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Hats with built-in speakers have been around for years, but a faux-shearling-lined plaid Bomber that also plays tunes? Who can resist? bulabula.com…
At a pound less than Karhu's in-bounds version, the Jak BC is a featherweight climber made with carbon components and the new environmentally friendly Greenlight Core, which is made of sustainably harvested Chinese wood. 124/90/113, 7.1 lbs; karhu.com 聽 Bonus: Lots of pop for such a light ski. 聽 Bummer:…
At 13 ounces, the featherweight of the bunch is for freeskiers who don’t want to feel like they’re wearing a helmet at all. Trim padding makes this a good-looking helmet for narrow faces. markerusa.com…
Lightly lined with fleece and reinforced in all the right places, the synthetic/leather Exum won the all-purpose award. Supple but durable goatskin won’t crack like hardware store specials. marmot.com…
Heading out the gate? This low-profile and lightweight (three-pound) pack comfortably carries skis, avy gear, and a helmet. There’s also extra back protection and an insulated hydration-tube sleeve. mammutusa.com…
The PrimaLoft-insulated 4 Pines is a full-featured ski jacket in disguise, complete with goggle pocket, powder skirt, and smart fleece patches that enhance wicking in the back and underarms. 2.6 lbs; cloudveil.com…
If you’re heading way off the grid (think Nunavut) and need real-time weather data, invest in BRUNTON’S ATMOSPHERIC DATA CENTER PRO ($249). The handheld instrument pulls in 24-hour trend graphs for temperature, barometric pressure, and altitude. Beam the data to your PC via an optional infrared receiver ($49).
This 100-percent-real-fruit energy bar features a maltodextrin-fructose blend to deliver more energy to muscles over the long haul, with six grams of protein and zero junk food. powerbar.com…
Large, stretchy back panels dump heat, while a more tightly woven polyester front blocks the wind without feeling like plastic wrap. 8 oz; columbia.com Bummer: A bulky internal stuffsack in the left pocket adds unnecessary weight.
The beefy visor and netted vents can handle the worst gunk, while its snug retention system and padded chin strap keep everything in place. uvexsports.com…
Satellite-telephone time ain’t cheap, which is why the handset of the GLOBALSTAR GSP-1600 ($599, plus monthly subscription fee) switches over to a regular cell network whenever you roam within range of one. In the backcountry, the 13-ounce phone patches in to the company’s fleet of birds for direct-dial via outer…
This featherweight back hugger stays in place during even the most jarring bob-and-weave trail running. Pack sparingly: There’s space for only energy bars, keys, and a light shell. The spongy back panel is soft but gets sweaty. Two-liter reservoir included. 12 oz; www.kelty.com…
A DSLR IN DIGICAM’S CLOTHING The FZ18 sits firmly between two worlds: DSLRs and point-and-shoots. The built-in Leica lens puts it in the point-and-shoot category, yet it’s precisely this lens—a whopping 18x zoom that extends from 28mm to 504mm (film equivalent)—that gives it the shooting flexibility of a DSLR. Image-stabilization…
Loaded with backcountry tools like a digital compass, alti-meter, barometer, and ther-mometer, this chronograph does everything but radio search-and-rescue. origowatch.com…
*This shoe has been discontinued by New Balance and is no longer available. 1. The 850 simply fit and felt better than all the rest. Its deep heel pocket and snug waist created a tailored fit, and the toe box never felt confining. A web of dual-density plastic sandwiched…
APPLE’S Lilliputian IPOD MINI ($249) is the new standard for hauling music. At four ounces, the hard-drive-based device is lighter than previous Pods yet still delivers up to 50 hours of sound. Its tough anodized-aluminum case and an optional neoprene armband ($29) clinches it as the most trail-worthy of the…
1. The Aura is downright spacious (35 square feet), with two doors and two big vestibules. It’s plenty sturdy, easily withstanding 50-mph winds without guylines. And light: The Aura flirts with the four-pound barrier, the two-person freestanding tent’s equivalent of the four-minute mile. 2. Talk about usable space:…
BUILT TO LAST The Woodpecker, from Swiss company Exped, is meticulously crafted—just what you’d expect from a nation of legendary watchmakers. (Of course, its heavy-duty zipper is the only moving part.) A well-placed, down-filled chin guard keeps your face from brushing against frosty zippers. Glow-in-the-dark zipper pulls prevent late-night fumbling.
These synthetic hybrids aren’t just comfortable to pad around in; they also cinch down tight, via a one-pull lacing system, for fording fast waters and hiking moderate trails. ecco.com…
Whether the name applies or not, you’ll definitely be well-heeled in these office-worthy but street-tough oxfords, which prove that handcrafted high style and all-day comfort can collide. bornshoes.com…
While most folding bikes compromise wheel size or frame design, Ritchey’s unique coupling system delivers a full-size race rig. Also available in a sultry mix of titanium and carbon. ritcheylogic.com…
TURN, TURN, TURN Good for Groomed Runs OK, so most of mainland Europe is still heavily into caaarvvink. That’s a good thing, because it means they’ll keep making detuned race skis like the powerful SX 12pb. In addition to a wood-like synthetic layup buttressed by sheets of…
What’s unique about the Kamaleon is that you swap out just the outer lens; the clear inner lens (perfect by itself for night skiing) stays fixed. Use the mirrored gray on bright days and switch to vermilion for flat light. markerusa.com…
Good for All Mountain Don't let the new costume fool you. El Hombre's guts are unchanged, and he still controls all corners of the ring鈥揺r, mountain. “It has good western all-mountain dimensions,” said one tester, “and enough shape and torsional stiffness to rail on variable snow.” It can be…
Big. And burly. With its roomy grip, double-pointed aluminum blade, and virtually unbendable shaft, this was our favorite shovel. 40 in extended, 29 in collapsed, 1.8 lbs; life-link.com…
Good for BackcountryThe relaxed-fit Unltd is like a soft shell that Super Fly would’ve worn. But with Gore’s latest laminate lining, taped seams, and strategically placed Thermolite insulation, you won’t have to suffer for style. scottusa.com…
1. The problem with most waterproof trail runners is that they don’t breathe very well. So instead of using a Gore-Tex-like membrane in the Syncroseeks, Pearl Izumi opted for a tightly woven, DWR-treated soft-shell upper, which kept our feet almost as dry as with waterproof shoes, without any clamminess.
Our favorite synthetic belay jacket in the test, the Enclosure is light, easy to pack, and slim-fitting. The supple recycled-polyester fabric and PrimaLoft insulation bottomed out around 10 degrees in a stiff wind. 1.6 lbs; cloudveil.com…
Good for SnowshoeingThe Vanton isn’t TNF’s most technical boot, but it’s waterproof and rated to 40 below zero, plus the outsole’s rubber gets grippier as temperatures drop. thenorthface.com…
Two aluminum posts at each lace hook allow for super-tight lacing that kept our testers’ feet securely anchored in all conditions. Note: This boot fit our high-arched testers best. vanssnow.com…
Though the mechanical buckle on Mavic’s top racing shoe resists big fingers and super-tight ratcheting—we loved the secure fit of the carbon heel cup and the nearly seamless comfort of the bonded upper. mavic.com…
We have to break out the superlatives for this out-of-the-box racer. It's the lightest and stiffest frame that Giant has ever produced鈥攖he same one (albeit without the integrated seat mast) that was ridden to more pro wins last year than any other bike. Granted, the SL 2 is hung with…
Mild Stability Which sounds more like your morning ritual: Trying to set a new PR, or trying not to hit snooze again? If it’s the latter, the SyncroPace III is your shoe. Like most of Pearl’s running shoes, it has a remarkably comfortable, seamless upper and a…
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…
1. Hi-res still camera and hi-def videocam. Sure, digicams can shoot video. But not like this. Video is recorded through high-quality interchangeable lenses on a full-frame 35mm sensor, providing the type of manual focus and other controls previously available only to Hollywood DOPs. Stunning. And the .mov format makes…
Not only do these noise-isolating audio/phone ‘buds have some of the best sound quality we’ve ever heard; they’re hands-down the most comfortable and wearable, with silicone and foam tips. ultimateears.com…
Don’t let the laid-back, skate-shoe looks fool you. With sturdy Vibram outsoles and tough, water-resistant uppers, the Boaris are meant to double as your lightweight hikers. patagonia.com…
Fast and Light With all its various fabrics and plastic overlays, the Riot looks as if it was designed by committee. Even the “we want camo” guys were appeased; the outsole’s toe and heel are made with camouflage-patterned rubber. Thankfully, none of the aesthetics interferes with the…
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…
EMS’s 20-degree Boreal is the first sack to use a new synthetic insulation from Prima颅Loft called Infinity, which EMS claims is “18 percent warmer and 25 percent more compressible” than comparable fill. Although it was impossible to test that boast, the Boreal squashes down to the size of a…
We initially scoffed at the funky shape, but the ergonomic handle and soft rubber really helped us keep a grip on this impressively bright two-mode flashlight. It’s a tad heavy for backpacking but great to keep in the glove box for car camping. 7 oz; princetontec.com…
Good for Resort As with the Rossignol Angus (left), the true-twin Carbon Credit impressed testers with how confident it felt on every part of the mountain. “This board does the work for you,” one tester noted. While it has the same basic shape as Lib Tech’s Travis…
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…
Good for Resort Ski patrollers, lifties, and anyone who likes to hike will love the new all-mountain Blaster. It skis as well as boots priced hundreds of dollars more and, thanks to a grippy outsole and a sturdy (and inconspicuous) walk mode, is way more comfy when…
ALPINE TOURING Good for All Mountain The ZenOxide owes its lightness to a Paulownia-poplar core and its edge-to-edge quickness and control to its round flex pattern. Capped construction at the tip and tail make for high-torsional rigidity at speed, while the laminate build underfoot maintains the ski's solid and…
TELEMARK Good for Touring Garmont's new three-buckle Voodoo pairs a high, alpine-inspired cuff with asymmetrical bellows for un-tele-like smoothness. Testers backed up Garmont's claims that the new toe-box design creates better snow feel and also loved the lively new thermomoldable liners. “Ski it right out of the box,” said…
Good for Trail Easily the warmest jacket here, the XV is absolutely stuffed with top-tier down (850 fill) and wrapped in a tougher-than-average DWR nylon shell. It’s a bit heavier—but a lot burlier—than other down jackets we tested. 2.1 lbs; firstascent.com…
Good for Backcountry With its removable soft-shell bib/upper, waterproof-breathable eVent bottom, full zips, and scuff guards, the Revenant is the most feature-packed offering in our lineup. Testers loved the option to keep or ditch the top, depending on the latest plan of attack. westcomb.com…
Good for Resort Two words: Tricked. Out. The Glenn has everything from a removable powder skirt to a headphone port to pit zips. But here’s the deal: With the exception of the removable (and superfluous) “hiking suspenders,” testers approved of every add-on, especially the hand gaskets with…
By welding, and not stitching, this waterproof-breathable soft-shell glove to a leather palm, Spyder made the most comfortable glove in this year’s test. spyder.com…
Durable and Well-Priced With beefy draft tubes around the hood and along the full-length zipper, glow-in-the dark zipper pulls, and 600-fill goose down, the 15-degree Hotlum is built to the same general specs as fancier (and more expensive) bags in the North Face’s line. The only difference is that the…
Mountaineering Master The second tent by pole maker Easton, the two-man, single-wall Si2 features the company’s proprietary carbon poles, which it claims are stronger than any aluminum pole on the market. We couldn’t verify that in the field, but thanks to a plastic bumper on each pole—where it crosses atop…
Fast Clip Not only is this pocket-size, water-resistant flashlight impressively bright (25 lumens), but its included alligator-style clip accessory lets you attach the light to just about anything. 1.6 oz; nagear.com…
The two big things to take into consideration when choosing a kayak: the kind of water you will be paddling and for how long. Some boats, like the Emotion Comet (seen here) and the Necky Rip, are great for day trips, while some, like the Current Designs Infinity, are better…
Pick up a couple of Petzl Attache 3D lockers, which are great utility ‘biners for anchors and slings and can also be used for attaching your belay device to your harness. petzl.com…
Versatile Starter If you’re looking for an affordable bike that can handle commutes and get you going on your first fitness or group rides, the Grand Sport is worth a look. If, like our testers, you’re already accustomed to riding light and stiff (and much pricier) bikes, you won’t be…
Smart Snack An organic, 210-calorie mash-up of the trendiest power foods—from a莽ai to goji berries—with five grams of natural protein and eight grams of healthy fats. There’s too much fiber (five grams) for pre-run fuel, but it makes for a palatable hunger smasher before you reach for the chips.
Mountain Maniac Can a shoe give you superpowers? With the amount of confidence the Raptor inspired in our testers, it came pretty close. The most protective and stable—but still fairly lightweight—shoe in our test, the Raptor let us ignore the terrain and just run. The extremely grippy proprietary rubber and…
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…
Cyclotourist The lightweight, waterproof Classic Messenger XL is an ode to efficient, simple transport, yawning open with a 3,313-cube maw that’ll consume enough gear for week-plus jaunts. One tester made it his primary carry-on, which morphed into a daily shoulder bag while exploring foreign destinations by bike. Under-the-flap pockets equal…
Straight to Video Annoyed by menus, toggles, and buttons with inscrutable little symbols? You won’t find them here. Swing the lens arm up and this deceptively high-powered camera is ready for action. Separate buttons allowed us to take video and stills without changing modes, and by swiveling the lens unit…
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…
There’s something reassuringly Terminator in this model’s military khaki “Unobtainium” rubber strap. With Swiss-made computer numeric control, an “impact-forged” steel case, and 100-meter water resistance, it’s the watch we grab when we don’t know what to expect. Thus its name, in honor of the hardcore World War II battalion.
Technical This waterproof hard shell is stuffed with the same amount of synthetic fill as the Igniter (above), making it a bit warmer (and more windproof) but also, not surprisingly, not quite as breathable. Because it’s completely impervious to wet snow and sports a hood with a visorlike rain brim,…
Twofer The big selling point here is obvious: You get both a warm, burly ski shell plus a thick, synthetically insulated sweater that can be zipped in to boost the warmth. Both jackets are constructed with Columbia’s new Omni-Heat lining, a matrix of metallic dots that reflect heat back to…
All Mountain A few years ago, Marker wowed side-country fans with the burliest (and heaviest) AT binding in history, the Duke. And two years ago the company came out with a lighter version, the Baron. The weight-loss trend continues with the Tour F10 and F12, which both come in at…
SMART INSULATOR Like the Gravitor (left), the Prima Fusion is also an insulated hard shell—with a few key differences. First, it’s insulated only in strategic areas along the chest, back, shoulders, and tops of the arms. The uninsulated sides, helmet-compatible hood, elbows, and pit-zip-equipped underarms make it cooler but…
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…
Zeal has carved out a niche for itself in the ultra-high end of the market, and the SPPX Eclipse fits right in. Not only did the lenses get the highest score for optical clarity; they’re also polarized and photochromic. It’s the latter feature that will really blow you away,…
YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL Even at a wider 95 mm underfoot, the Sentinel was one of the more dynamic skis in the category. The front of the ski is playful and floats nicely in resort powder, but the Sentinel is all business in the back, where the sidecut and…
Expert skiers have long favored the precise fit and feel of Lange boots. The only problem was, if you didn’t have narrow feet, the fit could be painfully tight. Enter the brand-new RX 130, the first high-performance boot Lange’s made—it’s the stiffest boot here—specifically for folks with wider feet.
Finally, embrace your inner nordic dork with CASCO‘s frameless, photochromic NORDIC SPIRIT COMPETITION SHIELDS.
The Squall seems spartan. It isn’t. Well, except for the hipbelt, which is simply unpadded webbing, but that’s all you really need. Plus what’s on the inside is equally important. Within this top-loading, 27-liter pack, everything has its place: There are sleeves for your probe, shovel handle, hydration bladder,…
KINCO‘s insulated PIGSKIN LEATHER SKI GLOVES are as tough as they are well priced, but you’ll have to waterpoof them yourself with a coating like Nikwax’s Glove Proof ($7; nikwax.com).
Why They’re CoolThe 10×25 configuration is tricky—it’s a lot of magnification in a small package—but Brunton gives the XC10 the most solid, ergonomic, tactilely pleasing body in the field. The rubber-clad housing grips just right, with flat spots on the underside for the thumbs. The barrels stay just where you…
RACE READY The brand of choice for over half of the top World Cup ski racers proves it can make planks that arc for weekend warriors, too. The B5i’s capped construction allows for easy turn initiation and release, which is why one tester felt “like an Austrian in a one-piece,…