Nifty gadgets, garments top 2003 Gear of the Year list

Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), May 2, 2003 by THE GAZETTE

A stretchy breathable polyurethane jacket; a wrist computer that records heart rate, split times and weather conditions; and a weather - proof digital camera all made the list when Outside magazine recently named its Gear of the Year winners.

Winners, featured in the 2003 Buyers Guide, include:

Suunto X6 HR wrist computer ($429). It records your heart rate and split times, the altitude and weather conditions, and is PC downloadable. (Grand West Outfitters)

Olympus Stylus 300 Digital camera ($399). It's small, has 3 megapixels, and is waterproof - perfect for the pocket of your ski jacket or in your pack in the kayak. (Shewmakers)

Osprey Aether 75 backpack ($239). This pack offers a whopping 4,500 cubic inches of storage for just 4 pounds, 11 ounces. With innovative composite rods that help spread the load. (Mountain Chalet, Grand West)

North Face Trek Light Leather GTX ($150) hiking boots. Italian leather, waterproof, but just 2.5 pounds per pair for women. (Grand West)

REI Roadster tent ($129). A cool little solo tent that weighs 3 pounds, 3 ounces. The best part? The fly can remain attached to the tent body in the stuff sack. (REI)

Marmot Fusion 15 sleeping bag ($189). Innovative design packs down and synthetic insulation together. A regular length weighs 3 pounds, 3 ounces. (Mountain Chalet, Grand West Outfitters)

Optimus Crux stove ($70). Light, small, and easy to use - perfect for backpacking.

Helly Hansen Storm jacket shell ($120). It's the world's first breathable polyurethane coat - stretchy and breathable, but still soft and quiet.

Vasque Velocity trail-running shoes ($80). Comfortable and stable, these trail runners fuse the best elements of a road runner with the components of a trail shoe. (REI)

Specialized S-Works FSR mountain bike ($4,880). Full suspension, great for hard pedaling. (Bicycle Village; other Specialized models at Criterium)

Saris Cycle-On sport rack ($540 for four). Holds any kind of bike upright with ease; aluminum tray and rubber wheel holder. (Colorado Springs Bike Shop, Cycle Therapy, Colorado Cyclist)

Look for these products online; Mountain Chalet can also place special orders.