2009 Editor’s Choice Awards

Edited by Karina Evertsen
Photography by Corrynn Cochran

Before you head out to revamp your wicking wardrobe or upgrade to a new road bike, you’ll want to peruse and save this special section. Why? Over the past six months, Women’s Adventure has tested more than 1,000 products (many newly launched spring items) and selected the best of the best for this issue. We’ve done the research. Now all you have to do is shop and play!

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Road Cycling

BH Cristal

“Fast and sexy!” “Fits like a glove.” Those were just two of the comments this bike received from testers. BH is a Spanish company you may not be familiar with, but they’ve been around for 100 years, building bikes that have won pro races in Europe for decades. The Cristal was born for speed, not for all-day comfort. Rock solid on the straightaways with sharp, precise handling, the Cristal may just be, as one competitive racer said, “the first women’s-specific bike I’ve tried that gets really serious about winning— finally!” You’ll love it if you want to stay ahead in races or on shorter, more competitive rides. And watch out on windy days—you just might take flight. Price: Ultegra $3,799; Dura-Ace $6,399. Weight: 14.8 pounds (53 cm without pedals). www.bhbikes-us.com

Ellsworth Scant

You’ll be in for a quick, frisky ride on the Ellsworth Scant. It is the only road bike in our lineup with a scandium-aluminum alloy frame. You’ll like that feature if you find that full-carbon mutes the ride too much, but this one is by no means rough. The wheelbase is more than an inch shorter than most of the other bikes featured here, meaning it leans more toward speed and acceleration than stability. The Scant is definitely race-worthy, built for speed and acceleration and riding away in a race-winning, head-down position. Price: Frame/fork only $1,999; complete bike $3,900. Weight: 2.8 pounds (frame/fork only); ~16 pounds (complete bike). www.ellsworthbikes.com

Look 566

This was a favorite ride for our testers who preferred a more aggressive, racier position in their bike. The 566 is Look’s entry-level road bike; it has a head tube that’s taller than Look’s higher-end models (to increase comfort), but you’ll still get this bike to really take off thanks to the stiffness of its frame. Our testers reported a fairly low level of road vibration—perfect for long, fast rides. If you prefer a women’s-specific fit, the 566 might not be for you; the frame is a traditional geometry that may have some women feeling a bit stretched out in the torso. Price: Frame only $1,999; complete bike: SRAM Rival $2,699. Shimano Ultegra $3,199 Weight: 18 pounds (55 cm). www.lookcycle-usa.com

Specialized Ruby Comp Compact

The Ruby Comp strikes a nice balance between eager acceleration and carbon cushioning. With this frame—you won’t feel uneven asphalt. If you’ve been riding a unisex bike and experiencing discomfort in your neck, or had to shorten your stem so you can reach the handlebars, do yourself a huge favor and test-ride this women’s-specific frame. Our testers felt the Ruby was a “little slow on the uphills,” and the positioning may be slightly more upright than some prefer, but all-day rides will be a pleasure with the level of comfort the bike delivers. Price: $2,700. Weight: 18 pounds (54 cm). www.specialized.com

Trek Madone 6.5 WSD

Want to wander the wine country on a 50-mile ride or crank it up and win a sprint in a friendly competition? No problem! This bike sports a relaxed upright position, women’s-specific saddle, and bump-eating carbon frame, stem, and seat post. And Trek’s Project One program offers a choice of paint colors, components, and even cable colors, allowing you to enjoy customization and adjust the price tag. One tester raved, “Light, climbs like a fiend, rockets down descents, stable, and fantastically comfortable.” Price: $6,930 stock (price varies if the bike is Project One). Weight: 15.7 pounds (54 cm). www.trekbikes.com

Cannondale Synapse  Féminine 4

The Synapse Féminine 4 gets our vote for the most versatile bike in our roadie lineup. For just under $2,500, you can ride an almost perfect blend of comfort and speed with SRAM’s Rival drive train. The Synapse never felt sluggish or unresponsive and climbs and descends with ease and control—in part because of a wider handlebar. This wasn’t the lightest bike in our lineup, but, as one rider put it, “It rides lighter than it weighs.” By the way, we were wowed by the beautiful blue paint job too! Price: $2,450. Weight: 17 pounds (54 cm). www.cannondale.com

Look KéO Elle Pedals
If you’re ready to take the “clipless” pedal plunge, Look pedals are a great choice. Yes, the Elle is women’s- specific largely thanks to color, but adjustable spring tension makes releasing a little easier for lighter-weight riders, too. KéOs provide a larger platform to clip into, preventing hot spots on your feet, and the rubbery cleats make dismounting easy and less damaging to floors. $119. www.lookcycle-usa.com

Shebeest S-cut Jersey Print
We had a slew of gorgeous jerseys that really delivered, but the S-cut stood out in the fit department. This jersey moves with you in every direction and doesn’t ride up at the hem. Period. It’s got a nice length for taller women and features X-static fabric technology with silver, neutralizing odor and keeping your body temp regulated whatever the weather. XS–XL. $70. www.shebeest.com

Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Bib Short
One tester said these bibs were as close to riding naked as you could get. If you haven’t already tried bib shorts, these should be at the top of your wish list. Although bibs are a little harder to slip out of at potty breaks, they have no waist constriction at all and you can take deep breaths without any problem. Featuring Pearl Izumi’s very comfortable PRO 3-D chamois. XS–XL. $150. www.pearlizumi.com

Tifosi Scout Sunglasses $60. www.tifosioptics.com
Giordana Silverline Gloves $20. www.gitabike.com
Rudy Project Zuma Helmet $115. www.rudyprojectusa.com
Gore Xenon Lady Jacket $190. www.gorebikewear.com
DeFeet Aireators $10. www.defeet.com
Diadora Speedracer Shoes $120. www.cannondale.com

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Mountain Cycling

Cannondale Féminine Rush

If you’ve just been bit by the mountain-biking bug, the Rush won’t disappoint. It’s attractively priced and outfitted with good components, so you’re set to explore dirt roads or not-too-technical singletrack. “This bike has excellent pedal stroke and power transfer as well as very smooth shifting,” said our tester. It’s a great all-around bike that rides consistently on uphill and downhill terrain, with a solid suspension system and 5 inches of travel. The only drawback is that it’s a bit on the heavy side, but not so much that it’ll make a difference on a beginner-level ride. Price: $1,440. Weight: 27 pounds. www.cannondale.com

Giant Cypher 1

Without a doubt the Cypher 1 is a top choice in the bang-for-your-buck category. Every one of our testers liked this bike. “The weight of the bike was ideal—light, but with just enough substance to keep me grounded over the technical terrain.” With more travel in the suspension system, climbing can be more difficult, but the Cypher 1 performed perfectly when needed. It got a thumbs-up for being comfortable while not sacrificing agility on tight corners, giving a “liquid” ride over bumpy roots and babyhead rocks. One tester called her ride over a rocky trail “butter.” Another went out and bought one after our test weekend. Price: $2,900. Weight: 26.6 pounds. www.giantbicycles.com

Pivot Mach 5 XT

As its name indicates, this bike is fast. The Mach 5 (5.5 inches of travel) is built to reduce downhill sections to nothing but fun, taking on tight handling around corners as well as technical terrain. The shifting stood out for our riders, who appreciated being able to change gears by pushing forward or back. Despite the stiff ride, the Mach 5 delivers the “perfect balance of maneuverability and stability.” One drawback that all our riders mentioned was that the rear brakes were too “grabby” and made slowing down awkward, especially at high speeds. Price: $4,399. Weight: 26 pounds. www.pivotcycles.com

Specialized Safire Elite

The first word that comes to mind with the Safire is comfort. With geometry that has you in a more upright stance, this is a great pick for all-around mountain riding. Because you are set toward the rear of the bike, climbing didn’t come as easily as with some of the others. It got rated well on the downhills, with most testers saying they had more confidence on those sections of trail due to stability and handling. As one tester observed, “it rolled right over boulders and roots at slow uphill speeds and turned quickly on downhill switchbacks.” Price: $3,100. Weight: 23.6 pounds. www.specialized.com

Trek Top Fuel 9.8 WSD

One of the first nuggets of feedback that we got on this bike was that “it demands to be ridden fast.” The Top Fuel 9.8 brings together, geometry and performance, creating a mountain bike for competitors and experienced riders. Designed with a longer top tube and a shorter head tube than some other women’s-specific bikes, the Top Fuel 9.8 places your body in an aggressive position. All our riders agreed that it is a powerhouse on the uphill and is precise and easy to control on the downhills. As one tester put it, “I felt like I had just hopped aboard a rocket ship.” Price: $4,949. Weight: 23.1 pounds. www.trekbikes.com

Ellsworth Project Pink Epiphany

The Epiphany is a perfect choice if your skills have outgrown your current bike. Handcrafted from the wheels to the frame, every detail is a work of art, and it rides that way too. With 5.25 inches of travel and an upright position, this bike handles a vast variety of terrain, smoothing out whatever you roll over (if you even notice it). In fact, one rider said, “Downhills are superfun, the suspension soaks up everything I had the courage to throw at it.” Also, $50 goes to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Price: X9 Build $4499. Weight: 5.5 pounds (frame only) www.ellsworthbikes.com

Specialized Propero Helmet. $110. www.specialized.com
Descente Shelter Jacket. $200. www.descenteathletic.com
RaceFace Blossom Jersey $55. www.raceface.com
Julbo Run Glasses. $120–$160 (depending on lens). www.julbousa.com
Dakine Girls Nomad Pack. $95. www.dakine.com
Harlot Houlihan Shorts. $70. www.harlotwear.com
Kona XC Gloves $35. www.konaworld.com
Sock Guy Socks. $9.95. www.sockguy.com
Sidi Dominator 5s. $299. www.sidiusa.com

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Running

Half-marathon and beyond

Brooks Infiniti 2

Easy on the road and on your conscience. The patented BioMoGo midsole on the Infinity 2 keeps its cushy feel mile after mile and also degrades in the landfill at 50 times the rate of your typical EVA. Hydroflow (encapsulated fluid pads) in the heel and the forefoot dampens the beating of excessive mileage. Half-milers and marathoners will appreciate the energy return. Our testers raved, “I could run forever in these shoes.” For neutral to moderate pronators. $125. www.brooksrunning.com

10K and 5K

Asics GEL-Kayano 15

For 15 years and running, literally, the GELKayano remains a perennial favorite for serious runners. How do you improve on perfection? Update to an asymmetrical lacing system for a better fit (your foot is asymmetrical too) and a lighter midsole. Great for long training runs or races, with enough stability to guide the foot through a natural gait. Testers say, “Supercomfortable fit. Felt broken in within 10 minutes.” $140. www.asics.com

Speed

Saucony ProGrid Triumph 6

The Triumph is a sweet ride for neutral runners. Comfortable, energetic, and lightweight, it neatly absorbs the impact of concrete and pavement. Arch-Lock provides exceptional fit through the midfoot, and heel-strikers will benefit from the SRC Impact Zone, a patented technology that takes road shock and transfers it to forward motion. Hit the road. Train. Testers say, “fast and light without sacrificing a single thing.” $125. www.saucony.com

Maximum Stability

New Balance 769 ST

For overpronators this shoe is the bomb. Plus, it’s actually cute, instead of coming off like a “special shoe.” The curved, padded tongue fits anatomically to the top of the foot, and the wavy lacing system adds a feminine touch while actually providing some welcome function (the waves give traction in the eyelets so you essentially are cinching them up). Relieved tester said, “my flat feet couldn’t roll to the inside. Good-bye hip and ankle pain.” $100. www.newbalance.com

Speed

Vasque Momenta

This historic hiking-boot company introduces another solid trail-running shoe. The Momenta is built for speed, with an anatomy that propels the runner forward. Testers say, “great on scree and stable on big rocks,” with a wider forefoot and heel counter. If you race or train short to middle-distance routes, the Momenta will put you in front of the pack. $105. www.vasque.com

Comfort

New Balance WT875

Our pick for women who prefer the fit and the comfort of traditional road-running shoes when they go off-road. These lightweight trail-runners have exceptional cushioning as well as midsole and skeletal support you won’t notice until you need it. The aggressively rugged outsole and straight last keep you stable on uneven terrain and, as on tester put it, “protect you from feeling every rock and twig.” $100. www.newbalance.com

All-around

The North Face Voza

The Voza transitions from road to trail and back again with ease. Our testers loved its simplicity and light weight. Even though the Voza sports clean lines, it responds with performance and endurance for the long haul. And no matter how much you sweat, your shoes will remain smell-free because of the AgION antimicrobial silver that’s woven into the top layer of the Northotic (ergonomically designed) foot bed. Best for slightly wider feet. $95. www.thenorthface.com

Extreme Terrain

Salomon XT Wings GTX W

Get maximum all-terrain gear for your feet. Whether you’re on dirt, mud, snow, scree, rocks, or asphalt, these babies perform with agility and stability. The thoughtful design includes a Gore-Tex–wrapped toe, quick-drying (stylish) and breathable mesh weave, and a single-pull lacing system akin to those found on snowboard boots. Testers raved, “lots of bells and whistles. An all-wheel drive SUV for serious trail runners.” $120. www.salomonrunning.com

Descente Thermal Deluxe Hoodie
This layer must have a thermostat because it regulates body temperature from warm to cool and back again. We loved the thoughtful blanket-soft Microfleece interior, the hand-warming cuffs, hidden zipper MP3 pocket, breathable/wicking underarm panels, and superstylish trim patterns. $89.95. www.descente.com

CamelBak Annedel. $45. www.camelbak.com
Tifosi DEA Sunglasses. $59.95. www.tifosioptics.com
Brooks Pacer Sport Tank. $40. www.brooksrunning.com
Polar FT40 Heart Rate Monitor. $180. www.polarusa.com
Brooks PR Mesh Skort. $42. www.brooksrunning.com
Amphipod Handheld Pocket. $17. www.amphipod.com
Pearl Izumi Chase Splice Knicker. $55. www.pearlizumi.com

Marmot Crystalline Jacket
If there’s a lighter waterproof (seam-sealed) jacket on the market, we haven’t found it. At just 6.5 ounces, you can take this jacket everywhere and never miss a run because of wind or rain. $130. www.marmot.com

Rossignol Sundance Tank in Cocoa. $35. www.rossignol.com
Zeal Tensai. $130. www.zealoptics.com
Patagonia Multi-Use Skirt. $55. www.patagonia.com
Fox River Mills Driven Ultra Light Weight Socks. $9. www.foxsox.com
Garmin Forerunner 405 Watch. $300. www.garmin.com
Marmot Vogue Tank. $45. www.marmot.com
Moving Comfort Cool Run Short. $34. www.movingcomfort.com

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Hiking & Backpacking

The North Face Minibus 23

The North Face has put a great deal of thought and effort into customizing the best pole-and-pitching system out there with this three-season tent. A series of innovative clips and hubs connect to provide an astonishing amount of headroom as well as plenty of space for storage and organization. Pockets and gear loops abound, and the color-coded clips and poles making pitching a cinch. Big doors on both sides offer easy access in and out. Strap on the rain fly to ward off the weather and keep all your gear dry in the enormous vestibules on either side. A funky bus window lets you see out of the highly waterproof canopy. The one con: it’s a bit heavy for the backcountry, weighing in at 6 pounds 12 ounces. $389. www.thenorthface.com

Marmot EcoPro 15

So you want to decrease your carbon footprint without sacrificing performance? This synthetic bag is rated for just below 30F and has all the bells and whistles you’re looking for. EcoPro’s shell and liner are both made of recycled materials. With pull-tabs both inside and out, you can unzip in the middle of the night without fumbling. It has a slightly larger toe box area for wiggle room down by your feet and a highly water resistant shell to keep you dry. This bag weighs in at 2 pounds 13 ounces and will keep you toasty through some pretty cold and wet conditions. $165. www.marmot.com

Exped Ibis WB

The Swiss take things seriously, and there was no exception when it came to designing this three-season bag. Rated for a blustery 20F, the 750-fill goose down Ibis is the perfect choice if you are looking for a waterproof bag for cooland wet-weather use. Our testers really liked the storm flap over the zipper that keeps the weather at bay. You’ll get a bit of extra weight and bulk as a result of the bomber construction and the nylon material featured on both the shell and the stuff sack, but it’s well worth it if your goal is to stay dry on your next adventure. $400. www.outdoorresearch.com

REI Halo 25

REI’s Down Fill Calculator gets it right, again. With 750-fill goose down, this 31-ounce bag is comfort-rated to 25F making it perfect for early spring backpacking. A favorite among testers for its water-repellent shell, full-length draft protection along its zipper, and an exterior chest pocket (a close-at-hand stash spot for a headlamp or lip balm) this bag’s features include sleeping pad loops that will help keep even squirmy sleepers off the ground. $259 www.rei.com

Gregory Jade 25

Stuff all your essentials into this go-anywhere daypack. One large chamber holds all your goods. There’s a pocket for an internal hydration bladder, an inner mesh one for stashing the small stuff, and a front stretchy pouch to hold a helmet or layers you want to have on hand. Two stretch side pockets house water bottles and snacks. The waist belt and the shoulder straps are designed for a comfortable fit, and a suspension system on the back distributes the weight evenly and allows for maximum ventilation. This basic, everyday backpack is functional, comfortable, and just technical enough to take anywhere. $129. 2 pounds 13 ounces; 1,525 cubic inches. www.gregorypacks.com

Osprey Aura 50 Pack

Available in three torso sizes and with a women’s-specific shoulder harness, almost anyone can find a good fit in this 3-day top-loader. With 20 pounds in tow, testers loved the lightweight suspension system that evenly distributed weight and the waffle-foam hip belt and shoulder straps that save ounces without sacrificing comfort and cushioning. Though there’s plenty of room for a weekend trip—3,000 cubic inches inside, stretchy front and side pockets, sleeping-bag straps and loops for ice tools or extra gear—you can use handy cinch straps to reign it in for day hikes, too. $199. 3 pounds 6 ounces; 3,000 cubic inches. www.ospreypacks.com

Mountainsmith Scarlet

Think storage. This basic and simple multiday pack is every organizer’s dream. When you have a place for everything, it makes everything easy to find. The front pocket contains internal compartments for all the small stuff, one of which is fleece lined specifically to keep glasses scratch-free. A clear sleeve on the inside of the removable lid held our map for quick reference on our treks, and we could easily reach our water bottles from the two side pockets even when the pack was on. An internal pocket holds a hydration bladder, and a separate compression compartment holds the sleeping bag; compression straps hold the sleeping pad in place with quick-release clips. There is also room for an ice ax or trekking poles. Our favorite feature: the pack is made from 100 percent recycled fabric. $179. 4 pounds 7 ounces; 3,082 cubic inches. www.mountainsmith.com

Arc’teryx Briza 62

When it comes to gearing up for an expedition, this pack has everything you’ll need. Internal compartments house your sleeping bag and hydration bladder. A large front kangaroo pocket keeps clothing handy and could also separate rain-drenched gear from the pack’s dry interior. Remove the lid and—voila!—you have a fanny pack great for a day excursion from camp. Two side pouches provide easy access to food and water. Technical features include two daisy chains, ice ax loops, and wand pockets. Even fully loaded, the pack fits perfectly with its super-padded waistband and shoulder straps. Other great features are the durable water-repellent nylon, watertight zippers to keep your goods dry (easy to use even with mittens on), and an option for a custom-fit waistband. $350. 5 pounds 12 ounces; 4,390 cubic inches. www.arcteryx.com

Katadyn Micro Bottle

Meeting EPA standards for the removal of giardia and bacteria, this 21 ounce bottle provides one of the easiest ways to filter your water. A simple cartridge system fits with the accompanying water bottle. Fill up the bottle, insert the filter, and tighten down. Flush the system before your first sip, or you’re in for a mouthful of the carbon taste. The Micro is best suited for shorter day hikes, but can be used on long trips where water is abundant. Each replacable filter is good for 26 gallons of safe-to-drink water. $40. www.katadyn.us

Katadyn Hiker PRO

The Hiker Pro kicks out water at about a liter per minute. What makes this filter stand out is the fact that it’s superdurable for those of you who are rough on your gear. Our testers liked the hydration pack adapters, which make filling them much easier. It weighs a mere 11 ounces, which is a huge plus when you’re looking to go light. We suggest learning how to use it before you hit the trail (it’s not too difficult, but it’s better to be prepared). $80. www.katadyn.us

SteriPEN JourneyLCD Purifier

If you’re headed overseas—or anywhere you feel you might need extra backup in the water safety department—the JourneyLCD should make its way into your bag. It purifies filtered or tap water in seconds, using ultraviolet light to kill off little buggers like cryptosporidium as well as viruses and bacteria. The easy-to-read LCD screen lets you know when the water is ready and how much more water you can purify, and this mid-size version can be used along with the SteriPEN’s classic Pre-filter. $100. www.steripen.com

MSR Sweetwater Purifier System

The Sweetwater system is tried, tested, and even used for many years by one of our editors. Different colored hoses eliminate confusion about which end provides clean water and there’s an adapter to help fill wide-mouth bottles. This field-cleanable “system” comes packaged with 80 gallons-worth of a chlorine-based purification solution that offers extra protection and peace of mind. $90. www.msrgear.com

GSI Pinnacle Dualist
Here’s our pick for durable, nonstick cookware that accommodates two in the backcountry. This BPA-free setup includes a 1.8-liter pot with a strainer lid, two 20-ounce insulated mugs with sip lids, two 20-ounce bowls, two utensils, and a welded stuff sack that can also be used as a sink. We love that each cup, bowl, and utensil is color coded so you know which one is yours. All containers fit snugly into the pot, and a folding handle locks the lid in place. $60. www.gsioutdoors.com

Optimus Crux Lite Stove
Meet the little backpacking stove that could. Lightweight and efficient, it fits in the palm of your hand. This baby can boil a liter of water in less than four minutes. Although it does not fold down as small as its counterpart, the Optimus Crux (the immobile joint saves 21 grams), this lighter version retains the adjustable simmer knob for heat control. We’ve found that the flame burns well in cold conditions at high elevations and stays lit even when the wind picks up. Inside the accompanying stuff sack, it packs so small you risk losing it. $40. www.optimus.se

National Geographic Trails Illustrated Maps (available in 65 titles). $9.95. www.natgeomaps.com
Leatherman Juice XE 6. $106. www.leatherman.com

Kayland Convert W

Get ready for multiday treks in absolute comfort. As beefy as these boots are, our testers found plenty of cushion to soften the impact of a tough hike. The waterproof suede upper held up to mud puddles and branch snags perfectly, and the reinforced toe offered bomber protection for unexpected rocks and roots. The Convert W supports your feet beautifully under the weight of a heavy pack, alleviating fatigue. The only caveat: at 2.4 pounds per pair, they may be a bit heavy for a casual day hike. $200. www.kayland.com

Scarpa Nangpa-La XCR

Here is a great choice for low mileage, two- to three-day backpacking trips. The beauty of these boots is that no break-in is needed—they are great right out of the box. The Nangpa-La XCR are pretty flexible but still give ample ankle and foot bed support. The Gore-Tex lining kept our hikers’ feet dry in even the wettest conditions, and the sticky Vibram sole prevented slippage on wet rocks. The only bummer is it is geared more toward those with narrow feet. $175. www.scarpa.com

Asolo Omni GV ML

The Omni is a form-fitting approach shoe that we ended up wearing as our day hikers. There’s enough support with these shoes to carry a bit of a load on your back, and the roomy toe box got a thumbs-up from our crew. The Gore-Tex upper keeps moisture out and is well insulated to keep your feet warm yet—to our surprise—more breathable than any other we tried. The Vibram sole provided sticky traction and a firm grip on rocks, scree, and trail. $130. www.asolo.com

Rossignol Uintas Shirt. $45. www.rossignol.com
Isis Cassandra Pant. $119. www.isisforwomen.com
Ibex Scoop T. $75. www.ibex.com
Leki Poles Aeragon Diva. $139.95. www.leki.com
Bridgedale Women’s Endurance Trekker Sock. $9. www.bridgedale.com
Salomon Vertigo Shorts. $45. www.salomonsports.com

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Paddling

Bell Northwind Canoe

Sexy, sporty, and stable—sorry, ladies, it’s a canoe. Bell canoes are a true blend of performance and beauty. Beginners and advanced paddlers alike will appreciate how effortlessly they paddle. Kids, dogs, cooler, weekend or weeklong trips—at 17 feet 6 inches and 51 pounds, the Northwind can handle it all, with an optimal load capacity of 350 to 650 pounds. Although the initial stability of the shallow arch hull may feel a little loose to the novice paddler, don’t be fooled; the canoe actually feels more stable when moving and is exceptional in rough conditions. Beginners will grow into the feel, and advanced paddlers will love its nimble nature. $2,974. www.bellcanoe.com

Epic Relaxed Touring Paddle

When paddle shopping remember that lighter is better, and this 23 oz., carbon fiber featherweight paddle is one of the best around. This classic touring-style blade sports a length-lock system that allows you to break down the paddle into two pieces and enables you to adjust the paddle length up to 10 centimeters. So change boats, change paddlers, or just change your mind. $479. www.epickayaks.com

Necky Eliza Kayak

The Necky Eliza was born from female paddlers looking for comfort, fit, and performance in a lightweight package. A low-profile deck and an ergonomic cockpit design grant better contact, while more room in the hips accommodates the female form. A shorter cockpit length allows for easy installation and removal of the spray skirt. On the water the Eliza is a balance of stability, tracking, and maneuverability in all conditions. At 15 feet 3 inches and 22 inches wide, the polyethylene model weighs in at 49 pounds (easily car-topped solo). Perfect for the small to medium-sized paddler for day or weekend trips. $1,449. www.neckykayaks.com

Sawyer Kai Paddle

Beyond beautiful, available and renewable, bamboo offers a weight-to-strength ratio stronger than graphite. The Sawyer Kai uses bamboo (carbon-reinforced in the shaft) coupled with ash laminates in the blade to maximize strength, flexibility, and efficiency in one gorgeous, 20-ounce package. $160. www.paddlesandoars.com

Waterman Stand-up Paddle Board

Stand-up paddling is an ancient Hawaiian sport reborn. With its origins in the surf culture, it has broadened its following to flat-water touring and river running as well. The 12-foot Holoholo is a flat-water cruiser designed with the efficiency of a racing paddleboard and the stability of a cruiser. Glide effortlessly on a coastal tour, your favorite lake, or a meandering river. With its double concave hull, the Holoholo will track straight and handle wind, waves, or currents with ease. One of our favorite features is the unique “easy strap” carrying system that utilizes your paddle as a carry handle, making it supereasy to transport. $1,867 (includes fins and deck pad). www.c4waterman.com

Werner Carve Paddle

For stand-up paddling, Werner’s Carve is a premium fiberglass paddle with a long and slender blade that offers a smooth and balanced forward stroke. The 7.3-inch blade allows for a higher cadence of paddling while still being gentle on your joints. The ABS palm-style grip and the oval index shaft offer comfort in hand and great control. For all-day touring and fitness paddling, this is a great choice. 1-piece $219; adjustable $259; 2-piece $234. www.wernerpaddles.com

Wilderness Systems Tsunami 120

This boat is categorized as “transitional touring” and received our nod for a number of reasons. If you are just getting into paddling or are the casual enthusiast, the Tsunami is easy to manage on the water. Although not “women’s-specific” it is designed for the smaller paddler with a slimmer depth and scaled down cockpit (25.5 inches in width). It is a bit heavy at 53 pounds but that is normal for the category and materials used in construction. $995 www.wildernesssystems.com

Pelican 1020 Micro Case
Pelican cases are a must on any paddling adventure. With infinite possibilities for use and more sizes than you can imagine, these watertight, crush-proof cases can stow your camera, cell phone, iPod, GPS— whatever you take with you on the water. The Micro series offers perfect protection for all your precious cargo. $18 and up. www.pelican.com

Astral Bella PFD
The Astral Bella is truly innovative. We like it so much that this is the second time it’s made our cut (we featured this beauty in our July issue’s “Fresh from the Field”). With a built-in sports bra, independent buoyancy panels, internal back band, and PVC-free foam, this PFD is a perfect blend of design and function. The independent panels move with you to offer maximum mobility to accommodate the shorter torsos of many women. The internal back band hugs your back and provides welcome support for all-day paddling. $157. www.astralbouyancy.com

Kaenon Polarized Baton Sunglasses
Show your eyes some love on the water. Kaenon Polarized offers a soothing solution to that all-day glare. Its proprietary SR-91 lens material lets you have it all, with the clarity of glass and the shatter resistance of polycarbonate. These shades offer up a truly distortion-free view of the world, and their style will have you looking your best on and off the water—though they’re available in six colors, we loved the Ocean Reef finish of this pair. If only everything in life could be so clear. $209. www.kaenon.com

Seattle Sports Dry Bags $34-$50. www.seattlesportsco.com