1. GUARD
Two for one: Julbo's Explorer sunglasses are full-featured for mountaineering but suitable for a day hike. Moldable temples provide a secure, comfortable fit, and removable side shields protect against wind and glare. The polarized and photochromic Chameleon lenses come with an antifog coating. $170; julbousa.com

2. LOOK
The whole world just got brighter. Black Diamond's Icon headlamp, with a three-watt LED, works with BD's NRG Battery System (sold separately, $30), a rechargeable battery and universal adapter kit. $60; blackdiamondequipment.com

3. TRACK
Casio's solar-powered Pathfinder uses the same atomic time-keeping technology as NASA and the U.S. military and has a built-in antenna that enables the watch to adjust to different time zones on the fly. Bonus: It also comes with a digital compass, altimeter, thermometer, and titanium band. PAW 1200 T-7V, $350; casio.com

4. LISTEN
Apple's superslim second-generation Nano—at a whopping eight gigs—is the obvious choice for go-anywhere digital audio, thanks to its altitude-proof flash drive and tough new aluminum bod. Bonus: Pair it with the Nike + iPod Sport Kit ($29; nikeplus.com, outsideonline.com/nikeipod) and you've got a killer training tool, too. $249; apple.com

5. SLICE
Mountaineer Peter Whittaker helped design the one-handed Buck Whittaker X-Tract so he wouldn't have to let go of the rope to use his knife—or pliers, wire cutters, and screwdrivers. (The bottle opener, we imagine, is best used with two hands free.) You won't find a plastic toothpick here, just an ergonomic multitool with a carbon-steel blade. $50; buckknives.com

6. JOURNEY
HP's iPAQ 5900 Travel Companion is a sleek do-it-all gadget made for digital road-trippin'. The Windows Mobile 5.0 handheld has voice-guided GPS navigation (U.S. and Canadian maps preinstalled), wireless e-mail, and 64MB of memory for storing music files and photos. The pocket-friendly unit weighs just six ounces. $599; hp.com