Cool Innovations for Cold Weather

Sierra, Sept, 1999

(13) Kelty

Jetstream 2 Convertible Tent $299

The Jetstream 2 is a two-door, two-pole vaulted dome that morphs from a breezy 5.75-1b. warm-weather hut to a beefy 7.8-1b. frost-free fortress. Its two-rainfly design starts as a lightweight "softop," a standard fly and two stake-out vestibules, then seals out the cold by adding a second "hardtop" fly with two additional poles. The hardtop can pitch alone for ultralight protection. Easy to set up, it includes continuous pole sleeves, an ArcEdge floor with off-the-ground seams, and doors with mesh windows. 800-423-2320; www.kelty.com

FOOTWEAR

(14) Trukke

Snow Motion $100

When your foot is having trouble just getting a grip on snow and slush, it certainly doesn't need instability within the boot itself. That's where the SnowMotion's unique tethering system comes in. Combining an around-the-ankle strap with a FastTec cinching buckle, triangular Asymmetrical Yoke Stabilizer and Rear Ankle Lock the system keeps your ankle from flapping around and lifting off the insulated sole no matter what your activity level. These 8-in.-high boots include a breathable, waterproof neoprene liner and taped seams all around. 888-387-8553; www.trukke.com

(15) Nike

Air Ascent Summit $165

Is it possible to get the support of a full-shanked, multi-day, all-weather hiking shoe with the maneuverability, comfort, and weight of a basketball shoe? That's the goal of the sleek, new Italian-made Air Ascent Summit, which includes a Gore-Tex lining for waterproofing and sweat venting, Nike's comfy air-cushion heel and insole pads for shock absorption, and a feathery 22-oz. weight, among the lightest in its class. The trick? A streamlined rubber outsole and a one-piece upper of Lorica, an extremely light, breathable, abrasion-resistant synthetic leather. 800-352-NIKE; www.nike.com

(16) Vasque

Arctic $100

One of the lowest-priced waterproof boots, the athletic, narrow-profile Arctic can do everything a plodding pack boot can't from hard-core hiking and snowshoeing to driving a car It offers less bulk and more comfort during outdoor winter activities because of two cutting-edge technologies: thin, super-warm BQ 400 Thinsulate Ultra insulation and Asystec, a leakproof PU shell bonded to the upper leather with a patented process. 800-224-HIKE; www.vasque.com

APPAREL

(17) Columbia Sportswear

Windblast sweater $150

Windproof and breathable, the versatile Windblast fleece sweater is a great space-saver because it uses a high-tech membrane that adds warmth without bull, The technology, eVENT Wind Protection, is an ePTFE (expanded polytetrafiuoroethytene) that is laminated between fabric layers and provides virtual windproofing. The sweater includes an inside mesh goggle/waterbottle pocket, a sunglasses pocket and a waist drawcord. A Windblast vest is $120. 800-547-8066; www.columbia.com

(18) Patagonia

RI Flash Pullover $98

"R" stands for Regulator, a versatile new line of breathable, warm, compressible moisture-management super-fleeces that have been codeveloped by Patagonia and Malden Mills. The RI Flash Pullover is an against-the-skin garment designed to keep you dry and cool. It uses hollow filament yams to wick moisture away from the skin and a unique high/low grid pattern on the inside to encourage a cooling, drying air flow. Although similar in function to expedition-weight capilene, it scrunches down into a smaller pack space, breathes better, and evaporates sweat faster during shell-less aerobic activities. Features include a deep, offset front zipper for neck comfort, a handy chest pocket and comfy stretch panels on the sides. 800-638-6464; www.patagonia.com