The Osprey Switch 26 is the perfect pack for the powder-passionate. Whether you’re hiking in the backcountry for a day or hopping on the first lift up the mountain, this pack has everything you need and nothing you don’t.

The switch has a sleeve for a Camelback-like hydration system, a place to keep avalanche beacons and other electronics separate from wet clothes and other gear, and a protective pouch in the top compartment for your goggles.

Another thing we like about this pack is that it’s got a very lightweight waist strap equipped with small pockets so you can access sunblock, chapstick or a flask of whiskey–without taking off the pack and reaching into the main compartment.

$129 | BUY

Photos, music and video, this sexy little gadget has got it all–and a lot of it. You’d be hard pressed to fill up all 80 GB with music and photos–we’re talking in the neighborhood of 14,000 songs and 1000 high res photos! So why not throw some movies on there; with the bright, wide screen, and increased battery life, this iPod will get you through everything from the boring layover at JFK to the 30 hour bus ride through Peru. Make sure to grab a case to keep it dry and in one piece; this is a gadget you want to get some mileage out of, but it’s worth every penny.

$240 | BUY

The Petzl TacTikka Plus Headlamp is your best bet if you’re in the market for a great, versatile, lightweight headlamp. This thing weighs 2.5 ounces, burns bright for 150 hours on AAA batteries and is completely waterproof, making it the most reliable headlamp on the market. Instead of using one big ’spot light’ lamp, it’s made with four powerful little LEDs, giving you a broad source of light perfect for climbing, cycling or setting up camp. There are three brightness settings so you can crank it up to charge up the trail in complete darkness or use the red fold-down lens to read a book in your tent.

$42.95 | BUY

The Nikon Coolpixs S50c 7.2 Megapixel Digital Camera is an excellent choice for any trip. We’ve taken this thing from Bangkok to Bogotá and all I can do is rave about it.

The lowlight setting which eliminates flash and reduces shutter speed, takes amazing shots in twilight conditions and both the 3X optical zoom and digital VR Optical Image Stabilization allow you to get sharp shots when you or the subject are on the move.

It’s got a huge, bright 3 inch LCD screen and if you want to go huge, the new ones even have built in Wi-Fi.

This camera is easy to use, lightweight, and a sexy addition to your bag of travel gear. It has come down a lot in price in the last couple months and is actually quite a bit cheaper than comparable models from other brands.

$169.95 | BUY

All Red Hot projects raise money to fight HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa and all over the world, but never has there been a more appropriate Red Hot tribute than this one dedicated to the music of Afrobeat founder Fela Kuti, the Nigerian legend who died from AIDS-related complications in 1997. Fela’s music has been refashioned and remixed, together here with some of today’s most gifted artists, nearly 40 in all, covering a broad musical spectrum: hip-hop (Blackalicious, Roots), jazz (Roy Hargrove, Archie Shepp); soul (Sade, D’Angelo), Afrobeat (Tony Allen, Femi Kuti), world music (Baaba Maal, Jorge Ben), electronic music (Mixmaster Mike, Money Mark) and rock (Nile Rodgers). It’s fun to hear all of these artists mix in their own styles with the god father of Afrobeat, himself since many of them have undoubtedly been heavily influenced by his music.

$18.98 | BUY

Girls love this Petzl Women’s Luna Harness because in addition to the signature Petzl DoubleBack buckles, it’s got easily adjustable leg loops and perforated foam padding around the waist that makes it super comfortable. This is a versatile harness, which works with multiple layers in the cold, or shorts when it’s hot, will keep you safe and comfy at the climbing gym or in any outdoor environment.

$79.95 | BUY