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Snow Goggles That Display Speed, Vertical, Weather ConditionsSmith’s Recon I/O References to Top Gun, ironic or not, are inevitable when you’re wearing Smith’s Recon I/O goggles with a fighter pilot-style head's up display in the lower right corner of the lens. The MOD Live technology, licensed from Recon, shows your speed, location, vertical, air time, friend locations, temperature, and more—and with a recently released developer’s kit that allows customization, there’s no end to what can be created. Integration with phone? Yep. Heart-rate data? Yep. See what your GoPro sees? It’s possible. The metrics are tucked discreetly in the corner and appear to be floating about five feet in front of you on a 14-inch screen, so your eyes aren’t forced to refocus every time you peek at a speed check. You don’t need the I/Os ... but you’ll want them. Get It: $650; www.smithoptics.com
Photograph courtesy Smith

Gear of the Year 2012 - Fall/Winter

Lighter, tougher, and smarter—that's what characterizes this season's best equipment. Whether it's an improvement on nature (such as water-resistant down) or more sophisticated use of electronics (such as a headlamp that anticipates your needs), these 24 items are better attuned to keeping you fresher, safer, and happier in the outdoors.

BySteve Casimiro
Published October 1, 2012