalty. 2.4 lbs.

OluKai Kia鈥榠 Trainer II ($120)

Best For: Beach to Bar
An upgraded version of the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association鈥檚 training shoe, the sports a removable insert and comfortably spongy midsole, with a lightweight mesh upper that kept our piggies cool even when hiking to lava flows on the Big Island. And while it looks great with jeans, it鈥檚 built to withstand razor-sharp lava rock, with a rubber-reinforced rand across the toe and around the sides to maintain the integrity of the upper through the roughest terrain. 1.3 lbs.

Vasque Grand Traverse ($130)

Best For: Doing Everything
A true multisport shoe, the is just as comfortable bouldering beachside as it is hiking old forest-service roads. Sticky Vibram rubber on the outsole held its grip on slippery logs, while flat rubber edges in the toe box, heel, and instep kept testers anchored on tiny edges and light smears. More impressive, the dual-density footbed and reinforced mesh upper meant it was plush enough for short trail runs. 1.7 lbs.

Merrell All Out Blaze ($130)

Best For: Keeping It Minimal
A more muscular version of Merrell鈥檚 All Out Fuse running shoe, the sports a six-millimeter heel-to-toe drop and a flatter outsole for a semi-鈥╩inimalist tactility that allowed testers to really feel the trail. An oiled leather upper and waterproof lining kept us dry in slop, while the aggressively lugged (but pleasantly flexible) Vibram outsole held fast in variable terrain. Bonus: the interior is treated with Merrell鈥檚 proprietary odor control, so you can keep them in the house. 1.3 lbs.

Adidas Terrex Swift R ($135)

Best For: Going Fast
We loved the lightweight for speedy hikes and mid-distance trail runs. The thick midsole, aggressive outsole, and supportive structure were dynamic enough for testers to haul heavy packs deep into the backcountry without ankle strain. And when we dropped the pack for a quick jog, the external heel cup dug in securely on sketchy downhills. Our only complaint? The speed laces needed adjusting every few miles. 1.6 lbs.

La Sportiva Ganda ($250)

Best For: Hybrid Approaches
This is the we鈥檝e ever tested. The polyurethane midsole and cushioned tongue provide enough comfort and stability to carry a pack on long hauls, while the toe-to-toe lacing, narrow toe box, and hard-edged Vibram outsole make it possible to crank up a 5.10 limestone face without swapping shoes. Nice touch: a removable sock liner, for a looser fit while hiking or a tighter fit when you hit the crag. 1.9 lbs.

Keen Durand Low ($160)

Best For: Ultra Treks
The Durand sports , which, unlike most boots built with EVA foam, compressed only fractionally even after thousands of steps. The outsole is no slouch, either鈥攕ofter rubber on the edges provides killer grip, while harder rubber in the middle adds durability. Bonus: the waterproof-breathable KeenDry membrane lets you puddle-hop without getting your socks wet. 2.2 lbs

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Keen Tunari CNX Trail Shoe

BEST FOR: Day Hikers

There are plenty of concessions to minimalism in : a slim four-millimeter drop, deep grooves in the tread for a more flexible outsole, and a pared-down design overall. But we liked the ten-ounce Tunaris for the features Keen didn鈥檛 cut. A contoured arch provides a touch of midfoot support, and Keen鈥檚 signature toe bumper took the sting out of the occasional misstep. A good choice if you鈥檙e leaning toward true barefoot shoes, like the Vibrams, but aren鈥檛 ready to make the leap.

Merrell Proterra Mid Sport Trail Shoe

BEST FOR: Overnighters

Hikers accustomed to next to no padding will love the low-to-the-ground feel and flexible fabric upper. Some testers went so far as wearing the without socks. But these one-pound, 13-ounce shoes aren鈥檛 high-tops for runners. A plastic arch shank and ten millimeters of foam under the midsole provided serious support even while bushwhacking with light packs. The inverted lugs (think indents) served up solid grip on dry trails, but we could have used a few more teeth in the mud.

Evolv Cruzer Trail Shoe

BEST FOR: Scrambling

The thin canvas upper on these 7.7-ounce approach shoes gives less lateral support than the others have, but it鈥檚 still plenty for long approaches to peaks in the wilderness. The sticky, climbing-shoe-like rubber outsole and tight-fitting toe box make the techy enough to handle long, mellow scrambles and short pitches to the summit. Even better? The low-key styling won鈥檛 make you look like a rock jock when you head to the bar after a day of climbing or peak bagging.

Salomon Synapse Mid Trail Shoe

BEST FOR: Long Hauls

Salomon added two polyurethane strips to the outsole of these rockered, mesh-uppered kicks, so they鈥檙e not only surprisingly airy at 13.8 ounces, but also stiff and supportive enough to carry medium-weight loads. We liked how the 鈥� midheight cuff kept out scree and debris, but the shoes could have used traditional laces. The speed laces tighten via a cord lock and had a habit of loosening on long downhills. Still, these shoes were the testers鈥� choice for hard days on the trail.

Teva TevaSphere Trail Shoe

BEST FOR: CHANGING YOUR STRIDE

These 9.5-ounce feature a rounded heel that encourages hikers (or runners) to land midfoot, forcing a forward-leaning position. Their other unique feature? Three-and-a half-inch-wide, shock-absorbing pods on either side of the arch. Testers either loved the stability the pods added on flat trails or couldn鈥檛 get used to how conspicuous they felt, especially on rocky, technical terrain. One thing is for sure: if you鈥檙e serious about hiking more efficiently, the 鈥橲pheres are like training wheels that remind you of your form.

Vibram FiveFingers Spyridon LS Trail Shoe

BEST FOR: True minimalists

Basically a muscled-up version of the classic five-toed slip-on, its multidimensional tread looks like a mountain-bike tire (great traction even on wet, leaf-covered trails), and its flexible nylon-mesh sheet in the midsole prevents your feet from the worst rock bruises. But let your soles toughen up before taking the on long hikes or strapping on a heavy pack. At 6.9 ounces, they鈥檙e nearly half the weight of the Merrells and Salomons and offer roughly half the protection and support.

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Adidas Terrex Fast X GTX

We put this through its paces on everything from rainy multi-day excursions to sunny day hikes in the Sierras. An all-star in every application, it has a stiff sole with enough support for edging on tricky sidehills. And it never missed a step through creek crossings, scree fields, and sprints down cinder cones in California鈥檚 Lassen National Park. The main reason: the outsole features rubber from European tire company Continental that Adidas claims is 30 percent grippier than any other outsole material on the market. After months of use, one tester summed it up best: 鈥淚 have yet to find another shoe that offers this much comfort and support in a package this light.鈥� We also tested (and loved) a midcut version of the shoe, which provided enough support for full-on backpacking. 1 lb.

LIGHTNESS: 3.5鈥�
RUGGEDNESS: 4.5

Salewa Firetail GTX Trail Shoe

BEST FOR: Alpine climbing.

THE TEST: Vibram outsole with a dedicated climbing zone? Check. Rough-and-tumble nylon-mesh upper? You bet. Climbing-shoe lacing and narrow toe box? Done and done. Our tester took the waterproof-breathable up to the Grand Teton鈥檚 high camp in Wyoming without feeling so much as a hot spot on the way. He expected a comfortable hike, but what he didn鈥檛 expect was to leave his climbing shoes behind for a summit push that involved 5.8-rated pitches.

THE VERDICT: It鈥檚 probably too overbuilt鈥攁nd too stiff鈥攖o serve as most people鈥檚 everyday hiking shoe, but it blows away the competition on technical terrain. 14.4 oz.

LIGHTNESS: 4.5
RUGGEDNESS: 5

Merrell Proterra Sport Trail Shoe

BEST FOR: Those looking for big-time grip in a lightweight package.

THE TEST: 鈥淭he sole offered easy forefoot flex and no heel slippage,鈥� one tester reported after a trek through Mount Hood National Forest. The grip is outstanding, thanks to a low-to-the-ground design鈥攊t鈥檚 lightly cushioned and nearly flat, like a minimalist running shoe鈥攁nd inverted outsole lug pattern, which kept its hold on rocky and scree-choked trails. As airy as the shoe is, the tight mesh is surprisingly water resistant. Want more ankle support? The Proterra Sport comes in a midheight, too.

THE VERDICT: Incredible trail feel; fits average-to-wide feet best. 13.5 oz.

LIGHTNESS: 5鈥�
RUGGEDNESS: 3.5

Columbia Conspiracy OutDry Trail Shoe

BEST FOR: Light trail running; fast-packing trips.

THE TEST: Only comfy shoes made our cut, but if we had an award for extraordinary out-of-the-box comfort, the waterproof-breathable would win it. Much of the cush can be credited to the shoe鈥檚 multidensity midsole foam: it鈥檚 stiffer near the outsole for support but softer near the footbed for comfort. Watch out on wet terrain, though. During an overnight 14-mile hike on Kauai鈥檚 Na Pali Coast trail, one tester reported that the shoe became slick on creek crossings: 鈥淪tay the hell off of wet granite.鈥�

THE VERDICT: The best-in-test shoe for riding the line between hiking and trail running. 10 oz.

LIGHTNESS: 4.5
RUGGEDNESS: 3

Ahnu Kirkham Trail Shoe

BEST FOR: Casual trailwear and crosstown treks.

THE TEST: We came to think of the as the all-wheel-drive wagon of the hiking world鈥攊t鈥檚 as much at home on pavement as it is on dirt. The full-grain leather and suede upper shrugged off scrapes with rocks and other debris on Northern California trails, and the lugged outsole provided solid traction on everything but wet rocks and loose scree. But what our testers really appreciated was how well it worked as their everyday walk-the-dog, kick-the-can, go-to-work shoe.

THE VERDICT: Good looking and sturdily constructed. The Kirkham is virtually indestructible but can also be a bit stuffy on hot days. 14.7 oz.

LIGHTNESS: 4鈥�
RUGGEDNESS: 4

Timberland Earthkeepers Intervale Ventilated Trail Shoe

BEST FOR: Short, fast day hikes.

THE TEST: 鈥淔elt great out of the box,鈥� wrote one tester. The easy break-in is probably due to the fact that the materials are, in a sense, already broken in鈥攖he laces and lining are upcycled from plastic bottles, and the outsole is 42 percent recycled rubber. The mostly leather Intervale handled day hikes and light trail runs in Oregon鈥檚 Columbia River Gorge with ease, providing great trail feel. When mileage hit double digits, though, enthusiasm waned: the soft sole and flexible uppers are better suited to afternoon hikes.

THE VERDICT: Pared-down, go-fast shoe with casual looks. 11.2 oz.

LIGHTNESS: 4.5
RUGGEDNESS: 3.1

Oboz Missoula Trail Shoe

BEST FOR: Travel days, mellow trails.

THE TEST: Most of the shoes here look the part鈥攖hey proudly say, I鈥檓 going hiking. Which is precisely why we like the skateboarding-inspired so much. Its shallowly lugged outsole is way grippier than it looks and performed especially well on snow-packed and icy trails and roads. The beefy midsole has an appreciable amount of arch support, and鈥擳om Cruise types take note鈥攎akes you about an inch taller than you really are. Perforations in the forefoot let some heat escape, but not much: like with the Ahnu, the leather uppers get toasty on hot days.

THE VERDICT: All-season, everyday drivers. 13.6 oz.

LIGHTNESS: 3.5
RUGGEDNESS: 4.5

Scarpa Rapid LT Trail Shoe

BEST FOR: Sneaker lovers; rocky, technical trails.

THE TEST: Evolved from Scarpa鈥檚 trail-running shoes, the is a light hiker with the soul of a sneaker and the performance chops of an approach shoe. We found this lightweight, low-cut jack-of-all-trades perfect for short hikes to the crags鈥攁 fold-down heel helps it pack small once it鈥檚 time to throw it in your bag. But you needn鈥檛 be an alpine climber to dig the Rapid LT; it was nimble (to-the-toe lacing makes for an ultrasecure fit) and protective enough to handle hiking and trail running on Hawaii鈥檚 broken-glass lava beds.

THE VERDICT: One of the most versatile shoes here. Fits narrow feet best. 10.9 oz.

LIGHTNESS: 5
RUGGEDNESS: 3

TrekSta Alta GTX Trail Shoe

BEST FOR: Heavy loads; snow and ice.

THE TEST: Two things separate the from all the other tan boots on the shelf. First: the bulbous, lumpy toe box, which looks weird (and feels weird at first). But, as advertised, the anatomical shape makes for a comfier ride, especially downhill. Second: the outsole鈥檚 lugs, embedded with micro-glass filaments that, according to TrekSta, create 鈥渟lip-stopping surface tension.鈥� It sounds like B.S., but testers agreed that the Alta GTX was noticeably grippier than the competition on virtually every slick surface.

THE VERDICT: The pronounced arch takes some getting used to (expect hot spots). Otherwise, best-in-class fit and bite. 21 oz.

LIGHTNESS: 3
RUGGEDNESS: 4

Aku SL Sintesi GTX Trail Shoe

BEST FOR: Backpacking off-trail.

THE TEST: Handcrafted in Romania, this waterproof, breathable, features an internal layer of EVA foam for impact protection and mountaineering-style lacing beginning at the toes. The result is a fit that feels broken in out of the box. We took them for scree-filled scrambles and off-trail bushwhacking in Northern California鈥檚 Trinity Alps鈥攁nd couldn鈥檛 have been happier. 鈥淭hey felt like steel-toed boots, only lighter,鈥� said one tester, noting that the suede upper and rubber-wrapped toe and heel shrugged off the occasional rock punt.

THE VERDICT: Seriously tough. Great support for a relatively lightweight boot. 22 oz.

LIGHTNESS: 3
RUGGEDNESS: 5

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