TENTS | Dome tents revolutionized outdoor shelters in the 1970s. But not much has changed since -- until now. Once the domain of high-altitude mountaineers, single-wall shelters have undergone a quiet transformation, with the development of waterproof-breathable fabrics, stronger poles, and architectural improvements.
EDITORS' PICK THE NORTH FACE Spectrum 23 The Spectrum's unique top vent functions similarly to a spoiler on a sports car. Face the tent into the wind and the strutted top converts even the fiercest gale into a stabilizing, rather than devastating, force. Bonus: A floor vent, combined with the top one, provides wicked ventilation -- eliminating the condensation that plagues most single-walls in hot weather. Sleeps two. [$259; thenorthface.com]
ULTRALIGHT NEMO Hypno EX The Hypno uses intersecting bladders of air (filled by an amplifying lung pump) rather than poles. The advantages: You get a stable shelter for two in a ridiculously quick 30 seconds and, with no poles to carry, you shlep only 3.5 lbs. [$455; nemoequipment.com]
EXPEDITION MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR EV3 Bearing the initials of mountaineer Ed Viesturs, this 6.8-lb single-wall will withstand high-altitude environs. There's sleeping space for three, two clear UV-resistant windows, and a built-in vestibule for gear. [$750; www.mountainhardwear.com]

HIKING BOOTS | Despite what your mother told you about clean underwear, no piece of trail gear is more important than your boots. Drawing upon high-tech materials and construction techniques, boot makers are shortening break-in periods and reducing weights by pounds, not ounces.
EDITORS' PICK LOWA Kerano GTX Mid The 40-oz Kerano coddles straight from the box. Its leather upper, padded collar, and tenacious sole will swallow long day hikes, even 10-hour epics over craggy peaks. [$200; lowaboots.com]
MOUNTAINEERING LA SPORTIVA Glacier EVO Big mountains and big loads require big boots. The steel-shanked 66-oz Glacier EVO has a soft, flexible, highly adjustable tongue and a wicking lining. [$250; www.lasportiva.com]
APPROACH MERRELL Edge The grippy and agile 29-oz Edge is perfect for short day hikes and light bouldering sessions because of its Vibram sole and well-protected toe box. [$90; merrell.com]
ULTRALIGHT HI-TEC V-Lite Hurricane The 15-oz Hurricane's plastic exoskeleton offers support over gnarly terrain, and an Event waterproof-breathable membrane keeps your feet dry. [$110; www.hi-tec.com]

SLEEPING BAGS | Whether down or synthetic, the latest sleeping bags trim weight and bulk without sacrificing the comfort you desire after hiking trails and bagging peaks.
EDITORS' PICK MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR Spirit SL The 32-oz Spirit SL makes sleeping in a tent optional: A waterproof-breathable fabric with welded seams fortifies the 800-fill down from the elements, and a waterproof flap shields the zipper. Rated to 32ûF. [$335; www.mountainhardwear.com]
SYNTHETIC THE NORTH FACE Fission Synthetic insulation keeps you warm even when wet. We like the North Face's 36-oz Fission, rated to 20ûF, which innovatively uses two zippers, one of which opens the footbox so you can wander without shedding the sack. [$209; thenorthface.com]
BARGAIN EASTERN MOUNTAIN SPORTS Mountain Light 0 The Mountain Light packs 48 oz of 725-fill into its tubes. In colder environs, such as Mount Rainier, you'll appreciate the insulation around your face and neck. Rated to 0ûF. [$259; ems.com]
SPLURGE MONTBELL U.L. Down Hugger No. 1 If you're a spastic sleeper who despises bags' tight quarters, consider the 725-fill Down Hugger, rated to 16ûF. The 36-oz bag's elastic baffle construction lets you twist into any number of contortions unencumbered. [$365; montbell.com]