Evoc Neo 16L Pack ($280)
Hip packs are in, but big backcountry days require extra capacity and comfort. The Neo has pockets for all your ride essentials, room for an optional three-liter bladder ($45), and ventilated spine protection.
Garmin Fenix 6 Watch ($800)
The feature-packed Fenix 6 is useful on the bike and off. With on-map directions, 32GB of music storage for phone-free playback, heart-rate and power monitoring, and tracking features for dozens of activities, it’s ready for anything.
Tifosi Slice Sunglasses ($70)
The Slice’s fit is secure as they come, and the interchangeable lenses provide impressive clarity in variable conditions. Best of all, it’s half the price of the competition.
Club Ride Rambler Poly-Wool Henley ($70)
Functional on a ride and low-key enough for the brewery, the Rambler is crafted with a soft, light polyester-wool blend. It dries fast, has reflective accents, and includes a zippered pocket for credit cards.
Lazer Century MIPS Helmet ($180)
The Century stands out in a crowded helmet market for its ability to transition from airy all-arounder to wind-cheating aero lid by adding the magnetic windshield.
7mesh MK3 Bibs ($200)
The team at 7mesh have conquered on-the-bike comfort. The MK3 combines a pleasant-feeling fit with a plush chamois and seamless leg openings. The buttery-smooth shoulder straps never rubbed or chafed.
Giro Ventana Shoes ($180)
We’ve long searched for the quintessential mountain-biking shoe. The Ventana is it: durable, stiff, reasonably light, and grippy for burly hike-a-bike sections.
Follow Hollow Performance Socks ($25)
These U.S.-made alpaca-wool socks won us over with their plush feel and incredible ability to absorb moisture without causing a stink. We wore them for a week straight without washing them and somehow smelled none the worse.
Specialized S-Works Power Pro Elaston Saddle ($275)
A bike saddle is a highly personal thing. But every tester, male and female alike, loved the Power Pro. The carbon shell is lightweight and flexes in the right spots, and proprietary foam padding (using tech borrowed from the running-shoe world) kept us riding in comfort.