From redesigned favorites to all-new additions, here are the products that will help you master the outdoors in 2017.
Hiking
Tested: Coast FL75 Headlamp
The lightsaber intensity of this lamp (405 lumens max) will have you wondering why you’d ever wear your old go-to again. Beam distance is 140 meters on full blast, but that’ll last you only two hours. Dial it back to medium for three hours or low for 20. We liked the red LED to preserve our night vision, big power switch to cycle through output modes, tilt function and easy-grip bezel to adjust focus, from ultra-wide flood to bull’s-eye spot. $60; coastportland.com —Brad Kovach
North Face Women’s Ultra Gore-Tex Surround Mid
Gore-Tex Surround is the brand’s most breathable and waterproof material, and these women-specific hikers show it in their cool, dry demeanor. Cradle Guide midsoles and Ultra Protect heels support the foot and keep it properly positioned. Vibram Megagrip outsoles provide trustworthy traction. $190; thenorthface.com
Marmot Graviton 38
With a 40-liter volume, it’s better for extended weekends than weeklong treks, but that doesn’t make the Graviton 38 any less proficient. The pack is built tough, with a tubular aluminum frame and 70-denier ripstop fabric, plus a floating top lid, lots of compression straps, and various lash points and pockets for your gear. Best of all, it weighs only 2.4 pounds. Think brawn without the bulk. $170; marmot.com
Gerber Center-Drive Multi-Tool
Utility is the name of the game in multi-tools. Shall we count the ways this new Gerber ups the ante? The screwdriver aligns like a real screwdriver for maximum torque and takes standard-sized, magnetic bits. The pliers are spring-loaded for easy one-handed use. The knife blade is 30% longer to offer serious cutting power. Not to mention a dozen other tools built right in. $119; gerbergear.com
LifeStraw Go with 2-Stage Filtration
Take the award-winning technology of the original straw-style personal water filter, add a BPA-free bottle, and you’ve got a portable water container that could just save your life. There’s both a replaceable carbon capsule and a hollow fiber membrane for two-stage removal of 99.9% of waterborne bacteria and parasites. No pumping or pills necessary. $50; lifestraw.eartheasy.com
Climbing
Black Diamond Vapor Helmet
A network of Kevlar, carbon rods and EPS foam topped by a polycarbonate shell keep the weight down — in addition to 23 vents for maximum ventilation. The low-profile helmet adjusts with a ratchet suspension and has removable headlamp clips for dawn or dusk climbs. $140; blackdiamondequipment.com
So iLL The Street
It’s the climbing equivalent of the Adidas Samba: stylish, soft, lightweight, classic. But the Street has more going for it than looks alone. The aggressively downturned shoe has an ultra-thin midsole for a sensitivity and a sticky Dark Matter outsole for secure foot placement. A thin padded tongue and large buckles provide a tight and functional, yet cozy, fit. $118; soillholds.com
Petzl Corax Harness
The waist belt is ventilated and has soft mesh inserts at the pressure points, making this a comfortable harness for year-round use. It’s also versatile, with two available sizes, adjustable leg loops and two double-back buckles on the waist that keep the equipment loops (two in the front and two in the back) in optimal position. $60; petzl.com
Patagonia Linked 16L
Streamlined and tough, this pack is made of durable nylon fabric that’s been treated with a polyurethane coating for water and abrasion resistance. The top-load design offers 16 liters of space for your gear, including a hydration bladder, with reinforced handles to haul the bag up tight sections. $80; patagonia.com
Metolius Ultralight Chalk Bag
While the carabineer weight war is fought one gram at a time, the Ultralight chalk bag can save you up to 100 grams at a fraction of the price. It weighs just over an ounce but still holds plenty of the white stuff, plus a brush in the designated holder. $20; metoliusclimbing.com
Biking
Tested: Mazama Tumalo Hydration Pack
I call it the kitchen sink because it has almost everything. The 70-ounce bladder with full-length plastic handle slides oh-so easily into the wide-mouth insulated compartment. The drink tube is insulated, too, which is great for winter riding. The waist belt not only holds the pack in place but also includes easy-access wing pockets. The chest strap has a built-in rescue whistle. Side loops let you attach your helmet. One gripe: The drink tube’s shut-off knob keeps it from leaking but makes it harder to sip on the fly. $85; mazamadesigns.com —B.K.
Cannondale Bad Habit
It’s all plus-size tires these days. At least, that’s where most of the action is when it comes to the latest mountain bikes. This model combines the great handling of Cannondale’s Habit with the huge grip and roll-over-anything float of 27+ tires. The resulting technical trail machine comes in four builds, including two new carbon ones. Starting at $2,600; cannondale.com
Trek Émonda ALR
With road bikes, light equals fast. Trek crafted its new Émonda ALR line to be the lightest and best-performing aluminum bike around. Defining features include 300 series Alpha Aluminum and invisible weld technology. The former is hydroformed into size-specific tubes that provide balance of stiffness and weight. The latter creates better connection with each tube joint, increasing strength while using less material. Starting at $1,310; trekbikes.com
Speedsleev Ballistic Nylon Seatsleev
You could be that guy who rubber-bands a spare tube to his seat post. Or you could find a better way to carry and protect your essentials with this minimalist pack that holds a tube, CO2 cartridges and tire levels in a Velcro sleeve that attaches to your saddle. The pack lays out flat when you need to use it. A rain cover is included. $35; speedsleev.com
Bolle The One
Available in road and new mountain bike styles (pictured), this is a helmet for all reasons. An integrated LED light in the back and a QR code that stores rider data make your outings safer. For comfort, there’s the click-to-fit system, detachable visor and removable liner for winter. Cool factor: The helmet has a “sunglasses garage” in the temple where you can dock a pair of shades. $130; bolle.com
Water Sports
Bern Macon H20
Comfort and safety aren’t mutually exclusive. To wit, the Macon H20 has a soft foam liner topped with neoprene to keep it from becoming waterlogged, while an ABS shell resists impact. Add neoprene ear pads for extra protection and warmth. $60; bernunlimited.com
Imagine Surf Icon LTE Inflatable SUP
This paddleboard comes with a backpack. Seem odd? Not when you consider that the ultra-light model (just 18 pounds) and can be taken with you just about anywhere when deflated. Measuring 11 feet when maxed out a 15 psi, the SUP has a deck cargo bungee system, center and tail carry handles, and full-length EVA deck pad. It also comes with a three-piece paddle and pump. $800; imaginesurf.com
Hobie Mirage Outback Camo
Sometimes, you have to blend in to stand out — like when fishing or birding. This one-person kayak boasts a new camo pattern and the brand’s whisper-quiet MirageDrive 180 forward-reverse propulsion system. Turbo fins and a large rudder further enhance maneuverability. Other features include a high-backed padded seat, built-in rod holders and a rear cargo area with tie downs. $2,649; hobiecat.com
Terrex Climacool Voyager Slip-On
Lightweight and fast-drying, this shoe’s slip-on construction makes it ideal for quick surf-to-turf transitions. A Climacool mesh upper provides breathability and drainage through the midsole, but there’s still a closed outsole for enhanced stability and grip. $60; adidas.com/terrex
Yeti Hopper 40
It’s not meant strictly for paddlers, but with an impermeable DryHide shell and welded seams for watertight toughness, it fits the bill. Inside, 1 inch of ColdCell insulation in the sides and 1.5 inches in the bottom keeps ice for days. It has a carrying capacity of 36 cans yet still fits easily in a canoe or raft. $400; yeticoolers.com
Running
Tested: Victory Bear II Drop Bag
Futzing around for supplies can cost you precious minutes during a race. Futz no more! Victory Sportdesign makes drop bags with detachable Velcro dividers, labeled pockets, insulated bottle holders and more. I use the Bear II, and I can tell you that it absolutely helps reduce time (and stress) at aid stations. The bag is water resistant, has glow-in-the-dark zippers, and includes a top flap window for your race number or personal identification. The only con is that it doesn’t pack into my carry-on when flying to events. The Bear III, with improved storage and magnetic snaps instead of Velcro, is due this year. $85 (Bear II); victorysportdesign.com —Shalini Kovach
Altra Lone Peak 3.0 NeoShell Low
The time-tested upper has been re-skinned with Polartec’s award-winning NeoShell material, keeping rain, snow, dew and mud on the outside while your foot can still breathe on the inside. The generous toe box encourages toe splay and stability. The MaxTrac outsole and TrailClaw lug let your foot get the traction it needs no matter what the trail conditions. $150; altrarunning.com
Balega Enduro V-Tech Quarter
Foot comfort begins with the sock. The new Enduro V-Tech Quarter has enhanced compression bands that provide improved midfoot support and a snug, dynamic fit that isn’t constricting. Moisture-managing fibers, cushioning for impact resistance, mesh ventilation and an extra-deep heel pocket ensure all-around performance. $13; balega.com
Brooks Transcend 3
This road runner provides ample cushion along with stable support for those who want to rack up the miles. The midsole lost a full ounce over previous years yet still provides 20% more padding than some Brooks models — and thanks to the Guide Rails it doesn’t feel wobbly. The new laser-cut mesh uppers and rounded heel lock in your foot and keep it cool and dry. $170; brooksrunning.com
Roka Men’s Elite 5” Run Short
The base fabric of this mid-thigh short is a lightweight, four-way stretch polyester/spandex with water repellency to bead away sweat and rain. A zippered back pocket holds your nutrition or ID. For those who run with a single key, the Roka has an integrated key pocket on the inside hip. The liner is a midweight mesh, supportive but not too tight. $70; roka.com
Camping
Tested: Avex 40 Oz. Freeflow Autoseal Stainless Water Bottle
I’ve been using this double-wall insulated bottle since last summer, and even after leaving it in my car for 10 hours on a 95-degree day, the water inside was cool and crisp. Let’s see a plastic bottle do that. (It also keeps drinks hot for up to 12 hours.) My favorite feature is the Autoseal lid. It opens with one touch, has a high flow rate and features a spout cover to keep out dirt and grime. Plus, the bottle is top-rack dishwasher safe, BPA-free and comes backed with a lifetime guarantee. $37; avexoutdoor.com —S.K.
Core Equipment 3 Person Instant Dome Tent
Give yourself and two friends shelter in 30 seconds with this pop-up tent with pre-attached poles — just unpack, unfold and extend. Not a fan of stuffy, musty interiors? An adjustable intake vent draws in cool air from the ground while the mesh ceiling allows heated air to escape. Price includes the tent, rain fly, stakes and carrying bag. $74; coreequipment.com
Big Agnes Lost Ranger 15
This classic down bag has been redesigned to be taller across the top and in the toe box, so you can roll over more freely and have additional wiggle room for your feet. There’s an integrated sleeve for your pad (no more rolling off in the middle of the night!) and a stretch fabric pillow pocket. So comfortable you won’t want to go home. It also comes in the Roxy Ann 15 style for women. $280; bigagnes.com
Jetboil Genesis Base Camp System
Crewing an aid station or cooking for a crowd? Don’t compromise your cuisine. The Genesis system includes a 5-liter cook pot; 10-inch, ceramic-coated fry pan; and folding, two-burner propane stove, all of which nest together and fit into an 8.5-inch by 10.75-inch carrying bag. There’s an attachable windscreen for blustery days, and dependable Jetboil lever igniter for ease of use. $350; jetboil.com
Thermacell Scout Mosquito Repeller Camp Lantern
Two birds, one stone. Thermacell’s new lantern provides up to 10 hours of light on high (220 lumens) plus protection from mosquitoes and other biting insects. The repellent consists of a heated mat that releases a synthetic version of the natural insecticide found in chrysanthemums. There’s no strong odor and no open flame — just a more enjoyable campsite. $40; thermacell.com
Snow Sports
Nordica Enforcer 93
Based on the award-winning Enforcer 100, the new Enforcer 93 is slightly narrower but retains the fine balance of its big brother. Both have World Cup constructions with a full wood core and two layers of titanium for great rebound and power. Nordica’s camROCK design adds significant rocker for increased maneuverability and floatation in soft snow. $749; nordica.com
Rossignol Justice MagTek
Crafted for the female freerider, the Justice MagTek has a twin shape, medium-stiff flex and rocker-camber-rocker profile for super response and playfulness. Carbon adds explosive pop, and the Magne-Traction sidewall gives you more contact points with the snow, so you can really carve the turns. $450; rossignol.com
Gregory Targhee 26
Designed to meet the needs of snow sports athletes, the Targhee offers a firm fit and vertical stability (for a balanced load) together with freedom of movement. The hydration tube is integrated into the shoulder harness and insulated against freezing. A dedicated tool pocket keeps rescue gear easy to access, ski and wakeboard carry straps stow away, and new abrasion technology easily copes with sharp edges. $170; gregorypacks.com
mYcorecontrol Men’s Heated Ski Jacket
Ever wanted to turn up the heat on an especially cold day? With this jacket, you can. It features three levels of adjustable thermal control, powered by two rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, and provides up to 12 hours of continuous use (six on high setting). $300; www.mycorecontrol.com
Yaktrax Summit
Hike that icy incline! A new Boa Closure System ensures a custom fit that’s both secure and comfortable. Additionally, the Summit has 3/8-inch triangular carbon steel spikes that bite into packed snow and ice and provide excellent grip on sloped surfaces. Designed to fit most types of footwear. $90; yaktrax.com
Lifestyle
Tested: Purnell Hoodie for Backpacks
Three things set this hoodie apart, making it perfect for outdoor excursions. First, the lower shoulder seams reduce chafing under shoulder straps and lessen garment shift. Second, the extended collar blocks the wind and layers perfectly under a jacket. Third, the zippered kangaroo pocket on the front and a cell phone pocket on the upper sleeve create easy-access storage. Bonus: The cotton/poly/fleece blend is uber warm and cozy. $76; purnellgear.com —B.K.
Western Rise Granite Camp Pants 2.0
When you can only pack one pant, this is the all-arounder you want. Substantial four-way stretch provides an unrestricted range of motion. Magnet back pockets, a hidden wallet pocket and an internal phone pocket keep your daily essentials in check, while the reflective cinch-flip cuff keeps you visible cruising home after dark. $109; westernrise.com
Casio WSD-F10
We can see how this watch might be as indispensible as the Swiss Army Knife for the new generation on techy outdoorsmen. You can check direction, altitude, atmospheric pressure, sunrise and sunset times, and tide graphs — plus tap into apps such as email alert, weather and maps, or load you own apps. All contained in a rugged, water-resistant (to 50 meters) package. $500; casio.com
Columbia Down the Path Short
This active-fit women’s short returns for 2017 with new patterns and colors including fossil and crouton (shown); nocturnal, pulse and pond; and crouton and nocturnal. All of the styles feature a mid-rise cut, drawstring adjustable waist and cargo-style pockets. $40; columbia.com
Smith Landmark
The square-round lens shape, metal bridge and nose detail define the Landmark — a new unisex model made of more than 53% bio-based (rather than petroleum-based) materials. Offered with impact-resistant ChromaPop polarized lenses, providing the highest levels of enhanced color and clarity. $129; smithoptics.com
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