www.etoncorp.com, 3.9 ounces
We love all the features and apps of the iPhone, but bringing a phone or iPod into the backcountry can be a mixed blessing. Sure, you can tweet about your latest wildlife sighting, ask Siri to ID a snake, shoot off an Instagram of the fresh trout you caught, or post a summit photo via Facebook. But all those tasks drain your battery—and the fast-draining batteries of the iPhone is definitely something we don’t like. But with the Eton Mobius phone case, you always have the ability to recharge. A built-in solar panel gives you 25 minutes of talk time after one hour of charging (much longer if you’re only sending text messages or operating the phone in airplane mode). And a standby switch lets you turn off direct power transfer, so you only use the juice when you need it. A small green light indicates how much of your reserve power is left, so that you can regulate use to the essentials (we’ll let you interpret what you deem “essential”). Before our tester headed out on a day-long hike, she used the micro-USB cable to pre-charge the Mobius, giving her the equivalent of an extra battery as well as the solar capabilities.
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www.eddiebauer.com/EB/First-Ascent/index.cat
The High Route shirt—from First Ascent, the hardcore branch of Eddie Bauer—makes going from upper-elevation peaks to lower-level pubs a simple matter of finding your way down. The lightweight snap-down shirt blends poly and rayon to create a slightly-stretchy, moisture-wicking shirt that’s at home on the trail, in the climbing harness, or on hours-long overseas flights. But it doesn’t look technical, which keeps you from being like those guys who wear their climbing harness to the après spot just so everyone knows they’re…like…totally hardcore. Still, you’re likely to get noticed in the High Route—its Western vibe is fashion-forward (which we liked) and all three color options are pretty…loud (which one modest tester did not like). We also appreciated the deep, snap-shut chest pocket. One caveat: the fit is slim; if you plan on doing some serious climbing, you may want to size up or you could end up flashing fellow climbers as you reach for a hold and the snaps burst open.
patagonia.com, 2.9 ounces
Every parent’s nightmare—their adolescent daughter insists on trading her serviceable one-piece for a daring bikini. The trouble is, most bikinis are built more for St. Tropez beauty queens than growing girls. Thankfully, Patagonia’s got you (and your loved ones) covered. Everything they make has a purpose. While the Patagonia Girls’ Two-Piece counts as a bikini, it’s designed for sports. Whether your daughter is playing beach volleyball, surfing, or snorkeling, the suit is built to stay in place without awkward slipping, hiking, or sagging. Made of durable nylon and spandex, the suit is stretchy without being overly clingy. The fixed shoulder straps are wide, keeping the top in place during active movement. The front overlaps for modesty, and the shorts offer excellent coverage on the sides and lower bottom. While we can’t help with drama, mood swings, or power struggles, when they wear this suit, chances are your daughter will applaud your cool taste. At least until they leave the blanket behind to play soccer in the sand, paddle a kayak or stand-up board, or get closer to hanging ten off the next break. .
www.tilley.com, five ounces
The classic fedora never goes out of style, but the venerable Canadian manufacturer Tille makes stylish lightweight hats that reinforce the timeless style and provides the outdoor lovers the sun protection we need once our sartorial impulses have been sated. Certified for UPF 50+ protection (the maximum rating), the Tilly Town is made from the fronds of the raffia palm—a species of palms native to the tropical regions of Africa like Madagascar. The soft, supple material is extremely flexible, but nicely bounces back into shape, as one review can attest after a large seatmate accidently sat on the hat mid flight. The hat is designed for sun—it has a DWR finish (Durable Water Resistance), so it will thwart sudden squalls; you just might need to reshape the crown if it gets too soaked. Inside is a tuck-away wind cord, a cool mesh lining with a hidden, velcro-closure pocket that can hold a key and cash (it’s not quite deep enough to secure credit cards, driver’s licenses, and most business cards, but they’ll fit without the velcro being engaged). The inner hatband is lined with a luxuriously soft microfiber with a removable sweat band (you get two extra to help with washing). The Town Hat is ideal for travel, touring, day hikes, and picnics, and comes with a two-year insurance policy in which Tilley will replace the hat for 50 percent of the current catalog price, no questions asked.
www.wileyx.com
We’re serious about eye protection. The essentials are lenses that block harmful rays and won’t shatter upon impact, frames that can take a beating, a fit that’s comfortable and secure, and fashion that means the glasses will spend more time on our face than in their case. We love Wiley X because of the high-quality lenses and frames; these are glasses you’ll be wearing for the next decade, rather than the next season. The ANSI HVP lenses have one of the highest velocity impact ratings in the world, while the proprietary lenses offer 100 percent UV protection for unequaled clarity and contrast. Frames can be fitted with a variety of lenses, from pale yellow that block out blue light waves and let in 86 percent of light to rose, silver, blue, and everything in between. To add to the equation, Wiley X makes high performance eyewear for tactical, motorcycle, auto racing, and fishing, as well as first-rate eyewear for hiking, biking, climbing, and travel. The trick is determining which frame fits your face, and what lens will provide the right protection for your specific needs. The Outdoor line has both men- and women-specific frames, most prescription ready; all have secure non-slip rubberized fit and ANSI Z87 High Velocity Protection. Our current favorite is the new Chelsea for women and the XCESS with super cool Polarized Emerald Mirror lenses and a thick, glossy black frame for men. Our testers recommend both models for everything from running, skate skiing, and hiking to international travel and al fresco lunches.

