Table of contents for Spring - Summer 2015 in Outside

THE NEXT NEW THING The first Buyer’s Guide I worked on hit newsstands in the spring of 2000. It was a real humdinger. The cover was neon green and featured an inline skate. I wrote a review of a wanigan (don’t ask), and the issue included something called an “Internet Bundle,” which played “up to 74 minutes of near-CD-quality audio on each 2.5-inch, floppy-style disc.” The editors were jazzed about a new breed of rugged wheeled luggage. I distinctly remember thinking at the time, What sort of self-respecting young man rolls his luggage? Fast-forward to today. I’ve worked on 19 Buyer’s Guides, during which time I’ve had a hand in reviewing approximately 5,243 pieces of gear. Along the way, I got real comfortable with talking about lumens and laminates and…

UPGRADE 1. Primus Eta Lite XL stove $130 The XL’s one-liter aluminum pot is double the width of the version that comes with Primus’s tiny fuel-efficient Eta Lite, but it’s the same height and features the same sturdy locking platform. The result? There’s little chance you’ll upset your dinner. Nice: it boils one liter of water in close to three minutes. primuscamping.com 2. Goal Zero and Venture 30 recharger $100 This 8.8-ounce packet of power extends the life of your gadgets when you’re off the grid, charging your smartphone three times or your GoPro five. Two USB ports allow you to connect multiple devices, while serious weatherproofing means it can tolerate the nastiest summer storms. goalzero.com 3. Gerber Skyridge knife $45 A crafty spring-loaded mechanism on the Skyridge lets you…

1. TAKE FRESH INGREDIENTS I don’t go for packages of freeze-dried mush. A chunk of Parmesan travels well, as do potatoes. Eggs can last for days in a $4 plastic protective case and make your pancakes infinitely better. I also use them to cook fried rice. 2. EMBRACE FAT AND CARBS Hiking all day, you’ve definitely earned them. I like to bring cheeses, but ter, cured bacon, or, even better, prosciutto. It has a real depth of flavor and won’t go bad. Peel off a couple of slices for lunch, or fry it up in the morning. 3. GO SLOW AND LOW You can’t unsalt or unburn food. Add spices slowly, and keep your flame as low as possible. Do all your chopping and prep ahead of time, so you…

For too long, the backpack has been associated with pain. Blame that on the mental residue of long-gone frame packs (which have been back in the spotlight recently, thanks to films like Wild and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty) and people who insist on pushing packs past their limits. The truth is, designers have figured out all sorts of ingenious ways to mimic the body’s natural curves. The trick is finding the right shape for you (see “Fit Fundamentals,” page 56) and the right size for your objectives. To help, we divided the packs here into three categories: multi-day beasts (60-plus liters), overnighters (40 to 50), and daypacks (20 to 30). GEAR OF THE YEAR Gregory Baltoro 75 $319 With a sturdy aluminum wishbone suspension system and independent pivots…

1. START SLOW Find a low-stress environment— one that doesn’t involve water, power lines, people, or personal property—while you get comfortable flying. Know that you’ve got control over the aircraft. You don’t want to be scared when you’re executing an important shot. 2. CHARGE YOUR BATTERIES You’d be surprised how many people drop their drones because of dead batteries. Always check your voltage before you fly to make sure you didn’t accidentally strap on a dead pack. Another safeguard: use a flight controller that has a low-voltage warning. I like the DJI WooKong-M ($999; dji.com). 3. KNOW YOUR STUFF A lot of pilots make mistakes because they aren’t knowledgeable about their equipment. Get comfy with your drone’s various modes and how to set everything up. 4. FOLLOW THE NOSE The…

FIELD TESTED 1. Eddie Bauer Maximus 90L $149 This is a serious expedition bag made from tough, waterproof, TPU-coated polyester. Testers appreciated the four padded grab handles, which made it easy to yank on and off roof racks, as well as the legit backpack straps. Bonus: when you’re home, this 90-liter duffel collapses to become its own storage pouch. eddiebauer.com 2. United by Blue Trafford Weekender $148 A throwback in the best ways: vintage looks, organic waxed canvas, and leather straps and trim. It’s big enough for a getaway (roughly 30 liters) but compact enough to take to the coffee shop. The “Blue” in United by Blue? For every product purchased, the Philly startup removes a pound of trash from waterways. unitedbyblue.com 3. Eagle Creek EC Lync System 22 $260…

ESSENTIALS 1. Timex Waterbury $125 Named for the Connecticut town where Timex was born, the Waterbury finds a middle ground between classic style and modern practicality. It isn’t made for hard charging, but at this price you won’t be paranoid about taking a spill. timex.com 2. Tsovet SVTDE40 $450 We were immediately smitten with the eye-pleasing blue face on this low-key, less burly model from Tsovet. The big numbers and two subdial timers are clean and easy to read, and the 40-millimeter dial is just the right size. The leather band and embossed lettering on the face add to the oldschool vibe on this handsome traveler’s piece. tsovet.com 3. Electric Carroway Leather $225 An antidote to today’s data overload, the Carroway cuts all the extra dials and tachymeters—even the date…

After years of incremental advances, we’re seeing dramatic technological change in all bikes, thanks to trickle-down from toptier models. Electronic shifting is set to expand as SRAM prepares to release its wireless system, and disc brakes have flooded the scene, with over half the bikes we reviewed sporting the new stoppers. There’s even a whole new category, the adventure roadie, with a longer wheelbase for more stability, a taller headtube for added comfort, and clearance for bigger tires. Superior rides with added versatility: just try and tell us it’s not an exciting time in road bikes. GEAR OF THE YEAR GT Grade Carbon $3,580 Given GT’s BMX heritage, we weren’t surprised that the company’s crossover roadie outpaced its competitors. “It’s like the griffin of the cycling world,” said one tester,…

Where other companies see products, Apple sees features. Think of all the gadgets the iPhone has subsumed: music players, navigation systems, point-and-shoot cameras. That last example has particular salience when considering how the Apple Watch is affecting wearable tech. As the saying goes, the best camera is the one you have with you. The same is true for activity trackers: the gadget you’ll wear is the one you’ll use. More than half of all people who buy trackers stop using them, and a third do so after just six months. That’s a lot of devices logging nothing more than the opening and closing of desk drawers. Why the falloff? We buy trackers with the hope that data will spur us to be healthier. Instead, we briefly get interested in the…

UPGRADE 1. Howler Brothers Gaucho shirt $80 This lightweight, quick-drying cottonpoly pearl-snap shirt kept us cool on blazing summer days. And with an extra touch of embroidery, it seamlessly transitioned from river to taco stand. howlerbros.com 2. Sage Accel 590-4 rod $595 The medium-fast Accel is ideal for throwing tiny dry flies. It’s our new favorite for sneaking out to fish the evening caddis hatch. sageflyfish.com 3. Montana Fly Company Artist Series flask $30 There are a number of ways to salute the fun of catching big fish on hoppers, but our favorite is a swig from a stainless-steel flask. The artisans at Columbia Falls–based Montana Fly Company produce 59 designs per year, from Johnny Cash holding a redfish to hook-jawed browns. montanafly.com 4. Cheeky Fly Fishing Boost 350 reel…

HOKA ONE ONE Challenger ATR The Challenger ATR is an all terrain shoe for runners looking to run on and off the trails. 2 WINNERS hokaoneone.com CW-X Endurance Generator Tight The Endurance Generator Tight combines optimum muscle and joint support for maximum stability and power. 3 WINNERS cw-x.com TOAD&CO Whirlwind Dress The cool, quick-dry fabric of the Whirlwind Dress handles heat, travel and water with ease. 2 WINNERS toadandco.com GUEnergy Gel and Hydration Drink Mix 5 winners get a 24 box of Salted Caramel GU Energy Gel and a 24 box of Tastefully Nude Hydration Drink Mix. guenergy.com DEUTER Futura Pro 42 This backpack’s Aircomfort back system unites ventilation and flexible carrying comfort for light multi-day treks. deuter.com SMITH Outlier XL with ChromaPop New Outlier XL with Smith’s proprietary color…

FIELD TESTED BEST FOR: Layering on the Fly 1. Sugoi Run For Cover $130 This nylon running shell is so breathable, it feels like a second skin. Even better: Sugoi gave the Run For Cover a mesh-lined hood, drop-tail hem, and zip back pocket that keeps your keys from jangling. sugoi.com BEST FOR: High Intensity in the Rain 2. Marmot Crux $275 Meet the scrappy younger sibling of last spring’s Gear of the Year–winning Artemis. The proprietary waterproof membrane in this hard shell circulates air so well that Marmot was able to do away with pit zips and other bells and whistles. The impressive range of motion made it our go-to jacket for numerous activities in inclement weather. marmot.com BEST FOR: All Kinds of Commutes 3. Patagonia Levitation Hoody $179…

Not long ago, there were three clearly defined categories for jackets: waterproof hard shells, stretchy and breathable soft shells, and wind shells. We still group outerwear that way today, but the lines between the categories are becoming increasingly blurry. Waterproof jackets can now weigh what wind shells did a few years ago. Some soft shells are now completely waterproof. But the basics haven’t changed. You still want a burly waterproof shell to deflect all-day rain. For most short and fast missions in variable weather, the right wind shell is often all you need to pack. For everything else, there are endless iterations of soft shells. And when you want it all in one package, choose the Gear of the Year–winning La Sportiva Hail. GEAR OF THE YEAR La Sportiva Hail…

FIELD TESTED Petzl Myo $100 At maximum output, the Myo throws out an ultrabright 370-lumen beam that can illuminate potential obstacles as far as 100 yards down the trail, making it ideal for navigating technical terrain. Boost mode sends the light another 20 yards, and a flip-up diffuser instantly shifts the Myo to a wide beam for up-close tasks. petzl.com Princeton Tec Sync $30 With multiple modes—including spot, low and high flood, and a red beam—plus a ratcheting head that allows you to direct the light exactly where you need it, the 90-lumen Sync has nearly all the chops of a much pricier headlamp. If the lockout mechanism worked better, it would be perfect. princetontec.com Led Lenser Neo $25 The Neo is lightweight, with a wellbalanced fit and a red…

GETTING STARTED 1. Edelrid Topaz ColorTec 9.2 rope $260 Bipatterned ropes let you quickly ID the midpoint, making rappelling safer and helping belayers gauge how much is left. They’re pricey to make, but Edelrid automated the process to keep costs in check. edelrid.de 2. Scarpa Techno X shoes $155 The Techno X is ideal for long days on the wall. Credit the micro suede upper and U-shaped rubber rand, which keeps your digits from fusing in the toe box. The shoe edges well on dimes and smears on every -thing but polished marble. scarpa.com 3. Petzl Aquila harness $125 Petzl put a strip of foam around the back of the Aquila’s waist for a snug fit, and four gear loops—two rigid up front and two flexible in the rear— prevent…

UPGRADE 1. Primus FireHole 100 stove $150 There are no fancy features and few moving parts on the FireHole—and that’s precisely why we like it. The paint chipped a bit after a long summer of abuse, but the piezo igniter still fired up the 24,000-BTU burners every time. primuscamping.com 2. Tentsile Stingray tent $675 Think portable treehouse. The three-person Stingray is designed to be suspended between three trees by heavy-duty straps with ratcheting buckles. Setup is surprisingly quick and easy. Your kids will absolutely love it. tentsile.com 3. Zippo 4-in-1 Woodsman saw $80 The 4-in-1’s ax head is sturdy, and the bow saw makes quick work of (small) logs. You can also use it to pound in tent stakes, and there’s a metal loop for pulling them out. zippooutdoor.com 4.…

FIELD TESTED 1. Whispbar WB400 $349 These kayakhugging J-cradles collapse into aerodynamic pods, each less than three inches hight. Just click a button and slide the arm inside. whispbar.com 2. Kuat Transfer 2 $290 Hitch-mounted bike racks usually cost $600 and can support a Harley— which makes no sense for carbonfiber rides. The Transfer 2 weighs just 35 pounds and locks bikes in place without touching the frames. kuat racks.com 3. Thule Trail $600 The large version of this slick aluminum rooftop basket easily held a couple of suitcases and a small cooler on a road trip to Mount Hood. Its textured rubber bottom and eight lash-down points dispelled worries that our stuff might bounce out. thule.com 4. Yakima SUPDawg $259 Even solid tie jobs can leave paddleboards flopping on…

UPGRADE 1. Smith PivLock Arena Max sunglasses $239 We love Smith’s classic frameless PivLock design for its feathery feel and quick lens changes. The new Arena Max has additional Velcro-like grip at the nose and temples, and it’s compatible with more helmets, thanks to shorter, thinner arms. smith optics.com 2. Castelli Free Aero Race bibs $199 With a yoke-style harness that lies flat and comfortable, lightweight mesh leg grippers, and an extremely plush, seamless chamois, this is definitely the highest-quality bib for your dollars. castelli-cycling.com 3. Louis Garneau Course Air Lite shoes $380 Not only are these double-Boa-closure shoes some of the lightest we’ve tried (our size 42’s weigh less than a water bottle), but the mesh in the upper and vents in the sole kept our feet cool even…

GETTING STARTED 1. Jones Plus bike $6,020 With three-inch tires for traction and stability, the steel-frame Plus is the finest bikepacking rig available. The upright stance and carbon H-bars make for comfy riding, while the 11-speed Shimano XTR cas -sette has ample gear range. And the bike comes with enough tailor-made packs to easily carry a week’s worth of gear. jonesbikes.com 2. Osprey Rev 18 pack $120 At just over a pound, this wispy hydration pack uses mesh in the straps, back panel, and pockets to cut weight while adding breathability. ospreypacks.com 3. Spot Gen3 messenger $150 Think of a satellite messenger as an insurance policy. The GPS tracks progress, while the SOS button sends for help if things ever go south. findmespot.com 4. Big Agnes Fly Creek 2 Platinum…

UPGRADE 1. Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z poles $160 For stream cross -ings, talus traverses, and other challenging terrain, these ten-ounce collapsible poles are a godsend. The rest of the time, they’re so incredibly light that you’ll hardly notice that they’re stashed in your pack. blackdiamond equipment.com 2. Salomon S-Lab Adv Skin3 12Set pack $185 This smartly constructed pack can tote everything on this page securely (including the poles) and comes with two 500-milliliter front flasks and a handy safety blanket. salomon.com 3. Petzl Tikka R+ headlamp $80 While it feels a touch harsh on a bare brow, the 4.1-ounce Tikka is still our lightweight torch of choice for evening and dawnpatrol missions, thanks to its brilliant 170-lumen flood and the ingenious autodim feature when you point it at your…

UPGRADE 1. Toad& Co Onrush SS shirt $62 This vintage-tennis-style polo is knit from a moisture-wicking cotton-poly blend, so it shirks sweat. Go ahead and throw it in your gym bag for later—the fabric resists wrinkles, and a stink-fighting treatment means you can go straight from your workout to dinner. toadandco.com 2. KAVU Breaker shell $70 Versatility makes a windbreaker per -fect summer casualwear, and the Breaker takes it up a notch with stretchy fabric, contrasting colors, and a chest pocket. But what really sold us on this polyester shell was the soft, polished exterior. kavu.com 3. Tracksmith Longfellow shorts $90 Finally, running shorts you won’t be embarrassed to wear to brunch. But don’t let the casual features—button fly, slim fit—fool you: the Longfellow is as teched out as it…

UPGRADE 1. Herbivore Botanicals Bamboo Charcoal bar soap $10 Activated bamboo charcoal sucks up bacteria, toxins, and microparticles without absorbing into the skin. herbivore botanicals.com 2. Badger Balm for Hardworking Hands salve $8 Badger uses olive oil as the base, for a healthy dose of hydration and vitamin E. badger balm.com 3. Ursa Major Essential face wipes $24 (for 20) Using a blend of aloe, witch hazel, willowbark extract, birch sap, and bamboo, these single-use wipes moisturize your skin while exfoliating and cleansing, so you won’t feel dried out. ursamajorvt.com 4. Molton Brown Thermal Muscle Soak bath crystals $30 Don’t be alarmed when these crystals turn your hot bath kelly green. A soak in the woodsy-scented water soothes tired muscles and makes you feel like you just woke up from…

FIELD TESTED BEST FOR: Mellow Exploration 1. Bogs Hudson Rubber Flip $25 With the deepest footbed (17 millimeters) we’ve ever seen in a flip-flop, the Hudson felt plush while gripping our soles. The latter factor added confidence during soggy scrambles. Molded from the same rubber that Bogs uses on its work shoes, it will endure seasons of rafting. bogsfootwear.com BEST FOR: Keeping Your Grip 2. Helly Hansen Trysail $100 Don’t be suckered by the deck-shoe look: the water-shedding mesh upper and tightly locked-in fit system made the Trysail excellent for stand-up paddleboarding. One tester took it out in overhead surf and was astounded by how well it gripped the board without sticking. hellyhansen.com BEST FOR: Multidiscipline Boaters 3. Sperry Kingfisher 2 $140 The Kingfisher 2 juked like a trainer and…

FIELD TESTED 1. Altra Superior 2.0 $110 If you have wide feet, take heart: the Superior was the broadest shoe in our test. The roomy fit and spongy, zero-drop ride felt best on mellow trails with predictable footfalls. On technical routes, it was too loose to offer precision or much protection. It’s a boon to runners who prefer a low-to-the-ground, minimal feel and loads of toe splay. 7.5 oz; zero drop; altrarunning.com 2. Inov-8 Race Ultra 270 $120 The Race Ultra is the ultimate mountain-runner’s shoe. The firm, low-riding midsole and subdued, stable lug pattern are made for high-efficiency agility efforts. We liked the women-specific fit, although it’s a bit wide, so narrow feet may slosh on downhills. 9.5 oz; 4 mm drop; inov-8.com 3. Nike Wildhorse 2 $110 The…

UPGRADE 1. Specialized Grail Short Finger gloves $35 Instead of multiple small pads, the Grail Short Finger has a single teardropshaped cushion on the palm that keeps hands feeling fresh without affecting bike handling. The faux leather is supple and grippy but not especially durable. specialized.com 2. Velocio Breton jersey $169 Cycling legend Kristy Scrymgeour founded Velocio to make women’s bike apparel that looks great and performs. The Breton combines an athletic fit and breathable, honeycombed side panels with classy lines and sweet colors. velocio.cc 3. Specialized S-Works Prevail helmet $225 The vents and air channels dump heat so well, this racing lid felt like a personal fan. The women-specific fit thoughtfully accommodates a ponytail. specialized.com 4. Giro Ride Halter bibs $150 Bibs are great—until nature calls. These bottoms eliminate…

ESSENTIALS 1. Seea Capitola bikini $125 Women’s surfing brand Seea makes retro swimsuits with an edge. The cross back on the Capitola doesn’t cut into your neck like on a lot of suits, and the braided detailing on the straps is attractive. theseea.com 2. In Blue Handmade Bicycle journal $25 In Blue’s leather goods are created in North Carolina, and the craftsmanship shines through. This paperback-size notebook safeguards sketches and inspired musings. inbluehandmade.com 3. Nau Slight shirt $145 Styled to look like a classic buttondown, but cut from polyester ripstop with a waterproof DWR coating, the Slight is both a cute, casual top and a slick lightweight layer. nau.com 4. Volcom Straight Laced dress $50 A shift dress is great for the road. It’s easy to pack, it goes with…

UPGRADE 1. Vimmia Jolt Zip Hooded vest $124 Vimmia has been spotted on everyone from model Joan Smalls to yoga instructors. We love the fit and comfort of this edgy, gym-inspired vest. vimmia.com 2. Lucas Hugh Core Performance leggings $240 Mesh near the thighs kept us cool, pockets eased the transitioned from yoga studio to lunch, and reflective details made them a great choice for night runs. lucashugh.com 3. Lucas Hugh Astor tank $130 This top was designed with floor exercises in mind. No seams, clasps, or tags means no painful wear spots during crunch sets. Stylized mesh panels add ventilation without screaming “athletic wear.” lucashugh.com 4. Prana Mabel scarf $34 A scarf is the easiest way to dress up your workout uniform. We like the Mabel for its soft…

UPGRADE 1. Bic ACE-Tec Performer SUP $1,150 The 26-pound ACETec is happy cruising lakes, running river rapids, and paddling into an overhead set. The 31.5-inch width and refined rocker deliver glide in flatwater, and the three-fin thruster setup surfs well in a range of conditions. 10'6" and 11'6"; bicsup.com 2. Spy Allure sunglasses $130 The lenses on these polarized shades maximize the transmission of good rays, boosting clarity and color contrast while (Spy claims) improving your mood and alertness. spyoptic.com 3. Chaco OutCross Evo 2 shoes $110 The breathable, quick-drying mesh upper keeps your feet cool and blister-free, while the grippy rubber outsole won’t slip on even the wettest surfaces. chacos.com 4. Patagonia Reversible Cutback top $55 Patagonia’s nylonspandex bikini top has a generous band under the bust that prevents…

Some years, trailshoe technology is pretty stagnant. But this year there’s no shortage of stuff to talk about. For one, a number of brands are using Gore-Tex Surround, an enveloping new waterproof protection that allows heat and moisture to vent in all directions, even through the sole. Arc’teryx, the high-end Cana dian apparel company, has taken a step into footwear, and its inaugural line offers progressive features like a tongueless design and a laminated one-piece upper. And while rockered shoes have been around for a while, Salewa’s Speed Ascent is the most extreme example we’ve seen. With so much change coming so fast, there’s a lot to consider, but that also makes it a great time to invest in a new pair or hikers. GEAR OF THE YEAR Salewa Speed…

Two factors are driving innovation in sleeping-bag design. One is the price of down sky rocket ing over the past six years as supply has dropped (the fea thers are a byproduct of the food industry and, worldwide, folks are eating less fowl) and demand has grown. This dynamic has spurred companies to develop more down-like synthetic fills and to combine down and synthetic insulation in the same bag. Meanwhile, designers are making sleeping bags a lot more comfortable, adding room where it matters and moving zippers or nixing them altogether. As for the old down-versus-synthetic choice, almost all down is now treated to be water- resistant, but the fundamental differ ences remain unchanged: down is more expensive, more compressible, and warmer per ounce, while synthetic filling is more affordable…

DRAWING BOARD Travis Burke, videographer for GrindTV, Outside Online, and commercial clients, humbly suggests that getting great footage is all about mixing up perspectives. With a GoPro, you need multiple attachments and a fertile imagination. Here, he shares his favorite mounts and how to use them creatively. GoPro Chesty $40 WHY: “You get this amazing angle, regardless of the sport, where you see the shooter’s hands,” Burke says. “It makes viewers feel like they’re participants.” HOW: Aim the lens at the farthest horizon line and use GoPro’s smartphone app to preview your framing. “You want to be able to ‘feel’ where it’s aimed,” says Burke, “so it’s in line with your gaze at all times.” CAMERA SETTING: 1440p; max frames per second. GoPro Handlebar/Seatpost/Pole Mount $20 WHY: This small clamp…

UPGRADE 1. Leatt 3DF Air Flex elbow and knee pads $79 and $99 Finally, guards made for all-day wear. The sleeves are so breathable, they feel like warmers, and the six-millimeterthick gel pads are soft until impact, at which point they turn rigid. leatt.com 2. Sombrio Vagabond Riding shirt $99 Though it looks and feels like our trusty old flannel top, this long-sleeve jersey is cut from a soft, breathable woven syn thetic that moved with us on the bike and shrugged off errant branches. The underarm vents dump heat nicely, while the hidden side pockets hold all the essentials. sombriocartel.com 3. Zoic Ether shorts $80 Everything you want in all-mountain shorts—knee-length inseam, room for pads, two cargo side-zip pockets for a phone and snacks, and a durable face fabric—with…

ESSENTIALS 1. Kitsbow Drifter jeans $230 Though it looks like a classic pair of five pocket jeans, the Drifter has loads of clever, bike-specific details. We love the hidden articulation in the knee for flex, the Lycra and nylon for durability and stretch, and the reflective print on the inside left leg. kitsbow.com 2. De Marchi Tradition shirt $159 The Tradition’s cotton weave is soft and the styling dapper, but what we really love about this woven jersey are the subdued rear pockets, which honor its cycling heritage. demarchi.com 3. Chrome Industries Mirko shoes $85 Built with a rubber sole that’s heatforged onto the canvas upper, this tough urban sneaker will tolerate years of rolling to work. The reflective heel is a nice touch. chrome industries.com 4. Smith Lowdown sunglasses…

How does one avoid drowning under the massive wave of new wearable tech devices flooding the market? Start by weighing your excitement for the features of a gadget against how well it talks with your favorite apps and sensors, like heartrate straps and power meters. Rule of thumb: a device that shares data with a range of platforms will receive more updates, reducing the likelihood that it will suddenly become obsolete. Decide if you want a daily tracker (steps, sleep, overall activity) or a serious fitness tool to collect performance data—there’s nothing that does both well yet. Finally, don’t shop online. If a device doesn’t look and feel the way you thought it would, it will become a fancy paperweight. GEAR OF THE YEAR Withings Activité Pop $150 Most trackers…

UPGRADE 1. Skullcandy Chops $50 The Chops pump out full-range audio with deep bass. The ear clips keep them dependably in place, and the tangle-free cord adds durability, though we heard some crackling from a loose connection. As with all the models here save for the Underwater Audio, a mike in the cable lets you take calls without breaking stride. skullcandy.com 2. Normal Earphones $199 You order these exciting newcomers via a smartphone app that captures images of your ears. A custom pair is then 3-D-printed and shipped to you. Unlike premium, molded earphones, these don’t sit deep inside your ear canal (which is risky for your hearing), but they do slot nicely into place. They’re also some of the best- sounding ’buds we’ve ever heard. nrml.com 3. Outdoor Tech…

Paddle boarding, in its modern incarnation, is only about ten years old. But in people years, that’s more like 26. My point: SUP is maturing. It has graduated from college, fallen in and out of love, landed and quit a couple of jobs. Recently, there’s been consolidation in the industry, with some manufacturers disappearing. You can find lots of SUPs on Craigs list. Meanwhile, innovation hasn’t slowed. Touring and racing boards are getting sleeker; surf-minded SUPs are getting shorter and wider. Designers continue to focus less on the sport’s wave-riding roots and more on day touring, fitness, and weekend racing—and our picks for the best new boards for 2015 reflect that attitude. Change is good. GEAR OF THE YEAR Surftech Saber $1,199 There are faster, prettier SUPs out there, but…

ESSENTIALS 1. Nike Dri-Fit tank $65 Ventilated with mesh panels along the bra line and down the back, this fast-drying, seamless top is our go-to on hot days. Nike cut it long to prevent riding and added reflective details for low-light runs. nikerunning.com 2. Patagonia Nine Trails shorts $65 Named after a series of California trails, these shorts are made for going long. Gusseted panels offer more range of motion than most split shorts, and the recycled polyester is DWR treated to repel water when the weather turns. patagonia.com 3. Blk. Alkaline Fulvic Trace mineral water $2 Yes, it’s a little strange, hydrating with a jet black liquid, but this mineral water is packed with electrolytes. Fulvic minerals come from plants and are thought to contain important nutrients, while the…

UPGRADE 1. Leatherman Signal multitool $120 Leatherman’s 7.5-ounce Signal houses all the tools you’d expect—saw, pliers, bottle opener—plus a few you wouldn’t (emergency whistle!). The diamond coated sharpener and fire- starting ferro rod might seem like overkill, but you never know. leatherman.com 2. Wild $16 Cheryl Strayed’s bestselling memoir is out in paperback, and at 8.6 ounces it’s a completely justifiable backpacking accessory. Plus, Strayed’s solo adventure along the Pacific Crest Trail might inspire you to embark on your own journey. cherylstrayed.com 3. Icebreaker Sphere SS Low Crew Stripe T-shirt $80 Eighty bucks might seem pricey for a tee, but the Sphere might be the only one you ever need. Constructed from blended merino wool and Tencel (made from sustainably harvested wood), it breathes incredibly well, dries fast, and won’t…

Scenes from our 2015 bike test in Tucson, Arizona, where 106 riders rolled 74 bikes on pavement and trail over seven days.…