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Want rugged portability? Then this sound system in a suitcase is a no-brainer. The weather-resistant i-F3 features iPod charging and storage, auxiliary input, FM, and alarm and puts out respectable sound for 20 hours per charge. si5.com…
A pivot fin along the back, assisted by an internal tension rod, lets you open this utility knife like a switchblade, fast and with a flick of the finger. kershawknives.com…
CREATIVE’s 3.1-ounce NOMAD MUVO虏 X-TRAINER 512MB ($269) is built for rough handling, with a half-gig of fixed flash memory wrapped in a protective rubbery case. The rugged X-Trainer gets about twice the battery life (16 hours) of most hard-drive-based spinners.
This compass weighs just 1.2 ounces, and its smash-proof housing also contains an inclinometer. brunton.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.
The single-hinge design makes for a comfortable grip on these backcountry-ready binocs. And with a wide field of view and excellent clarity at dawn or dusk, they’re ideal for viewing wildlife. 10.5×45; leupold.com…
Lance Armstrong’s preferred eyewear during his return to racing, the new Jawbone uses a hinged frame for easy lens changes. Small bumpers inside the tops of the frame secure the smudge-free, hydrophobic lenses without distorting them. oakley.com…
This relatively svelte, Windows-based smartphone is a pure traveler, with a great navigation system (geotagging and U.S. maps built in), a 2.8-inch touchscreen, an intuitive interface, and a 3.2-meg camera that delivered decent shots in a variety of conditions. htc.com…
Angle away with these optical wonders. Though they’re great for wearing out and about, the Baysides sport glass lenses in a greenish tint that’s perfect for fishing streams and saltwater flats in low light, yet the polarization knocks out surface glare to reveal the water’s wily inhabitants in any…
General Scoping Acquired by elite optics company Leupold & Stevens in 2009, Redfield is back this year with the Rebel, an ergonomic and economical binocular that’s a great all-around choice. The fully multi颅coated lenses stood up well to repeated stream drops and didn’t fog up in cold-weather testing, plus an…
Swimming Elegance We can’t get enough of Suunto’s Elementum line. The dive version, a.k.a. Aqua, automatically logs depth, dive time, max depth, surface time, and water temp—and stores it all for up to 14 dives. But it’s the superclear, handsome reverse-LCD display on this iF Design Award–winning model that we…
DIAD stands for “done in a day,” but even testers who didn’t speed-climb El Cap appreciated this wispy storm shell. It’s perfect for windy summits and surprise squalls—and so light we never debated packing it. Designing a seven-ounce jacket requires cutting a few corners, which in this case means…
Freestyle takes a step back from its usual designer impulses, leaving in the 100-meter water resistance, stainless-steel case, and fumble-proof nylon strap. Best of all, though, is the popsicle-blue backlight, like something you’d see in a sea cave at dusk. TAGS: simple, casual…
Sidi has long made bombproof shoes for mountain bikers and the Blaze is no exception. With two sturdy Velcro straps and a rugged plastic sole, these synthetic leather cleats will simply not succumb to trail abuse. 12 oz; www.sidiusa.com…
These bargain binos are priced to move but still tough enough for hard use. They’re protected against falls and klutzy friends and come with a lifetime prism-alignment guarantee. 10×25; www.carson-optical.com…
Cross a rubber tire with a sandal and you get this cool beast. A pull-through cord snugs each “rib” (actually made with EVA plastic foam) down like a clamp for great stability. www.mionfootwear.com…
This compact road-racing machine offers the best of both material worlds: The aluminum main frame makes for a snappy ride (and keeps the price reasonable), while the carbon seatstays, seatpost, and flat-bladed monocoque fork smooth out road chatter to keep your body fresh. The combination makes the Finest light…
Split the difference between superlight and full-featured: This packable polyester shell has a fleece-lined collar, hem drawcord, and chest pocket that doubles as a stuffsack. 5.8 oz; cloudveil.com…
Why They’re CoolThis handsome three-lens wrap may be all you’ll ever need—from above treeline to surfaces hard, soft, and man-made. 禄 The darkest of the swap-out poly lenses are polarized gray. For less searing conditions, there’s brown. My fave is an almost-clear orange that pops details out of the murk.
VERSATILE PERFORMER “It’s super-comfortable, looks cool, and beat back steady rain for hours,” said one tester, summing up the Virtual’s virtues. In a category that has never been known for sleek style, Ground has elevated the game by creating an all-purpose storm shell you won’t mind wearing when it’s not…
Yak leather and a direct-injected outsole combine to make this shoe lightweight, yet tough for the long haul. With every stride, air is pumped through the insole to help reduce foot funk. eccousa.com…
Butter. That’s the best way to describe the feel of these socks, which blend soft merino and alpaca fibers. Wicking channels at the forefoot move moisture up to the ankle, where it evaporates more easily. dahlgrenfootwear.com…
Made of Peruvian alpaca wool, this antistink base layer is even softer than the finest merino we tested. Plus it won’t shrink in the wash like some wool base layers. powderhorn-world.com…
Need something warm enough for Wisconsin or Wyoming? Thanks to a Thinsulate lining and an inch-thick, insulated footbed, the waterproof Bota Bags are the warmest boots here. sorel.com…
Get these soft-shell pants for classic winter conditions: more cold, snowy, and windy than wet, slushy, and rainy. The Gore Windstopper fabric is tough on the outside, but has a soft fleece lining. cloudveil.com…
An angler’s dream, these high-definition, polarized amber lenses cut the glare coming off the water, plus the removable rubber side shields ensure you won’t have to worry about wind, dust, sand, or spray. costadelmar.com…
Bring this 650-fill-down puffy on your next hut trip. At just 19 ounces, it stuffs into a sack the size of a small melon. It’s cut just above the hip, which means it’s perfect for wearing with a backcountry pack. isisforwomen.com…
SIMPLE BUT VERSATILE First impression: generic name, not many features. But we decided to give it a chance thanks to its comfy fit, good looks, and the fact that it costs half as much as the most technical jackets here. Final impression: It’s a solid jacket for the money.
GOING DOWN? For speed and control on the descent, the aluminum BMC took top honors, with our riders reporting significant increases in their downhill speed, so much so that they were catching other bikers they normally wouldn’t even see. On a ripping descent of Vermont’s Cliff Trail, turns were quick,…
LIGHT BUT TOUGH Like a clever fighter capable of KO’ing guys with considerably more heft, the Thunderhead offers protection that belies its light weight. That’s because it’s cut from Gore’s best stuff, Pro Shell, with lighter, thinner (but more abrasion-resistant) material in the shoulders. The hood is beautifully designed—easy to…
Good for Backcountry Problem: Snowy lifts are cold. Solution: the Hoback. Cloudveil took a two-layer Gore-Tex Pro Shell and shot it up with PrimaLoft insulation. Too toasty? Unzip the thigh vents. cloudveil.com…
EURO CORE Good for Resort The Formula is the Porsche of this test—damned pricey, just as flashy, but worth every cent. Kjus’s designers tossed in everything from an integrated balaclava to a dedicated cell-phone pocket with a keeper leash. So plentiful are the hidden accessories that…
RAIN While the ultralight, compressible Kulshan repels snow and rain as well as a fully featured rain jacket, the eVent hard-shell material, a waterproof laminate, is still miraculously breathable. Wear it when you plan to bust ass on a wet day. rei.com…
Crocs’ take on the boat shoe, the Cove has a quick-drying suede upper paired with the classic Croslite foam-like midsole. White and blue too Nantucket for you? It’s also available in brown. No socks allowed. crocs.com…
Soft ShellsWe barely noticed this five-ounce piece in our packs. But when conditions changed, we appreciated every feature, from its chest pocket to its stashable hood. The cut is just generous enough to fit over a fleece, while the DWR-coated ripstop nylon is water-resistant enough to fend off a…
Good for Backcountry The trim-fitting Lobuche is every bit as breathable and snow- and rainproof as any hard shell we’ve ever tested. But it’s got something else up its sleeves. Because glues and seams can interfere with breathability, Mammut uses electrical current to bond the Lobuche’s…
Good for Backcountry Don’t let the slim-cut vintage looks fool you; these Icelandic pants are thoroughly modern—and great for ski touring and boot-packing as well as days spent sculpting bumps. Wind-cutting Polartec Power Shield keeps you cozy and dry no matter your agenda. 66north.com…
With the sheepskin-lined Brantling, the winterized duck boot continues to evolve, but now it breathes. Waterproof leather in the upper keeps your dogs toasty but not sweaty, and rubber bumpers and layered leather provide serious durability. uggaustralia.com…
Ignore the Forecast All-purpose windbreakers like the nonstretchy Shadowland have been around for a while—and with good reason. More lined than insulated, the Shadowland is essentially what you’d get if you fused your softest, fastest-wicking base layer with your favorite wind shell. Translation: It’s a remarkably versatile and highly wind-…
Driver/Hiker Hit the highway, then hit the trail. Serengeti brings its signature superfine optics for driving into the realm of outdoor exertion with these sporty poly Polar PhD lenses in a wide wrap design that looks upmarket and uptown. Gray-tint polarized lenses showed the world sharp and bright. A big…
A snap-out chamois liner hides under a pair of stylish plaid shorts, perfect for heading from the trail to the pub. pearlizumi.com…
The beauty of this crushable, natural raffia hat: You can stuff it in an overhead bin and it won’t look worse for wear. Testers also liked the inner sweatband for its soft touch. pistildesigns.com…
GIRO‘s BLAZE GLOVES have just enough insulation to keep your fingers warm without impairing dexterity.
The folks up in Vancouver have created an Armani suit for your hands. With the dexterity of a spring glove and the warmth of a mitten (there’s a removable fleece liner), the Gore-Tex-and-leather-palmed Alpha SV is as impressive and unbelievably precise-fitting as it is pricey. Best full-gauntlet glove we’ve…
What do you get when you combine pearl snap buttons, western-shirt styling, and technical fabrics? Our new favorite shirt. The DWR-coated and wind-resistant Whiskey River works as a great outer layer (think high-tech wool shirt) on cool days or a midlayer on colder days. TAGS: water-resistant, snaps…
For slogs into the backcountry, this soft shell carried its (barely there) weight with smart features like a chenille-soft chin guard and slanted pockets you can still access with a pack on. It won’t stand up to a major snowstorm—the Pro Tour is only water-resistant—but it’s the go-to jacket…
MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR‘s 100 percent wool ARA DOME HAT lets hot air escape out the top, while its recycled-polyester fleece ear band adds extra warmth.
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…
You can cram all your climbing gear in Mountain Hardwear’s Trad pack. The alloy-reinforced framesheet gives plenty of support for a 30-some-pound load, and the full-length daisy chain makes lashing on extra gear easy. mountainhardwear.com…
Snowshoeing is simple. No lift lines, overpriced cheeseburgers, or long list of expensive accessories. All you need is some snow, a warm pair of boots (see page 107), and a pair of versatile shoes that’s up for whatever terrain you’ll encounter. To settle on our Gear of the Year–winning…
Cross a Suburban with a BMW and you’d get the automotive version of Lowa’s Jannu Lo: a smooth and fast ride anywhere. By combining a tough upper with a solid platform and then lining the inside with baby-butt-soft leather, the Jannu delivers an exquisitely plush, but armored, feel. The…
Sony’s 7.2-megapixel DSC-V3 nabs Gear of the Year by combining the soul of a pro-level SLR with silicon guts capable of punching out truly tack-sharp images. Thanks to a blindingly fast processor, you won’t have to forfeit now-or-never moments to “shutter lag”—that maddening pause between hitting the button and nailing…
1. Twenty-one years after introducing the world’s first all-carbon production frame, Kestrel continues to put a premium on stiffness and aerodynamics. But unlike true aero bikes, the RT700 loves to climb and descend; plus it’s comfy enough for long-haul speed. And, damn, doesn’t it look good on the rack?…
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. 禄 Our team was all smiles in this palace, with its opulent 37-square-foot floor and 39-inch ceiling extending from…
1. The Mojo SL won this year’s award for one simple reason: It defies all categories and excels in every condition. It’s light enough to race cross-country, but with 5.5 inches of front and rear travel, it’s cushy enough for anything a sane rider would ever descend. 2. In…
Make your summer bag a cozy nook for two with the 12-ounce Functional Design Bag Doubler.
Why It RulesThe Canon’s 6.3-megapixel digital SLR for $200 less than the competition—blows away every other digital in its class. The pictures are that good. 禄 Want action? The Rebel will reel off four 6.3-megapixel shots in less than two seconds, and because the autofocus tracks the rate at which…
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 All Mountain Decision time! Favor early-morning groomers beyond all else? A frontside ski is right for you (page 36). Ski the cut trails only on powder days? Check out the big-mountain category (page 37). Or if you mix it up, like more than half the…
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…
After a decade of ever-more-mobile devices, 2010 has seen several advances we’ve been hoping for. Some companies have countered the problem of disposable gadgets, designing higher-quality products that are so fast and functional (like our Gear of the Year winner, right) that you’ll have no reason to trade them…
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 claustro颅phobes. 25掳F, 4.1 lbs; mam颅mutusa.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.
Three-density, lace-up thermomoldable liners and efficient walking mode make skinning up comfortable and effortless, yet it's plenty stiff and powerful to drive big boards like the Sickbirds. 7.9 lbs; garmontusa.com 聽 Bonus: The magnesium buckles reduce ice buildup. 聽 Bummer: A bit roomy for folks with narrow feet. 聽…
THE ALL-AROUNDER Good for All Mountain How do you one-up the AC40, arguably the most versatile all-mountain ski ever made? You boost the edge hold with Marker’s iPT WideRide binding system, which transfers even more energy to this amazingly dynamic wood-core ski. You can feather…