The New Power Kits: Hike It When it comes to upgrading your spring gear, a few changes can go a long way. Here, we've collected 18 pieces of tech and apparel that will get you to the top of your game—whether it's hiking, paddling, or mountain biking. Text by Steve Casimiro Photograph by Todd Williams
1. Personal Guide The 5.12-ounce (145-gram) DeLorme Earthmate GPS PN-20 ($370; www.delorme.com) is one of the first GPS units to display satellite images—think Google Earth for the palm of your hand.
2. Gust Guard The Outdoor Research Contour Windshirt($119; www.orgear.com) feels like a second skin and proves that softshell material performs well when woven thin for a shirt.
3. Magic Bottle In the backcountry, a dose of civilization goes a long way: The sleek, stylish Raya Stainless Steel Beverage Bottle($25; www.thermos.com) keeps 18 ounces (510 grams) forever warm in an unbreakable, double-walled objet de café.
4. Elastic Bag The aluminum-stayed suspension in the 30-liter Gregory Z30 backpack($119; www.gregorypacks.com) adapts to the size of your freight: It flexes like a yogi for lightweight day trips but stiffens into rock-solid support when packed with extra pounds for an overnighter.
5. Night-Light Unlike its powerful-little-headlamp counterparts, the three-watt, four-LED Black Diamond Icon ($60; www.bdel.com) has a blissfully helpful power meter and an optional rechargeable NRG Battery Kit ($30).
6. Fast Packer Built on the Hardrock trail-running chassis, the ankle-high Montrail Namchehiking boot ($100; www.montrail.com) gives good support without taking away your speed. Its lack of waterproofing makes it light, breathable, and inexpensive.
