Gear that lasts the test of time is what we aim to find. Our real-world reviews involve countless hours of testing over several months or even years. As we continue using the gear we test, we will often update the review with added positive or negative points — further extending the duration of the test period. For 2024, we have found a handful of items that made our 2024 Editor’s Choice.
The North Face Altamesa 500 Trail Running Shoes
Jason: “As The North Face has improved their footwear line, I’ve become more and more impressed. But, The Altamesa 500’s have blown everything else I’ve tried from the brand out of the water. Without hesitation, I’ll believe The North Face has cracked the HOKA-code and are giving them a run for their money. With comfort and stability in spades, these run like a dream and have allowed me to comfortably rack up the recovery miles — getting me back into the most challenging trails at my normal paces.”
HIMALI Monsoon Hardshell Jacket
Nate: “The Monsoon Hardshell was just a hoot to test. It’s well-designed, made with quality materials, beautifully waterproof, reasonably durable, glove-friendly, and somehow is both reasonably priced for a top-tier hardshell and backed by a lifetime warranty. True, it would be nice if it could be stuffed into a pocket and clipped to a harness while not in use, and I’ll likely reach for something more trim come Summertime, but this jacket is a real boon for a wide variety of cold-weather activities. I couldn’t recommend it enough.”
Arc’teryx Sabre SV Jacket
Kevin: “Arc’teryx has made the Gear of the Year list for pretty much every year I’ve been writing for Feed the Habit, which is more than a decade at this point. A lot has changed with their brand, but the quality and design are still there. That’s true of this stellar resort-proven full coverage heavy duty couplet of the bibs and jacket. For wet dumping PNW winters, you can’t beat this.”
Outdoor Research Ferrosi DuraPrint Jacket
Nate: “If you’ve worn and enjoyed the original OR Ferrosi jacket, you’re going to love this one. It’s excellent for its stretchiness, breathability, and light weight. It’s a packable, versatile piece that’s a very easy choice for big alpine days. While durability may be increased with DuraPrint, hard climbing will wear you through it like it might with other softshells. Still, this piece rocks.”
Black Diamond Coefficient Storm Hoody
Jason: “No question, Black Diamond has done their homework with the Coefficient Storm Hoody. As a winter mid or outer layer, it excels. Moisture management is as good as they come and warmth is just right as well. I feel that the overall cut and fit is perfect, with just enough sleeve length for added coverage. As I’m heading into summer, I’ve found it to be a great option for cold mornings or evenings in the mountains.”
Mammut Crag Sender 8.7 Dry Rope
Nate: “Calling this rope the “Crag Sender” draws an arbitrary line around its usefulness. While its light weight and comfortable handling do make this rope an excellent choice for redpoint attempts, this rope is way more versatile than the name lets on. I’m equally inclined to take this to the crag for hard sending as I am to take it into the alpine. It’s well at home in either setting.”
Arc’teryx Micon LiTRIC Airbag
Kevin: “Arc’teryx and ORTOVOX have set the new standard with their LiTRIC airbag technology. These are the lightest most packable airbags on the market, and we have full reviews of both bags coming this season. But, this Gear of the Year wouldn’t be complete without including our First Look of this stellar airbag.”
Tifosi Moab Sunglasses
Nate: “If value is your cup of tea and you’re out for a pair of mountain-biking sunglasses, you’re in the right spot. The Moabs are comfortable, have a great field of vision, and come with a photochromic lens which makes transitions from high to low-light situations (and vice versa) a comfortable thing. For my money, they’re a solid choice.”
Julbo Density Sunglasses
Jason: “The race to the bottom doesn’t always yield great results. In this case, the Julbo Density offers the lightest sunglasses I’ve tested and they perform like champs for cycling and trail running. The REACTIV photochromic lens automatically adjusts based on light conditions and the flexible CustomFIT temples allow me to easily contour them to the shape of my head and face. Yes, they do feel a little flimsy, but once on your face, they are a thing of beauty.”
Smith XC Flip Up Sunglasses
Kevin: “Almost everything Smith makes is fun, but the XC glasses really stand out for a product that puts a smile on my face, and usually my friends’ faces, every time I use them. They’re lighthearted but functional, and have the great optical quality that makes Smith my go-to for adventures.”
Trek Madone SLR 9 AXS Gen 8
Jason: “While I did my best to put to words just how astounding the all-new Madone SLR is, I still feel like I sold it short. This bike feels solid and cohesive while at the same time feeling zippy and comfortable. And, all that also translates into one of the most slippery all-rounders the pro peloton has ever seen. For real-world use, the Madone SLR Gen 8 delivers buckets of comfort and stands out among the competition. There is nothing more you could ask for than what you get with this build. To ride the new Madone is to love the new Madone.”
Trek CarBack Bike Radar
Jason: Trek has been on the forefront of both night and daytime running lights for a decade. Their daytime bike lights are the best on the market for their simplicity and brightness. Now, with the Trek CarBack, that renowned rear bike light is mated to a radar sensor that’s capable of detecting vehicles way before they pass. The CarBack has functioned superbly so far and I look forward to years of service.
PEARL iZUMi Attack Hybrid Jacket
Jason: “The PEARL iZUMi Attack Hybrid Jacket is the perfect jacket if you only want to have one cool-weather jacket. It blocks wind at speed and sheds enough moisture to keep you dry in a pinch. With phenomenal 4-way stretch, it moves with you as well. The fit is just right and it can be stuffed into a jersey pocket (just barely), if needed.”
Bontrager Girona RSL GR Tires
Jason: “Bontrager already had a strong gravel tire game, but in 2024, they have upped that ante with the Girona and Betasso RSL tires. After several months of testing the Girona RSL 42c tires on all varieties of “gravel” here in Utah, I’m impressed with how fast they roll everywhere. It’s a close call with the new WTB Vulpine S, but I give these the nod and can’t wait to get these back on the gravels.”
Wahoo TRACKR HEART RATE Chest Strap
Jason: “The new Wahoo TRACKR HEART RATE chest strap is a simple, but powerful device. It sits comfortably while cycling or running and provides smooth, accurate measurements. I appreciate the comfort of the strap, but miss the ease of use afforded by the center snap on the TICKR. And, there’s no hiding how much I appreciate that it’s now rechargeable. Indoor training has proven to be the single-best aspect of the TRACKR HEART RATE chest strap.”
Pactimo Summit Aero Mesh Jersey
Jason: “As you will tell by my review, I’ve been really stoked on the Pactimo Summit Aero Mesh Jersey for summer riding (and indoor training). With supreme breathability and excellent moisture management, the combination of mesh fabrics is perfect. Add to that an excellent fit and classic, single-color design and this one is a winner.”
