At the end of each year, we reflect on the best gear we tested and pick some winners. Sometimes the best gear is like splitting hairs and other times it stands out like a Lexus among a parking lot full of Yugos. From the Cascade Mountains to Utah’s Wasatch and everywhere in-between, we’ve tested some great gear and these are our favorites.
COROS Dura Bike Computer
Jason says: “The COROS Dura isn’t just another bike computer — it’s a long-haul legend. With a jaw-dropping 120-hour battery life (plus solar charging that actually works), it’s built for epic rides and then some. The crisp screen, intuitive touchscreen/dial combo, and excellent data visualizations make it a joy to use, even if some early firmware and setup quirks need ironing out. If you’re logging serious miles, the Dura delivers where it counts.”
Pirelli Cinturato EVO Tires
Jason says: “The new Pirelli Cinturato EVO TLR tires are the real-world rider’s best friend — fast, confident, and built to handle everything from broken pavement to light singletrack. While they don’t quite match the road feel of the P Zero Race TLR RS, the EVO’s all-condition grip, durable casing, and smooth rolling make up for it. Installation takes some finesse, but once they’re on, it’s pure peace-of-mind riding. For those chasing speed and versatility, these Italian-made tires hit the sweet spot.”
Velocio Luxe Kit
Jason says: “Velocio’s LUXE kit brings together quiet refinement and all-day performance, pairing the updated LUXE Bib Shorts with the Merino LUXE Jersey for long rides where comfort matters most. The bibs deliver a dialed, disappear-beneath-you fit with improved coverage, balanced compression, and a reliable Cytech chamois that works in every riding position. Up top, the Merino LUXE Jersey adds natural temperature regulation, excellent breathability, and odor resistance, complemented by thoughtful pocket design and a secure fit. Together, it’s a premium kit built for riders who value subtle design, lasting comfort, and performance that holds up hour after hour.”
Velocio LUXE Bib Shorts Review – Velocio Merino LUXE Jersey Review
Zipp SL 80 Race Bars
Jason says: “The Zipp SL 80 Race Handlebar delivers sleek AXS integration, hidden external cable routing and a smooth hood-to-top transition for a clean, aero cockpit. With 5° flare and 8° outsweep, it offers confident handling and wrist clearance on fast descents or standing climbs. While it rides a bit stiff on the roughest roads, the flat tops, smart ergonomics and excellent fit make it a great choice for modern SRAM builds. Adding on top of that, there’s a ton of real estate to dance around every bit of these bars on the longest climbs.”
Bolle Speedchaser Sunglasses
Jason says: “The Bollé Speedchaser sunglasses stand out for their killer comfort, clarity and photochromic performance. With a customizable nose piece, grippy temples and a wide shield lens, they stay secure and fog-free across road, gravel, and trail use. Volt+ lenses provide vibrant optics in all light conditions, and their lightweight design pairs well with helmets and running caps alike. Albeit, they are pricey, but they remain an outstanding choice for all-around cycling and trail use.”
Inselberg Monic Jacket
Jason says: “The Inselberg Monic Jacket is a lightweight, highly breathable wind shell that excels in both trail running and everyday outdoor use. Its hybrid construction pairs durable nylon with well-placed stretchy side panels, delivering impressive mobility, ventilation and a quiet feel in motion. The fit is dialed (athletic without being restrictive) and the deployable hood adds versatility, even if it’s a bit bulky when stowed. With reliable weather resistance and a sleek look, it’s a go-anywhere layer that performs great for intense trail runs.”
Carbitex Technology
Jason says: “This is the first time we’ve had a Gear of the Year choice be a component company, but the Carbitex inserts are so incredible, it was a clear choice. These flexible carbon plates that I tested in the Altra Mont Blanc Carbon trail running shoes absolutely changed how I see rock plates. They are flexible and responsive when flexed — with real-world impact — while then being incredibly protective from rock intrusions. What it provides is forward motion without losing touch with the ground. And, it protects in a way I’ve never experienced. Look for Carbitex’s Monoflex inserts in several brand partners like Altra, Speedland, Scott, etc. or with inserts from Superfeet and others.”
Altra Mont Blanc Carbon Review
Zipp 303 XPLR SW Gravel Wheelset
Jason says: “Zipp is on a gravel roll and the 303 XPLR SW Wheelset leads the charge deep into the gravels. These ultra-wide wheels remain lightweight and, above all, are wicked-fast on all sorts of dirt. Rolling ultra-low pressures, I didn’t expect the kind of performance that these gravel wheels yielded, but they remain an easy choice for our gear of the year selection. In the end, I was faster and more comfortable across all my usual gravel and singletrack routes. These wheels are mind-blowing.”
Arc’teryx and Ortovox LiTRIC Airbag Systems
Kevin says: “This is a shared GOY pick between two companies who collaborated to push the envelope on avalanche safety. This year we covered the Arc’teryx Micon and ORTOVOX AVABAG systems which both use the jointly-created LiTRIC electronic airbag system. They’re both lightweight, effective and practice-ready and I can’t recommend either one enough!”
Arc’teryx Micon Review – ORTOVOX AVABAG Review
Smith Venture Glacier Sunglasses
Kevin says: “Smith makes great optics, and it’s been a long time since I was actually excited about a pair of glacier goggles. In fact, I was probably just excited because I was getting some cheap Julbos so that I could go up Rainier! But, with the Ventures, Smith has made the glacier glasses sexy again. They’re an easy win for someone looking for high level sun protection with performance optics and fit.”
Smith Venture Glacier Sunglasses Review
Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoody
Kevin says: “This review just sneaked in at the end of 2025 for us, but the refresh Helium from Outdoor Research takes an already great puffy and keeps it current and competitive. Like I say in the review, this jacket has the chutzpah to take on the most expensive alpine puffies on the market, but clocks in at a really reasonable $300. For the price point (or even $100 above!), there’s not a better puffy on the market.”
Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoody
Arc’teryx Norvan Jacket
Kevin says: “I never used to like running in a true rain shell until the Arc’teryx Norvan came along. It is so well tailored, so light and so breathable that I actually don’t feel like I’m drowning in my own sweat when I run in it. The fit is phenomenal and the materials are top of the line. Of course, this comes at a premium: $450 could buy you a nice alpine shell, so this is definitely a luxury good. But the features are all there, they’re beautifully executed and the whole fit and finish is just right.“
Arc’teryx Norvan Jacket Review
Mountain Hardwear KOR Airshell Hybrid
Nate says: “This jacket is stepping onto turf that the Patagonia Houdini has owned for a long time, and it’s a real contender. It’s lightweight, breathable, decently stretchy, very comfortable, and generally well-built. Features like its handheld mode and ample zippered storage are worth their weight, and make this jacket an ultra-light go-to for me.”
Mountain Hardwear KOR Airshell Review
Nathan Pinnacle Pro 12L Hydration Vest
Nate says: “This running vest is stellar. I really love it, and I’d absolutely recommend it. For me, that’s owing to good load management, comfortable materials and fit, and very well-thought-out storage. The only thing I don’t really get is the included bladder. It’s great, but it seems like soft flasks would be more useful to most folks.”
Nathan Pinnacle Pro 12L Review
The North Face Summit Series Breithorn Hoodie
Nate says: “This jacket is so warm. I’ve had a lot of puffies, many of them 800 fill down, but this one is warmer than them all. It has quality materials all around, and thoughtfully executed cuffs, hood, storage, and zippers. It’s a great jacket, but it isn’t cheap, and it also isn’t really a slim fit.”
The North Face Summit Breithorn Hoodie Review
