Product: Hardcore Travel Gear
Manufacturer:
Wired Rating: 0
1. Black Diamond Ion
Blinding, tiny, and tough, this headlamp is impervious to almost any abuse and cheap enough that you won’t care if you lose it (until you need it).
$20, blackdiamondequipment.com
2. Leica Ultravid 8 x 20 BR
The best compact binoculars we’ve ever used: water-resistant and burly, with a bright, clear image.
$700, leica-camera.com
3. Keen Powerline
These kicks handle hours of foot pounding on tough trails and urban streets. But flashy styling screams, “I am a rich tourist. You should rob me.”
$100, keenfootwear.com
4. Osprey Atmos 35
Well-designed pack lets you comfortably carry more crap than you probably should. Too bad the front pocket’s stretchy skin tears easily.
$160, ospreypacks.com
5. SteriPEN Adventurer
This purifier uses UV light to make even polio-infested water Evian-safe in 48 seconds. The optional solar-paneled case, however, takes up to five days to charge the batteries.
$180, steripen.com
6. ExOfficio Clothing With Insect Shield
The bug-proofing built into apparel from socks to shirts keeps mosquitoes away, but the retirement-chic aesthetic repels people under 50.
$36, exofficio.com
7. Spot Satellite GPS Messenger
Uploads your location to an online map every 10 minutes, letting friends (or rescue teams) follow your moves. Warning: The 911 button is easy to hit by mistake.
$170, findmespot.com
8. Iridium 9555
This sat-phone always gets a signal (outside), but the grayscale screen, belabored SMS (no T9!), and lack of Web access make a local SIM a better option.
$1,595, iridium9555.com
9. Canon Powershot D10
This dunkable and droppable digicam falls down when faced with indoor shots. Unpocketable shape was the real deal-breaker for us.
$330, canon.com
10. Timex Expedition WS4
What’s worse than not having a compass? Having a compass that is consistently wrong. Like the one on this otherwise very cool watch. Thanks for getting us lost, Timex.
$200, timex.com
Product: D-Fender
Manufacturer: Ortlieb
Wired Rating: 7
Messenger bags are de rigueur in the bike lane, but they can be hell on your neck and shoulders. Ortlieb’s touring knapsack totes your load in comfort, with superior weight distribution and foam pads that channel airflow across your back. The rubberized shell has a water-resistant zipper that faces your body for rain protection—smart, but a pain to access on the fly.
Product: One Way
Manufacturer: Raleigh
Wired Rating: 7
Think the threat of layoffs is stressful? So is traffic. This elegant single-speed with vintage styling isn’t just the belle of the bike rack; its comfy Brooks saddle, freewheelin’ rear hub, and relaxed geometry guarantee a civil commute. Just leave plenty of time to get to work—with a heavy steel frame, the only place this bike goes fast is downhill.
Product: Bike to Work Pants
Manufacturer: Cordarounds
Wired Rating: 6
Visibility is vital, but you don’t have to dress in neon green to be seen. These slacks are lined with a fabric that reflects light when you roll up the cuffs. The material also resists tearing or staining, should you brush against the chain. Scotchlite on the inner seams and flip-out pockets further boosts your lumens.