Photo: Spyder

Welcome the winter season this year with the Spyder Exo Link Ski Glove.

The two most important parts of a ski glove are fit and movement. The glove has to perform and act like an extension of your hand. I took this glove on a test run during these past few winter storms in South Lake Tahoe, California.

Needless to say, I forgot I was wearing gloves. The Spyder EXO Link Ski Glove truly made a difference for me.

The Spyder Exo Link Ski Glove is designed to fit the dimensions of the human hand. It has a natural contouring curve to the glove, resulting in a perfect fit. The EXO link combines welding and fit construction that align the hand with natural movements.

The glove itself is insulated with Thinsulate and constructed with a three layer stretch material. The insulation is also lined with x-Static silver fiber, which keeps the hand warm. Protected and lined with Gore-Tex, your hands are guaranteed to be dry all winter long.

Other features include:

* Adjustable wrist strap
* Waterproof zipper cuffs with gusset
* EXO welded construction reduces internal bulk
* Mid length cuff gauntlet
* Dura Hyde leather palm
* Soft brushed lining
* Pre-curved articulated fit
* Elasticized wrist
* Soft chamude nose wipe on thumb
* GORE-TEX® HP waterproof/breathable insert

Cost: $125.00| Where to buy: Spyder

Photo courtesy of Emiliano Granado

Photo: Outlier

Rain or shine. I ride my bike everyday. I’m not a fan of wearing capris or bike shorts especially, if I’m heading to work.

My life changed when I discovered the Outlier 4Season OG Pant earlier.

These are your everyday ride to work-market-bar-date-lunch-dinner-breakfast-coffee pants. The Outlier 4Season OG Pants were built to withstand rigorous riding conditions.

At first glance, they look like a regular pair of slacks. However, looks can be deceiving and these pants were designed for durability and resistance. Clean cut, water and coffee resistant, they are perfect for your everyday commutes to work and late night rendezvous.

The OG pants are breathable, wick away moisture, repel rain, and are stretchable. They’re constructed from Schoeller Dryskin fabric, which is the same material as your soft shell jackets. The material doesn’t wrinkle, and will dry within minutes when saturated with water. These pants are tough and durable on the exterior, and extremely comfortable on the inside.

The four way stretch is good enough for your massive calves and sleek enough to wear straight to a boardroom meeting.

Your board members will never know you’ve just jammed a 5-mile loop on your coffee break.

Cost: $180 | Where to buy: Outlier

PACT is more than just a underwear company selling sexy thongs and boxer briefs.

PACT’s motto is: “Change starts with your underwear.” Underwear is something most of us wear everyday. Every PACT underwear is participating in a social movement. With every underwear purchase, its consumer supports organic cotton farmers and responsible businesses that are involved with making a positive impact in the world.

Photo: PACT

Their underwear is made from the highest quality of organic Turkish cotton. Each garment is laced with 5% elastane providing the perfect amount of stretch. Not only is it designed by world-renown designer, Yves Behar, it’s constructed to be worn everyday.

Wearing PACT underwear will leave you feeling completely sustainable and responsible. They are also shipped in reusable fabric bags.

Feeling good yet? Wait till you try them on.

When you purchase a pair of PACT underwear, 10% of the proceeds goes towards Forest Ethics, 826 National, Oceana, or Global Green USA

Change into new pair of PACT’s, and help the world while you’re at it.

Cost: $18 | Where to buy: PACT

Photo: Leatherman

The Leatherman Wave is a classic multi-tool.

Simple to use, loaded with 17 tools, and dependable, I carry my Leatherman around everywhere. I have one in my car, in my backpack, and one for the house.

The tools on the Leatherman are designed for efficiency. Every tool is strong enough to do the job intended and light enough to carry around. The Leatherman Wave is the definition of multipurpose. Designed to save weight, maybe even your life.

The Wave is 4 inches long, weighs in at 8.5 ounces, and has a 2.9 inch blade.

When it was redesigned in 2004, Leatherman gave it a larger blade, stronger pliers, longer wire cutters, and locking blades.

Here are the specs:

* 420HC Clip Point Knife
* 420HC Sheepsfoot Serrated Knife
* Needlenose Pliers
* Regular Pliers
* Wire Cutters
* Hard-wire Cutters
* Wire Stripper
* Large Screwdriver
* Large Bit Driver
* Small Bit Driver
* Scissors
* Wood/Metal File
* Diamond-coated File
* Saw
* Bottle Opener
* Can Opener
* 8 in | 19 cm Ruler

The following bits are also included: Phillips and Flat Tip Eyeglasses Screwdriver Bit, Phillips #1-2 and 3/16″ Bit

Perfection in four inches. Did I mention, it comes with a 25 year warranty?

Cost: $85 | Where to buy: REI

Photo courtesy of react0rhh

Times are tough and money is tight. It’s hard to justify spending cash these days on extra gear and jackets. However, if you’re currently researching warm winter jackets, you don’t have to break the piggy bank to keep warm.

First on the lineup is the Burton Process Premium Hoodie:

Photo: Burton

This sleek, super low profile hoodie is perfect for the days that aren’t cold enough. The hoodie works wonders in the morning for walking to the coffee shop, before heading to work, or walking the dog in the evening.

Since it’s constructed from 100% cotton, it’s soft and extremely comfortable. It has a slim fit, so choose your size wisely. Best part about it? Deep, zippered hand warming pockets, drawstring hoodie, and Sherpa fleeced lined hood.

Keep the head warm, keep the body warm.

Cost: $75 | Where to buy: Burton

Next up is the Dakine Turbine Mock:

Photo: Dakine

Technically, this is a fleece not a soft shell. However, it has a smooth polyester outer layer which fights off wind while keeping the fleece resistant to water for those misty hikes. It has a full zipper, which is good for rocking the jacket open faced while inside your local neighborhood pub. Zip it all the way up without covering the entire neck.

It also features a stealthy upper chest zipped pocket for storing those phone numbers from pursuers–of the jacket.

Cost: $80 | Where to buy: Dakine

Last on the list is the Cloudveil Traverse 1/2 Zip:

Photo: Cloudveil

It’s time to replace that fleece you bought at the Disneyland souvenir shop with the Traverse 1/2 Zip.

No frills. No Whistles. 1/2 Zipper? Yes.

Simple, good on its own, and perfect for layering.

This lightweight isothermic fleece can be worn for all your outdoor activities, or while shopping for used gear at garage sales. Designed not to be overly technical keeps the cost down without sacrificing warmth and performance.

Its soft, attractive material means people will not stop touching you.

Cost: $80 | Where to buy: Cloudveil

Photo: Speck

The Speck Candy Shell Case has mastered the ultimate combination of flexibility and protection with a two-layer protection system.

The case has a soft rubbery interior lining that insulates the iPhone from accidents, drops, and everyday abuse. The outer layer is a hard shell that protects it from scratches and allows the phone to easily slip into your pocket.

I’ve gone through four different cases before I went with a Speck case. I had two silicon cases which ripped within a few months and collected lint and dust better than a Swiffer pad. When the silicon cases failed me, I decided to try out the hard shells. They were durable, sleek, and clean.

However, when you dropped it, the case would explode on impact.

When I found out about the Speck, I knew I had found the perfect case for me. It’s durable, lightweight, sleek, impact resistant, and well designed.

Below are some specs for your Speck:

* Fits iPhone 3G & iPhone 3GS
* Includes cleaning cloth and removable screen protector film for extra scratch resistance
* Openings to all ports, controls and sensors
* Available in four colors

Tip: Candyshell Removal Video

Cost: $35 | Where to buy: Speck

Photo: Smartwool

Wool is an amazing product. It insulates when wet, wicks moisture away from the skin, and naturally prevents odor from building up in the fibers.

I recently got my hands on the Smartwool NTS Midweight Crew made from 100% Merino wool, and took it out on a day hike up to Mt. Tamalpais, just north of San Francisco this past holiday weekend. The wind was steadily blowing and chilling the air up a bit.

On the 10 mile loop up to Mt. Tamalpais, I began to see the wonderful properties of merino wool. It is soft right out of the box and is ready to stand up to your adventures.

One of the most important aspects of wool is its ability to manage body temperature. It kept the moisture off my back from the heat of my backpack and kept my upper body warm from gusting wind. Even though it was wet from the sweaty hike, it allowed me to hike comfortably even when the wind was blowing.

I wore my Smartwool NTS Midweight for five days straight, finally taking it off after the hike. It stayed odor free and dried quickly from my morning bike rides around the city.

Best of all, none of my friends knew I was wearing the same shirt five days in a row.

Tip: Don’t forget about your feet: Try a pair of the 4-degree fit Smartwool PhD Socks with wool-on-wool technology to reduce abrasion and shock.

Your feet will thank you.

Cost: $75 | Where to buy: Smartwool

Photo: Oakley

There is nothing more important than wearing the correct goggles when you’re on the slope. The Oakley Polarized A Frames is the standard in goggles: Clean, unsurpassed clarity, and lusciously comfortable.

Snow glare is harsh.

Especially when the sun is reflecting the light directly unto your eyes. Without the proper lens and tint, the glare can affect your riding. A remedy is Oakley polarized lenses.

According to Oakley, “Conventional polarized lenses reduce glare but they also cloud your vision with haze and distortion. Oakley utilizes a liquid infusion process to achieve molecular level bonding with the polarizing filter.”

To summarize: No more haze and no more distortion.

Oakley’s High Definition Optics also eliminates fog, and allows the air to flow through. In addition, the A-Frame is constructed from a flexible urethane compound, and is lined with a triple-layer foam that wicks away moisture and provides the adequate cushion for the forehead. The most comfortable goggles on the market.

Do your eyes a favor this winter season and invest in a pair.

Tip: Get a couple of different lenses and be prepared for any condition.

Cost: $180.00 | Where to buy: Oakley

Photo: Patagonia

Some people have a “to-do” list, while others have “books-to-read” lists. Well, I have added a new jacket to my continually growing list of winter shells: Patagonia Powder Bowl Jacket.

For me, there’s nothing more exciting than waking up in the morning and taking a look outside the window to find a blanket of fresh snow, blue skies, and the endless possibilities of first tracks.

However, there is nothing more frustrating than being out on a powder day and ill equipped. An essential to a winter apparel quiver is the right shell and strategic base layering. The Patagonia Insulated Powder Bowl Jacket, integrates the base layering portion by insulating the 2.5-layer waterproof/breathable shell with Thermogreen: a 90% recycled insulation.

The lining provides more freedom, keeping the layers together within a lining preventing shifting and build up in crucial areas ( i.e the armpit, neck, arms, etc. )

Built into the jacket are webbing loops that connect Patagonia ski/snowboard pants, a neck gasket, and helmet compatible hood. It also boasts a variety of pockets: one padded chest pocket for a cellphone/mp3 player, a pass holder, two hand warmers, and three internal pockets.

Tip: Try the jacket on before purchasing it. Size does matter and every jacket fits differently.

Cost: $425.00 | Where to buy: Patagonia

Photo: Ortlieb

Pack your work gear and ride your bike to work with Ortlieb’s Messenger Bag.

If simplicity is your thing, the Ortlieb Messenger Bag might be the perfect bike commuting pack. Designed with the rigorous standards for professional bike messengers, it’s durable enough for any commute.

It features a Velcro roll closure allowing for a flexible packing height. The bag fits closely to the body, and has large reflectors built in on the side and on the straps for early morning and evening commutes.

The bag also comes with optional accessories: cell phone, U-lock, walkie talkie holsters, and a sturdy document organizer.

Did I mention it’s waterproof? Don’t let the rain stop you.

Cost: $140 | Where to buy: Ortlieb

Photo: Black Diamond

New to the multi-hour-day-trip backpack lineup is Black Diamond’s Octane.

Designed for short to long technical day trips, it’s equipped with Black Diamond’s ergoACTIV suspension. The weight is distributed continuously throughout the shoulders and applied to the pivoting weight straps.

In other words, as one side gets longer, the other sides gets shorter allowing the weight to balance from the right to left. It’s the perfect backpack for trips along rough and uneven trails.

One main feature that stands out is the zipper is on the top which allows for an efficient way to pack and organize your gear.

Loaded with a breathable mesh on the hip belt and shoulder straps, it keeps the shoulder cushioned and also prevents moisture from accumulating around your shoulders. It’s hydration compatible, and can securely store your trekking poles and ice axe.

Specs and Sizing:
30L (size L)
28L (size M)

Fits Torso Length :
50-57 cm, 19.5-23.5 in (size L)
45-52 cm, 17.5-20.5 in (size M)

Average Stock Weight :
1.22 kg, 2 lb 11 oz (size L)
1.14 kg, 2 lb 8 oz (size M)

Ladies, Black Diamond didn’t forget about you. They’ve also designed a female-specific version called the Spark.

Price: $140 (Available, Spring 2010)| Where to buy: Black Diamond

Photo: Patagonia

Put this on your dream gear list. It’s on mine. The next time you’re investing in a wetsuit, you might want to visit your local Patagonia store.

Their wetsuits are unbelievable. I don’t own one, but I had the opportunity to try one myself during a cold fall session in Ocean Beach, San Francisco. The Patagonia neoprene is unlike any traditional neoprene on the market.

It’s lighter, softer, and more flexible. It’s made from the highest grade of Japanese neoprene and has a “98% closed-cell ratio, which adds dead air space and with it, warmth.”

Beneath the high grade neoprene is a thin layer or merino wool. The merino wool lining is brilliant. Extremely soft, it has the ability to keep the body warm even in frigid and wet conditions. Wool lining is a breakthrough in wetsuit development.

Ecologically speaking, the polyester is recycled, the wool is chlorine-free, and the PVC kneepads and neoprene are thinner than traditional wetsuits. More warmth, less neoprene. It’s not completely recycled, but Patagonia’s suits are one step closer to achieving sustainability and pushing the limits of product design.

Important wetsuit specs:
-R2 suits: 55 to 65 degrees. Cold
-R3 suits: 48 to 55 degrees. Super Cold
-R4 suits: 38 to 48 degrees. Frigid.

Needless to say. It’s the Ferraris of wetsuits. No expense is spared.

Price: Expensive | Where to buy: Patagonia Wetsuit Retailers

Photo: Iroda

The next time you’re out car camping or at a tailgate party, make sure you pack the Iroda O-Grill with you.

The Iroda O-Grill looks more like a spaceship than a grill. Inside this colorful module is a 225 sq. inch grilling surface, large enough to cook for at least 4 people at the same time.

The O-Grill weighs about 24 pounds and is extremely portable. It also stores well with its retractable legs. It can burn up to four hours with a standard propane cylinder and is capable of handling all your mobile cooking needs.

One thing you need to know: It features a 9450 BTU stainless steel burner and a cast iron grill.

This means you can fire up more than just burgers and hot dogs, and cook topnotch steaks too.

Price: $190 | Where to buy: Iroda

Photo: Smartwool

Socks often get overlooked. In fact, this soft piece of fabric is one of the most important pieces to any adventure.

Personally, I own nothing but Smartwool socks. I have a whole drawer full of dress socks, hiking socks, bike socks, running socks, and socks for life. Some women collect designer handbags while some men collect fancy wristwatches.

I collect socks.

One of my all time favorites is the Smartwool Adrenaline Light Mini which is the perfect combination running/biking/light-hiking/casual sock.

I own about ten pairs of these.

It’s a perfect blend of 67% merino wool, 32% nylon, and 1% elastic. The wool naturally wicks moisture away from feet while providing the added temperature control. The nylon provides the breathability we all desire out of a sock. The elastic offers support in critical areas: arch and heal.

So the next time those white cotton tube socks slow you down on your backpacking trip, spend the extra bucks and keep your feet happy.

Price: $16 | Where to buy: Smartwool