review

Outdoor Research’s Vanguard jacket is a quality GORE-TEX shell that is ideal for hiking in the backcountry. For whatever reason, I had preconceptions about Outdoor Research’s gear being subpar to that of brands such as The North Face, Oakley or Dakine, but the Vanguard jacket shows that OR is there to outfit the most die hard of rippers for the most extreme conditions.

As a kid, my first pair of non hand-me-down gloves was a pair of Swanys. They were warm, comfortable and lasted through years of teenage angst and abuse. As such, I was psyched to get another pair on my hands this year. Swany's Eco-Pipe Gloves provide the warmth and comfort I've come to expect from the brand while taking gloves into a totally new dimension with their unique, environmentally friendly design.

Whether I'm going to the beach, out on the water or into town, my Reef Fanning Sandals are a summer essential. Inspired by Australian surfer Mick Fanning, they are a performance sandal of Reef's that's water resistant, features enhanced arch support and includes an air cushioned heel.

The Never Summer Revolt is one board quiver for freeriding. If you like to bomb hills, slide, dance, or freeride this boards negative camber profile and deep concave gives you a low center of gravity with a stable platform that holds your feet like superglue.

When it comes to building bombproof ski bags, there’s no one who does it better than Dakine. I have been rocking the Concourse Double for over 10 years now and felt that I was using the pinnacle of all ski bags until I received the brand new ‘11/’12 version. Let’s just say that Dakine stepped it up big time and the new ski bag benchmark is significantly higher than ever before.

The Tribute edition of the Pontoon skis the same as this year's regular version - but is a great way to say "Thanks Shane!" and support his family. A little bit of extra goodness added to an already great ski...

Bataleon Undisputed Snowboard 2011 Review provided by evo - I needed a Pow Stick that could support my weight, I'm 6'1 220 lbs so my 159cm LibTech TRS wasn't cutting it in the deep powder. I wanted something that floated but didn't want a board that was to long since I like doing trees. This board was a good balance, it floats so easily, and is long/wide enough to support my body weight when not hauling down the steeps.

As a rocker board you get the total control that comes with it along with a very forgiving ride. i have yet to catch an edge. probably the best thing about this board is that it rides well in almost any terrain