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The Custom’s been a staple board in Burton’s line for 15 years, setting the standard for how a snowboard should ride. Every year, Burton refines it just a little more—and this year’s is the best yet thanks to its mixed-camber profile, a snappy carbon backbone, strands of strategically woven…
JUST RELAX Every ski in K2’s line features rocker this season. In addition to floating a ski, rocker can be designed to help initiate a turn. Such is the case with the easy-skiing Aftershock. And where skis like the Nordica Enforcer and V枚lkl Kendo require near-constant attention, it’s possible to…
ROCK THE GLOP The little brother of Rossi’s S7 powder ski, the new S6 features U Rocker—bent up at the tip and tail, flat underfoot. As you’d expect, it floats in crud and fluff, but that flat section adds edging confidence. You can arc the ski into a big sweeping…
Finally, embrace your inner nordic dork with CASCO‘s frameless, photochromic NORDIC SPIRIT COMPETITION SHIELDS.
Mountain Scraping the bottom of your bike budget? The Slant blends surprising performance (21 vents and the secure ErgoDial fit) with sleek good looks in a killer value. www.bellbikehelmets.com…
Telemark This Colorado-made wood-core ski has traditional camber, making it extremely poppy and carvy in tight quarters, yet it’s easily “disengaged” due to its tapered tail. Loves floating in powder and chopped-up crud but lacks punch and bite on firmer snow. 160/110/130, 8.1 lbs. TAGS: powder, playful…
WIDE BUT NIMBLE You don’t need to be a big company to make a big ski. Liberty, a small manufacturer in Avon, Colorado, has created a giant-killer with the Helix. An eco-friendly bamboo-and-poplar core gives it a light and poppy feel鈥攂ut the Helix is still tough enough to land hard…
With a thermo-regulating Outlast liner, this futuristic Italian helmet is a Renaissance performer: great in any weather. trialtir-usa.com…
FREERIDE FUN Kona keeps upping the ante with its perennial freeride favorite, the Stinky, and this year’s version is the sweetest one yet. Designers added new swingarms to stiffen up the seven-inch rear shock (nice), but the big news is a brand-new rear brake system—dubbed D.O.P.E.—that allows the rear disc…
Suffer from hot feet? Then the superior ventilation of the P.R.O. may be just what you’re looking for. And when the pace quickens, the anti-slip heel and carbon sole get the power to the pedals. pearlizumi.com…
One of the most versatile bikes we tested, the 928 Carbon is comfortable enough for mountain centuries and quick enough for hard efforts on twisty courses. With its race-inspired geometry and compact gearing, the Mono-Q earned high marks as an efficient climber, though testers would have liked to see wider…
Mountain Moto Style The Cyphon was a surprise hit. Testers initially thought this hard-shelled hybrid would be heavy and not very ventilated, but it’s lighter and cooler than it looks. Riders in hot climates might want a helmet with more vents, but for everyone else, it’s airy enough.
Mountain Off-Road Rambler On the bike, the M-161s are reasonably stiff, if a touch heavy. But if you're planning on doing any hike-a-bike, you can't beat this burly shoe. The uppers are well armored and the rubber sole and replaceable spikes afforded best-in-test traction. 1 lb;…
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…
SOPHISTICATED STYLE Don’t let supreme aptness for driving and upmarket fashion blind you to the fact that these are also terrific sports shades. The Celcio’s polarized photochromic lenses are so spectacularly good it’s hard to believe they’re polycarbonate, not glass. Self-adjusting light transmission accommodates all the day’s bright hours, and…
Why It’s CoolIf you’re planning on hitting Costa Rica’s Arenal volcano—or any rainforest from B.C. to Brazil—this is what you want. Ditto for changing a tire in the rain. 禄 Thanks to its slightly longer cut, your thighs stay dry, too. 禄 Two-layer construction—nylon laminated with a proprietary waterproof-breathable membrane,…
Say goodbye to tighty whities, guys. LOWE ALPINE’s DRY ZONE SEAMLESS BRIEFS are sewn from stretchy polyester, which wicks moisture—and scores points with the ladies. (877-891-7908, www.lowealpine.com)…
Inexpensive but not cheap, these kicks looked as good as new after a month of all-mountain abuse. It’s a solid starter shoe you won’t outgrow quickly. 13 oz; www.shimano.com…
If you like riding up as much as down, get this light and nimble climber. In Moab, testers powered up steep slickrock and rutted trails with nonchalance. But it’s not just a mountain goat: The new Linear Link rear suspension, which provides almost four inches of travel, yielded one…
Why They’re CoolWith their high-gloss nylon frames and rectangular wraparound lenses, these shout “vintage muscle car.” Mucho macho. 禄 The design sexes up the look without compromising protection. 禄 Dark-gray, polarized lenses endure such perditions of brightness as the beach at noon. The Ghosts are a fine fit for pavement…
FULLY LOADED FEATHERWEIGHTEven at a pound and some change, this bombproof feature fest is still worthy of the Lite name. Its three-layer Alchemy3 fabric repels mountaintop precip, while flexible side panels breathe and move with you. Dig the see-through watch window (no more unbundling to check your progress) and the…
You think titanium bottle cages are a bit, um, extravagant. Your shorts: the Classic Pro, with solid construction, trim fit, and a workhorse chamois—all at a bargain price. descenteathletic.com…
HEAVY BREATHER Overheating is for cars. Move fast and stay cool with the Thru Hiker. It’s made with eVent, which testers generally agree is the most breathable of all the waterproof-breathable fabrics on the market today (and there are dozens). It’s also one of the most expensive—which is why this…
With its open-neck design and side vents, this polyester/organic- cotton shirt cools you down in the hottest climates. The fabric blend feels great against your skin and dries faster than all-cotton shirts. patagonia.com…
These wafer-thin socks rule for high-mileage jaunts in close-fitting shoes. With 69 percent merino, the fabric feels cool as cotton, while a dose of nylon hugs the arch like a second skin. smartwool.com…
DEEP-FREEZE FRIEND During a couple of back-to-back days of single-digit chairlift rides in the Alps, the insulated Evo shined. And thanks to a patchwork of supple fabrics—including swaths of breathable, super-stretchy material under the arms—it offers way more mobility than most ski puffies. The combo is perfect for skiing in…
SOFT BUT BURLY You know you have a winner when testers argue over who gets to wear it. Such was the squabbling over the Langtang, which, despite being cut from Gore-Tex Soft Shell fabric, performs more like a storm shell than a softie. It’s completely waterproof, of course, and survived…
These caf茅 loungers segue easily from snowshoe rambling to latte sipping. Credit a casual style paired with Helly’s proprietary waterproof-breathable fabric and built-in gaiters that fit a wide range of boots. hellyhansen.com…
The Churada’s photochromic, polarized copper lenses offer unmatched depth and clarity on the slopes. And with the removable, vented eye-cups in place, they act like goggles, shielding eyeballs from blowing wind and snow. panoptx.com…
This soft shell is lined with a “bunny fur” fleece liner that’s so soft and fuzzy you’ll think it’s real. The polyester face isn’t waterproof but sheds snow well. thenorthface.com…
MR. VERSATILE “Robin, my Batglasses!” Yes, this specimen’s secret multisport identities evoke camp and gadgetry. How? Snap-in foam gaskets and a headband (which replaces the detachable temples) turn these shades into decent ski goggles, and if you’re running or cycling, a snap-in foam brow piece nicely doubles as a sweat…
THE MINIMALIST Agile and responsive, the cross-country Scalpel Fem was the most efficient climber in our test and the top performer in tight, rocky terrain. The classic cross-country geometry lowers the rider’s center of gravity for total control even on steep or tricky descents. The carbon-and-aluminum Fem has a 4.3-inch…
SUPER-PACKABLE On those days when the forecast is for full sun, take the Triumph. Extremely packable and weighing in at an obscene five ounces (a bit more than a bag of potato chips), the Triumph is as spartan as they come—there’s one tiny front pocket and a basic but slightly…
FlyLow takes a classic pigskin-and-Thinsulate work glove and oven-bakes it with a beeswax coating. The result: warmth and water resistance for the price of dinner. flylowgear.com…
DUDE CRED Good for Backcountry FlyLow has a sense of humor. The care-instructions tag in this piece advises you first to “Drink Cold Beer.” But the Denver-based company also has a solid reputation for making durable, no-nonsense gear. And by using a highly water-resistant, stretchy “kung…
WIND Made of stretchy Windstopper soft shell with ultralight fleece insulation, the Venta shields against all but cyclone-strength wind and water. The hood fits well over a helmet but doesn’t fall into your eyes on hat days. arcteryx.com…
These four-mil neoprene booties are as burly as the steep granite gorge in the Sierra after which they’re named. Supersoft sticky rubber makes them grip the rocks on tough portages; a low-profile fit makes them comfy in your kayak. teva.com…
Chances are you won’t be tracking a wolverine anytime soon. But that’s exactly what one of our testers—an employee of Alaska Mountain Guides—did for several hours in the Stretch Ascent. His report: The 2.5-layer fabric fended off brambles and waves of heavy rain, while the combination of pit zips…
The Kirus have the best traction here—they gripped icy sidewalks like the company’s staple andals handle wet river rock. The feminine webbing accent near the top makes them skirt-worthy. teva.com…
Good for Backcountry Sugoi consistently churns out some of the best running apparel, and this midweight synthetic base layer—with built-in hood, integrated mitts, and half-zip for venting—is no exception. Plus the athletic fit and thumb loops mean it also works as an underlayer for slower pursuits.
Leather mid-tops that offer not only a funk factor (Polynesian tattoo design!) but also a generous anatomical footbed, minimalist rubber-and-leather outsole, and secure ankle fit.olukai.com…
Simple Security Talk to any jacket designer and he’ll tell you the same thing: The more pockets and doodads a waterproof jacket has, the more seams it requires, and thus the more opportunities water has to seep through. That’s why the Stash, part of online gear retailer…
Talks You Through It This small device delivers basic speed-up/slow-down instructions (based on your heart rate, pace, and a workout you select at micoach.com) through an earbud to help maximize your workouts—best for those who are new to training programs. Drawbacks: lots to fumble with, and no…
Need a place to stash important medical information on a long run? A personalized number printed on the inside of this bracelet-style “dog tag” leads EMTs to your medical records online or by phone. Requires a $20 annual subscription; first year included in price. vitaband.net…
Set yourself up for success with full suspension and you’ll be riding more trails with less fear. This aluminum bike has a 100-millimeter-travel front shock which locks out for maximum climbing efficiency. Lower-profile women-specific tubing and hollow saddle rails keep it light. specialized.com/women…
These shades are stylish and technical. Peripheral vision is great, and they stay firmly in place when running around on the beach. Go for the polarized version ($220) if you’re heading for water. oakley.com…
Doc Marten meets Blundstone in this supple leather boot equally suited for city sidewalks and making hay in the back forty. Named for the first man, per the Norse creation myth, the Ask boot, while less toasty than the rest, has bomber Helly Wear soles and construction that will…
An inner lining of reflective material—think space blanket for your hands—bounces your body heat back at you. It’s a smart idea, and it works: They’re toastier than they look. Breathability is so-so. Great chairlift-riding gloves. TAGS: silver lining, great price…
After testing half a dozen merino-wool midlayers last winter, this was the one we reached for most often, whether we were going skiing or to the bar. A high collar helps seal out the cold. TAGS: merino wool, shoulder patch…
This lightly insulated, water-resistant soft shell is perfect for nordic skiing or snowshoeing on winter’s coldest days. It’s got a plethora of pockets, activity-friendly four-way stretch, and a helmet-compatible hood. Why we didn’t want to take it off: The quilted lining is like wearing your softest sleeping bag all…
Few running caps can come close to the quality of PATAGONIA‘s slim, stretchy CAPILENE 4 EXPEDITION WEIGHT BEANIE, which is made with the same microfleece-lined stuff as your favorite soft shell.
SUPERSIZE MELast year’s Peregrines scored Gear of the Year by delivering sharp images and brilliant color rendition. By cranking the big objective lenses up to 50 millimeters—generally the upper limit for handhelds—and dialing back the magnification just a hair, Steiner is improving on greatness in a 26-ounce package. Bound for…
Why They’re CoolThe body is magnesium, the center axis shaft is titanium, there’s not a scrap of plastic in the focusing mechanism, and the whole works is rubber-armor-coated. 禄 They’re good to go from minus 13 degrees all the way up to 131. Binoculars don’t come any more durable, and…
Built for iPod (with a flip-down universal dock) but compatible with other devices, this retro unit features a 2.5-inch satellite speaker. Position it up to six feet away, for true stereo, or detach when space is tight. www.tivoliaudio.com…
BRUNTON’s LAMPLIGHT pulls double duty as a flashlight for twilight wood gathering and a lantern with 360 degrees of alpenglow. (800-443-4871, www.brunton.com)…
The GT3 helps track recovery times and adjusts your zone alerts quickly midrun—great for fartlek training and intervals. The manual is a little puzzling, but the payoff is worth the decoding time. cardiosport.com…
Research in Motion wraps all of the classic BlackBerry features—e-mail, Web browser, personal organizer, phone/QWERTY keypad, and more—into a sleek, palm-size package that doesn’t make you look like you’re using a butter dish to make calls. Should your trekking porters turn tail on you, odds are your worldwide-roaming BlackBerry will…
Whether you’re surfing, boating, or fishing, suss tidal data for 275 preprogrammed global locations, or add your secret stashes to the lineup with lat-long coordinates. At the office, black out the digital display for a clean analog look. $300; reactorwatch.com…
Climbing the hills, but also the ladder? The SWISS ARMY STARTECH 4000 ($395) packs many useful mountain metrics—like temperature, altitude, and cumulative vertical ascent across a day, week, or season—into a cool black analog-and-digital package.
We consider it essential gear for boring dinner dates. Made to hang from the delicate wrists of snowboarders and skate punks, the analog TICKET ($200) is one of NIXON’s slickest models to date. The ultrathin Swiss quartz movement gives the case a thickness of just a few millimeters.
THINK OUTSIDE’S STOWAWAY BLUETOOTH KEYBOARD ($150) connects—without cables—to any Palm or Pocket PC handheld that supports the wireless Bluetooth protocol. You’ll feel like you’re tapping away on a laptop, until you fold the seven-ounce full-size pad down into a five-and-a-half-by-three-inch package.
GOOD WITH FACES For photographing family, friends, or a mob of dirtbags, the S12 is a beautifully simple solution. It boasts a 12-meg sensor, a sharp 3x zoom, and an advanced movie mode, but its best feature is a face-recognition function that detects as many as 15 unruly mugs and…
Gearing up for a long haul on two wheels or feet? This GPS-enabled training android measures speed, distance, and heart rate, and the included software creates three weeks of workouts and tracks performance. polarusa.com…
This workshop-sturdy unit can accommodate all bike sizes yet weighs less than 20 pounds and packs into a 39-inch-long carrying case. pedros.com…
We double-checked the weight of every bike—and a lot of the other gear—on these pages with this user-friendly scale. Hang it from a work stand or roof beam, and see if those new wheels are as light as the manufacturer claims. (They probably aren’t.) feedbacksports.com…
The X-Fi lets you wirelessly stream tunes and photos from your computer, listen to FM, record voice memos, and expand the memory with an SD card. Plus, it restores the quality of digitally compressed music. Yes, you really can tell. PC only; 16–32GB; creative.com…
Good for Backcountry Along with the system of beeps, arrows, and measurements that traditional avalanche beacons produce to help you find your buried friends, the S1 also draws you an easy-to-read picture, with precise distances and locations. It’s quick on the draw, too: When you open it,…
Pinch Hitter With nine tools (pliers, scissors, two screwdrivers, etc.), this tough little keychain-ready steel number is perfect for all those times a full-size multitool would be excessive. leatherman.com…
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…
We didn’t expect the first hybrid Android smartphone/GPS device to do both jobs so competently. Preloaded with maps for North America—with worldwide ones downloadable from Garmin’s store—it uses cell towers and satellites, for better, faster mapping (especially in rural areas) than any other phone can offer. The camera, music player,…
Want no-compromise magnification without a weight penalty? At 19 ounces, the Echo is the lightest full-size model we tested. 10×32; www.brunton.com…
This basic mini-longboard lets you ride for a fraction of the cost of most others. At seven feet six inches, the Funboard is long enough to catch waves easily, and its near-23-inch width makes for a stable platform that helps novices find their balance. It fends off dings well,…
This spare bikini is perfect for petite women—or French beaches. The top is narrow, with removable pads, and the bottom’s cut is slim in the back. $76; www.raisins.com…
HIGH PERFORMANCE FOR SMALLER PADDLERS With its classic British design (swept-up bow and stern) and soft chine, the Willow’s stability—both primary and secondary—is best in test. But due to its trim profile, the Willow is as responsive to subtle steering as twitchier (read: tippier) boats. Its front, back, and day…
A RIVER RUNNER WITH ATTITUDE Backing off from expert-only playboats this year, Riot released a mellow river runner. The Thunder is responsive and relatively fast, and it tracks well across currents. “It will go about anywhere you want to take it,” one tester said, “and it’s great for catching hard-to-reach…
Magma’s new soy surf wax is made with color-coded embers that remind you whether you’re rubbing cold-water wax (purple flakes) or tropic-rated stuff (red flakes) on your stick. It also has a tasty banana-and-coconut scent that makes you want to eat it. Please don’t. magmalabs.com…
The Big Easy More than 30 inches wide, with a pontoon-style hull, the open-decked Commander is the perfect stable platform for gear-intensive outings鈥攅ven if that gear is a good book and a well-stocked cooler in the gaping stern tank well. As a canoe/kayak hybrid, it's not quite stable enough to…
Why It’s CoolPitching is a piece of cake: She’s up in two minutes, courtesy of the intuitive (longer poles up front, shorter in back) uni-pole continuum with twin hubs, and at four pounds six ounces, the Seedhouse packs down very small. 禄 Where flying bloodsuckers aren’t an issue, you can…
Why It’s CoolThis is the first year that Valandr茅 bags have been distributed in the United States, but it won’t be the last, despite the shocking price tag. Why? Old World craftsmanship. Each bag is hand-sewn in the Pyrenees from 48 panels of fabric. The slim chambers are amply filled…