The Artica won last year’s Gear of the Year, and everything testers raved about then is still here in this updated model. The symmetric and flexible aluminum frame that self-adjusts to tricky terrain. A tapered tail that doesn’t interfere with your natural stride. A free-pivot, articulating binding that prevents shin bang and snow kick-up. And über-aggressive crampons that got us through the gnarliest mountainside ice rinks. This year, the decking is treaded where it wraps the frame, putting hiking-sole-like rubber at key points for even better grip. 5 lbs, 21″, 25″, 30″;
BonusMost parts are labeled for easy recyclability—put them in your blue bin or send them back to Easton.