Leki World Cup Super G poles

Everybody is a downhill racer at heart. So why not use the poles that the big boys use? The World Cup Super G poles are sleek, light and fast! The aluminum shafts have a 3D bend to enhance their aerodynamic performance and light but functional cone baskets. Sizes range from 48 to 140 cm and the poles have a two-year warranty against shaft breakage. My husband is a "born-again" ski racer and swears they take seconds off his Super G time. $130, leki.com, (800) 255-9982 - NPB

Outdoor Research Summit Sack

Perfection is rare, but OR has achieved it with the Summit Sack. The bag was designed as a waterproof storage sack for sleeping bag and clothing. Your stuff stays dry in the soggiest of conditions (even submerged!). But, the pack's real beauty shines through as a lightweight summit sack for moving fast in the mountains. The Hydroseal coated Antron nylon is waterproof (and durable), seams are taped, and the top rolls down and secures with an efficient double buckle. The four compression straps convert to shoulder straps and hip belt (the ones you sling over your shoulders have a thin layer of foam). The 12.2-oz pack has functioning ice axe loops and easy-to-access side mesh pockets. At 1,885 cubic inches, it can hold a small bivi bag, insulating jacket, small amount of gear and food. $59;
outdoorresearch.com, (888) 467-4327
- NPB

Smith Variant Brim Helmet

Ski slopes are so crowded these days, it's crazy not to wear a helmet. Thankfully, they've gotten lighter, sleeker, and more comfortable. Smith's new Variant Brim has a strong, lightweight shell and a soft liner that doesn't get hot and sweaty. There's adjustable ventilation for 16 vents - each of which have three settings. The helmet is designed to work with Smith goggles to reduce fogging and control head temperature. $150. Pair the helmet with the Phenom goggle for a seamless integration between both pieces of gear. The Phenom has a Vaporator lens gasket that makes for an indestructible barrier between the inner and outer lens to prevent fogging. The series of small vents located on the brow of the helmet that channel through the vent space and act as a vacuum to pull air up through the goggle and out the top of the helmet as you speed down the hill. $115-$170;
smithoptics.com,
(208) 726-4477 - NPB

Ibex Ultimate Guide Sweater

The Ultimate Guide is a man's sweater - sexy, macho, soft on the inside, handsome on the outside. The brushed merino wool is soft, supple, and best of all, machine washable. There's a half-zip T-neck and zippered chest pocket and the cut is athletic - good for broad shoulders and narrow hips. The Ultimate Guide is built for backcountry use, but is just as comfortable around the house or at work. $190; ibexwear.com, (800) 773-9647 - NPB

Deuter Razor 18 Pack

The Razor 18 pack is built specifically for snowboarding, skiing and snowshoeing but I admit to having no such fun during my test - no snow! However, running and biking in the pack showed me the pack is responsive - and liberating - during vigorous activity. Built into the pack is a fleece-lined goggle pocket, tool loops, removable helmet holder, a protector plate, panel access, two front lift pockets, a whistle on the sternum strap and, to strap in skis or a board, a front-compression system. $$139; deuter.com, (303) 652-3102 - JN

Big Agnes Big House Tent

The Big Agnes Big House has lightweight aluminum poles that are color-coded to make setup easy. The tent is a snap to erect, with three poles that utilize sleeves and plastic clips to attach the tent. In addition to two big doors, there's a generous poly-vinyl skylight. Kids and parents both appreciate the 12 mesh floor pockets and exterior welcome mat that captures dirt before it reaches the tent. The body is a light, but super-durable 75D polyester rip-stop with 1500 waterproof PU coating. The Big House 6 (sleeps six people comfortably) weighs 13 lbs, 10 ozs and offers a whopping 90 square feet of floor space (with 75" of height). Spend the extra $110 for the vestibule - it adds 64 square feet of territory to stash gear (and kids) when the weather is bad! $359; bigagnes.com,
(877) 554-8975
- NPB

Black Diamond Whiz

For unauthorized bedtime reading, camping, or playing flashlight tag after dark, kids love headlamps. While most adult-sized headlamps are too heavy and awkward for children, the Whiz is specifically designed for the younger (and smaller) crowd. The egg-sized headlamp weighs less than 2 ozs, and comes with an easy-to-attach elastic strap. The off/on switch is built for fumbling fingers, and features three simple settings - off, on and strobe. The best feature is that the Wiz turns itself off after an hour of use . . . so you don't have to worry about that after lights-out inspection. $18; bdel.com, (801) 278-5552 - NPB

Krieg Bike Bags

Sam Krieg started sewing custom chalk bags for climbers a half-dozen years ago. His bags have become cult classics, and his reputation for terrific designs and an unending variety of fabric colors, textures and patterns have attracted athletes from other sports. This year, Krieg Cycling was launched, with the Bennie, a hand-crafted bike tool bag as the inaugural product. The Bennie is 6.5" x 3" x 2.5" and its 40-cubic-inch interior has enough room for a tube, CO2 cartridge, snack and key chain. From pink faux fur to skull-and-bones prints, there's a bag to fit any
personality. $18.50; kriegcycling.com,
(866) 551-1117 - NPB