Native Eyewear Blanca Sunglasses Win "Gear of the Year" Award from Men's Journal

Native Eyewear Blanca Sunglasses. Winner of Men's Journal "Gear of the Year" Award 2012

Whether pounding pavement or path, in Colorado or Connecticut, we remained impressed with the affordable Native Blancas. Their rimless design and polycarbonite lenses make them lightweight (one ounce) for aerobic pursuits, while springy frames and hydrophobic nose and temple padding keep them in place during even the hardest miles. [$129;

Native Eyewear Trango Backpacker Magazine Gear Review

Backpacker Magazine – Fall/Winter Gear Guide 2012

GEAR REVIEW: NATIVE EYEWEAR TRANGO

Our favorite interchangeable-lens sunglasses are also stylish and affordable.

by: Kelly Bastone

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Native Eyewear Trango

The Trango delivers cool-kid style and versatile performance at a reasonable price, thanks to interchangeable (instead of photochromic) lenses. A copper polarized set (with 18 percent VLT) protects eyes from bright sun, and a nearly clear, nonpolarized pair sharpens definition in low light. The frame’s squared-off shape delivers adequate coverage on sunny snowfields, and the polarized lenses reduce glare while filtering out more eye-fatiguing blue light than most shades. “Clarity is HD sharp,” said a tester after skiing in Colorado’s Flat Top Mountains. The lightweight, proprietary plastic frame flexes (rather than breaks) when squeezed into a pack pocket, and sticky nose pads and earpieces grip sunscreen-coated faces. Bonus: With the full frame, you’d never guess they’re interchangeables. Bummer: Tugging on the frame at the temple to swap lenses can get a tad tedious. $129; 1 oz.;nativeeyewear.com 

Backpacker Magazine – Editors' Choice Snow Awards

EDITORS' CHOICE SNOW AWARD 2012: KOMPERDELL CARBON EXPEDITION VARIO 4 POLES

These lightweight poles will serve you well on all of your multisport outings.

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Komperdell Carbon Expedition Vario 4

Adjustable-length trekking poles are ideal for varied terrain—unless they’re a pain to lengthen or shorten. The Varios custom-adjust in a jiffy, thanks to a sliding, easy-flick-locking top section that scales the poles from 120 to 145 cm (long enough for a 6’7” tester, a bit too long for a 5’3” one). The Varios’ twist-lock lower sections also tighten securely and open more easily than similar models we’ve tried. The carbon-fiber top sections keep the weight at an easy-swinging eight ounces per pole, which means you’ll never get tired of planting and pushing off. And along with the aluminum bottom sections, they withstood deep, hard tele turns by 220-pound testers wearing 50-pound packs.

“I banged the carbon sections against rock repeatedly on a four-day slot canyon trip,” says one editor, “and they never shattered, making me wonder if carbon is as fragile as everyone says.” The small baskets swivel for smoother planting and releases (snow-specific baskets are sold separately for $9), and the extra-long straps fit around insulated mitts. Another benefit of the design: The Varios collapse to 18.5 inches, short enough to pack in small duffels. Wish list for the next iteration: shock absorbers and a less-hefty price.$189; 1 lb.; komperdell.com 

Klymit Static V Camping Pad Wins "Killer Value" Review in Backpacker Magazine 2013's Best New Gear!

Backpacker Magazine – Gear Guide 2013

GEAR REVIEW: KLYMIT STATIC V SLEEPING PAD

Save money and reduce bulk with this summer sleeping pad from Klymit.

by: Kelly Bastone

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Klymit Static V (Ben Fullerton)

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[summer bargain]
Don’t camp in cold weather? Try the uninsulated Static V, which works in temps down to about 45°F and delivers ample cushioning and generous dimensions for less money than warmer pads. At an inch wider than standard mats, it earned props from our broad-shouldered testers.

Angled, 2.5-inch-thick baffles cradle the body and gave one AT hiker his “best-ever night’s sleep.” Inflation is faster than most, since deep grooves separate the baffles and reduce the overall air volume. And without insulation to add bulk, the Static V packs down to water-bottle size. $69; 1 lb. 2 oz.; 72” x 23” x 2.5”