The Best Combined Heart-Rate Monitor and GPS Watches

The could be as revolutionary for the wrist-top market as the iPhone was for cell phones. Hyperbole? Consider the features: an -compatible MP3 player, real-time GPS, and an auto-sync feature that uploads your workout data as soon as you’re within range of your computer’s wireless network. The touchscreen is fast and intuitive, and all your data—a live map of your route, pace and split times, elevation, and heart rate—glows quietly on your wrist. Also, the optional wireless earbuds (from $99) sound great and use an embedded sensor to track your heart rate via blood vessels in the ear, doing away with the need for a chest strap. The watch isn’t waterproof, and the dock connecting the device to the wristband and bike mount isn’t as solid as we’d like. But one afternoon with the Motoactv and that $300 performance watch you bought last year will seem straight out of 1985.

Garmin Forerunner 910XT

It won’t win any design awards, but with the ability to toggle between vital stats for running, biking, and swimming with the push of a button, it’s the ideal tool for serious multisporters. The also has the best swim-tracking capabilities: it distinguishes between strokes and can calculate your swolf score, a measure of the number of strokes and the amount of time it takes to cover a certain distance. The device comes with a hefty price tag, but its simple syncing software and large display make parsing exercise data as easy on the road as it is in front of a computer. Plus, the 910XT is compatible with virtually every ANT+ sensor.

Timex Run Trainer GPS

It doesn’t have the Garmin 910XT’s swim- and cycling-data-tracking capabilities, but the is probably the best heart-rate-monitoring watch on the market for budget-conscious runners. You can create your own interval workouts, and a motion sensor automatically pauses the recording and tracking functions—while you’re waiting at a crosswalk, for example—so pit stops don’t screw up your results. Back home, Timex links the watch to Training Peaks’ excellent online log. And unlike most GPS watches, the Run Trainer is stylish and low-profile enough for everyday use.

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Contour+ POV Camera

Last year, Contour beefed up its HD model by adding GPS. This year (with a $200 price hike) it’s added HDMI live streaming: your friends and family can watch as you bomb down a hill or (with an optional waterproof case, $50) go 200 feet below the sea. Meanwhile, Contour continues to deliver video and audio as sharp as any POV camera’s, with less fish-eye distortion.

TAGS: LIVE STREAMING, HI-DEF

Motorola Titanium Smartphone

Sure, there are fancier smartphones, but the Titanium is one of the handful built with military-spec ratings for dust, shock, and temperature—i.e., it can tumble out of a bike jersey and keep on texting. Bonus: it’s one of the few Android phones with Nextel Direct Connect, so it can pair with another device on that network as a two-way radio, making it an ideal first-responder phone.

TAGS: MILITARY-GRADE, ANDROID

Westone Elite Series ES5 Earphones

We’ve long been curious: do custom earphones really sound that much better than off-the-rack jobbies? Yes, they do. The crisp, noise-isolating ES5’s make it sound as though you’re right there in the concert pit. Of course, having ear molds made adds to the cost ($50 and up from an audiologist), but Westone’s entry-level modules start at $300. Greater comfort, additional drivers, and our custom logo upped the final price here.

TAGS: CUSTOM FIT, AUDIOPHILE SOUND

Jawbone Jambox

Considering how small (about the size of a can of soda) and tough the Jambox is, the sound is downright booming. Charge the rubberized rectangle up, connect it via Bluetooth, and go completely wireless, whether you’re using it as a speakerphone or (like us) as the sound system for your iPad.

TAGS: TRAVEL SPEAKER, IMPRESSIVE SOUND

Olympus TG-810 Digital Camera

Waterproof to 33 feet, shockproof to 6.6 feet, freezeproof to 14 degrees Fahrenheit, and crushproof to 200 pounds of pressure, the TG-810 may be the ultimate travel cam. But the truly amazing thing is the near-DSLR quality of the shots. It’s still a point-and-shoot, but with 14-megapixel photos and 720p video this colorful—plus fun add-ons like GPS tagging and 3-D—it’s pretty impressive.

TAGS: TOUGH, UPGRADED COMPONENTS

Nikon Coolpix S9100 Digital Camera

Nikon further blurs the line between DSLR and compact with this super-zoom camera, offering a stunning 18x optical zoom that covers the range from wide-angle to telephoto—and then retracts all the way into the slim body. A CMOS sensor provides 12.1-mp images and 1080p video, and we like how fast it starts up: less than two seconds from power-up to snapshot.

TAGS: BIG ZOOM, FAST

DeLorme InReach Communicator

Paired with an Android smartphone or a DeLorme PN-60W GPS, this nifty little unit becomes a satellite-powered text-messaging device, allowing you to send and receive tweet-sized texts to and from any cell phone or e-mail address. By itself, it can send preloaded messages or be used as a tracker, allowing folks back home to chart your movements online. $10-per-month subscription required.

TAGS: TRACKING, TEXT MESSAGING

Solio Bolt Solar Charger

Every electronic device on these pages can be replenished by this lightweight, hard-shelled charger. Set it up at base camp and it collects a full charge in eight hours, allowing you to juice your favorite gadgets overnight. Or load it up from the wall in your hotel room and you’ve got a boost for your iPod on the third leg of an international flight. As an insurance policy, it’s a no-brainer.

TAGS: BACKCOUNTRY, COLLAPSIBLE

Sony Walkman NWZ-W260 MP3 Player

You no longer have to settle for either a tangle of cords or a crappy-sounding Bluetooth device. Not only does this waterproof MP3 player-headset sound great and stay where it belongs, but if you forget to charge it before heading out the door, a quick-charge function gets you an hour of music from just three minutes of plug-in time. Our only gripe: the small amount of storage.

TAGS: HANDS-FREE, SWEATPROOF

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Introducing the boom box for the modern age. it might look like an oversized Lego, but the Jawbone Jambox speaker connects wirelessly via Bluetooth to your iPhone or other MP3 player and pumps out tunes with enough gusto to fill a room. And thanks to a built-in mic, it can pull double duty as your mobile conference call center.

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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 bunch.

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CREATIVE’s 3.1-ounce NOMAD MUVO² 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.

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The most full-featured of the key-chain strongboxes, SAMSUNG’S YEPP YP-55V ($199) holds 256 megabytes of music in bump-proof flash memory. It plays FM when your mixes get moldy, and records digital files from radio, voice, or aftermarket mike. To fill it up, plug the 1.2-ounce unit into your PC’s USB port.

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Thank goodness for progress—the underwater MP3 player is finally here! The two-inch-diameter earbuds on the OCEANIC H20 AUDIO ($399) clip to your mask strap or sit inside your hood, sending sound waves a short distance through water, to play a surprisingly hi-fi starfish soundtrack.

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Pocket Philharmonic

We’re all iPod junkies, but Micro­soft’s Zune HD was a nice surprise. As a video player, it’s comparable to the iPod Touch, and for pure audiophile pleasure we daresay it’s better, with warmer tones and sharper high notes. What’s missing? Non-Windows functionality, a camera, and easy navigability. The browser is slow, and downloadable media and apps are limited to what’s on Zune’s own marketplace, but $15/month buys you a Zune Pass, meaning unlimited free music downloads from . Finally, the addition of radio—and, in some cities, HD radio—is another big plus for users who want a straightforward, quality media player. Add-on: A $90 A/V Dock lets you play 720p HD video on your flatscreen.
Functions: 3.9
Durability: 3.8

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You Can Buy Quality on a Budget

The North Face 88 Blocks Full Zip Hoodie

Rule 1

Exhibit A: The North Face‘s poly-and-cotton 88 Blocks Full Zip Hoodie. It laughs at cold snaps—with thumb loops at the cuffs and a stealthy balaclava sewn inside the hood—and will run you just 75 bucks (). Need more? Read on and you’ll find 27 more great gifts for less than $75.

Gift Guide: The Classics Always Work

Rule 2

With certain products, the verdict is already in: The quality is proven, or the style is simply timeless—as with the retro-western, 650-fill down Slingshot Vest by Patagonia ($125; ; see item 1 in photo). Also unfazed by fads: Woolrich’s crushable, water-resistant Cabin Ridge Hat ($22; ), a wool-felt fedora for fly-fishermen and travelers alike. And any cyclist will love Rapha’s old-school, poly-and-wool Winter Hat ($45; ), which is just svelte enough to slip under a helmet. For hauling gear, get something that won’t wear out after a few demanding trips, like the North Face’s nearly indestructible Base Camp Duffels (from $110; ).

More gifts:

2. One of our editors has 11 years on his Merrell Wilderness boots. He expects a helluva lot more. $275;

3. Lightweight and minimalist, Toshiba‘s energy-sipping NB200 is a wired traveler’s dream. $400;

4. Amazing: Plymouth Gin—exquisitely balanced, versatile enough for any cocktail—is only $25.

Gift Guide: Don’t Give Him a Bracelet

Rule 3

A man is allowed two pieces of “jewelry”: a ring and a watch. For straight-up value, you can’t beat Fossil‘s minimalist AM4258 ($75; ; see item 1 in photo). The bike geek on your list will drool over Festina’s Tour de France ’09 ($425; ), with its carbon-fiber dial and yellow markers, while anyone who’s ever gotten lost will appreciate the hidden digital compass on Wenger’s analog Nomad LED Compass watch ($375; ). For a more presidential look, we’re coveting the Jorg Gray 6500 ($325; ), which Obama has famously worn since he received it as a birthday gift in 2007; it’s also just a really handsome watch at a reasonable price.

More gifts:

2. LG‘s enV3 phone has a three-meg flash camera and a slide-out QWERTY keyboard. $130 with contract;

3. Apple‘s newest iPod Nano shoots video at 30 frames per second and live-pauses FM radio. From $149;

Gift Guide: There’s No Excuse for Fruitcake

Rule 4

Luckily, some gifts work even for those folks who are impossible to buy for. Any caffeine junkie will appreciate Innate‘s insulated, stainless-steel Kaze Modular Vacuum Bottle ($24; ; see item 1 in photo), a mug/bottle combo that keeps liquids hot up to ten hours. Or Jetboil’s new Flash Java Kit ($100; ), which pairs a French press with the company’s wickedly fast and efficient stove system. Even casual runners will dig Nike’s nifty, water-resistant SportBand ($59; ), which tracks everything from pace to calories burned. And for hikers or travelers: Nemo’s Ditto Backpack holds 1,200 cubic inches when loaded and packs away into its own pocket when it’s not ($49; ).

More gifts:

2. We’ve tested lots of multitools over the years. Leatherman‘s Wave is still our favorite. $99;

3. Eddie Bauer‘s saddle-leather Ranger Belt works with everything from Carhartts to khakis. $79;

4. Two steel shot glasses come hidden in Mulholland‘s ten-ounce Sportman’s Flask. $80;

5. Simple and a little retro: That’s why we like Nixon‘s Swiss-made Chronicle wristwatch. $250;

6. Casio‘s Exilim Mobile: Our favorite shock- and water-resistant camera phone. $275 with contract;

7. The guy who has everything? He probably also has crappy slippers. For him, UGG‘s Ascot. $100;

8. Emroidered hand towels? Terrible stocking stuffer. Smartwool socks? Always a winner. From $14;

Gift Guide: Feed the Powder Hound

Rule 5

Spy Optic Trevor Goggle

Those who live for the fresh stuff can never have enough warm clothes or ski gear. Our favorite fourth-season gift this year is Spy Optic‘s Trevor Goggle ($55; ). We’ve tested countless models, and you simply can’t get a better combination of fit, peripheral vision, and sharp optics at this price. But anything that lays a warm foundation—like Ibex’s merino Zepher boxers ($52; ) or the versatile Merino Wool Buff neck gaiter/balaclava ($27; )—also makes a great gift. As do Redfeather’s lightweight, grippy Conquest snowshoes ($70; ), a perfect (and well-priced) choice for nonskiers.

Gift Guide: Kids Need ¹ú²ú³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, Too

Rule 6

You just need to set them in the right direction. Teach them to fish with Redington‘s Minnow Kid’s Outfit ($160; ; see item 1 in photo), which includes an eight-foot, 5/6-weight graphite fly rod and casting games. Camping is also a good first step. It’s getting easier to find good kid-specific gear, like Kelty’s new pint-size, 20-degree Little Tree sleeping bag ($55; ) and Pacific Outdoor’s Kids Mat ($40; ). Or introduce them to winter hiking with Ecco’s insulated, Gore-Tex-lined Freeride Boots ($85; ) and L.L.Bean’s budget-friendly, kid-size Winter Walker snowshoes ($50; ).

More gifts:

2. Removable liner. A slew of vents. Giro‘s low-profile Revolver has everything but a high price. $70;

3. BCA‘s Arsenal Shovel With 240 Probe is the best combo we’ve ever tested. $100;

4. Sorel‘s insulated Fairbanks Drift: warm down to single digits but still low-key enough for the bar. $100;

5. Fuel your friends’ next margarita party: Patron Silver, Cointreau, fresh lime juice—mixed 2:1:1. $43;

6. Timex‘s Expedition WS4 has all the info you need (altitude, barometric pressure, temp, etc.) on its oversize face. $199;

Gift Guide: Raise a Proper Toast

Rule 7

Spirits are the season’s easiest go-to, but make sure you know the recipient’s tastes. If it’s Scotch, we suggest you splurge: The Glenlivet Nàdurra Triumph 1991 is our new favorite ($85; ; see item 1 in photo). Wine can be tough to nail, so go for a critics’ choice, like the 2005 Adobe Road Syrah ($38; ), which Wine Spectator gave 92 points. A fine sipping tequila, like Herradura Añejo ($50; ), is unbeatable; if you’re mixing, you want a good blanco. Specialty brew is a safe bet as well. ships hard-to-find domestic bombers, like Stone Brewing’s Vertical Epic Ale ($10) and Global Brew 12-pack samplers ($33).

More gifts:

2. Eddie Bauer‘s down Quilted Field Vest hits the mark if you want rugged sportsman style. $99;

3. L.L. Bean‘s merino-wool-lined Buckskin Chopper Mitts are as tough as they are warm. $49;

4. Freestyle‘s Submersion is a burly and well-priced dive watch depth-rated to 200 meters. $125;

5. Anyone would be happy to have Victorinox‘s six-tool Soldier Knife in the backcountry. $58;

6. Go-anywhere winter wear: Mountain Khakis’ Flannel-Lined Original Mountain Pants. $90;

Gift Guide: Everyone Loves a Gadget

Rule 8

Whether it’s for a CNET-surfing father-in-law or a Luddite brother with an ancient flip phone, a shiny new gizmo is sure to please. The season’s must-have: Garmin‘s Nuviphone G60 ($299 with contract; ; see item 1 in photo), a dashboard-and-trail-ready GPS that doubles as a cell phone to cut your device needs in half. Our other faves? Samsung’s Reclaim smartphone ($49 with contract; ), which is made from plant-based biodegradable plastics and features a QWERTY keyboard; VHoldR’s ContourHD1080p ($330; ), the first lightweight helmet cam to shoot in true hi-def; and Nikon’s 12.1-megapixel S1000pj point-and-shoot, with its built-in projector for slide shows right on the tent wall ($430; ).

More gifts:

2. One nice blade, like Shun‘s Classic Ultimate Utility Knife, beats a dozen so-so ones. $125;

3. TAG Heuer‘s 43mm Aquaracer Automatic will still be ticking for your great-grandchildren. $1,800;

4. What crying baby? Bose‘s new QuietComfort 15 noise-canceling ‘phones boast the richest sound yet. $300;

5. We don’t know your boss, but we bet he’d enjoy some smoky, peppery Knob Creek bourbon. $30;

6. We prefer Filson‘s 100 percent wool Mackinaw Cruiser to a preppy peacoat. $280;

7. Marmot‘s leather-palmed Spring Gloves are perfect for sunny days skiing and chilly nights out. $60;

Gift Guide: Make Her Warm and Happy

Rule 9

And if she’s warm and looks cute, even better. A few fail-safe options: Lole‘s wool-and-acrylic Cuddle Sweater ($100; ; see item 1 in photo), which every woman in the office gave a thumbs-up. Or down booties like the North Face’s fuzz-lined NSE Tent Mule Furs ($45; ). Another safe bet is Cloudveil’s Run Don’t Walk Pants ($125; )—they have a flattering, yoga-pant fit but, because they’re made with a stretchy Polartec material, are much, much toastier. And if you’re already thinking ahead to your next camping trip, go all in with Big Agnes’s Dream Island ($190; ), a 15-degree sleeping bag for two.

More gifts:

2. A classic resurrected: Runners wore ASICS‘s Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 in the ’68 Olympics. $80;

3. T-Mobile‘s speedy myTouch 3G syncs seamlessly with the Google universe. $150 with contract;

4. 5.10‘s boot-cut Yosemite Jeans have Half Dome’s profile stitched on the back pockets. $79;

5. Oris‘s rugged stainless-steel Divers Date has a softer side, too: a subtle wave pattern on the face. $1,550;

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When collapsed, Black Diamond‘s ultrabright Orbit Lantern is the size of a cell phone ($30; ).

Black Diamond Orbit Lantern

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Train: Oakley Radar Sunglasses

Oakley Radar Sunglasses

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Rock: Yamaha Bodibeat

Yamaha Bodibeat

Yamaha‘s music-playing, heart-rate-monitoring Bodibeat doubles as a cheerleader: It automatically picks songs from your playlist that match the intensity of your workout ($300; ).

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Shred: Wagner Alpine Skis

What to get the skier who has everything? Custom boards. Wagner Skis will design a pair according to your lucky recipient’s specs—length, width, sidecut, core woods, and, of course, any graphic desired (from $1,695; ).

Travel: Tumi T-Tech Hydro Duffel

Tumi‘s T-Tech Hydro Duffel is equally at home in Brooklyn or Bali ($225; ).

Shoot: Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.54-5.6L IS USM Lens

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.54-5.6L IS USM Lens

With an image stabilizer and the longest focal length found in a Canon zoom lens, the EF 100–400mm f/4.5–5.6L IS USM should improve the quality of your dad’s wildlife pics ($1,650; ).

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Time: Victorinox Vintage Chrono

Victorinox Vintage Chrono

The design of the Swiss-made Victorinox Vintage Chrono was inspired by World War II–era equipment, but there’s no antiquated technology here: The crystal has a triple-layer anti-reflective coating, and the luminous hands and numbers are bright enough to be read in darkest night ($795; ).

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