1. SPECIALIZED THERMINAL CYCLING TIGHT
Spring gear, cycling
These midweight tights are perfect for mixed conditions, with light insulation, zips and silicone grips at the ankles, and a plush chamois. $110;
2. SHIMANO SH-MT60
Whether your ride involves rain, mud, or swollen creeks—or all three—the SPD-compatible, Gore-Tex SH-MT60 will keep your dogs dry. Plus it features a versatile ride/hike sole. $150;
3. CRANKBROTHERS CANDY
The minimalist design of these mountain-bike pedals means gunk won’t cling and clog. We recommend the stainless-steel model for the best combo of durability, weight, and value. From $110;
4. OAKLEY RADAR XL
The lens coating on these cycling-specific shades sheds water and makes wiping off grease and mud a cinch. Plus the oversize design provides unobstructed views. $155;
5. SCHWALBE DIRTY DAN
In the mud, you want a big, terrain-chomping, self-cleaning tread pattern, like you’ll find on the Dan. $75;
6. SHOWERS PASS MOUNTAIN ELITE
A jacket that manages moisture inside and out with highly breathable, waterproof eVent fabric. Out on the trails, the tough, nonslip shoulder patches keep your pack snug. $250;
7. PEDRO’S SUPER PIT KIT
Eco-friendly degreaser, wash, lube, and polish, plus cleaning tools and a bucket—all you need to restore a muddy rig. $100;
8. SUGOI WALLAROO 290
Merino wool stays warm when wet, breathes and wicks sweat, and doesn’t itch—all of which makes the 290 cap, with retractable earband, a no-brainer this time of year. $40;
9. EXPOSURE LIGHTS DIABLO
Short days = long night rides. The wireless, 700-lumen Diablo is lightweight and waterproof and comes with an articulating helmet mount. $219;
10. PEARL IZUMI P.R.O. LOBSTER WIND MITT
For blustery shoulder-season days, these sport a stashable windproof shell to keep your digits warm. $45;
Spring Gear: Running
Spring gear, running
1. THE NORTH FACE TRAJECTORY HYBRID
Sweat soaks most waterproof running jackets, defeating their purpose. This one uses soft woven panels on the back and underarms to let out heat but waterproof fabric everywhere the precip hits—the best design we’ve seen. $179;
2. MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR SETA STRAPLESS RUNNING GAITERS
Mud belongs on the trail, not in your shoes. These staunchly water-resistant gaiters fit snugly, though you need to stick a permanent Velcro-like strip to your shoe. $35;
3. NIKE ZOOM STRUCTURE TRIAX+ 12 GTX
A waterproof road shoe? Yep. The Gore-Tex layer keeps these from getting waterlogged and heavy on rainy runs. Bonus: Waffle sole works like cleats on slick pavement. $115;
4. NEW BALANCE NBX STRETCH WOVEN
Ditch your sweats. Light, fluid, and stretchy, these pants bridge the gap between summer shorts and winter tights. $65;
5. COLUMBIA TRAIL PRO SHORT SLEEVE CREW Sure, you can usually just run in an old cotton T-shirt, but this silky nylon-and-polyester one will quickly move rain or sweat away from your skin. Note: Cut is best for bigger frames. $55;
6. BROOKS NIGHTLIFE REFLECTIVE VEST
In flat light or rain, dress defensively: Studies show fluorescent yellow-green is the easiest color to see peripherally. $20;
7. BROOKS HVAC INFINITI MESH HAT
A fast-wicking running cap keeps the rain out of your eyes and dries faster than the roads will. $24;
8. ASICS ARM WARMERS
Fickle weather? There’s no more versatile, or affordable, layering system than these comfortable, no-slip arm warmers paired with a short-sleeved shirt. $8;
9. JULBO CONTEST
High-contrast yellow photochromic lenses darken as the storm clears, and extra-tacky rubber keeps things secure. Fits small or medium faces best. $160;
The New Avalanche Airbag
Slough Ride
Backcountry Access Float 30
Avalanche airbags—backpacks that deploy an enormous balloon to keep you floating on sliding snow—may be proven lifesavers, but they’re not all that common. The bags have been available since 1985 in Europe, where they’ve been shown to dramatically reduce your chances of getting buried in a slide. The problem? They cost upwards of $1,000. But Backcountry Access’s new Float 30 costs just $500—a small fee for something that might save your hide. The weight (6.6 pounds) and lack of ski-carry straps make it best for the heli, cat, and snow-machine set, but a touring version is due out next winter.