Gear Something for everyone (and just about every season), ranging from utilitarian to simply fun

Lower Your Sights

The Power Forward elevator system ($450 for a unit that can be
added to your existing backboard and rim; $350 if you buy it as
part of a new unit) is a battery-powered device that raises and
lowers your rim between seven feet and 10 feet with the push of
a button. Made by Hydra-Rib, the Power Forward runs on a 12-volt
rechargeable battery that provides enough juice for 150
three-foot adjustments. The system also contains an override
feature that allows you to crank the rim up and down by hand.
The Power Forward is only compatible with Hydra-Rib units. Huffy
Sports, 800-558-5234; www.huffysports.com.

Packer Backer

Tired of carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders? The
GoLite Gust ($99) is one of the lightest backpacks on the market
(it weighs one pound, four ounces), but it can hold as much as 25
pounds and has more than 5,100 cubic inches of capacity. This
backpack is so stripped down, it doesn't even have an internal
frame. GoLite, 888-546-5483; www.golite.com.

Sitting Pretty (and Fast)

The Swiss Bob snow sled ($22) is as speedy as it is simple. Made
in Switzerland and distributed in the U.S. by MPH Associates,
the Swiss Bob is 18"x18" and weighs only two pounds. It's
constructed of a durable plastic that runs smoothly on snow and
comes in blue, red, yellow and silver. MPH Associates, Inc.,
800-394-6741; www.eurosled.com.

COLOR PHOTO: ROB OUTLAW/COURTESY OF GOLITE

COLOR PHOTO: ARTISENT DESIGN

THREE COLOR PHOTOS: HUFFY SPORTS