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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…
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…
Cross-Country Comfort Though this aluminum cross-country racer doesn’t boast the exotic carbon fiber and secret build techniques of the bikes above it in the Spark line, it does have the same semirelaxed geometry and efficient 4.3-inch-travel design that have made those bikes popular endurance racers. “I know it’s a race…
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 frame颅sheet 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鈥攁nd not having to reach down for a drink鈥攕old them. Works just as well off-road, too, though…
Rapid Attack Named for one of the classic big-water rapids on the White Nile, the Itunda blends Teva’s classic sandal-strap design with toe and arch protection that supports your foot like a shoe. The foam upper dries quickly and feels smooth on the skin, while the arched EVA top sole…
Compression socks are catching on, and for long, blister-free runs, I’ve become a fan of toe socks; Injinji’s Ex-Celerator Compression Toesocks combine the two. injinji.com…
Utility Multi-Purpose Marvel A water-resistant, breathable, seamless soft-shell upper, rubberized toe box, and an aggressive ride/hike sole made this a favorite multi-condition shoe, and testers loved that its runner-like profile meant it was inconspicuous and comfortable for walking around (quietly) off the bike. 15.4 oz; pearlizumi.com…
German Engineering If, like in that song, I was walking 500 miles, I’d wear this incredibly comfortable shoe, no question. Suede-lined, molding ergonomic footbed below. Supple, unlined leather above—meaning you control the climate with your choice of socks (or lack thereof). birkenstockusa.com…
Shots in the Dark It’s no secret that Nikon’s 12.3MP D300s (an HD-video-enabled update on their popular D300) and the Canon 7D go head to head in the prosumer DSLR category, but the two companies took different tacks in their designs. The D300s favors the still photographer, with a zippy…
The Milestone Sunglasses powerhouse Rudy delves further into timepieces with its best watch yet, in an edition of 1,985 to mark 25 years in business. Like their shades, the Steelium is built to perform and endure, with a two-dial chronograph and 100-meter water resistance, while holding to a classic look.
Take action video and stills all day on the slopes, return to your condo, kill the lights, and project the images directly onto your wall. Gimmick? Not when it’s a well-priced 12.1-megapixel camera from Nikon, with image stabilization, 5x wide-angle zoom, and crisp (if washed-out) images. And not when there’s…
The sock gurus at SmartWool created this hipster slip-on with natural gum rubber soles, wool-and-polyester upper, and cushy, moisture-wicking merino wool linings. You’ll wear it straight through on damp, chilly days—round the house, running errands, to dinner, and back—and then you’ll get up the next day and do it…
After a week slogging through wet snow and mud with a fully loaded pack in New York’s High Peaks, one tester was sold. “Impressive grip—and way more supportive than they look.” Two other props: A heat-reflective lining ups the warmth factor, and they’re just low-key enough to wear around…
A top-quality helmet with a (literal) twist. The inner shell rotates on impact, potentially reducing the twisting forces transmitted to your brain. Eight offset vents provide extra protection from pointy objects (like a branch or ski pole), but they restrict airflow a bit. TAGS: rotates, best protection…
Alpine Touring The Quadrant’s four buckles, consistent flex, and 40 degrees of touring motion make it BD’s best all-mountain option yet. Testers praised the stout overlap upper cuff and the way the Boa closure system in the boot’s liner cradles your ankle. 7.8 lbs; TAGS: all mountain, Boa…
GRIVEL‘s G20 CRAMPONS act like rigid crampons when you kick but articulate to fit rockered boots like the Mamook Thermos.
When the slope rips out beneath you, your beacon will help friends find you, but how deep you’re buried will likely determine whether you survive. The BCA Float 30 (with an insulated hydration sleeve; shovel and probe pockets; and, new for this year, a diagonal-ski-carry system) deploys a 150-liter…
Salomon’s idea is this: A contoured footbed increases circulation, which means a warmer, happier foot. Hard to say if it works for sure, but the beefy, all-mountain Dialogue received high marks for both comfort and, yes, warmth. Testers also praised the pressure-point-free lacing system. TAGS: big mountain, big…
FAT AND FURIOUS The Atlas was designed for guys who charge down 50-degree faces at downhill racing speeds. And what does that mean to you? Only this: The Atlas is fat enough for the deepest snow, but it handles like a traditional ski. So you can load it up and…
MADSHUS‘s NANOSONIC CARBON SKATE R SKIS, some of the lightest and most responsive we tried last winter.
Shock Therapy While many shoes are exploring new territory, this one seems to be tending the home fires—an unapologetically traditional, cushy stability shoe that sits high off the ground. But among its megacushioned kind, the Adapt was our favorite. The standard dual-density midsole posting offers overpronators tried-and-true support, and an…
The nylon soles on SIDI‘s new SPIDER SRS SHOES are firm enough for pedaling but just forgiving enough for muddy sprints.
Backcountry Staple At three pounds, the Cruise is light enough for quick tours and sidecountry laps, but at 30 liters there’s also just enough space to load up for a full day in the backcountry. An external shove-it pocket is the perfect size for climbing skins or a lightweight down…
聽 The instrument of choice for the Austrian national ski team, this basic carbon-fiber pole has a Velcro strap for easy adjustment. Light, simple, and inspiring. Just knowing that the world’s best ski team uses them makes you feel fast. komperdell.com 聽 聽 聽 聽 聽…
Good for Backcountry Scrap—not Trash—would be more accurate: This 2,196-cubic-inch daypack is made out of leftover bits of sailcloth. It’s a cool story, but it also makes sense: The fabric is remarkably weatherproof and durable. The rest of this streamlined pack is equally clever. Aluminum stays lend…
Great glass on the cheap. The Echo’s clarity and color ren-dition are impressive in all light conditions. But we especially like these all-purpose binocs for the grippy, rubber-coated housing and ergonomic feel. 10×42; brunton.com…
Disproving conventional wisdom that gray lenses make for a flat, blah view, Maui Jim’s high-tech PolarizedPlus2 lenses add contrast and depth to reveal colors in all their throbbing glory. The optically ground glass yields superb clarity and detail, with a dark tint for searing brightness. And the oversize frames provide…
FROZEN GRIP Live in Minnesota, Montana, or Maine? This is the winter training shoe for you. With 16 carbide-tipped spikes protruding from the outsole, these sturdy snowcats provide reliable, no-slip traction on iced-over trails and snowpacked roads. “Amazing,” said one tester, “I’ve never felt so confident going downhill on icy…
Channel Ponch and Jon with these heirloom-quality shades. Military contractor Randolph offers a number of aviator styles, but the (questionably named) Intruder gets our vote for its modern take on a classic look, rugged build, and quality glass optics. randolphusa.com…
Why It’s CoolThe straitjacket-slim Besal does everything an alpine shell should, yet moves with you like a second skin. Throw a sling of ice screws over your shoulder and you won’t be fighting billows of fabric when you reach for a piece of protection. 禄 The three-layer Besal is sewn…
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…
High-Performance Softboard Not long ago, the words “soft surfboard” would’ve drawn jeers from core surfers. Now comes the ultralight Y-Quad, a truly high-performance softboard designed by Tom Morey, inventor of the boogie board. The semihard slick-skin deck and bottom suggest a glassed board, but the soft rails and boxy tail…
Why They’re CoolThis is polymer haiku, spoken in slender curves, that works like an optical Clydesdale. 禄 Featherweight, borderless poly lenses beat back light with double-gradient mirroring; polarizing cuts glare and bronze tint pumps up contrast. There’s rubber at the nose and ears for gonzo security. 禄 They ain’t art;…
聽 The Vapor’s lightweight plastic upper protects your feet from all things pokey or prickly, but thanks to a foldable heel, it also converts to slipper mode. The only downside: The plastic isn’t very breathable. merrell.com 聽 聽 聽 聽 聽…
Why They’re CoolEvery month or so I study mountain lions on a rough tracking transect. During my most recent jaunt, the aggressive Vibram soles on the Nimbles negotiated myriad off-trail surfaces like a set of paws. 禄 The low-cut uppers allowed my ankles to flex freely on steep climbs, but…
Size, Price: 68 oz, $24; 96 oz, $26Flow Rate: 3*Funk Fighter?: Roll-top opening for easy cleaningFilter-Compatible?: YesValve Shutoff?: YesGotta Love: DoubleShot valve doubles the flowBummer: Dual rubber valves are slick, hard to biteSplat Test: Survived *Ratings: 1=Average, 3=Excellent…
This classy timepiece, which pairs well with both suit and parka, steps beyond the usual analog chronograph with an altimeter. www.st-moritz.com…
With unlimited expandable memory (through an SD-card reader/writer slot) and a market-leading 3.5-inch full-color screen, the XL’s raison d’锚tre is onscreen mapping. After a road trip through the interior of British Columbia—with detailed maps uploaded—it was demoralizing to go back to a smaller screen. When I traveled by bike,…
Why It’s CoolHere’s a sound argument for topping off your gear closet with an affordable, ultralight bag for warm-weather overnights. The Phantom takes up less room in a backpack than some fleece jackets and weighs less than a bag of gorp. 禄 The zip is three-quarter-length (to trim weight) and…
For alpine jaunts, bring along a ProLite 4 from Therm-a-Rest. The sleeping pad is 20 percent lighter—yet far tougher—than the company’s previous self-inflaters.
Separate buttons for each set of LEDs — there are penetrating beams in both spot and spread patterns — save click-through hassle. The three-watt power is superbright, but as with the L3, it’s a hefty package. 9.8 oz; www.princetontec.com…
With a combination of whole foods—nuts, seeds, and fruit— these bars are healthy and taste nutritious. In a good way. www.theprobar.com…
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)…
Why They’re CoolThe Stormfronts reverse the paradigm of waterproof footwear construction. By using Gore-Tex XCR fabric on the exterior of the shoe, rather than tucking it in the lining, they move the first line of moisture defense out where the rubber meets the road—or where the nubuck meets the thaw-muck.
The Summerlite vanishes into a stuffsack too puny to accommodate a few hoagies I’ve eaten. Yet it’s not claustrophobic like some ultralights. Designers achieved the feat by stuffing a gossamer 20-denier nylon shell with 850-fill down and paring back everything else—except warmth. It proved itself a choice summer-plus bag…
Why It’s Coolhen the Trek engineers responsible for keeping Lance Armstrong in yellow had lightened the man’s frame as much as they could, they turned to aerodynamics. Using a wind tunnel, the team refined the tubing on what would become the Madone to eliminate tiny drag differences that purportedly added…
Why It’s CoolThe sleek new Platinum Pro holds up to 21 cubic feet of gear and opens from either side, but here’s the important part: I got this sucker out of the box and locked on the roof in less than two minutes, all by my lonesome. 禄 The arched…
Rainforest explorers and Weather Channel illiterates, take note: The aptly named WeatherShed defies the elements. It’s roofed with a rubbery topside fabric, sealed with a water-resistant zipper, and finished with a bathtublike plastic bottom. The duffel yawns open like a doctor’s black bag, exposing a 4,100-cube interior that isn’t…
The question: Do you buy a mountain bike with big travel or less weight, stable angles or lively handling? Ellsworth’s Epiphany eliminates the compromise, riding an inspired line between cross-country and downhill. You get a bike with five-plus inches of front and rear travel in a package that weighs…
With an anodized-titanium handle swaddled in carbon fiber, XIKAR’s XI 158 EXCURSION knife is a techie’s dream cutter. (888-266-1193, www.xikar.com)…
With exceptional primary and secondary stability and surprisingly speedy acceleration, the Tsunami blends beginner-friendly handling with performance that won’t leave you wanting once you’ve mastered the basics. Everyone who paddled it—from testers to their mothers—had fun. A high-backed seat provides superb support, and with seven sizes available, it fits…
SPORTS SEDANA champion’s philosophy underscores each LeMond rolling out of the Wisconsin plant: Comfort trumps efficiency. That’s how Greg LeMond won three Tours de France—atop buttery steel frames like this one. And the Buenos Aires offers something extra: carbon fiber. By mating carbon tubes in the top half of…
ESSENTIALISTSuunto stepped back and asked, “What do athletes really need?” then answered with the t6, which charts heart rate, time, and elevation gain and shares it all with a PC. The bundled Training Manager software is easy to use. An optional wireless speed sensor ($109) attaches to your shoelaces and,…
At six pounds 13 ounces, the Reverse Combi is the heaviest of the eight new-for-2005 shelters we tested—and is probably the most tent you’ll want to carry. But this Gear of the Year’s thoughtful design and creature comforts threw our usual light-is-right rules out the mesh window. Perhaps bigger is…
CRAG BAG PLUSTapering like an inverted missile nose cone, this two-pound-ten-ouncer is one sweet summit-poacher. The main chute easily gulps down a stove, fuel, clothes, and a tightly compressed sleeping bag. The front hopper accepted my Nalgene and a couple of energy bars, while exterior diagonal lash points secured my…
TOUGH, LIKE THE ROCKS YOU RUN ON Thankfully, a little dirt will tone down these kicks to an acceptable level of garishness. And then you can tell your friends that the Fruity Pebbles-colored upper is reinforced with a nylon mesh that’s tough as chain mail, and that the outsole might…
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…
Tastes like a cookie, works like an energy bar. Best for long days when you need big-time calories. Each bar contains about 100 grams of carbs and 650 calories, about three times the average bar. bigsurbar.com…
LIGHT AND STIFF “The 595 is less yielding than Dick Cheney on Meet the Press,” quipped one tester. It’s true: The naked-carbon tubes might appear a bit thin, but the integrated seat-tube/seatpost system takes out lateral flex under the saddle. And where stiffness counts—at the bottom bracket, in the head…
BIKE TO WORK Modeled after classic Dutch commuter bikes, the Amsterdam gives you everything you need for jetting around a city—and strips away everything you don’t. Its steel frame can handle the bumps and grinds of crowded bike racks and won’t buck you off when you hit potholes. And its…
ONE-GEAR WONDER If you think a four-bar linkage is a night on the town, the Lewis is for you. This aluminum-framed single-speed hardtail is all about simplicity, with one gear, a smooth, quiet trail manner, and no complicated rear suspension to maintain. But it’s not a complete Luddite. You still…
We took this mini-lamp everywhere—hiking, paddling, road-tripping—because it weighs an ounce, has several modes (including a red LED for night vision), and, thanks to a highly adjustable strap, can be worn on the head or wrist, or lashed to almost anything. 1 oz; petzl.com…
A PORT IN ANY STORM If protection—not weight—is your chief priority, the three-person Tengu is your shelter. It’s what’s commonly known as a Euro (or dry-pitch) tent, because you clip the poles to the tent’s fly, not its body. The upshot: In a storm you can pitch the Tengu with…
VERSATILE THREE-SEASON SACK Now in its umpteenth iteration, the 2007 Cat’s Meow is like its predecessors in one respect only: It’s still one of the most versatile, durable three-season synthetic bags available. The roomy sack is stuffed with lofty, long-lasting Polarguard Delta and wrapped with a tough skin of water-resistant…
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,…
You know your VO2 max and resting heart rate, but what about your “excess post-exercise oxygen consumption” value? Maybe it’s time to spring for SUUNTO’s new T6 ($449). After measuring millisecond differences between your individual heartbeats, the wrist computer will indicate how quickly you bounce back from a tough training…
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…
SPEED DEMON Can a running-oriented hydration pack double as a daypack? Yes, if it's designed as well as this one. During trail runs in the mountains above Santa Fe, the Riff's compression straps, foam back panel, and perfectly sculpted harness made for a stable, slosh-free ride. Yet on hikes the…
LIGHT Die-cut foam reduces weight and bulk, and raised “berms” along the perimeter, which prevent you from rolling off, make this featherweight feel wider than it is. The minimalist cushion is best for smaller (or tougher) hikers. 20′ x 72′ x 1′, 1.2 lbs; pacoutdoor.com…
If you’re more likely to be looking at distant couloirs than shorebirds, this featherweight (5.3-ounce) monocular does the trick. It comes with a tripod mount and, like its two-tubed cousins, has a twist-up, twist-down eyecup and an ergonomic grip. 8×25; minox.com…
LOVES ABUSE The Shuttle’s DWR-coated, heavy-duty nylon fabric is virtually impervious to weather. On a Colorado road trip, I overloaded it with 70 pounds of hike ‘n’ bike gear, lashed its D-rings to my truck’s rack, and found that everything remained dry despite several afternoon thunderstorms. And when it tumbled…
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…
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…
With metallic highlights woven into the strap and a distressed-leather carrying case, the Black Boutique is understatedly badass. For flat coastal light, the new Ignitor lens—taken from Smith’s sunglass line—is among the best we’ve tested. smithoptics.com…
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…
A pair of FULs weighs just four pounds. But unlike other light-weight boots, they don’t skimp on freestyle flex or overall comfort. Credit the internal heel landing pad and secure harness, which held our heels in place during hard toe-side carves. ridesnowboards.com…