As always, I’m tasked with finding the best-in-show. Lots of great gear, but I’ve whittled it down to these.

The North Face FlashDry

With all the new latest waterproof/breathable fabrics on the market, there’s one thing that remains constant — water droplets. With all laminated fabrics from Gore-Tex, eVent, Polartec and the like, the most efficient way to transfer perspiration through them is in vapor form. Well, changing perspiration droplets into vapor takes time and that time is what makes you wet from the inside-out.

To combat this, The North Face has developed their new FlashDry™ technology and will be releasing it on nearly 100 items for Fall 2012. FlashDry will be a core part of several key new products as well as being added to many of their top-performing items.

A quick bit from The North Face on FlashDry:

The porous particles of FlashDry® work with your body to regulate temperature by accelerating moisture removal and dramatically improving dry time. Individually, articles with FlashDry™ outperform anything available on the market, but when worn together in a layering system with a baselayer, mid-layer and jacket, the dry time is even faster than when wearing alone.

The technical demo of the fabric was what wow’d me. Two fabric swatches (one with FlashDry and one without), a constant drip and a puddle under one and nothing under the other. The FlashDry fabric dried so quickly that the water never even had time to fully-saturate the fabric while the regular fabric soaked it up and allowed the water to puddle below. Amazing.

Look for FlashDry in a wide variety of products from base layers to hard-shells this Fall.

Patagonia Light Flyer Jacket

I’m always a fan of lightweight, breathable shells. For my activities of choice, I’m always leaning towards the breathable side of waterproof/breathable. With that in mind, Patagonia will introduce their 9.1 oz Light Flyer Jacket.

Intended as a weatherproof/breathable running shell, Gore Active will allow this jacket to battle anything Mother Nature dishes out while breathing like a champ. Breathability is aided by unique upper-arm vents to allow gobs of airflow. And when the unexpected becomes chilly and cold, the asymmetric cuffs feature built-in mittens to allow you to stay out longer.

Look for the Patagonia Light Flyer Jacket this Fall at a reasonable $279.

Garmont Cosmos Touring Boots

Lots of great new backcountry ski boots were on display, but the one that captured my attention and wrapped my foot in absolute comfort was the new Garmont Cosmos. Billed as the lightest 4-buckle boot on the market at 1450 grams, the Cosmos doesn’t just go for lightweight, it adds a dose of versatility and comfort to the mix.

While the competition does have some great boots, I have to give the nod to the Cosmos for its amazing comfort, supreme walkability with a full 65-degree cuff rotation and overall simplicity of the design. Constructed of 100% Gryllamid, it balances weight reduction with stiffness to make a winning design.

It doesn’t attempt to “out gadget” the competition, instead it provides a no-nonsense design that will withstand years of use and abuse in the backcountry. I loved the stiffness and walkability the most as it goes from a mountaineering boot to a vert-devouring machine in a jiffy. At $699, it’s not the cheapest in its class, but it is on par with the competition.

Black Diamond Covert Avalung Pack

Black Diamond has emerged from the Avalung recall with a vengeance. New materials and design changes highlight the lifesaving device and have it being built into an entirely-new backcountry ski pack lineup. The hero of the group is the Covert pack that sports a complete re-design.

Starting with the backside, the Covert now features floating shoulder straps to flow better with your natural skiing movements. Add on top of that new pivoting waistbelt and you’ve got what BD is calling their “Active Suspension Platform”. The covert now has a sleek new design and includes niceties such as a versatile helmet holder and soft-lined goggle pocket.

Columbia UltraChange Jacket

Gone are the Bugaboo’s of yesteryear, Columbia has some seriously-impressive stuff coming down the pipe. Tops on that list is the UltraChange Jacket. Ditching the bulky and heavy zip-in design, this two-piece shell keeps the system together with a few strategically-placed loops.

Built with strategic combinations of Omni-Wick Evap and Omni-Heat fabrics, the UltraChange impressed me with its fit and comfort in a way no other jacket has. The suppleness of the outer shell and the way the entire package felt like “one” while still remaining independent was truly unique.

Sierra Designs DriDown

From a young age in Seattle, I was told that down bags were a no-no in a wet climate, so I never experienced the wonderfulness of a down sleeping bag until moving to Utah. Now, that advice can be thrown out the window… Sierra Designs DriDown treats down feathers with a hydrophobic polymer treatment that keeps it dry 7-times longer than untreated down with 98% loft retention and 33% faster dry time. The demo says it all as these identical containers were allowing water to enter into the down feather side. One is soaked and the other side has retained its loft and is nearly dry.

DriDown will initially be available in sleeping bags this June at your local REI. Then, a series of DriDown jackets will be released in the Fall.

Merrell Hoffman Shirt Features:

• 100% polyester flannel
• Merrell Opti-Wick fabric for moisture transfer
• Weight: 16 oz (size large)
• 30” center back length
• Single left chest pocket
• Three color options: Boulder (tested), Michigan, and Lava Plaids
• MSRP $65

Merrell Hoffman Shirt Review

After a good hard winter’s workout, there’s nothing like slipping into a comfortable shirt to lounge around the house after your warm shower.  But what if you have to gather up some wood for the fire later, or take on a list of chores after watching the game?  In those cases, a shirt that can do double duty is doubly appreciated.

Merrell’s Hoffman shirt uses a midweight polyester fabric that is slightly coarser than cotton flannel, but still fairly comfortable against the skin.  The cut is perfect for layering over a T-shirt, but slim enough to wear under a jacket.  Warmth is reasonable for a midweight flannel, especially when worn as a top layer.

If you have to return to the active outdoors, no need to change clothes: Merrell’s Opti-wick technology moves sweat away from your skin, and allows the material to dry quickly afterward.  The fabric is durable enough for hiking, camping, or general outdoor activity; this year, the Hoffman was my shirt of choice for our annual Christmas tree cutting, as well as for sawing the tree apart after the holidays.  And when your work is over, you’re already in your comfortable shirt again.

Calico cat not included

Good Hoffman

• Durable fabric construction
• Effective moisture transfer

Bad Hoffman

• Less soft against the skin compared to cotton flannel

Bottom Line: Merrell Hoffman Shirt

Equally suitable for lounging in front of the TV or working outside in the yard, Merrell’s Hoffman is a versatile flannel option for kicking around the campfire or coasting your way through a weekend.

Buy Now: Visit Altrec.com

Icebreaker Tracer Pants Features:

• Icebreaker GT260 merino wool
• 97% merino wool, 3% Lycra fabric
• Elastic waist with interior drawcord
• Zippered front hand pockets
• Reflective zippers at back leg hem
• Flatlock seams
• MSRP $115

Icebreaker Tracer Pants Review

Icebreaker has become the standard bearer for merino wool performance apparel, with a wide inventory of products ideal for multi-sport use.  Merino wool provides natural breatheability, effective insulation even in wet conditions, and outstanding odor resistance – and Icebreaker’s fabric construction produces garment that feel very comfortable against the skin.

This spring Icebreaker introduced their GT Run apparel, a premium line designed specifically for runners, with loose-fitting shirts and shorts that deviated from the company’s original form-fitting garment options.  Earlier this fall they extended the GT line to include the Tracer pant, a sort-of form-fitting, sort-of loose pant that is equally suitable for hard workouts or lounging around the house after a long morning run.

The Tracer’s material construction consists of 97% merino wool and 3% Lycra to provide a small amount of stretchiness and full range of motion.  Thickness is classified as GT260 – with Icebreaker, higher numbers are thicker – making the Tracer great for cool weather, but not severe cold; my comfort range with these is anywhere from 50 degrees to just below freezing.  The material is thin enough to wear as a base layer, but the looser-than-normal fit (especially around the ankles) makes the Tracer more cumbersome than a pair of traditional base layer tights.

Elastic and drawstring waist; dual zippered pockets

Because they’re quick-drying, very comfortable, and naturally odor resistant, it’s easy to wear the Tracer for a run and keep them on for the rest of the day.  I give them equal duty as workout pants and “first thing I put on in the morning” sweatpants when rolling out of bed on my non-workout days.

Good Tracer

• Comfortable fabric
• Great breatheability
• Excellent odor resistance
• Dual-purpose fit for active or casual use

Bad Tracer

• Dual zippered pockets are slightly bulky for high-intensity running
• Not preferred for layering compared to tights

Bottom Line: Icebreaker Tracer Pants

With all-day comfort and good versatility for cool-to-cold use, Icebreaker’s Tracer pants are a great multi-purpose item for your autumn athletic wardrobe.

Buy Now: Visit Icebreaker.com

Patagonia Whino Lace Shoes Features:

• Polyester laces
• 100% polyester lining provides comfort and durability
• 70% recycled polyurethane footbed with 100% recycled polyester cover provides support and comfort
• 20% recycled EVA/rubber outsole provides lightweight cushioning combined with durability and traction on smooth, wet surfaces
• Medium/wide width, medium arch/instep
• Weight: 284 g (10 oz)
• Colors: Black, Retro Khaki, Dark Burlap, Henna Brown (tested)
• MSRP: $100

Patagonia Whino Lace Shoes Review

Over the years, I’ve been able to review a variety of footwear from Patagonia. The full shoe line has a ton to offer everyone from the serious trail runner to the serious lounger. This time around, I opted for a pair of everyday shoes. The Whino Lace Shoes have been awesome with only a few minor quibbles.

Lets talk about the construction of the Whino. The uppers are made from hemp (yes, hemp). You’re likely familiar with the characteristics of this material, but if you’re not, it’s a great material for footwear. It’s very durable, breathable and, if done right, is highly-sustainable. You know Patagonia is going to do things right.

Some shoes require minimal break-in, but keep in mind that the Whino Lace will get much more comfortable after several days of wear. The midsole and uppers just need a few miles to conform to your feet and give you the best experience. Now, after several months, the Whino’s provide serious comfort for all-day wear. I like the Henna Brown color with jeans and these shoes even hold their own with shorts.

The low-profile outsoles are siped for extra all-conditions traction. For the lack of tread, I’m surprised how grippy these shoes are. Wet pavement or loose terrain really doesn’t phase these much as I’ve enjoyed surprisingly-capable traction. It’s nice to have the outsoles be non-marking in case you want to enjoy a pick-up basketball game at the gym (I suppose).

As I’ve worn the Whino Lace’s on some long, warm days, I’ve loved how well they breathe. My feet tend to get pretty warm, but I’ve  stayed comfortable all day long.

The only real frustration with these shoes is the sizing. I tend to wear a 10.5 in Patagonia’s other casual shoes, but these are a tad long in a 10.5, which causes me to occasionally catch my toe on things. They do have a narrow fit, but also tend to run longer than I think they should.

Good Whino Lace

• Excellent mix of materials (with a nod to sustainability)
• Very comfortable for all-day wear
• Surprisingly-grippy in all conditions
• Show little wear after 4 months of extensive use
• Excellent styling

Bad Whino Lace

• Sizing is a little large (I’d size down a half size)
• Initial break-in period is a little long

Bottom Line: Patagonia Whino Lace Shoes

If you’re looking for a pair of outdoorsy casual shoes, the Patagonia Whino Lace is an excellent option for all-day comfort. Once broken-in, these offer a slipper-like fit and show little signs of wear after several months of extensive use.

Buy Now: Visit Backcountry.com

Merrell Darrien Jacket Features

• 100% polyester fabric
• Merrell Opti-Warm synthetic insulation
• DWR finish
• Dual hand pockets
• Internal zippered storage pocket
• Taffeta lining
• Adjustable drawcord hem
• 4 color options
• MSRP $119

Merrell Darrien Jacket Review

Merrell specializes in making highly functional outdoor apparel that is also very stylish for everyday casual use.  The Darrien is a perfect example, as illustrated by the following conversation I had with my wife as I was headed out the door to work one morning:

Wife:  I really like that jacket.

Me:  Yeah … it’s a new one.  I’m testing it for hiking.

Wife:  But it looks too nice for hiking!

So I guess one downside of the Darrien is that people on the trail might mistake you for someone who wandered away from the office for a while … but that’s not such a bad problem to have.

(And come to think of it, I am someone who wanders away from the office to hit the trail … only I usually change clothes first.)

On the trails ... or off to the rat race

The Darrien is constructed as a bomber-style jacket, with warmth provided by 100g of Merrell’s proprietary Opti-Warm insulation, and a very soft taffeta finish on the entire interior surface.  The external surface has good tear-resistance and a comfortably coarse finish, along with DWR coating that is sufficient to hold off light rainfall.

Silky taffeta interior lining; interior zip pocket

Fit of the jacket through the torso is slightly bulky, providing plenty of room for layering underneath, but which might be a problem if you’re hauling a day pack over the top of it. I’d love this jacket much more if it were just a little bit thinner, or if the torso cut was trimmed down just slightly.

Nevertheless, the combined comfort and warmth of this jacket is outstanding, and during a fall camping trip, the Darrien became an ideal “Wow, it got cold once the sun went down – I need to throw on something warm!” solution for whiling away the evening hours before climbing into the tent.

Good Darrien

• Very fashionable styling for trail or casual use
• Excellent insulation
• Comfortable overall feel

Bad Darrien

• Feels bulky underneath a backpack

Bottom Line: Merrell Darrien Jacket

Equally suited for winter hiking or cool-weather casual wear, Merrell’s Darrien jacket is an attractive choice, whether you’re headed to the office or escaping from it.

Buy Now: Visit Merrell.com

Eureka Casper 15 Sleeping Bag Features:

• Zipper Side: Right
• Insulation: Rteq™
• Temp Rating: 15°F
• Size: L:82″ / fits to 6′ W:32″ chest / 21″ feet Girth:64″ shoulders / 52″ waist
• Carry Weight: 3 lbs
• Pockets: 1 (stash pocket)
• Exterior Fabric: 66D/230T StarGaze polyester ripstop 66D/210T polyester taffeta
• Liner Fabric: 75D/240T peached polyester
• Zipper: YKK # 5, 2-way, self-repairing
• Compression Stuff Sack: 17.5″ x 8.5″ dia. / coated polyester ripstop
• MSRP: $129.90

Eureka! Casper 15 Sleeping Bag Review

Eureka! knows a thing or two about making quality outdoor gear. Much of their product line is intended to be as value-packed as possible. The Casper 15 sleeping bag fits that bill. At $129, you’re getting a whole lot of sleeping bag for not much coin.

The included compression sack packs the Casper 15 down to about 12 x 8 inches — easily stuffing inside a backpack with or without a sleeping bag compartment. Getting it in or out of the compression stack is a breeze. shaking it out, it lofts up very quickly.

Slipping inside, the soft-to-touch lining immediately coddles you in comfort. Like most mummy bags, this one is fairly narrow at the shoulders (and I’m no Hulk Hogan), so keep that in mind. That works a bit to its disadvantage with the brushed lining as it tends to stick to your body and twist with you, thus constricting you even more.

I will say that the trapezoidal footbox is perfect for backside sleepers as it gives you extra wiggle-room that’s perfectly-made for your feet. Definitely a nice touch.

The hood cinches down easily, but doesn’t seem to cinch down as evenly as I think it should as the opening didn’t perfectly wrap around my face. That said, I luckily didn’t need it so much since we only experienced overnight temps in the 30′s. The Casper 15 kept me nice and comfy in those temperatures without the need for a beanie or extra layers. I’d say the temperature rating is about right.

Good Casper 15

• Interior is soft to the touch
• It really packs down for a synthetic bag
• Excellent value
• Warmth feels true to its rating
• Trapezoid foot area provides extra wiggle room for your feet

Bad Casper 15

• Lining (though soft) feels unattached to the bag and seems to twist around with you
• Narrow at the shoulders
• Hood didn’t cinch down evenly

Bottom Line: Eureka Casper 15 Sleeping Bag

If you’re searching for an economical 3-season synthetic bag, the Eureka! Casper 15 packs a ton of value and can be had for substantially lower than MSRP. It packs down small and features lightweight, synthetic insulation to keep you warm and comfortable — even when wet.

Buy Now: Google Product Search

Superfeet Blue Insoles Features:

• Deep heel cup cradles the foot for improved natural shock absorption
• Encapsulating Stabilizer System provides firm underfoot support
• High-density foam provides long-lasting comfort and support
• Built for tighter-fitting footwear
• Suitable for use in a variety of footwear (not recommended for GORE-TEX footwear)
• Great for low to medium arches
• MSRP: $39.95

Superfeet Blue Insoles Review

Trimmed and placed inside my Brooks Cascadia 6 trail runners, the size 11 Superfeet Blue insoles have been along for hundreds of trail miles this year. When it comes to aftermarket insoles, I’ve grown quite fond of both SOLE and Superfeet’s offerings. I’m a huge fan of the Superfeet REDhot insoles for ski boots and have enjoyed the visibile comfort of the Blue’s this year.

The process of selecting the proper size footbed did take a couple of tries. Because I do have fairly flat feet, my arches tend to extend beyond the width of the standard E size (9.5-11) size with certain shoes. Once I figured out that I needed to go with the size F (11.5-13) Blue’s, it has made all the difference. No longer do I feel the edge of the footbed at my arch, instead I feel cradled in comfort for miles-and-miles of trail.

I do wear size 11 in the Cascadia 6′s, but I’m typically a 10.5, so sizing up to the F’s isn’t that much of a stretch. Once trimmed and in place, I’ve been nothing but stoked on their performance. Just keep in mind that you may need to size up to get the complete support you need.

I’ve appreciated the extra cradled support on the trail. When wearing these insoles, I truly feel that I have less of a tendency to roll my ankles. With all the trail miles I run throughout the course of a year, turning an ankle is unavoidable. When I’ve worn other shoes with stock insoles, I’ve noticed the reduced support and with it an increased propensity to roll my ankles.

While I can appreciate minimalist footwear, I’ve yet to be able to go ultra-minimal with my trail running shoes. The combination of the Brooks Cascadia 6′s loaded with the Superfeet Blue insoles has been absolutely money this year. I’ve tried aftermarket insoles in posted or supportive shoes and I’ve never liked the super-supportive feel you get. The Blue’s work best with neutral footwear.

I just removed the insoles to inspect them and they show little sign of wear with no smell and only slight compression where the balls of my feet and toes have molded the foam.

Good Superfeet Blue

• Excellent arch support
• Deep heel cup provides stability on the trail
• Very durable and long-lasting (I’ve had Superfeet last 3-4 years)
• Minimal weight addition is worth it
• Works best with neutral shoes

Bad Superfeet Blue

• Foam could have a little more cushioning
• Sizing them up could require some in-store time

Bottom Line: Superfeet Blue Insoles

The deep heel cup of the Superfeet Blue insoles provide excellent support in trail running shoes. I honestly haven’t thought much about these all year and that alone is a great indicator of how comfortable they are.

Buy Now: Visit REI.com

The North Face Animagi Jacket Features:

• Performance Fit
• Hybrid construction—ultralight recycled insulation on body stretch knit panels on side torso and sleeves
• Hand pockets
• Thumb loops
• Reflective logos
• Drop-tail hem
• Ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) 30
• MSRP: $149

The North Face Animagi Running Jacket Review

Arriving just in time for a few days of cold, wet weather, the Animagi Jacket has proven to be the perfect layer when a jacket is too much and a vest is not enough. With ultralight Primaloft ECO insulation in the body and stretchy soft-shell sleeves, it’s no wonder this jacket has gained so much praise. With a modest re-design for Fall 2011, the Animagi remains dead-set on catering to the cold-weather runner.

The day after its arrival, I took it out on a 40-degree trail run. It had been raining and snowing most of the morning, but had let up just before my run (below image was from that day). With all that moist, cold air, I decided to go long-sleeved underneath the Animagi and it worked together perfectly. As the winds picked up and my hands got cold, I was psyched to slip them deeper into the sleeves using the monkey thumbs. I got just enough coverage to maintain warmth without the need of going into glove-mode.

Speaking of wind, the nylon ripstop exterior and Primaloft insulation consistently kept my core warm without over-heating in up to 50-degree temps. The body material sheds moisture extremely-well to keep your core from getting soaked from the outside, but the sleeves aren’t quite as adept at keeping the moisture out. The sleeve material does offer some wind protection, but does little in the way of shedding moisture.

The two deep front pockets are nice for hanging out and can store a lot of stuff, but on the trail, you can’t carry much in them due to their location. I always run with my iPhone and couldn’t find a suitable storage location in this jacket — a serious oversight, methinks. If you try carrying an iPhone in one of the two front pockets, it will awkwardly bounce around. Needless-to-say, I’m wishing for a suitable iPhone pocket (inside, outside or in the side or rear).

To improve the pockets, I’d suggest placing them higher up on the jacket front or finding another location for keeping an iPhone in the upper chest or rear.

The cut and length of the jacket is perfect. I opted for the size Large, but I think I could have gone with a Medium for a more streamlined fit. As it was, it didn’t feel overly-baggy and worked well in concert with long-sleeved base layers. The collar is the perfect diameter and height (something I’m keenly picky about in all the jackets I review) for both protection and chaffe-free performance when fully-zipped.

Good Animagi

• Right between a vest and a jacket
• Excellent mobility
• Front and back sheds water well
• Thumb loops offer extra coverage
• Lightweight insulation is perfect
• Ultralight and packable
• Suitable as a mid-layer under a shell

Bad Amimagi

• Would love a rear stash pocket that’s also iPhone-friendly
• Wear-to-wash ratio is about 2:1 (it gets stinky after a couple of runs)

Bottom Line: The North Face Animagi Jacket

The Animagi Jacket excels at cold-weather running. It keeps your core warm, but not too warm and is built to move comfortably with you for the ultimate in restriction-free movement. I wish it had an iPhone-friendly pocket, but that’s about it. I’ve found my new Winter running companion.

Buy Now: Available Now at MooseJaw.com

Merrell Chameleon Features:

• Fabric construction: 96% polyester / 4% elastene
• Merrell Aeroblock technology
• Durable Water Repellant (DWR) finish
• Low profile snap closure
• Double needle stitched seams
• Articulated knees
• Bonded leg zip pocket stores
• Zip-secure slash hand pockets
• Rear patch pockets
• Snap-adjustable leg cuffs
• MSRP $89

Merrell Chameleon Pants Review

Problem: Product reviewer receives pair of cold-weather hiking gear during a warm Indian summer in coastal California. Solution? Take the pants underground – not to the black market, but to subterranean caves where temperatures are cold and conditions are challenging.

Such was the opportunity I had while exploring a network of caves at Lava Beds National Monument, where temperatures drop into the 30s, crouching and crawling around tests your range of motion, and commando crawling tests the toughness and durability of the fabric.

Caving at Lava Beds National Monument

For the most part, the Merrell Chameleon Pants performed quite well. The articulated knees and stretchy 4% elastene construction allow full range of motion with ease. The interior surface has a brushed finish that’s comfortable against the skin, but the exterior is rugged enough to repeatedly brush against irregular rocky surfaces without worry of tearing.

Merrell uses Aeroblock fabric technology with the Chameleon, which wicks moisture effectively while still providing solid wind resistance. The entire exterior has a DWR coating for water resistance if you get stuck in a deluge.

Durable fabric construction; classic hand pockets plus secure zip pocket for cell phone on R thigh; low-profile waist snap

One occasional problem I found is that the low-profile waist snap, designed for comfort underneath a pack belt, sometimes comes unsnapped when my knees are tucked up closely to my chest. Granted, I might be carrying a few pounds more than I should be right now … but since the snap stays nicely in place when I’m standing or walking, I’d like to trust that it will stay secure when I’m in unusual positions as well.

Styling of the Chameleon is equally suited for trails or casual use, and they’re comfortable enough to go from one setting to another with ease. One minor drawback (noted by my wife) is that the fabric makes a slight whooshing noise when rubbing against each other, even when the ankle cuffs are snapped narrow.

Good Chameleon

• Comfortable, durable fabric
• Versatile styling
• Good range of motion
• Solid wind and water resistance

Bad Chameleon

• Waist snap should be more secure
• Mild whooshing, if that’s an issue for you

Bottom Line: Merrell Chameleon Pants

If the weather’s turning cold and you need a single all-purpose pant for a variety of activities, Merrell’s Chameleon is strong and comfortable enough for virtually any task.

Buy Now: Visit REI.com

BTB 900 Sunglasses Features

• HD lens technology
• Side vents for fog-free vision
• Optically de-centered lenses
• Hypo-allergenic rubber nose and ear pads
• 9 base lens curve
• MSRP: $34.95

BTB 900 Sunglasses Review

When it comes to sunglasses, I’ve become pretty particular in my personal preference. When I’m not testing something, I have my trusted pairs that I consistently reach for. When BTB Sunglasses reached out for my thoughts on their new product, I agreed to do so with an open mind and have put them through the same rigors that I would any pair of glasses.

The proving grounds for the BTB 900′s has included extensive road biking, mountain biking, trail running and hiking. Each of those activities brings its own set of challenges and a solid product design should excel at a variety of disciplines.

When the 900′s first arrived, I slipped them on and immediately felt connected to the frame. The wrap-around design offers excellent peripheral vision and coverage for high-speed activities, like road biking. While some wrap designs can be fog-prone, the 900′s remained fog-free. This fog aversion is likely due to the side vents and could possibly be due to having a fog-resistant lens treatment.

The polycarbonate lens on the 900′s is actually that — a single lens that extends across both eyes. At this price-point, I wasn’t expecting the most amazing optical quality and the quality of the lenses is about on par with what I’d expect. Truth be told, polycarbonate isn’t the most opically-clear lens material out there, but is used extensively in sunglasses due to its impact-resistance. For most activities, the trade-off is subtle and acceptable. The lens design does have some distortion near the edges of the lenses — something that is common in this price range and mostly unnoticeable.

I really appreciated the overall fit of the 900′s as they really stay put on your face — no matter the activity. Oftentimes, trail running can cause some glasses to bounce around on my face and some temple designs can interfere with helmets. The 900′s traditional temple pieces and rubbery nose and ear pads keep these glasses in place under use. I couldn’t get them to budge, no matter how hard I tried, so kudos to the frame design.

Overall craftsmanship is certainly good for the price and the unique design truly excels in hard-charging athletic endeavors.

Good BTB 900

• Lenses have not scratched at all
• Love the side vents for fog-free vision
• They stay put while hard charging
• Excellent range of vision with wraparound lenses
• Worth the price of admission

Bad BTB 900

• Optical clarity is not quite up to my high expectations
• Distortion along edges of lenses

Bottom Line: BTB 900 Sunglasses

At the low price of $34.95, the BTB 900′s are a great all-around pair of multi-purpose sunglasses. I’ve appreciated using them trail running, mountain biking and road biking. I do have a few gripes with the lenses, but at this price, they are an excellent value.

Buy Now: Visit BTBSunglasses.com