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    2019 Gear of the Year
    Gear Reviews

    2019 Gear of the Year

    Jason MitchellBy Jason MitchellDecember 30, 2019No Comments9 Mins Read

    Among our writers, a few pieces of gear have won the “Back of the Subaru” award. You know, the items that get put in the car for easy-accessibility and repeated use. For 2019, we have a good variety of items from skiing to backpacking, gear hauling, road biking and mountain biking. If you have your eyes on these items, proceed with confidence.

    Arc’teryx Sabre LT Jacket and Pants

    Arc'teryx Sabre LT Jacket and Sabre Pant Review
    Head to toe in powder and Gore-Tex.

    It’s hard to argue with the quality of an Arc’teryx top and bottom shell. We’re looking forward to many more years of hard use from the Sabre LT Jacket and Pants, and that’s probably the ultimate justification for why you would choose this kit. We recommend these for both inbounds and backcountry skiers (thanks to the generous vents). The elephant in the review is certainly cost, but Arc’teryx’s quality does promise to hold up to the very best standards in the industry.

    More: Sabre LT Jacket and Pants Review


    Patagonia Capilene Air Hoody

    Review: Women's Patagonia Capilene Air Hoody
    Cozy, comfy, perfect.

    The Patagonia Capilene Air Hoody comes with our highest recommendation. We were so impressed by it’s performance in a range of activities, it was an each choice. The Capilene Air has an amazing level of breathability coupled with warmth, which means it’s suitable for use in an enormous range of climates. While it is somewhat delicate and the price is high, the Capilene Air could easily be one of the best additions you make to your wardrobe.

    More: Patagonia Capilene Air Hoody Review


    Arc’teryx Proton FL Hoody

    Review: Arc'teryx Women's Proton FL Hoody
    So good.. anytime, anywhere.

    If you are looking for a layer that is well-suited to the varied temperatures typical of alpine climbing, the Arc’teryx Proton FL is a fantastic addition to your kit. Warm yet breathable, this layer is appropriate to wear from the time your adventure begins to when you find yourself at the brewery at the end of the day. It is technical and attractive, and a new favorite of ours.

    More: Arc’teryx Proton FL Hoody Review


    Arc’teryx Konseal FL GTX

    Review: Women's Arcteryx FL GTX Approach Shoe
    An amazing approach shoe for variable terrain and weather.

    These shoes are amazing. They’re comfortable, light, and so grippy — an essential feature in a good pair of approach shoes. They did great transitioning from trail to scrambles to low grade leads, and we felt secure in the support and stiffness they provided. Overall, we really loved these shoes and wear them just about everyday for everything. The Konseal FL GTX’s are an amazing choice for an ultralight approach shoe when you are guaranteed either variable terrain or variable weather (or both!)

    More: Arc’teryx Konseal FL GTX Review


    Thule Force XT XL Cargo Box

    Thule Force XT XL Cargo Box Review
    Loaded up for a day on the slopes or a weekend of fun.

    Go big or cram your gear in your car! The Thule Force XT XL is big enough to carry a ton of gear while keeping it secure in transit. Overall, the Force XT is easy to live with, looks great and doesn’t hurt your MPG’s too much. Attaching it to your crossbars is a breeze and it continues to be a solid gear hauler.

    More: Thule Force XT XL Cargo Box Review


    MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe

    MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe Stove Review
    Like an old friend, the Pocket Rocket Deluxe is reliable and compact.

    The MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe is a feature-rich stove ideal for three-season use. A great choice for adventurers that tend to head into the wild solo or with a partner. It’s also a great “first stove” — an essential tool that will get you into the backcountry and help make memories with every pot of water you boil.

    More: MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe Review


    Kuat Class 4 Kayak Rack

    Kuat Class 4 Kayak Rack Review
    The Class 4 — folded out and ready for a boat.

    The Kuat Class 4 Kayak rack is unlike any other kayak rack on the market. It’s foldable design looks great when folded and carries well when opened. Take your rack game up a level and pick one up to haul your boat to the river or lake.

    More: Kuat Class 4 Kayak Rack Review


    Diamondback Sync’r Carbon

    Diamondback Sync'r Carbon Review
    The Sync’r Carbon is one rowdy hardtail.

    All in all, it’s really easy to recommend the Diamondback Sync’r Carbon because it’s such an incredible bike for the money. You don’t have to wonder if you’re getting gipped out of your hard-earned cash, so really the big question is whether or not the bike is a good fit for the type of riding you want to do. The Sync’r gave us the freedom to tackle any type of terrain (from bike park to XC laps) with a smile on our faces.

    More: Diamondback Sync’r Carbon


    Specialized Venge Pro eTap

    2020 Specialized Venge Pro eTap Review
    We can’t imagine a more perfect road rocket than the Venge Pro.

    Never has an aero bike made won us over like the new Specialized Venge Pro. Honestly, we hadn’t seen the real need for one in the quiver until now. We can confidently roll this bike on every type of road ride imaginable. Long climbs are a breeze. Short, punchy climbs are awesome. And, rolling terrain is second-nature. Then, when it comes time to descend, this bike is absolutely bonkers.

    More: Specialized Venge Pro eTap Review


    Bontrager R3 32c TLR Tires

    Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite TLR 32c Tires Review
    Fast-rolling centers with shoulder treads for all-season capability.

    Our assortment of 25-28c tires are heading to eBay. It’s time for modern-width tubeless road tires to take over, like the R3 32’s. The new R3’s are among the best tubeless road tires on the market and feature an excellent tread pattern for low rolling-resistance and all-season cornering traction. Don’t worry yourself over a little extra weight — all tubeless tires are a touch heavier than their clincher counterparts. It’s all good and well worth the reliable performance you’ll get.

    More: Bontrager R3 32c TLR Tire Review


    Specialized Pathfinder Pro Tires

    Specialized Pathfinder Pro 2Bliss 650x47 Tires Review
    Fast centers and grippy shoulders — tops on our list.

    After testing both 650b and 700c flavors of tire in a variety of conditions, we’re fans. These seat up well and stay inflated very well mounted up on a variety of tubeless wheelsets. They were our tires of choice for the 2019 SBT GRVL Blue Course because they roll fast and hook up with confidence.

    More: Specialized Pathfinder Pro Tires Review


    SRAM Force eTap AXS

    SRAM Force eTap AXS Review
    Rain, mud, dirt… it didn’t stop Force eTap AXS.

    Of course you could tab the Red eTap AXS groupset as the Gear of the Year, but Force eTap AXS wins the day for value and flexibility. With Force eTap AXS, you will save significant coin and add some flexibility in crankset and chainring choices. Shifting and ergonomics is the same and you can still go 2×12 or 1×12 for the ultimate versatility. Look for Force eTap on a number of off-the-shelf builds or treat yourself to a custom build for your next bike.

    More: SRAM Force eTap AXS Review


    Open UPPER Gravel Bike

    Zipp Firecrest 303 650b Disc Brake Wheelset Review
    It doesn’t get any better than the Open UPPER.

    When you only make three frames, you can focus and do each one 100% right. The Open UPPER is their top-shelf gravel frame and it tips the scales at a scant 880 grams. With that lightweight frame, you get the most versatile and fun all-road bike we’ve ever ridden. Simply put, the UPPER has set the bar very high for the ultimate bike. It slays pavement and crushes gravel of all types. It was an easy choice for the inaugural SBT GRVL race and tackled it with aplomb.

    More: Open UPPER Review


    Bontrager XXX Road Shoe

    Bontrager Triple X (XXX) Road Shoe Review
    The all-new Bontrager XXX are our favorite road shoes.

    Shoes are a personal affair, but the innovations and comfort of Bontrager’s latest XXX Road Shoe are off-the-charts good. With a unique tongue that wraps your foot like a burrito and dual Boa IP1’s the fit is sure to please. Add to that an ultra-stiff carbon outsole and a generous toebox and you have a race-worthy pair of road shoes are are also comfortable to use as daily drivers.

    More: Bontrager XXX Road Shoe Review


    Assos Equipe RS Bib Shorts S9

    Assos Equipe RS Bib Shorts S9 Review
    Every part of the S9’s is executed to perfection.

    A good pair of bib shorts are worth their weight in gold. Without question, the latest Assos Equipe RS S9 bib shorts are the most comfortable we’ve ever tested. The incredible chamois moves with you and provides the perfect perch for long road or gravel rides alike. The S9’s were an easy choice for the 2019 SBT GRVL.

    More: Assos Equipe RS Bib Shorts S9 Review


    Quarq DZero Power Meter

    Quarq DZero Power Meter
    The Quarq DZero is the gold standard for ease-of-use and function.

    A power meter is on every cyclist’s wish list. While all of them will provide good performance measurement, not all are created equal. With Quarq, you get the simplest and most reliable power meter on the market. Syncing the DZero with any head unit is effortless. And, because it’s integrated into the spider, you get accurate left/right measurement without having to add a unit to the non drive-side. Tool-free battery changes and an intuitive mobile app round things out. We love every variety of DZero we’ve tested.

    More: Quarq DZero Power Meter Review


    Ergon SR Comp Men Road Saddle

    Ergon SR Comp Men's Saddle Review
    The SR Comp Men is our saddle of the year — backside approved.

    With over 1000 miles aboard the SR Comp Men, we’re confident that this is our new saddle of choice for road and gravel riding. Ergon designers have worked some serious magic here as comfort levels have reached new heights.

    More: Ergon SR Comp Men Road Saddle Review


    Arc’teryx Norvan LD Trail Running Shoe

    Arc’teryx is on a roll this year and the Norvan LD’s are a great example of just how good a pair of trail running shoes can be. For long-distance training, the LD’s have our vote. They have the perfect combination of comfort, support and traction for racing or training alike.

    Arc'teryx Norvan LD Review
    Finisher’s feet: After the Cirque Series race at Alta, UT.

    More: Arc’teryx Norvan LD Review 

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    Jason Mitchell
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    A native of the Pacific Northwest, Jason quickly developed a love for the outdoors and a thing for mountains. That infatuation continues as he founded this site in 1999 -- sharing his love of road biking, mountain biking, trail running and skiing. That passion is channeled into every article or gear review he writes. Utah's Wasatch Mountains are his playground.

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