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Orvis Helios 2

Written by: Dan Nelson

The Helios 2 is the lightest fast action rod we’ve found, but it gives up nothing in performance, coming in first or second in our tests on distance, accuracy and versatility (though it’s also the most expensive rod we tested)

Outdoor Research Vert

Highly water- and wind-resistant, these are excellent softshell spring touring gloves—among the very best in this category. They have great dexterity, good durability, an very good fit, and strong attention to detail. Plus, at this price—it’s hard to go wrong.

Dakine Navigator

The Dakine Navigator is a simple, very comfortable and well-designed glove that works well for early spring touring in fair weather. But it's not waterproof, which dramatically limits its range of use.

Dakine Impreza

The Dakine Impreza is a good value for a waterproof touring glove. It will come in most handy if you need a super-grippy, uninsulated glove for spring touring or riding in wet-snow conditions. It performed quite well overall, though it’s not the top glove in its class.

Columbia Mountain Monster

These gloves are straight in the middle of the pack – acceptably functional, but certainly not the best in their class, especially at this price. 

Columbia Cliff Grabber

The Columbia Cliff Grabber Gloves is an uninsulated, waterproof/breathable spring ski glove, made with polyurethane synthetic suede, nylon and polyester, with Omni-Heat reflective lining technology and a neoprene cuff.

Outdoor Research Remote

The Outdoor Research Remotes are surprisingly warm considering how low-bulk they are. They are a little stiff in the fingers and the grip is a little slick on wet/icy objects, but overall these gloves are at or near the top of their class for skiing.

Plum Guide

Jordan White tests the Plum Guide, and says it adds to the competitiveness and options for the tech binding user.

Sierra Designs Pyro Maniac 15/30

A versatile design concept that will suffice if your adventure calls for two bags and you can only afford one.

Marmot Cloudbreak 20

Marmot added a higher quality insulation around the critical feet and torso to increase without additional expense or weight.

Stoic Somnus 15

An iconoclastic center-zip, 15-degree rated, 850-fill down and Pertex Quantum bag made from premium materials.

Columbia Reactor 15

Featuring Columbia’s proprietary Omni-Heat technology, this synthetic-fill insulated 15-degree bag heats up in record time.