1. Black Diamond Ion
Blinding, tiny, and tough, this headlamp is impervious to almost any abuse and cheap enough that you won't care if you lose it (until you need it).
$20, blackdiamondequipment.com
2. Leica Ultravid 8 x 20 BR
The best compact binoculars we've ever used: water-resistant and burly, with a bright, clear image.
$700, leica-camera.com
3. Keen Powerline
These kicks handle hours of foot pounding on tough trails and urban streets. But flashy styling screams, "I am a rich tourist. You should rob me."
$100, keenfootwear.com
4. Osprey Atmos 35
Well-designed pack lets you comfortably carry more crap than you probably should. Too bad the front pocket's stretchy skin tears easily.
$160, ospreypacks.com
5. SteriPEN Adventurer
This purifier uses UV light to make even polio-infested water Evian-safe in 48 seconds. The optional solar-paneled case, however, takes up to five days to charge the batteries.
$180, steripen.com
6. ExOfficio Clothing With Insect Shield
The bug-proofing built into apparel from socks to shirts keeps mosquitoes away, but the retirement-chic aesthetic repels people under 50.
$40, exofficio.com
7. Spot Satellite GPS Messenger
Uploads your location to an online map every 10 minutes, letting friends (or rescue teams) follow your moves. Warning: The 911 button is easy to hit by mistake.
$170, findmespot.com
8. Iridium 9555
This sat-phone always gets a signal (outside), but the grayscale screen, belabored SMS (no T9!), and lack of Web access make a local SIM a better option.
$1,600, iridium9555.com
9. Canon Powershot D10
This dunkable and droppable digicam falls down when faced with indoor shots. Unpocketable shape was the real deal-breaker for us.
$330, canon.com
10. Timex Expedition WS4
What's worse than not having a compass? Having a compass that is consistently wrong. Like the one on this otherwise very cool watch. Thanks for getting us lost, Timex.
$200, timex.com
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