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In August, American ski mountaineers Hilaree Nelson and Jim Morrison flew to Nepal from their homes in Telluride, Colorado, and Tahoe City, California, respectively, to attempt the first ski descent of 27,940-foot Lhotse. Part of the Everest massif, Lhotse is the fourth-highest mountain in the world. From a skier鈥檚 perspective, though, Lhotse is first choice. The summit offers a sustained and direct 7,000-vertical-foot ski line that combines a 2,500-foot couloir and an open face. The average pitch is 45 to 50 degrees. For comparison, the steepest in-bounds black diamond runs in the U.S. top out at about 30 degrees.

鈥淚t is this iconic, splinter couloir and it just screams ski line to me,鈥� Morrison told me earlier this听summer.听鈥淚t鈥檚 this plum line right off the summit, right down the middle onto this huge face that goes way down. And it鈥檚 never been done.鈥�

Until this summer, of the five tallest mountains in the world, Mount Everest was the only one to have been skied successfully from the summit. Then, in July, a Polish alpinist named Andrezj Bargiel skied off the summit of K2, the second-highest mountain in the world.

The previous handful听of听attempts to ski Lhotse by athletes like Adrian Ballinger, Kristoffer听Erickson, and Jamie Laidlaw,听have been done in the spring, during Nepal鈥檚 popular climbing season. However, Nelson and Morrison timed their trip intentionally for this fall, at the end of monsoon season, when the high peaks are covered in snow.听

Nelson and Morrison are two of the most experienced听ski mountaineers in the world. Together, they have climbed and skied Denali (20,310 feet) in Alaska and Papsura (21,165 feet), known as the 鈥減eak of evil,鈥� in India. This spring, Morrison skied Cho Oyu and sections on Everest (though not from top). And though she鈥檚 never attempted to ski it, Nelson has climbed Lhotse before. In 2012, she and Erickson linked Lhotse with Mount Everest, making Nelson the first woman to climb two 8,000-meter peaks in 24 hours. She remembers thinking how much more comfortable she was climbing up a couloir on Lhotse than a ridge on Everest. A couloir is familiar terrain for a skier, said Nelson. The thought of skiing definitely crossed her mind, but at the time, there was no snow. 鈥淓ven though it was all rock and ice then, all I could think was, wow. This thing is incredible, probably the most aesthetic couloir in high altitude that I鈥檝e seen,鈥� she said.

On September 12, Nelson sent me two voice memos from Everest听Base Camp,听giving me beta on what the route looks like. Earlier that day, the pair had climbed to Pumori Camp I听at 19,000 feet to acclimatize and Nelson said they walked on a little bit of snow, just below the freezing line. 鈥淚t鈥檚 definitely thick, wet, and punchy,鈥� she said. 鈥淏ut we just got our first glimpse of the Lhotse Face today. You can鈥檛 see the Lhotse Couloir from anywhere except the regular route听on Everest, but you can see the whole Lhotse Face, and it鈥檚 definitely caked with snow. Now we just have to get up there and see what it鈥檚 like.鈥�

They are the only team at Everest Base Camp听right now. The timing was ideal not only for the snow, but also for the absence of other climbers attempting to ascend Lhotse. 鈥淟hotse has become quite a popular climb,鈥� said Nelson. 鈥淏ecause it鈥檚 so popular, it鈥檚 such a pinner couloir, that if you had four or five people in it, it would be impossible to ski.鈥�

On the other hand, their solitude听makes the route-building that much more difficult. Nelson and Morrison are planning to climb Lhotse with five Sherpas. Their team will have to break trail without support for 11,000 feet of elevation gain. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 a lot of boot packing,鈥� said Nelson.

From Base Camp, they will move slowly up the mountain. They plan to spend one night at Camp I, above the Khumbu Icefall, before moving on to Camp II at 21,000 feet. Camp III is at 23,000 feet. Depending on whether or not they use supplemental oxygen, they will either attempt the summit directly from Camp III or set up another camp at the foot of the couloir. The route follows a ramp straight into a 2,500-foot couloir that gradually narrows to the width of a ski鈥攖hough it could be wider, depending on the snowpack. At the bottom of the couloir, the slope widens to a vast 5,000-foot-long apron that is skiable all the way until Camp II.听

That is, it will be, if Nelson and Morrison get their skis in time.听Monsoon conditions prevented the team from flying a fixed-wing plane with all of their gear鈥攐ver 2,000 pounds, Nelson estimated鈥攖o Lukla, the airport that climbers traditionally embark from to access the Everest Base Camp. Instead, they chartered a helicopter to fly the core members of the team鈥攊ncluding Nelson, Morrison, and filmmakers Dutch Simpson and Nick Kalisz, who are documenting the expedition. Porters are slowly bringing up the rest of their gear. A plan to bring their skis to Everest Base Camp by helicopter fell through tragically. Just after flying the Lhotse team,听 killing the pilot and five others. Only one passenger survived.

This tragedy also complicates the Lhotse Team鈥檚 plans to traverse the Khumbu Icefall. Widely considered to be one of the most dangerous stages of climbing Everest and Lhotse, the Khumbu Icefall is a glacial river with deep crevasses and requires ladders and ropes for safe passage. It is also melting, making it unpredictable and risky. In April,听a 300-foot section collapsed and injured two Sherpas. Nelson and Morrison will be traveling with Icefall Doctors, Sherpas who specialize in route-setting through this kind of terrain. To limit their exposure to risk in this zone, they had planned to fly a lot of their gear by helicopter over the Icefall to the higher elevation camps. 鈥淲e are going to do our best to make the whole climb as safe as we can,鈥� said Nelson.

Nelson isn鈥檛 sure exactly when the team will begin the traverse, but is aiming听to start through the Icefall in the next four or five days to get to Camp II. After the Icefall, Nelson and Morrison will face avalanche exposure. The slope鈥檚 steep angle will hopefully work in their favor, in this regard, with loose snow naturally sloughing off the mountain.

The skiing will be equally intense. In high altitudes, bad conditions with breakable crust and sastrugi鈥攇rooves in the ridges created by wind and weather that are notoriously hard to ski鈥攁re almost guaranteed. 鈥淭hat means they鈥檙e going to be doing jump turns, and jump turns are way more physical than walking downhill,鈥� said听Ballinger, an Everest mountain guide who was the first person to ski 26,759-foot Manaslu, the eighth-tallest mountain in the world. Ballinger has also skied Cho Oyu twice, and attempted to ski Lhotse. He鈥檚 good friends with both Nelson and Morrison. 鈥淚n my experience, when I鈥檓 above 8,000 meters, if I鈥檓 linking five turns in a row before I鈥檓 bent over and trying not to puke in my oxygen mask, I鈥檓 pretty psyched. It鈥檚 exhausting, powerful skiing.鈥�

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As fall approaches and the days get shorter, our workouts often get pushed into the dark hours. But that doesn鈥檛 mean you need to stay indoors. Here are the headlamps and reflective gear that professional athletes use to train long into the night.

Bontrager Ion 800 R Front Bike Light ($100)

Casey Brown, Mountain Biker

Casey Brown, who lives in Revelstoke, British Columbia, plays outside well after dark. The , which Brown attaches to her handlebars or helmet, boasts a whopping 800 lumens to light up all the details on a forested trail, like camouflaged roots and rocks. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not too heavy and allows me to see everything I need to see,鈥� Brown says.

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp ($70)

Kelly Halpin, Mountain Endurance Athlete

For mountain pursuits that require a predawn start or extend into the night, Kelly Halpin uses the , which has a rechargeable battery but also takes AAA batteries for backup. 鈥淚t has a red light option that helps with night vision, especially when traveling on snow,鈥� Halpin says. The 350-lumen light attaches to a reflective headband and has an emergency whistle, just in case you need it.

Nathan Nightfall Vest ($20)

Camille Herron, Ultrarunner

Training for ultras takes plenty of time, so Camille Herron finds herself running in the dark year-round in her hometown of Oklahoma City. On busy streets and bike lanes, she wears the reflective . 鈥淚t鈥檚 good to make sure all of your clothing and shoes have some reflective material, both front and back,鈥� Herron says. The vest is made with lightweight, breathable materials and is meant to be slipped over your head. According to Nathan, the vest鈥檚 reflective treatment and high-visibility yellow color allow runners to be seen from as far away as 1,200 feet. Herron recommends wearing light colors underneath to further increase your visibility.

Black Diamond Storm Headlamp ($50)

Jim Walmsley, Ultrarunner

Ultras call for running through the night, so James Walmsley, who holds the course record for the Western States 100, wears the . The headlamp鈥檚 375 lumens give him confidence to keep his speed up in the darkness. The waterproof, touch-sensitive design allows you to adjust the brightness with a simple tap. It鈥檚 not rechargeable, but Walmsley says that鈥檚 a good thing. 鈥淢y pro tip for headlamps in general is go with lithium batteries. They are brighter and lighter than normal batteries.鈥�

Salomon Agile Short-Sleeve Shirt ($40) and Black Diamond Sprinter Headlamp ($80)

Zak Ricklefs, Runner, Gearhead for Backcountry.com

The is a runner鈥檚 everyday shirt that fits true to size. This technical tee is made with wicking, quick-dry fabric and includes 360-degree reflective features. 鈥淚t seriously lights up when shining a flashlight or car headlights on it,鈥� says Zak Ricklefs. He also recommends the ($80). The minimalist, 3.7-ounce light is rechargeable and has an extra strap over the top of the head for extra security during high-impact activities.

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Professional athletes who spend a lot of time in remote, hard-to-access places know that emergency equipment isn鈥檛 optional. Here鈥檚 what they carry.

Spot X ($250) and Garmin InReach Explorer+ ($450)

Kelly Halpin, Mountain Endurance Athlete

A lifelong climber and runner, Kelly Halpin knows how to prepare for big trips into the mountains. For adventures far beyond her backyard in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, she carries a fire starter, water purification tablets, a first-aid kit, a knife, and something that can be used as a tourniquet or bandage. She also carries a two-way radio for emergency communication. 鈥淲hen I鈥檓 in a remote mountain range or in another country, I like to carry a or Garmin InReach with me so I can communicate with friends back in town or send out an SOS if something goes wrong,鈥� Halpin says. Compact and simple to use, these satellite messengers allow two-way text messaging in zones beyond cellular service. Both have built-in compasses and allow you to track your location, so people back home can follow your progress. The also downloads full topographic maps. The satellite phones require subscription services with monthly fees for text messaging.

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MSR MiniWorks EX Microfilter ($90)

Jim Walmsley, Ultrarunner

Jim Walmsley, who broke the course record at the Western States Endurance Run in California last June, carries a water filter on his biggest days. 鈥淚t provides a safe way to drink water in remote, harsh areas that I鈥檇 otherwise not be able to do,鈥� he says. 鈥淓ven if I do bring enough water on big routes, it gives me ease of mind.鈥� MSR鈥檚 weighs one pound and pumps one liter of water a minute.

国产吃瓜黑料 Medical Kits Pro ($100)

Suzy Williams, Climber, Gearhead for Backcountry.com

On a trip to the Wind River Range in Wyoming, Suzy Williams said the small, lightweight 听was ideal for the high-elevation granite and hard-to-access terrain. The waterproof bag and contents Weighing in at听1 pound 12 ounces, the waterproof bag and contents听include听all the tools you might need when someone gets injured, including a splint, cutting shears, wound-closure strips, tape roll, and reflective bivy blanket. It鈥檚 especially convenient for people who may not have medical experience or know what to put in a first-aid kit.

REI Space Emergency Blanket ($4)

Mike Wardian, Ultrarunner

Mike Wardian ran seven marathons on seven continents in seven days and set the fastest time for running the Leadville听Trail 100听and Pikes Peak Marathon back-to-back. He always carries medical tape, duct tape, dental floss, Benadryl, Advil, salt tablets, Imodium, toilet paper, and a headlamp. But his key emergency accessory is a space blanket. 鈥淭hese are seriously life savers. They鈥檙e almost weightless but can keep you warm in extreme conditions,鈥� Wardian says. REI鈥檚 weighs only three ounces, so it鈥檚 easy to stow until you need it. Wardian keeps his in a Ziploc, which is lighter and more waterproof than the packaging the blanket comes in.

Squirrel鈥檚 Nut Butter ($14), Nathan Power Shower Wipes ($5), and Rogue Dead Guy Ale

Camille Herron, Long-Distance Runner

Midwestern long-distance runner Camille Herron holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon in a superhero costume. Which might give you a clue to her character鈥攁nd why she includes a beer in her emergency kit. 鈥淢y crew always has [as a] cure for all stomach and nausea issues,鈥� Herron says. Though beer might alleviate stress in tense situations, the other items in her emergency kit make more sense: Squirrel鈥檚 , a blend of coconut oil, cocoa butter, beeswax, and vitamin E oil, prevents chafing when she鈥檚 clocking miles, and 听clean up and disinfect wounds.

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Mammut Layers, Leukotape P Sports Tape ($9), and Dermabond ($23)

Andy Anderson, Avalanche Forecaster and Mountain Guide

In case of emergency, Andy Anderson always carries sports tape, which is more durable and heavy duty than other medical tapes, and听, which is basically superglue for skin. A CPR mask, latex gloves, gauze, moleskin, bandages, Tylenol, ibuprofen, and Benadryl round out his first-aid kit, which Anderson stuffs into a double-bagged sandwich-size Ziploc.

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To stay warm and dry during an unexpected backcountry layover, Anderson carries super-lightweight rain gear, like the and . Together, they weigh about 12 ounces鈥攍ess than a can of soda鈥攁nd take up about as much space. In winter, Anderson trades the rain jacket for a nice, warm puffy like the . Made with a lightweight ripstop material and goose down, this jacket compresses into its side pocket for storage.

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Gear is constantly听getting听more innovative, but nothing beats the classics. These are the pieces five pro athletes keep coming back to year after year.

Casio F-91W ($19)

Karl Meltzer, Ultrarunner

Karl Meltzer, who has placed first 38 times in 100-mile trail races (that鈥檚 a world record), says he doesn鈥檛 use any training apps鈥攊n fact, he doesn鈥檛 even bring his phone on runs. A听black 听is all he鈥檚 ever needed. 鈥淚t鈥檚 very simple, has a light, and was ten听bucks about 20 years ago,鈥澨齅eltzer says. The Casio F-91W听is such a classic that it has its own page. When Casio built the original, in 1991, the watch听had few features鈥攊t was water-resistant and had an alarm鈥攁nd听the company听hasn鈥檛 updated it since.听Meltzer has never replaced it听because, he says, 鈥淚t still works and tells time.鈥�

Petzl Grigri ($150)

Olivia Hsu, Climber

A longtime听favorite of climbers everywhere, the is an assisted braking belay device. It鈥檚 designed to pinch the rope when a climber on belay falls, making it easier for the person holding the belay to stop the rope and the falling climber. Climber Olivia Hsu听has had her Grigri since 1999 and still uses it. 鈥淚t鈥檚 brilliantly designed,鈥澨齭he says. Petzl started selling the original Grigri in 1991,听and 20 years later, the company updated the design to make the Grigri 2. Hsu says the new version works better with skinnier ropes鈥�9.4 to 10.3-millimeter diameter, according to Petzl鈥攂ut otherwise听the design is largely the same. 鈥淛ust lighter material and smaller diameter,鈥澨鼿su听says. She took her Grigri 2 on a recent听trip to Peru听but still uses the original for gym climbing, where the ropes tend to be thicker.

Salomon Fanny Pack

Drew Petersen, Professional Skier

In summer, when he鈥檚 trail running, skier Drew Petersen听straps on a fanny pack that鈥檚 12 years older than he is:听His dad bought it in 1982.听It鈥檚 made from a durable pink canvas and features听loud purple and yellow graphics听and old-school Salomon logos.听Petersen admits the main reason he loves it is the retro color scheme. 鈥淏ut ultimately, it works really well for spring skiing and summer hiking,鈥� he says. 鈥淚t forces me to bring only what I need. It stands up to spilled beers, exploded snacks, and overloading it with a full burrito.鈥澨齋alomon doesn鈥檛 make fanny packs like it used to. Now the brand听calls them 鈥渞unning belts.鈥� The closest you can find to Petersen鈥檚 1982 original is the , made from waterproof ripstop听material and featuring听a small zippered pocket听and a water bottle holder.

Sawyer Mini Filter ($25)

Joe McConaughy, Ultrarunner

When Joe McConaughy听set the fastest known time on the Appalachian Trail last year, one piece of gear he relied on was his water filter.听Only two ounces and about the size of his hand, the 听is super-durable, outlasting some of his plastic water bottles. The filter is听easy to twist onto his everyday听water bottle, so McConaughy could refill his water supply in a stream, attach the filter and cap, take a swig, and keep running. He still uses it all the time almost a year after he set the record鈥攁n impressive life span for a well-loved water filter. 鈥淒espite intensive use, it still works,鈥� McConaughy says.

Patagonia Nano-Air Hoodie ($300)

Robin McElroy, Ski Patroller and Guide

Robin McElroy, a 12-year veteran on the Squaw Valley Ski Patrol, has worn her on a near-daily basis for five years and counting鈥攁nd 鈥渋t鈥檚 still like brand new,鈥� she says. Patagonia鈥檚 soft nylon ripstop shell with versatile synthetic听insulation has a ton of stretch, making it听easy to layer under or over a patrol uniform. She听also wears it on her days off听when she鈥檚 skiing in her Gore-Tex shell听and in summer when she鈥檚 camping. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a really good layering piece, but you can also just wear it to the bar,鈥� McElroy says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 comfortable and looks good. Breathable and functional.鈥�

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Midsummer sunshine means sunburns and heat exhaustion for outdoor athletes. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to shield your skin from rays and keep your body temperature cool. Just ask these professional skiers, runners, and climbers.

Naawk Sunscreen and听Lip Balm, Plus听Moisturizer听and Serum

Lyndsay Strange, Olympic Ski Coach

Lyndsay Strange co-founded Party Beach Ski Camps, a summertime ski-race clinic at Oregon鈥檚 Mount Hood that has her working on a glacier all day, every day. For sunscreen and lip balm, Strange trusts Naawk products. Made in Salt Lake City, Utah, Naawk ($10) are free of parabens, a preservative that can mimic estrogen and is . The brand鈥檚 SPF 30 ($2.50) are also paraben-free and don鈥檛 contain petroleum, which at moisturizing as you may think. Instead, these products are packed with moisturizers like coconut oil, sunflower seed oil, and shea butter. 鈥淭he high-SPF lip balm has great flavors like lavender and green tea,鈥� Strange says. 鈥淎lso, the sunscreens smell super-good: fruity and tropical.鈥�

Strange also uses tinted sunscreens like mineral powder ($65), which is . Strange can brush it on her skin alone or over makeup and get protection from the sun, infrared light, and even blue light from screens and LEDs. When all else fails, 鈥淭he key to getting through a sunburn is moisture, and not necessarily aloe,鈥� she says. Strange recommends 听($32), as well as anything with rose hip oil. 鈥淚 use ($30) most nights to help reverse sun damage and discoloration. It鈥檚 a godsend,鈥� she says.

Nuun听($20) and Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoodie ($85)

Jaymie Shearer, Climber

After a long day of climbing in the Utah desert, climber and photographer Jaymie Shearer takes care of her body from the inside out. 鈥淩ehydrating is crucial if you want to keep going the next day,鈥� she says. Shearer drinks water containing 听hydration tablets听to replenish the electrolytes and nutrients she burned that day. To shield herself from the desert heat, she also wears the , made with UPF 50 fabric that also wicks away moisture. 鈥淚 hardly go anywhere without my BD sun hoodie and buff,鈥� Shearer says.

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Columbia Freezer Zero Neck Gaiter ($30)

Joe McConaughy, Ultrarunner

Joe McConaughy covers up with a black neck gaiter or a hat while logging long days in the summer heat. And, yes, the color makes a difference. 鈥淲earing something around your neck or on your head makes a little more sense than you think,鈥� says McConaughy, who holds the fastest known time on the Appalachian Trail. The hat or buff blocks the sun while also helping to absorb sweat. McConaughy is sponsored by Columbia and recommends the brand鈥檚 products, like made with the company鈥檚 patented Omni-Freeze Zero, which reacts to your sweat and lowers the temperature of the fabric. The material also offers UPF 50 sun protection.

Julbo Sherpa Glacier Sunglasses ($65) and Patagonia Duckbill Trucker Hat ($35)

Caroline Gleich, Skier

Caroline Gleich is the first woman to ski all the lines in Andrew McLean鈥檚 classic guidebook to the Wasatch, . She鈥檚 also a Julbo ambassador and usually rocks a pair of from the century-old, family-owned French brand. Made with lightweight polycarbonate lenses, the Sherpa comes with removable side shields to block glaring light from all directions. The flexible temples allow Gleich to adjust the fit when she鈥檚 wearing a helmet.

Gleich also wears the from Patagonia, another of her sponsors. Made with 92 percent recycled nylon and foam, the hat鈥檚 classic flat brim holds its shape even after being crammed in a pack. 鈥淭his hat is awesome because you can wash it when it gets all sweaty,鈥� Gleich says.

Surfer鈥檚 Salve ($12 for a 4-Ounce Tin)

Drew Petersen, Skier

The Salt Lake City鈥揵ased big-mountain skier has fair skin that鈥檚 prone to get 鈥渁s red as a lobster鈥� during sunny days at high altitude. When he鈥檚 past the point of no return, Drew Petersen opts for from Hawaii, made with olive oil, plantain leaf, beeswax, aloe, rosemary, lavender, and vitamin E. 鈥淚t sure seems to relieve a sunburn quicker than anything I鈥檝e used, even if I forget to reapply sunscreen on my nose on a long day of ski touring,鈥� he says. 鈥淚 especially rely on it in the winter to keep me out in the mountains skiing every day.鈥�

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Alex Borsuk runs for fun. When the dietitian isn鈥檛 working her nine-to-five in Portland, Oregon, she鈥檚 exploring the labyrinth of trails in Forest Park, or discovering new vistas in the Cascades, or jogging with her husband on a 40-mile brewery tour of the city. Borsuk has proved her merit in competition, too, with a r茅sum茅 that boasts seven 50-mile ultra finishes and a handful of 50Ks. But she鈥檚 truly passionate about running her own self-supported routes that take her 30 or 40 miles into the mountains. Initially hooked on hiking, Borsuk knew she wanted to cover more ground鈥攕o she picked up the pace. 鈥淚t was a way to explore more,鈥� she says. If you鈥檙e looking to get into adventure running or simply make your everyday runs a little more fun, here are Borsuk鈥檚 essentials.

Green Trails Maps ($8)

A good map is the difference between a successful adventure and a disappointing one. Borsuk uses both a paper map and a GPS app to stitch trails together and plan long-distance runs. She studies the contour lines to reveal trails that traverse ridges or lead to vantage points with wide views. 鈥淚 like being able to look at a huge map of the area,鈥� Borsuk says. 鈥淚f you rely on technology too much, it can bite you in the ass.鈥� Seattle-based has published more than 150 maps outlining trails, roads, and public lands throughout Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona, and Nevada. Each map is printed on waterproof, tear-resistant paper and weighs just under 1.5 ounces.

Gaia GPS

steps in where a paper map stops. 鈥淭here are trails on Gaia that aren鈥檛 on other maps,鈥� Borsuk says. She uses the app to track her mileage and drop waypoints along her route. A $20 annual membership grants access to satellite imagery and even more trail beta. While the app will never fully replace her paper map鈥斺€淧hones die,鈥� Borsuk says鈥攕he always brings it along for backup.

Ruffwear Trail Runner Bowl ($15)

Good company helps long miles fly by. For big runs, like Borsuk鈥檚 annual 40-to-50-mile circumnavigation of Mount Hood, she recruits friends. For shorter days, she brings her border collie along. Of course, dogs also need fuel, so Borsuk carries bowl to facilitate a mid-run snack and hydration break. It packs down to a few square inches and fits in the pocket of Borsuk鈥檚 running shorts. Single-wall construction keeps it easy to clean.

Gushers Fruit Variety Pack ($18 for 42 packs)

During a long run, Borsuk aims to fuel up with 300 calories an hour. 鈥淚f you鈥檙e going out for ten hours at least, that鈥檚 a lot of calories to pack with you,鈥� she says. Lugging 3,000 calories isn鈥檛 just heavy鈥攊t can also be expensive. So Borsuk doesn鈥檛 shell out for pricey performance gummies; Gushers are all she needs to stay energized. 鈥淚t鈥檚 just sugar. I鈥檝e been hooked on Gushers because you can get six packets for a dollar,鈥� she says. When she needs a little more than sugar, Borsuk opts for ($3.50) and ($12 for six pouches), both of which pack lots of calories in a small, tasty package.

Sawyer Mini Water Filter ($25)

The weighs just two ounces and lets you safely fill up your water bladder from a trailside stream. The filter comes with a bladder, but it鈥檚 compatible across brands鈥擝orsuk uses hers with her own reservoir. 鈥淵ou can scoop up water with your bladder, and the Sawyer Mini filters as you drink,鈥� she says. The small filter clears out 99.99 percent of all bacteria, including salmonella, cholera, E. coli, and protozoa like giardia. It can filter up to 100,000 gallons of water over its lifetime.

Salomon S/Lab Ultra Running Shoes ($180)

Borsuk is a Salomon ambassador, so she鈥檚 logged thousands of miles in the brand鈥檚 gear. The running shoe听she鈥檚 most hooked on is the . 鈥淭hey鈥檙e super durable,鈥� Borsuk says. 鈥淚f you鈥檙e running on different types of trails鈥攕and or rock or grass or dirt, whatever鈥攖hey hold up.鈥� The shoes have an internal sleeve, called Endofit, that keeps the foot snug. Meanwhile, high-rebound cushioning in the midsole keeps the shoe responsive on the trail.

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You鈥檝e got months of long, sunny adventures ahead, so don鈥檛 forget the shades. We asked runners, bikers, and climbers听which sunglasses they鈥檒l be rocking through the dog days. Here are their recommendations.

Smith Optics Mt. Shasta ($220)

Alex Borsuk, Ultrarunner

Ultrarunner Alex Borsuk digs shades because they take her from 鈥渢rail to tavern.鈥� With a vintage shape and impact-resistant Carbonic TLT lenses for clear optics, the Mt. Shasta offers performance without sacrificing style. These aren鈥檛 the shades for super-long days鈥攖he nose bridge has minimal structure, so they tend to slip down a sweaty face on a long run鈥攂ut that鈥檚 not what they鈥檙e built for. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e comfortable and work well for short to medium-length runs or hikes,鈥� says Borsuk, who lives in Portland, Oregon. 鈥淎nd they still look great at the brewery when you grab a beer afterward.鈥�

Julbo Aero ($190)

Andy Anderson, Mountaineer

Andy Anderson, a national park ranger and avalanche forecaster based in Lake Tahoe, has always had trouble with sunglasses鈥攖hey either bounce up and down, fit poorly, restrict his vision, or are too dark in the shade. The only pair to pass muster is the . The frame maximizes airflow and minimizes fog. The mono lens spans both eyes and provides more peripheral vision. The Reactive Zebra Light lens is photochromic, so it adjusts to ambient light conditions. These shades also have a built-in shock absorber on the temple to keep them secure and comfortable during high-impact movement. 鈥淭he only thing they don鈥檛 fix is me looking like a dork,鈥� Anderson says. 鈥淎nd if there鈥檚 one thing I have learned over the last 40-plus years, it鈥檚 that nothing will fix that.鈥�

Julbo Aerolite ($130)

Stephanie Violett, Ultrarunner

The is the shade of choice for Stephanie Violett, the 2014 Western States women鈥檚 champion and Ultra Trail de Mont Blanc finisher. They have the same construction as the Aero but are designed to stay put on runners with smaller faces. Violett also prefers the Zebra lenses: 鈥淭hey鈥檙e ideal because they adjust when I go in and out of shade. That鈥檚 important on long runs or races when the sunlight is changing.鈥� Plus, she says, the low-profile glasses are so lightweight that she sometimes forgets she鈥檚 wearing them.

Costa Slack Tide Polarized 580P Sunglasses ($180 to $200)

Brandon Orloski, Multisport Athlete and Gear Expert

Brandon Orloski has worked in the outdoor industry for ten years, testing gear for Backcountry.com. When he needs a pair of sunglasses that can keep up with all of his summer activities, he picks the with polarized lenses made with polycarbonate, a clear plastic also used for shatterproof windows that鈥檚 ideal for lightweight sunglasses. 鈥淭he lens quality is amazing鈥攄efinitely one of the clearest lenses I have looked through,鈥� says Orloski. When it comes to fit, he says the frames are snug. 鈥淭hey don鈥檛 feel like they will come off going down mountain bike trails or on trail runs.鈥� If you鈥檙e casting a line in a rushing water, Orloski recommends threading a bit of fishing line through the small holes on each side to make a DIY croakie.

Sunski Manresa ($68)

Lael Wilcox, Bikepacker

Lael Wilcox, who has spent the past nine years bikepacking around the globe, doesn鈥檛 spring for fancy sunglasses. 鈥淚 don鈥檛 really have anything too nice, because they get greasy and gross, and I鈥檓 just going to throw them away,鈥� she says. For someone who holds the women鈥檚 record on the 2,745-mile Tour Divide, Wilcox has her priorities straight: Pack light, and don鈥檛 get attached to things. Recently, though, a friend gave Wilcox a pair of , which she鈥檚 wearing on a ride across Switzerland and France. 鈥淚 was like, 鈥楪reat! These look good,鈥� Wilcox says. They鈥檙e simple polarized sunglasses made with quality materials at a lower price point than most performance sunglasses. Several of Sunski鈥檚 models, including the Manresa, have recycled frames. Bonus: Sunski sells a lens replacement kit for $7.

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Accidents happen, which is why we all wear helmets. (Right?) But a few other road-cycling essentials for your bike and body will give you added protection against oncoming traffic and the elements.

Team USA cyclist Coryn Rivera, who has 71 national titles to her name, rides her bike all over the world. Most of her kit, including her bike, shoes, apparel, and helmet, is provided by Team USA, but here are the extra essentials she never rides without.

Knog Blinder Mob Kid Grid Twinpack ($85)

Whether you鈥檙e on back roads or a busy urban thoroughfare, you need to see and be seen. Rivera recommends , an Australian company founded in 2002 by a designer and an engineer to make 鈥渦rban-flavored鈥� tech for cycling. Knog鈥檚 bike lights are 100 percent waterproof and USB rechargeable. Drivers can see the Blinder Mob headlight from 750 feet away. With 80 lumens and 16 surface-mounted LED lights, the headlight is designed more to make you visible than to increase your vision on dark roads. A single charge听lasts up to 59 hours in the headlight鈥檚 energy-saving flash mode. 鈥淚 charge it once a week,鈥� Rivera says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 just big and long lasting and it blinks. It鈥檚 nice to have extra awareness with drivers on the road.鈥� The red taillight version boasts a super-bright 44 lumens.

DermaQuest听Peptide Vitality SunArmor ($60)

Road riding can be harsh on your skin鈥攖iny bugs hit your arms, and mud cakes onto your calves. Rivera鈥檚 offers SPF 50 and protects against more than sun damage鈥攊t also helps reduce signs of aging. SunArmor is infused with peptides, which encourage production of wrinkle-reducing collagen in your skin and feel extra rejuvenating after a long ride. 鈥淚t鈥檚 something a little bit more than sunscreen for when I鈥檓 out in the elements,鈥� Rivera says.

Vaseline Petroleum Jelly ($4)

You don鈥檛 win as many national championships as Rivera has by taking an off-season. She rides her bike religiously year-round, even when weather is harsh and cold. In the worst weather, her skin needs extra protection, so Rivera thumbs onto her face, fingers, toes, and ears to protect her appendages from cold temperatures, wind, and rain. 鈥淚t repels water and helps keep your body heat in,鈥� Rivera says. Just remember that a little goes a long way鈥攁 thin layer is all you need.

Road ID Necklace ($40)

In 2011, Rivera crashed during a race in Qatar and was knocked unconscious. 鈥淚 don鈥檛 know what happened. Luckily, my team was there,鈥� she says. Now Rivera wears a that displays her emergency contact information and crucial details about medical records or allergies in case she鈥檚 ever incapacitated while riding alone. The stainless-steel plate can display up to four lines of text and hangs comfortably from an 18-inch chain.

Knog Oi Bike Bell ($20)

鈥淲hen I鈥檓 racing, I live in Holland, so there are a lot of commuters on town bikes. When you pass, you don鈥檛 want to buzz them and freak them out,鈥� Rivera says. 鈥淚 use a nice, friendly bell.鈥� Knog makes a designed to wrap around the handlebars. Bonus: The circular mount can also contain your brake and gear cables, so you can keep them out of your way.

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The Western States Endurance Run is the world鈥檚 oldest 100-mile race. This weekend, nearly 400 runners will set off from Squaw Valley, California, and head west along the crest of the Sierra Nevada, through exposed high-alpine terrain, rambling streams, and dense forest.

A race like Western States demands the highest level of commitment, physical fitness, and mental preparation. Of course, it also requires high-functioning gear鈥攍ike, you know, good socks. These are the socks that eight Western States runners will put their faith in this weekend.

Fruit of the Loom Heavy Duty Reinforced Crew Socks ($30 for 10 pairs)

Gordy Ainsleigh

Western States evolved from a 100-mile horsepacking race known as the Tevis Cup. In 1974, Gordy Ainsleigh, a chiropractor from Auburn, Colorado, became the first person to run it on foot, finishing just 18 minutes under the 24-hour time limit and thus founding the iconic event. This year, the 71-year-old hopes to secure his 23rd Western States finish, and he鈥檒l be running in 鈥攚hich he also wears for gardening, landscaping, and maintaining local trails. 鈥淭hese American-made work socks are simply astounding for the way they feel on my feet, especially when I鈥檓 running long distances,鈥� Ainsleigh says. The socks are a blend of cotton, polyester, and spandex. Ainsleigh cuts off the elastic band at the top of the sock, because it鈥檚 constrictive and limits circulation. 鈥淭he socks hold up without them just fine,鈥� he says.

Injinji Run Lightweight Mini Crew ($12)

Meghan Laws

At 57, Meghan Laws has finished Western States 11 times鈥攊ncluding ten top-ten finishes. The Californian runner, coach, and mom swears by . 鈥淲ithout them, I get blisters between my toes,鈥� Laws says. Injinji has a patent on its popular five-toe sock design. The lightweight mini crews are a minimalist sock made with synthetic, breathable Coolmax and nylon.

Smartwool PhD Outdoor Medium Crew and Injinji Liner Crew NuWool ($24 and $12)

Jesse Marco Haynes

Jesse Haynes, a 45-year-old Southern Californian with four Western States finishes, has an 鈥渋nteresting and complicated protocol鈥� when it comes to socks. He layers Injinji鈥檚 thin, with Smartwool鈥檚 merino that鈥檚 designed with an extra-durable knit. The five-toe Injinji socks protect his toes from blisters, and the Smartwool offers extra cushion to combat soreness. A nearly seamless toe prevents abrasion, and mesh zones dump heat. The taller crew height also shields Haynes鈥� feet from debris on the trail. 鈥淚 am all about the wool,鈥� he says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 durable, moisture-wicking, cool in the heat, and warm in the cold.鈥�

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CEP Women鈥檚 Ultralight Socks ($60)

Fiona Hayvice

Fiona Hayvice is still searching for the perfect sock. The 42-year-old from New Zealand has worn for the past three years, including one Western States finish. The compression fabric increases circulation in her lower legs. 鈥淭he snug, knee-high fit really does stabilize my joints and muscles,鈥� Hayvice says. 鈥淯ltimately, they help me run faster for longer and recover faster, too.鈥� Compared to CEP鈥檚 other compression socks, the Ultralights are lower volume and more breathable. That said, Hayvice鈥檚 toes were plagued with blisters that hindered her performance at Western States last year. 鈥淪ock choice may not have made any difference. However, I鈥檓 pretty keen to find out if the issue can be mitigated with individual toe socks,鈥� she says. This year, she鈥檒l try out the ($49), a lightweight sock with compression that starts at the ankle and gradually increases as it moves to the upper calf.

Compressport Pro Racing V.3 Trail Sock ($18)

Paul Giblin

鈥淲estern States is a hot race,鈥� says Paul Giblin, a 40-year-old professional ultrarunner and coach. Temperatures during the race regularly hit the nineties and sometimes even inch their way into triple digits. uses an ultra-breathable mesh that keeps air moving through the whole foot. Giblin says that a seamless sock with a reinforced cushioning under the toe and a roomier toe box keeps his toenails intact. 鈥淭hese just feel like a natural part of your feet,鈥� he says.

Drymax Running Socks ($40 for 3 pairs)

Karl Meltzer and Ian Sharman

Two-layer Drymax socks have a hydrophobic inner layer that pulls sweat and water away from the skin and into a moisture-attracting outer layer. So even when your socks don鈥檛 have a chance to dry out, the moisture won鈥檛 cause friction that leads to blisters. Drymax鈥檚 system works so well that many of the Western States runners we reached out to were quick to recommend the brand. (Drymax also many of them.)

鈥淚 never have problems with socks, blisters, or feet issues,鈥� says Karl Meltzer, who holds the world record for the most ultramarathon wins (he鈥檚 won 38 100-mile races). He always opts for Drymax, and the brand even named a model after him, called the . Ultrarunner Ian Sharman, who also worked with Drymax to , adds, 鈥淚 like a decent amount of cushioning in the sock, nothing too light around the toes, robustness and moisture-wicking.鈥� These socks check all those boxes.

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