Snap buttons have been a staple of Western Wear for decades, but the style has finally infiltrated mainstream fashion to the point where some of my favorite lifestyle and adventure brands are incorporating the snap in their kits. Why are pearl snap shirts so popular again right now? Because most of us are doing our best to look like we鈥檙e extras on Yellowstone. But also, there鈥檚 a lot of functionality to those pretty snap buttons. Cowboys relied on them because they were easy to fasten and unfasten on the fly, and that鈥檚 still true today, even if you鈥檙e riding a bike instead of a horse. Not only do the best pearl snap shirts听add a bit of spice to a vanilla button down, they鈥檙e practical too, allowing you to put on the layer quickly, and rip the shirt off like Clark Kent walking into a phone booth.

I鈥檝e spent the last six weeks testing out several pearl snap shirts in a variety of situations, from paddling excursions to camping trips to apr猫s surf taco sessions. I鈥檝e worn them in the stifling humidity of the Southern Appalachians and the dry, crisp climate of Southern California. I was on the hunt specifically for button down shirts that look good in social situations but also perform well on outdoor adventures. What I learned is that not all snap button shirts are equal. Some are more pretty than practical, while others simply can鈥檛 handle the demands of activity during a hot, summer day. But I found half a dozen pearl snap shirts that I absolutely love, each for different reasons鈥攕ome are stylish layers meant for running long miles, while others are classic upgrades to your date-night wardrobe. These are my six favorites.

Best Pearl Snap Shirt Overall

Poncho: The 1969

Poncho shirts have become my go-to this year partly because of their fit (Poncho gives you options for regular or slim fit in every size), and partly because they鈥檙e loaded with thoughtful design details for outdoor use. The 1969 has a sunglasses loop on the chest, a hidden zipper pocket that鈥檚 big enough for your phone or a small case of flies, and a lens cloth on the hem to help you keep glasses and camera lenses clean. The fabric is a light and stretchy mix of nylon and spandex that has UPF 50+ protection, and dries fast and breathes well, even in the humid summers of the Southern Appalachians. But my favorite features of this shirt, are the interior mesh panels on the chest and shoulders, as well as two large vent panels on the back, all of which help circulate air in the spots where you need it most. The result is a super versatile shirt that excels in a variety of situations, from casual to light cardio. I wore the Poncho on long travel days, date nights, pub crawls, and days at the beach.

Best for Summer BBQs

Criquet Performance Seer Sucker

Performance seer sucker? Yeah, it鈥檚 a thing. Criquet鈥檚 version is a really lightweight, wrinkle-free blend of cotton, nylon, and polyester that鈥檚 super stretchy and does a good job wicking moisture. The pearl snaps are a nice touch, and Criquet adds collar stays in the lapels to help keep the look crisp. The shirt is too pretty for hardcore adventures, but it鈥檚 proven to be the perfect layer for summer barbecues and afternoon happy hours in the full sun. And the wrinkle-free claim is legit; this shirt looked great after being stuffed in a carry-on for days. Seer sucker isn鈥檛 just for the Kentucky Derby anymore.

Best for Date Night

Howler Brothers H Bar Snapshirt

Maybe the most 鈥淲estern鈥� snap shirt in this roundup, the H Bar goes a step further than just pearl snaps by adding some traditional Western detailing on the chest. It鈥檚 a pretty shirt, and it鈥檚 less performance-minded than others I tested, mostly because it鈥檚 made from a 50/50 cotton/polyester blend that honestly isn鈥檛 built for adventure. It鈥檚 not as stretchy and doesn鈥檛 wick moisture quite as well, but that鈥檚 ok, because I鈥檓 not always doing something hardcore. Sometimes, I鈥檓 trying to look nice for my lady, and that鈥檚 where the H Bar comes in; this is a date night/out on the town/try your luck at line-dancing kind of shirt. And I love the relaxed style.

Best for River 国产吃瓜黑料s

NRS Drifter

If the Howler Bros H Bar was meant for apr猫s, the Drifter was built for adventure. This long sleeve snap shirt is made from a light, breezy material that鈥檚 designed to get wet and dry fast. A really comfortable mesh lining on the chest adds breathability and next-to-skin softness, while double-zipper front pockets add storage for fly boxes, notebooks, phones, and other small items. I was originally put off by the long sleeve nature of the shirt, but you can roll the sleeves up high on your biceps and lock them down with buttons, giving this layer added versatility. The snaps are the same color as the shirt material, so they鈥檙e subtle. I prefer my buttons to make a statement, but I understand not everybody is into that sort of flare. I really like the hidden buttons beneath the collar, which keeps it in place, and the microfiber wipe on the hem is a nice touch on this pearl snap shirt.

Best for Fishing

Kuiu Vented SS Snap Shirt

Much like the Drifter, Kuiu鈥檚 Vented SS is designed for doing cool stuff in the wild, with a stretchy and lightweight material that鈥檚 given an extra layer of breathability thanks to added ventilation in key areas. Kuiu doubled down on breathability with a mesh lining that covers the shoulders and a wide strip of larger air holes down the center, all of which are hidden by a large vent on the exterior of the shirt. Perforated fabric beneath the arms also promote airflow where you need it the most. The four-way stretch material has a buttery next to skin feel, and one of the chest pockets has a zipper to keep small items safe when you鈥檙e on the move. Kuiu offers a variety of styles in the SS snap shirt, from camouflage to solid prints, but I like the topographic-inspired design, which is borderline floral without screaming 鈥渓ook at me!鈥�

Best for Running

Rabbit High Country SS

The High Country doesn鈥檛 have a lot of frills鈥攖here is no microfiber lens wipe or sunglass loop鈥攂ut it鈥檚听the best snap button shirt I tested in terms of performance. Rabbit is a running-specific brand and while the High Country looks like a date night shirt, it鈥檚 actually designed for moving fast in hot weather. Made from mostly recycled polyester with a hefty amount of spandex, the High Country is a super stretchy, lightweight layer that breathes well and dries fast. The entire back panel is perforated for extra ventilation, which I appreciated on muggy days in the Southern Appalachians. The metal snaps are minimalist, so they don鈥檛 weigh down the front of the shirt or chafe when you鈥檙e moving fast. You also get two chest pockets that snap shut, so you can securely carry a gel or card on a run. I wore this shirt on hikes, trail runs, and rounds of golf and was constantly impressed with how it handled moisture in the southern heat.

Graham Averill is a travel and gear columnist for 国产吃瓜黑料. Read his review of his favorite summer hiking shoes here.

The post Pearl Snap Shirts Are Back; These 6 国产吃瓜黑料-Ready Picks Go Anywhere appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

In July, our gear editors and testers had one goal: find the apparel, accessories, and equipment that make sweltering summer adventures not just tolerable, but genuinely fun. From sweat-wicking shirts to cushy trail runners to bug-busting gadgets, this is the gear we grabbed when the heat cranked up and the mosquitoes came out swinging.

Puma Deviate Nitro Elite Trail Running Shoes

Several brands have now attempted to apply the tech of road super shoes to the trail, with varying success. For my money (and stride and terrain), Puma has done the best job of balancing the lively bounce of a road model with the stability and adaptability needed for uneven and unpredictable off-road running. The Deviate Nitro Elite Trail’s foam鈥攁 new compound called as the king of super foams鈥攊s springier than any I’ve experienced, so springy that it starts to push back as soon as I put weight on it, reducing the squish. That responsive platform, combined with a wide base, a low, balanced, six-millimeter heel-toe drop, and a semi-flexible carbon-composite plate that adapts to underfoot irregularities, make the shoes agile and sure-footed on tricky trails and encouraged powerful, efficient push-offs when the terrain opened up. The shoe made me feel nimble and fast, which made every run in them more fun and led to spontaneous bursts of speedy joy. 鈥�Jonathan Beverly, Senior Gear Editor

Smartwool Women’s Active Ultralite Hoodie听

听

Smartwool doesn鈥檛 market the Active Ultralite Hoodie as a sun shirt, but it鈥檚 been my go-to summer layer for two years鈥攆or two reasons: it鈥檚 incredibly lightweight and comfortable next to skin, even in 100-degree heat; and it鈥檚 the fastest-drying layer I own, drying within 20 minutes even in humidity. The magic lies in the airy, buttery fabric: a Merino wool and Tencel Lyocell blend that regulates temperature, fights odor, and dries fast. I also love the relaxed fit, drop tail hem, and high neck that provides extra coverage when the hood is up. I just spent a week in North Carolina, where the heat index hit 105掳F, and I happily wore this hoodie to the beach and splash pads with my kids. Bonus: Merino provides natural UPF protection. The Active Ultralite Hoodie might not be labeled as a sun shirt, but I鈥檒l take it over a synthetic option any day. 鈥�Jenny Wiegand, Associate Gear Director听

Bug Zapper Racket听

There’s something in my blood that makes me completely irresistible to mosquitoes, so the second I hear that tell-tale buzzing, I’m on the offensive. There’s no mercy when I’m hunting down these tiny vampires鈥擨’ll swing, swat, and splat until my enemies are vanquished. My number-one ally in the eternal fight against the itchy insurgents is this electric bug zapper a friend got for me as a gag gift one year. Joke’s on you, Jeff鈥擨 use it daily in the summer, especially during golden hour cookouts and weekend trips to our swampy, muggy lakehouse in northwest Indiana. It’s battery-operated and the size of a pickleball paddle, with one simple button to press. The mosquitoes may be winning the decades-long war, but I’m winning the battles these days. 鈥�, Gear & Affiliate Director

NEMO Persist 45L Backpack

NEMO is always pushing innovation, and the Persist carries that ethos forward with a versatile all-adventure day pack made from mostly recycled materials, all of which can be recycled again after you鈥檙e done with it. I love a green initiative, but it鈥檚 the versatility of this pack that won me over during the last couple of months. I鈥檝e been testing the 30-liter version, which is classified as a daypack, but I鈥檝e found it to be spacious enough for overnights as well. And it鈥檚 designed to accommodate a slew of adventures, from backcountry skiing (dedicated spots for rescue equipment and skis) to rock climbing. The lash-down straps can be moved to different locations on the pack to accommodate all kinds of gear depending on the adventure at hand and how you want to carry it. Consider the Persist a bag of many uses. 鈥�Graham Averill, gear and travel columnist听

Arc鈥檛eryx Sylan Pro Trail Running Shoes

As a gear editor, my closet is full of running shoes鈥攕o many, in fact, that I rarely get to return to a pair that I鈥檝e already logged plenty of test miles in. But I always find an excuse to come back to the Arc鈥檛eryx Sylan Pros because they check all of my boxes. The midsole is cushioned but not overly so; they are stable on technical, vert-heavy trails; they feel fast when it鈥檚 time to pick up the pace; and the knit collar does a great job of keeping out debris. And, when days get long and the miles start to add up, I have no issues with comfort鈥攎y toes have plenty of space, the midfoot is secure without choking out my metatarsals, and the padded heel cup prevents slippage, even without lacing up a heel lock (though they do have an extra eyelet should you choose to do so). I went backpacking in the Eastern Sierra this past weekend and the Sylans were the first piece of gear I packed. And when I have a particularly long trail run slotted into my training plan, the Sylans are the first pick in the draft.听 鈥�Will Porter, contributing gear editor

Ten Thousand Tactical Utility Shorts

I鈥檓 typically turned off by gear designed to be 鈥渢actical,鈥� mostly because I don鈥檛 carry weapons and rarely get into knife fights, so I don鈥檛 need pockets dedicated to carrying bullets or machetes. But Ten Thousand鈥檚 Tactical Utility Shorts are an exception, because they provide the practicality of an old-school cargo short without the sloppy vibes of an old-school cargo short. These shorts have six pockets (two hand pockets, two back pockets and two thigh pockets) all packed into an eight-inch inseam cut, so there鈥檚 plenty of room for all of the things we need to carry; and yet, the shorts never look bulky or overstuffed. Yes, these shorts were built with the Special Forces in mind, but all that means is that they鈥檙e tough as hell, crafted from a durable canvas that resists abrasion, stains, and odor, but also has plenty of stretch. The material is given a DWR treatment too, so when I spill my beer, it just wipes right off. 鈥�G.A.听

Adidas Agravic Speed Ultra Trail Sneaker

I recently re-learned how to run after injuries started cropping up. Turns out, I was landing on my heel and midfoot, when I needed to be striking with my midfoot and toes. It took several physical therapy sessions and these shoes to get me back on the right path. Their aggressive but well-designed rocker naturally shifted me forward in just the right way. The Agravics are high-performance trail shoes with features like embedded energy rods, so I save them for big mountain days or local trail races rather than everyday training. The Continental rubber outsole grips confidently on fast descents, and the stack height strikes a perfect balance: cushioned and bouncy without making me feel unstable on technical terrain. Also, not to be vain, but I love the green colorway. 鈥�Jakob Schiller, gear columnist

More Gear Reviews

The Best Bikinis for Beach Bums
The Best Trail Running Shoes of the Year
8 Water Shoes that Are Actually Comfortable (And Stylish)听

The post The Best Gear 国产吃瓜黑料’s Editors Tested This Month (July 2025) appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Our gear editors and contributors have one of the best jobs in the world (we think). We get to be the first to try the latest and greatest in outdoor equipment and apparel, and our bosses don鈥檛 bat an eye when we set our Slack status to 鈥渙ut for a run鈥� or 鈥済one camping鈥� and disappear for a while to go test gear in the field.

As rad as this gear testing gig is, it can also be overwhelming. On any given day, we have boxes of shoes, backpacks, camp cookware, technical apparel, and more (much, much more) stacking up on our desks and in our closets. Not all the gear we test is worth writing about. But every few weeks, there are at least a handful of gadgets and toys that truly surprise and delight our experienced and discerning testers. From running and bike shoes to travel luggage to apparel every outdoor enthusiast should own, here鈥檚 the best gear we tested this month.

Gear We Tested and Love – June

Arc’teryx Granville 25

To hike a coastal trail in Japan this June, I needed a pack that would look discreet on planes and public transit but could perform in wet and humid conditions. (I could only bring a carry-on and personal item, and I didn’t want to look like a dork in Tokyo.) The Arc’teryx Granville 25 ended up being the perfect companion.

My Japanese guide approved of the sleek aesthetics. Functionally, the top flap kept everything contained and streamlined鈥攑erfect for sliding under an airplane seat or tucking between my knees on a train. I kept my wallet and passport hidden but still easily accessible in the water-tight outer pocket that secures under the lid. The exterior is made from a highly durable nylon ripstop that didn’t snag on branches in the forest and was easy to wipe clean when I accidentally squashed a couple bugs. It only sprinkled on us once during our 10 days on the train, but I never worried that my stuff would get wet.

Even though it’s quite heavy for a daypack (30.5 ounces) and I weighed it down further with a bento box full of convenience store candies and too many layers, the padded shoulder straps didn’t dig in and the AeroForm backpanel kept my back cool despite 70-degree temps and high humidity. A guy in the Seattle airport lounge said the pack made me look fancy. Little did he know that I had sweat all over it. I won’t be taking it on day hikes in the Pacific Northwest this summer because it’s a little too streetwear forward, but for trips that take me into urban and forested environments, it’ll be my first pick. 鈥擜melia Arvesen, 国产吃瓜黑料 contributor

Teva Aventrail

I鈥檝e been putting in a lot of miles on the trail this summer, and the Aventrail has become my favorite pair of trail runners. Teva is all in on max cushion right now, and the Aventrail is plush, while still being springy. I really liked the Velcro-strap tensioning system, and the mesh upper breathes well and dries fast.

The shoe has a lot of cushion underfoot, which is off-putting to some, but I鈥檝e felt perfectly stable while running over some really technical rock and root gardens. Need more proof? Pro runner Michael Wardian wore this shoe while thru-running the Appalachian Trail last fall, and that path is known for its technical terrain. One thing to note: the Aventrail has a relatively narrow toe box compared to many modern trail runners. It doesn鈥檛 bother me, but I know some have grown accustomed to more spacious kicks. 鈥擥raham Averill, gear and travel columnist

Yeti Rambler One Gallon Jug听

As a gear editor, I’m drowning in fancy vacuum-insulated vessels these days. Truly, I didn’t think I’d ever get excited about seeing a glorified Thermos ever again. The Ramble One Gallon Jug has proven to be an impressive party trick, however. It’s got all the same ruggedness and temperature retention as the brand’s other products, just supersized with some clever design. It was big enough to hold enough coffee to caffeinate a group of 16 on a recent early-morning birding adventure. It’s also handy if you want to prepare stew or chili for a crowd before heading to a campground without ever lighting the camp stove. The magnetic screw cap is a smart move for someone prone to losing small pieces of gear, and the overengineered handle makes hauling a gallon of fluids surprisingly painless. 鈥擝enjamin Tepler, senior gear editor

Related: Get Yeti gear on sale during REI’s 4th of July deals

The North Face Wawona 6 Tent

My husband and I did something brave this month: We took our 2-year-old and 9-month old camping for the first time. We survived this first family car camping trip mostly thanks to the Wawona 6-person tent. The 86-square-foot tent proved big enough to fit our Exped Megamat sleeping pad, another single sleeping pad for our toddler, and a regular-sized pack-n-play for our baby. The massive 45-square-foot front vestibule fit a family鈥檚 worth of gear鈥攁 backpack carrier, two duffels, and a camp chair鈥攁nd served as our little lounge during an evening rain storm.

Besides the generous interior (and 76-inch peak height that let us walk and stand freely within the tent), my favorite feature of this tent was all the interior pockets, especially those integrated on the rear door. These were so handy for keeping diapers, wipes, extra pacifiers, and kid books handy but out of the way. Make no mistake, this tent is huge, so you need a good-size campspot for it and two people to pitch it efficiently. But it鈥檚 an amazing tent for families who head out into the wild even when you鈥檝e got two under two and there鈥檚 rain in the forecast. 鈥�Jenny Wiegand, 国产吃瓜黑料 associate gear director听

Altra Experience Flow 2 Running Shoes

Turns out I鈥檝e been running wrong my entire life. My stride was too far forward so I was using my legs to pull me along the dirt or pavement. That killed my hip flexors and shins and left me sidelined for weeks. But with input from my local physical therapist I鈥檓 in the process of correcting things and have found that the Flow 2 are a useful tool. Thanks to a low 4mm heel drop and slight rocker, the shoes are perfectly designed to help me toe-off on each stride, which is the motion I need in order to push (instead of pull) through each step. The extra-wide toe box that the company is known for adds extra comfort in this push-off motion and also helps me feel more balanced as I land in my mid-foot area. The Flow 2s aren鈥檛 the cushiest shoes on the market but they鈥檙e still a solid all-around training shoe and stable enough for speed work. 鈥擩akob Schiller, 国产吃瓜黑料 gear tester and contributor

Yeti 14-Liter Tote Bag

Sometimes a cooler is overkill, but a paper bag isn鈥檛 enough, which is why Yeti launched this insulated tote bag. At 14 liters it鈥檒l hold enough lunch, snacks, and drinks for a full family picnic and has a light layer of insulation that keeps things cold for at least five or six hours. My wife recently took this as the snack bag for a road trip with her friends, and then a week later I packed it with ice and used it to keep drinks cold during an outdoor track meet. Like all things Yeti, the details all line up. A magnet in the lid ensures the top snaps closed, it鈥檚 made from indestructible nylon, and the Yeti ice blocks fit perfectly inside.

No Reception Club The Sidekick

I鈥檓 a huge fan of cross-body bags over purses and totes for daily errands and for traveling. I used to wear a minimalist, 1-liter bag that was just big enough to fit my keys, wallet, and cell phone. But that was before I had two kids. Now I need something bigger, but I still like to travel light. Enter The Sidekick. This 3-liter cross-body bag is big enough to fit all of my essentials plus emergency snacks, a spare diaper for each of my kids, and hand sanitizer. It also comes with a sleek, foldable changing mat that also fits snugly in the main zippered compartment. My favorite feature, though, is the separate back pocket with a magnetic closure specifically designed to store a pack of wipes. It makes cleaning up messes and sticky hands on the go so easy. Ten out of ten would recommend to all parents (and even non-parents). 鈥擩.奥.

686 Everywhere Hybrid Short

Warmer temps, including a few heat waves, have had me wearing primarily shorts and this pair from 686 is my go-to. The cut, stretch, and durable material make them great for just about any activity outside鈥擨鈥檝e hiked, biked, climbed, paddled, and done marathon yardwork sessions in these. They shrug off light precipitation while handling abrasive rock scooting and bushwacking through scrub oak as if made of kevlar.

Not only are they great for playing outdoors, they easily double as urban wear thanks to rear zip and side leg pockets (all RFID blocking), and a design aimed at organizing all of your EDC essentials. Between activities, simply brush the shorts off, or do a quick wipe with a wet cloth, and it鈥檒l look like you just put on a fresh pair. 鈥�Adam Trenkamp, 国产吃瓜黑料 Lab Test Editor

Giro Gritter Mountain Bike Shoes听

Gear We Tested and Loved – May

Rab Cubit Stretch Down Jacket

听

This is the puffy I have been looking for my whole life. I started testing it out in February, and it quickly became my go-to spring skiing layer. Warm and wind-resistant, it鈥檚 the perfect piece to wear听on a breezy summit, yet it鈥檚 packable enough to live in my pack for the rest of the day.

Now it’s become the perfect layer for shoulder season. I’ve worn it on chilly evenings camping in the Tetons, dinner dates in Chamonix, and thrown it on while pedaling to the market for groceries. This puffy is not a seasonal layer鈥攊t will be living at the front of my closet all year long. 鈥擫ily Ritter, 国产吃瓜黑料 contributor听

Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine听

Real espresso heads will probably laugh at me for owning this machine since it鈥檚 totally automated. Like all bespoke things, I鈥檓 assuming that if you want top-shelf espresso, you have to be more involved. However, I know what a good cappuccino, flat white, or cortado tastes like after sampling these drinks across the world for the past several decades, and the Touch Impress delivers brews that are 90 percent as good as the best I鈥檝e tried. In fact, the coffee I can make with this machine is so good I鈥檝e given up on going to coffee shops in favor of just making my own espresso drinks. We buy high-quality beans and make sure the water is filtered, but otherwise, the machine does all the work. 鈥擩akob Schiller, 国产吃瓜黑料 gear columnist

Topo Designs Global Travel Bag Roller听& Convertible Travel Bag 40L听

Before using these two Topo Designs bags, I was a disheveled traveler. But with this matching backpack and roller set, you’ll never again find me rifling through my bags in the middle of the terminal. The soft-sided roller has one large compartment that fits even the most overstuffed , a zippered panel serves as a dirty laundry deposit, and two mesh pockets organize socks and undies. A bar between the wheels makes it easy to grab听from the overhead bins without bonking anyone.

I use the backpack as overflow, stowing extra layers and travel mementos that don’t fit in the carry-on. The laptop sleeve is inconspicuous but easy to access, and the numerous internal and external pockets keep my essentials鈥攚allet, Airpods, hand sanitizer, lip balm, and snacks鈥攆rom sinking to the bottom. Straps secure the backpack to the roller bag’s handle, giving my shoulders a break while waiting in long airport lines. One ding: The roller exceeds some international luggage dimensions; I was asked to check it on a flight to Qu茅bec. 鈥擜melia Arvesen, 国产吃瓜黑料 contributor听

Early Rider Super Velio Bike

On the eve of my son’s second birthday, I bought him a used Strider bike from our local second-hand gear store. I was so excited to get him on a bike this summer I was crushed when I realized he was still too little to use it. The Strider proved too big, heavy, and unwieldy for his still-developing motor skills. Then this thing showed up on my doorstep for testing. The Early Rider Super Velio looks like something straight out of Tron, which is probably one reason why my son instantly gravitated towards it. But the main reason he likes it is because he can actually use it鈥攂y himself.

The Super Velio is specifically designed for toddlers under two (and even babies as young as 8 months, depending on how tall and coordinated they are) to use before they get on a balance bike like a Strider. Though my kiddo is technically above the recommended age limit, he’s a little guy (2’11”), and the Super Velio is a good size for him. Its magnesium frame is light enough for him to handle, the seat is low to the ground so his short legs can reach comfortably, and the massive, spherical wheels (balls?) increase stability so my timid little guy isn’t afraid of tipping over.

The brand’s ABC (Active Balance Control) steering system also purportedly helps reduce wobbles and actively guides the wheels to help the bike stay upright; this system is adjustable via an allen key above the back wheel鈥攜ou can add tension to the rear wheel to make the bike less responsive to wobbles, or reduce tension to make the bike more responsive once kiddos get better at handling the bike. My son is still figuring this training bike out, and at this point, he prefers sitting on it while I push him via the tiller that attaches to the back. It’s yet to be determined whether the Super Velio will help my kiddo ride independently sooner than a traditional balance bike, but because he’s still too little for a Strider, it’s definitely giving him earlier opportunities to practice on a two-wheeled bike.听鈥擩enny Wiegand, 国产吃瓜黑料 associate gear director

Mountain Hardwear Butter Up Hoody

Breathable and stretchy, this sun hoody has become my go-to for long ski tours, springtime mountain bike rides, and muddy trail runs. The jersey knit fabric feels as soft as my favorite pajamas, and the hood has the perfect amount of stretch鈥擨 can pull it over a helmet while skiing, but it also sits comfortably over a hat while hiking. The scuba hood design adds a little extra protection from the sun, making it ideal for warm days on the water. I typically go for merino base layers (which manage body odor) for multi-day trips, but I was surprised that this one never stunk, even after wearing it for four days in a row on a glacier this spring. 鈥擫.搁.

Topo ST-5 Running Shoes

These are some of the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn. The soft, flexible upper hugs my foot from heel to ball like a second skin, while the toe box is roomy and airy, with plenty of space for splay, even when wearing . Underfoot, a half-inch, zero-drop layer of firmly bouncy Zipfoam allows me to feel and interact with the ground without getting bruised by it. The Topo ST-5 has become my default casual shoe, especially when traveling (like I did several times in May); they kept me feeling balanced and nimble while walking for miles on sidewalks and stairs, standing for hours, and running short distances. Their clean styling and subdued colors (I have both a black and a grey pair) let me wear them anywhere, from a run to a restaurant, without feeling out of place. And my podiatrist friends tell me that they are , too. 鈥擩onathan Beverly, 国产吃瓜黑料 senior gear editor

Rab Protium 20L Day Pack

I鈥檝e been testing out a lot of hiking gear recently, which means I鈥檝e been putting a lot of miles on the trail. The Protium is the pack that I keep coming back to for most of my day hikes. It鈥檚 relatively light weight (just over 2 pounds, empty), but is loaded with user-friendly features, like a shoulder harness that can be adjusted to your specific torso, and easy-access stash pockets all over the outside of the pack鈥攖wo on the hips, two for water bottles, and one large expandable mesh pocket on the back. I like to keep my snacks and rain jacket handy, so these pockets have been clutch.

I鈥檓 not a trekking pole devotee, but there鈥檚 an attachment point for those too. The terrain here in the Southern Appalachians is steep, and there are plenty of opportunities for hand-over-hand scrambling. The Protium shines in these situations as it fits snug to my back, eliminating any sway or bounce when I鈥檓 moving fast or handling technical terrain. It even comes with a built-in rain cover, which has proven handy since spring in the Southern Appalachians means daily rain showers. 鈥�Graham Averill, 国产吃瓜黑料 travel and gear columnist听

LIVSN x Gnara Ecotrek Overalls

In general, I’m a huge fan of overalls鈥攖hey’re comfy, practical, and moderately cute, and most have tons of pockets for snacks, drywall nails, gardening shears, and cool rocks. The only thing I don’t like? Having to get basically naked to pee. Enter the which have a hidden central zipper. The product of a collab between outdoor lifestyle brand LIVSN and women’s pants brand Gnara (a pee-zip pioneer), these things have quickly become my daily drivers (in fact, I’m wearing them as I write this.)

The central pee zip goes from front waistband to tailbone, making it easy to squat and go without baring your booty to other trail users. And the durable, water-repellent, quick-dry fabric has thus far shrugged off light snowfall, summer squalls, poison ivy, and even thorny underbrush. I use them for everything from yardwork to setting at my local gym to hiking in the foothills around Boulder, Colorado. They’re a little pricey at $229, but I expect them to outlive me. And if time is money, then just count up the minutes I’ve saved by not having to disrobe entirely for pee breaks and they’ve already paid for themselves. 鈥擟orey Buhay, interim 国产吃瓜黑料 managing editor

Giro Imperial II Road Cycling Shoe

After three consecutive seasons of solely using mountain bike shoes, I’m back to road cycling shoes. The reason? The BOA Li2 closure system has made the lightweight (220 grams) Giro Imperial II road cycling shoes my new go-to bike shoes. The Li2 has solved many of the gripes that I formerly had with BOA’s innovative dial-and-cable closure systems鈥攕pecifically that they could not hold up to my daily use (and abuse). I ride hard, and due to my narrow foot, I tend to crank down my shoe laces or buckles or BOA dials to their maximum for every ride.

After more than a month of daily riding, the Li2 system’s alloy dial and CS1 lace have not slipped or stretched. I am also impressed with the Li2’s dual-direction micro-adjustability, which allows me to wrench down the fit for climbs, and then back off a few clicks for descents. And finally, the low-profile dials don’t get caught on my leg warmers or overshoes, which makes it easy to adjust these layers when riding. You can find BOA鈥檚 new Li2 on a growing number of cycling shoes: Specialized S-Works Ares II, Fizik Vega Carbon 2 and Vento Carbon 2, and Shimano S-Phyre RC902. 鈥擣rederick Dreir, 国产吃瓜黑料 articles editor

Halfdays Ynes Longsleeve Top听

In the eight years that I鈥檝e been testing gear for a living, I鈥檝e only come across a handful of clothing pieces that are true standouts in the wide-reaching and crowded apparel category. The Halfdays Ynes Longsleeve Top is one of these. I鈥檝e worn it at least 20 days this month because it鈥檚 now the most comfortable, versatile, and stylish shirt in my closet. This top, made from 87 percent recycled polyester, 11 percent Tencel, and 2 percent spandex, feels like butter next to skin, is ultra-stretchy, and is so lightweight and breathable that I can comfortably wear it on hikes in 80-degree temps even when I have my built-in furnace attached to me (aka, my 8-month-old daughter).

I鈥檓 also obsessed with ruched fabric and the mock neck cut that provides additional protection from the sun and makes this technical layer stylish enough for a night out on the town. Like other synthetic tops, the Ynes does tend to hold on to odors; but despite the delicate-feeling fabric, it has held up surprisingly well to extensive wear and five machine washes. 鈥擩.奥.听

More Gear Reviews

The Best Coolers of 2025
The Best Tents for Car Camping
The 3 Best Action Cameras of the Year

The post The Best Gear and Equipment We Tested This Month (June) appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

In a 1949 speech in the tiny town of Lyndonville, Vermont, senator George Aiken stated, “You know, this is such beautiful country up here. It ought to be called the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont.”

Aiken was referring to the counties of Orleans, Essex, and Caledonia, situated between Canada to the north, the Green Mountains to the west, and the Connecticut River to the east. Glaciers of the Pleistocene epoch, which retreated about , left behind the rolling landscape of craggy granite peaks, sloping valleys, and fathomless lakes.

The 2,027-square-mile region has several distinctions: French oceanographer Jacque Costeau鈥檚 first dive site (Harvey鈥檚 Lake, depth: 144 feet); the home of the renowned counter-cultural touring company the (Glover, population: 157); the location of perennial 鈥淏est Brewery in the World鈥� winner (Greensboro Bend, population: 265); and the landscape of , one of the in the world (Burke, population: 1,636).

鈥淭he Kingdom,鈥� as it is known locally, has a population of only 65,000, yet a high number of folks with roots in the region are the founders of a new breed of spunky, colorful outdoor brands. , , , , and were all started by central-northern Vermonters who spent a significant amount of time in the Kingdom. They either grew up there, went to school at Burke Mountain Academy (BMA, alma mater of Mikaela Shiffrin, as well as 36 other Olympians), or cut their teeth on the slopes and trails of that corner of the state. To outsiders, it may seem surprising that such entrepreneurial individuals have all drawn inspiration from the Kingdom. But to locals, it makes perfect sense that this adventure hub would produce the creators of quirky adventure gear and apparel.

An Entrepreneurial Legacy听

One county over from the Northeast Kingdom, a couple of OGs of the Vermont textile industry have headquarters. , based in Northfield (population: 5,939), has made wool socks trusted by hikers, runners, and skiers since 2004. Founder Ric Cabot’s father started its hosiery mill in 1978. Travel 20 miles south on I-89 and you鈥檒l find , maker of bombproof hand-sewn leather work gloves in Randolph (population: 4,842) since 1920. Both companies are the rare holdovers from the kind of regional manufacturing that has largely collapsed in Vermont and other rural areas in the United States.

鈥淭here was a vibrant textile industry up in Newport, and that dissipated in the 1980s as globalization drew manufacturing overseas,鈥� explained Corinne Prevot, founder of Skida, who wrote her senior thesis at Middlebury on economic opportunity in outdoor recreation in the Northeast Kingdom. 鈥淎ll of these heavy industries came and went, and that left behind a lot of really talented sewers.鈥�

According to Prevot, many of these sewers adapted by pivoting to small-scale or home-based production such as quilting, tailoring, custom work, and entrepreneurial crafts for fairs and farmers markets. Female sewers found the flexibility of these cottage industry opportunities appealing, as they often had to juggle family responsibilities as well. was founded in 1982 in Stowe, Vermont. In the 1990s, was started in Woodstock, Vermont, and Isis鈥攁 brand that made women鈥檚 outdoor apparel鈥攂egan in Burlington, Vermont.

Prevot grew up on a farm in Pennsylvania, her dad went to BMA in the 1970s, and her grandmother lived on a farm in Lyndonville (the site of Senator Aiken鈥檚 infamous speech; population: 1,222). The family visited the Kingdom often and Prevot was enchanted by the region, eventually following in her dad鈥檚 footsteps and attending BMA herself.

At Burke, Prevot switched from alpine to nordic skiing, which required a different set of equipment. She couldn鈥檛 find the right hat, and noticed that many cycling caps were made from a four-way stretch lycra blend. She grew up sewing, so Prevot bought some colorful fabric and made hats for herself and her teammates. At their first race in 2007, the hats created a buzz, and other skiers asked to buy them. The interest continued at the next race, and before long, Prevot added fleece linings and headbands to her repertoire.

To meet demand, Prevot needed help with the sewing. The wife of someone who worked at BMA was a seamstress and pitched in. She knew others who had previously worked at the factories in Newport and connected Prevot with an untapped network of sewers. Thus, Skida officially launched in 2008, though Prevot didn鈥檛 operate the company full time until she graduated college in 2013. A significant portion of products are still cut and sewn in Vermont.

A Community to Lean On

For residents of Northern Vermont, engaging with the outdoors is more of a lifestyle than a choice.

鈥淲e鈥檙e the only state with more dirt roads than paved roads,鈥� said Elliot Wilkinson-Ray, founder of performance denim mountain biking brand Ripton and Co. 鈥淲inters are harsh and life is tough and rugged, so people have higher thresholds for pain and discomfort. I think that sort of tenacity is an important ingredient for starting businesses and building brands.鈥�

Wilkinson-Ray grew up in Richmond (population: 4,117) alongside Pit Viper founder Chuck Mumford. Richmond is part of Chittenden County in the northwest part of Vermont, a county that also includes Burlington, the most populous city in the state. As a burgeoning photographer, Wilkinson-Ray often traveled to the Northeast Kingdom to experience its natural beauty and adventure possibilities.

After attending the University of Vermont, Wilkinson-Ray and his brother, Tyler, made , a about small New England ski hills, including a couple in the Northeast Kingdom.

鈥淭hat was a transformational experience for us,鈥� said Wilkinson-Ray. 鈥淭he community rallied around it, helped fund it, and taught us to go after cool ideas. That was definitely an inflection point.鈥�

鈥淚t鈥檚 an unconventional place that teaches unconventional thinking,鈥� noted Natasha Woodworth, founder of Curious Creatures, a mountain biking apparel brand. Woodworth grew up in central-northern Vermont and New Hampshire, and, like Prevot, also attended BMA and Middlebury, where she was a ski racer. Following college she went to the Parson鈥檚 School of Design, and eventually landed at Patagonia as a product designer.

In the meantime, her parents moved to East Burke, and she and her husband got married in their backyard. Three years ago, she left Patagonia to start Curious Creatures. She credits the harsh weather and unpredictable landscape of the Northeast Kingdom with instilling both her drive and her playful aesthetic.

鈥淚鈥檝e done hard things,鈥� said Woodworth, thinking back to frigid BMA workouts. 鈥淭he weather kind of sucks and there鈥檚 so [fewer] really good days. You have to be on another level of loving it. It鈥檚 not about the selfie or the epic peak. It鈥檚 down to the simplest things, sliding around in the snow or riding around on trails and feeling the wind in your hair. Something about it is a little bit pure and no one鈥檚 taking themselves too seriously.鈥�

Both Wilkinson-Ray and Woodworth started their brands out west, in Boulder, Colorado, and Bozeman, Montana, respectively, but it is safe to say they brought a little bit of the Northeast Kingdom with them. 鈥淸My] approach [to] product [is that] I鈥檓 always trying to remember the East Coast and how gnarly those people are,鈥� explained Woodworth.

鈥淚 think a lot of great success stories, whether they’re entrepreneurs or athletes, have come from small towns and humble beginnings because there鈥檚 a nurturing culture and everyone鈥檚 telling you you can achieve your dreams,鈥� said Wilkinson-Ray. 鈥淭hen you just keep projecting that outward for the rest of your life.鈥�

The other advantage these founders have is one another: They lean on each other for advice, inspiration, and professional skills. Wilkinson-Ray shot a lot of Skida鈥檚 early photography and managed their social media for a stretch. 鈥淲e鈥檙e all learning from each other,鈥� reflected Prevot. 鈥淚t鈥檚 so cool to watch these people go off on a limb and shoot from the core of what they know and let it all unfold organically. In a saturated industry there has to be that DNA and that vibe for it to ignite.鈥�

A New Kingdom

The last few summers, brought on by climate change has damaged the delicate infrastructure of northern Vermont.听As is always the case, folks have leaned on their community to help repair and rebuild.

鈥淧eople endure here,鈥� said John Campbell, Peacham resident (population: 718) and owner of , an operation making bespoke adventure packs. (Considering climbing Everest in 2027? Place your order now. The waitlist is 18 to 24 months). 鈥淵ou have to rely on your community. I would do anything for all of my neighbors and that鈥檚 a mutual thing. I think that鈥檚 what鈥檚 unique about Vermont.鈥�

Woodworth has witnessed firsthand how the community around Burke has transformed. In 1998, an initiative called Kingdom Trails started and linked over 100 miles of trails together. Today, the network works with 102 landowners who grant access to their properties.

鈥淚 don鈥檛 think it would happen anywhere else,鈥� she said. 鈥淢y parents have a tiny little trail that goes through their land and they鈥檙e so proud. Being excited by the growth of the sport and what trails can do to communities inspired a lot of the thinking behind Curious Creatures.鈥�

Woodworth recalled a very different East Burke when she went to high school than the one her parents now live in. Faculty turnover at BMA was high because social life was non-existent. 鈥淭here was a gas station and a pub that changed owners every two years,鈥� said Woodworth. 鈥淚t鈥檚 been really cool to watch how the trails have changed that.鈥�

East Burke now has breweries, cafes, and even a tiki bar. Indeed, there is a certain if-you-build-it-they-will-come ingenuity in a place that can鈥檛 rely on foot traffic but instead can only create vibe traffic. The Northeast Kingdom is the type of place that invites a pilgrimage, whether it鈥檚 to for a pizza or for a pastry.

The awe-inspiring country that prompted Senator Aiken鈥檚 epithet may have seen a few threads unravel over the years, whether it is the collapse of regional manufacturing or the infrastructure washed out by flooding. Yet it has also been knitted together by epic trails, heady beers, delicious pastries, and rad hats. The spirit of the Kingdom is alive and well.

The post How a Small Corner of Vermont Is Making Big Waves in the Outdoor Apparel Industry appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

What happens when you gather a lively mix of women from all over North America, each bringing their own stories, skills, and comfort levels in the wild? Magic, pure and simple. Our four-day adventure in Zion National Park delivered full hearts, camera rolls bursting with memories, and choruses of supportive “woos” that helped conquer fears and discover newfound confidence in the outdoors.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

This blueprint, called the Escape Series, was developed by , which has crafted an authentic way to bring its mission to life. The program provides national park experiences to women鈥擣P Movement team members, editors, and brand enthusiasts鈥攁nd elevates community building alongside outdoor exploration. The Escape Series is a natural evolution of FP Movement鈥檚 partnership with the . Now in its eighth year, the collaboration has resulted in $700,000 in donations to the National Park Foundation and 3,200-plus employee volunteer hours.

Welcome to Zion

When I unzipped my tent at , located in the foothills of Zion National Park, I was met with thoughtful surprises from my hosts: in all my favorite colors. The desert welcome only got better when I met the nine women I鈥檇 be sharing this adventure with at a sunset dinner overlooking glowing red cliffs.

The 国产吃瓜黑料 Unfolds

Canyoneering with was my first adrenaline rush in Zion. The guides taught us about the land and Leave No Trace principles and created a supportive environment where vulnerability thrived. While I rappelled down the first boulder, encouraging shouts echoed off the stone walls. My layers were so comfortable and supportive, no readjustments required, and my provided incredible traction so I could focus on the experience.

Later, horseback riding with offered a new perspective of Zion鈥檚 trails, with the stunning Vermilion Cliffs in the distance. That night, conversations flowed under twinkling lights, cementing a palpable sense of shared experience and newfound confidence. As one woman remarked, 鈥淚 feel more capable than I realized. I got to experience things I wouldn鈥檛 have otherwise on my own.鈥�

We greeted the new day with a hike up to Scout Lookout. The challenging 3.4-mile ascent with 1,700 feet of elevation gain rewarded us with sweeping views of the winding Virgin River.

At Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, our guides awaited with powerful Polaris RZR side-by-sides. After a quick fit change into our sand-ready FP Movement and , we were zooming across the dunes, ready to sandboard. Overheard among the laughter, someone exclaimed, 鈥淚t鈥檚 so nice to be outside with a group of women versus on my own or with a partner. There鈥檚 a different kind of support and understanding.鈥� Before heading back, we stopped at Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon, a hidden gem among the dunes.

Beyond the Escape Series

The best trips, like this one, give you more than great memories. After Zion, I couldn鈥檛 help but think about the larger lessons we came away with: We鈥檙e all on our own trail, but the beauty lies in simply putting one foot in front of the other, taking the time to really experience our surroundings, and moving through this world with a sense of freedom.

The FP Movement collection, with its empowering spirit and focus on movement, encourages women to do just that: express themselves fully, embrace every adventure, and live life in motion鈥攁 mission that鈥檚 brought to life by the Escape Series.

As Seen in Zion:

Established in 2012 as a category on Free People, has been at the forefront of redefining activewear, introducing performance-ready styles that extend beyond the gym. Rooted in community, individuality, and the spirit of #movingtogether, FP Movement鈥檚 activewear for hike, run, racquet, studio, and ski bridges the gap between fashion and function.

In 2020, FP Movement emerged as an independent brand, opening its first stand-alone store in Los Angeles. The brand currently has 56 stores nationwide, offers online shopping at fpmovement.com, and collaborates with wholesale partners such as Dick鈥橲 Sporting Goods and independent fitness studios.

The post Escape to Zion National Park appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Spring is for pretty much every outdoor activity out there鈥攕kiing, camping, biking, running, climbing鈥攜ou name it. 国产吃瓜黑料’s editors put the season to good use this year, camping out next to raging rivers, skiing late-spring lines at our local resorts, and running those favorite trails that are finally accessible thanks to melted snow. Below are the pieces of spring gear that we’re obsessing over in 2025.

When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside.听Learn more.

Hyer Leawood Boots

These boots might just be my most versatile pair of footwear this spring. I work at a horse ranch in Montana on the side, so I need a sturdy pair of boots that can hold up to manure, mud, and wayward hooves. I chose a boot with goat leather because I wanted it to be more flexible, since my work requires a good amount of mobility. This boot feels like the perfect weight for hoisting myself up into a saddle or chasing down a rogue mare, but it also has held up to heavy work. The 13-inch shaft is a great length to protect my calves while riding, and the practical cutter toe fits the classic aesthetic I’m going for.

Not only do these boots do the trick for my ranch work, but they also look great enough to wear in more formal settings. I have a wedding coming up in Zion, and I’m planning on giving these boots a quick clean and wearing them to the ceremony under a dress from Reformation. I also wore them to a pig roast, and got endless compliments on their classic style and design. Bonus鈥擧yer is a fifth generation and family-owned brand (they even claim to be the originators of the cowboy boot in 1875). They’re also the official boot of The American Rodeo, so you know they’re legit. 鈥擪elly Klein, gear editor

Yeti 24 Hard Cooler

Yeti is a premium outdoor brand, and it’s no secret why. Like most of Yeti’s products, this cooler’s pressure-injected polyurethane and its freezer-quality gasket means you can expect your food and drinks to stay cold for hours on end. But what stands out to me about the 24 Roadie is its size. When I’m going car-camping alone or with one other person, I don’t need a full-blown 65-liter cooler. And I also have a much harder time handling a cooler of that size by myself. The 24 Roadie is way more travel-friendly thanks to not only its size (though it can still fit about 26 pounds of ice), but also its super-strong strap and handles keeps my grip solid when I’m carrying the cooler solo. I expect to use this cooler for years to come. 鈥擪.K.

The North Face Women’s Freedom听Insulated Jacket and听

My wife is cold. Wait鈥攍et me rephrase that. My wife has a hard time staying warm, especially when we’re having fun outdoors. Our favorite activity together is skiing, but her ski days usually end early on cold days. One ride on a chilly chairlift usually sends her indoors for a cup of hot cocoa. We’ve tried a variety of base layers, wind shells, and insulated bibs, but we have yet to find the right kit for her. That changed this past March when she tested the North Face’s Freedom insulated jacket and bibs. The Freedom Insulated Jacket boasts 80 grams of recycled polyester (60 grams in the hood, arms, and bibs), and the combination of all that insulation was enough to cut through the chilly breeze. The kit kept her heated for the entire ski day, even when temperatures were in the low teens that morning. We hit the slopes from first chair until mid-afternoon, when we left for the lodge early. But it wasn’t due to the cold鈥攚e were exhausted from all of the turns. 鈥擣red Dreier, articles editor

Helly Hansen Elevation Infinity 3.0听Jacket and听Shell Bib Pants

After a few years of testing ski apparel, I can say with plenty of confidence that the Helly Hansen Elevation Infinity jacket/bib combo is the ideal kit for my body type and skiing style. I say this with the full disclosure that I am a warm-blooded skier who occasionally sweats through my baselayers, even when the temperature is in the single digits. But I’ve yet to encounter this problem with the Infinity 3.0 jacket.

Full credit goes to Helly Hansen’s proprietary Lifa Infinity Pro, the company’s answer to Gore-tex, which has proven itself to vent my body heat with ease and keep water and snow out. There are plenty of other details to love about this kit: the oversized pockets on the jacket, including a “life pocket” that will prolong the battery life of your phone, the sizable vents on the bibs, the sealed seams on both pieces, and the heavy-duty zippers. I also love the mobility that the jacket and bib offer: articulated sleeves, a crotch gusset, and seams at the knees make the kit flow and bend and slide with my body’s every movement. On a balmy day in late February I took the Elevation Infinity kit on a four-hour tour of bump runs at Colorado’s Keystone Resort. By the end, my legs were searing from the repeated efforts. My head was damp from perspiration. But under the Elevation Infinity kit, my body stayed dry. It’s been my go-to throughout the 2024-25 ski season, no matter the temperature, snow conditions, or terrain. 鈥擣.D.

Maxtrax Xtreme

It’s not surprising that the Maxtrax Xtreme works well at extracting stuck trucks from mud, sand, and snow given that the Australian brand practically invented the recovery board category. We used it countless times over a season of off-roading through door-high sludge without drama. What is surprising is just how durable the Xtreme model is. When our rural snowplow鈥攁 four-ton John Deere tractor with a front-mounted blower鈥攕lid off into a snow-filled ditch, the nearly four-foot-long reinforced nylon Xtreme gave it the grip it needed to crawl its way out. Better yet, none of its grip-giving 88 hard-anodized “teeth” showed any wear, even after getting crushed and cranked on by the tractor’s massive, snow-chain-wrapped tires. 鈥擝enjamin Tepler, senior gear editor

---

Atomic Four AMID Pro Snow Helmet

I don’t care what your reasoning may be; wearing a helmet while skiing should be a non-negotiable. Last week, I took a fall and ended up hitting the back of my head pretty hard. I was wearing the Atomic Four Amid Pro Snow Helmet, and I walked away unscathed. Had this helmet not fit as well as it did or performed at a lower level, I would have likely had a nasty concussion. Wearing any helmet is better than not wearing one, but if you’re in the market for a new one, I highly recommend this one from Atomic. 鈥擩amie Aranoff, digital editor听SKI

Ignik Flipside Heated Bed Cover听

Is Ignik listening to my private conversations? Because their new Flipside, a plug-in layer of heat that fits over a sleeping pad, has been the key ingredient to keeping my wife happy during chilly spring car camping adventures. Spread the fleece-sided topper out, plug it into a portable battery like a Goal Zero Yeti 500X, and you have up to 48 watts of heat emanating from your bed for up to 12 hours. Spring is here in the Southern Appalachians, but night time temps still drop into the 30s, so a portable layer of heat like the Flipside is the secret ingredient that allows me and my wife to enjoy a few car camping excursions before summer hits in full. It packs down to the size of an ultra-light sleeping bag, so it鈥檚 a no-brainer to pack in your kit regardless of the weather. 鈥擥raham Averill, 国产吃瓜黑料 gear and travel columnist

Roka Barton 2.0 Sunglasses

Earlier this month I was trail running on tired legs when all of a sudden I found myself flying through the air, face first, after tripping on a rock. Milliseconds later I hit the ground, scraped the entire right side of my body on kitty litter rocks and came to a screeching halt. With bloodied hands I brushed myself off, tried not to look too embarrassed, and kept going. Another quarter mile down the trail I realized that even though I鈥檇 hit the ground hard, my Roka sunglasses were still firmly planted on my face and hadn鈥檛 budged an inch.

I credit that to the two, ultra-sticky, one-inch rubber grippers that Roka inlays along the part of the frame that fits over your years, as well as rubber grippers that comfortably sit on your nose. The proprietary material they use for these grippers (which they call 鈥淕eco鈥�) is by far the most comfortable and stickiest material I鈥檝e ever come across on a pair of sunnies and a big reason I鈥檝e become a Roka convert. I鈥檒l also be honest and tell you that I love the design of the Barton frames. Thanks to a modern take on the classic wayfarer style, the frames look good on almost any face, including mine which is punctuated by a long forehead and big nose.鈥擩akob Schiller, 国产吃瓜黑料 correspondent

Asics Novablast 5 Running Shoes

Goldilocks has nothing on runners when it comes to being picky. With dozens of high-quality kicks to choose from, we can spend weeks, years even, trying to find the shoe we like best. I鈥檝e been on that search for months now, and after cycling through well over ten pairs, I鈥檝e landed on the Novablast 5 as my number one go-to shoe. For me, the medium-thick stability sole packs the right mix of padding and energy return without being too squishy, wobbly, or sloppy. I鈥檓 regularly putting in 25- or 30-mile weeks with a variety of different runs and the Novablast 5 is up for anything, from faster workouts on the track to slower cruises around the local golf course. I know that conventional wisdom these days says that we鈥檙e supposed to rotate through a couple different shoes so that our feet stay adaptable, and I follow that advice by using a more neutral shoe once in a while. But every time I slide the Novablast 5s back on I feel like I鈥檝e come home.鈥擩.S.

The post The Gear Our Editors Are Loving This Spring appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

As a gearhead who mostly tests running shoes and apparel made for high-energy activities, I don鈥檛 often fire up about a sweater. But when I pulled on for the first time, I didn鈥檛 want to take it off.

I wore it while working at my desk. I wore it while walking my dog. I even ran about a mile in it on a cold evening during a youth soccer practice when I felt like I just needed to move. I especially love pulling it on after a day outside on snow. The thing is ridiculously soft and warm, and it looks good, too.

You鈥檇 think my favorite new sweater would be made out of the natural fiber we all know and love thanks to brands like Smartwool, Ibex, and Icebreaker: Merino wool. But there鈥檚 a new natural fiber that may just give good-ole Merino a run for its money: alpaca.

Merino (a type of sheep) wool and alpaca fleece both come from cute, fluffy animals that are sheared without harm typically once a year. Merino and alpaca both consist of hollow fibers with amazing properties that keep the animals鈥攁nd humans鈥攚arm when it鈥檚 cold and cool when it鈥檚 warm, regulating body temperature. Both fibers naturally resist odor, wick sweat, and breathe well. And they鈥檙e both biodegradable and renewable. So, is one better than the other?

According to Kris Cody, founder of the quickly growing outdoor apparel company Paka, the superior fiber is the wool from the animals that live in the Andes Mountains of South America: the alpacas.

A Relationship with an Alpaca Sweater

Ten years ago, while taking a gap year before college and backpacking through South America, Cody stumbled upon a sweater handknit by a Peruvian woman at a street market in Cuzco, Peru. 鈥淭hat sweater became my companion,鈥� says Cody, who recently opened an office in Boulder, Colorado and now has 20 employees stateside. 鈥淚t worked in every single climate on my trip. I built a relationship with that sweater.鈥� So much of a relationship that when the then-18-year-old started college to study neuroscience at the University of Virginia that fall, he couldn鈥檛 get the sweater鈥攁nd its origin鈥攐ut of his mind. Or heart.

鈥淚 just felt such a connection back to Peru鈥攖he culture, the people, and the sweater. I didn鈥檛 want to lose it.鈥� The fact that seemingly everyone at UVA kept asking him where he got the sweater, coming up to touch it, and marveling that it felt as soft as cashmere further flamed his love affair.

鈥淚 was fascinated because it feels like a luxury, fashion fiber,鈥� he says. 鈥淎nd I recognized the fact that this animal [the alpaca] had evolved in the craziest climate on the earth where you freeze and burn in the same day with 70-degree temperature fluctuations. In looking at the fiber and the hollow air pockets and how much function was embedded, I thought that it would be really revolutionary for the outdoor apparel industry.鈥�

At 19 years old and just having finished a year of college, Cody bought a one-way ticket to Peru to track down the woman who had sold him the sweater. 鈥淚 flew back with no business plan but wanted to get to know the family of weavers.鈥� He spent a couple of weeks retracing his steps from his trip a year earlier, searching for the weaver who had sold him his sweater. 鈥淚 was just so interested in finding the real source of where it came from,鈥� he says. His persistence and the fact that 鈥淐uzco鈥檚 not so big鈥� led to success.

When he finally stumbled upon the right doorstep, he explained his obsession to the local Peruvian weaver, Gregoria. Though skeptical at first, Gregoria trusted Cody enough to introduce her to her family, and her weaving process. Cody says he lived on the family鈥檚 rooftop for weeks. 鈥淚t just became this relationship of getting to her family and learning more and working on some ideas and prototypes in her kitchen. We began sharing this dream of, 鈥榃hat if we brought this to the U.S.? What, and how, do we do this in a way that works and that represents the culture?鈥� It was a collaboration.鈥�

Cody came home with a bag of 50 sweaters that he sold on Shopify out of his dorm room. A year later, he returned to Peru with a film crew to create about the origins of the sweaters he鈥檇 been selling with the intention to spread the word and launch a Kickstarter campaign. The video, which highlighted the Peruvian people and alpacas, went viral, and Paka was born.

Fast-forward eight years, and Paka employs 300 weavers in Cuzco. The company aims to multiply each weaver鈥檚 income by eight percent, helping to improve the statistic that one in three children under 5 years old in Cuzco suffer from malnutrition. The company contributes one percent of annual sales to female education, helping young Peruvian women attend university. Through its partnership with a local nonprofit, Paka assists women of neighboring communities of Cuzco to learn how to weave, allowing many to move from manual labor like farming to skilled, artisanal traditions passed down from the Inca. Each sweater is signed on the tag by the woman who made it. Mine is signed by 鈥淧amela A.鈥� On one side is a small emblem of an adorable alpaca and on the other side a tiny woven patch (which the company calls an Inca ID).

I am, in fact, wearing my cozy, cashmere-like as I write this. I wish I had kept the biodegradable tag that came with it (and comes with every Paka item), because on that tag was a QR code鈥攁 source certificate鈥攖hat would have allowed me to trace my sweater back to the exact adorable, fluffy alpaca from which its fibers were sheared, cleaned, dyed (with environmentally friendly dyes), woven, and knit.

Even if I don鈥檛 know the details, my sweater鈥攁nd my other Paka apparel鈥攃hannels an Andean alpaca and every person who went into making it every time I wear it.

Alpaca’s Unique Qualities

There is nothing wrong with Merino wool. I love Merino wool. But alpaca, Kody says, has several unique characteristics.

鈥淚 love Merino wool as well,鈥� says Kody. 鈥淚 think there are a lot of benefits for both of them, and also reasons to synergize alpaca and Merino, because the structure is very different.鈥� Kody explains how alpaca fiber is hair-like and Merino a crimped fiber, which means that Merino wool adds volume to garments while alpaca does not, giving alpaca a greater insulating capacity with a lower weight. 鈥淚t鈥檚 the medullated air pockets in alpaca that make it three times warmer than merino,鈥� he says.

Alpaca, he says, is softer, and three times lighter than sheep’s wool. It tests warmer than Merino and has half of the moisture retention of Merino, which, Kody explains, translates to less bacteria build-up and thus, less odor.

鈥淚n my opinion,鈥� he says, 鈥渁lpaca is the most odor-resistant fiber you could ever wear. It repels moisture because these air pockets inside of the fiber hold heat and repel water.鈥� It鈥檚 those same air pockets that give it thermoregulation properties. 鈥淚 think that is the super-strength of alpacas having evolved in 70-degree daily fluctuations. That thermal regulation story is really what we are focusing on the most.鈥�

So, why aren鈥檛 more brands using alpaca? While Merino wool has been utilized by numerous outdoor companies for years鈥攚ith great success鈥攖he framework for using alpaca is still a new frontier. Kody points to the 鈥渧ertical infrastructure鈥� he and his team have built by spending time on the ground in Peru with 7,560 alpaqueros (alpaca cowboys) employed by Paka, the local weavers, and other artisans involved in the process.

鈥淚 think it’s very important that people know what’s behind the whole alpaca animal and story that the people have with it,鈥� says Cody. He explains how alpacas are neither pets nor butchered for food like cows in the U.S. 鈥淭he people in Peru have this synergistic, co-dependent relationship with the alpacas to survive out in the Andes. They live alongside each other. There are no fences. The alpaca come in at night. The people take care of their herds and use the wool for warmth. The culture behind that, the weaving patterns and traditions and everything behind alpaca is really important.鈥�

The post Is Alpaca the New Merino? appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

It’s no secret that our editors love to ski. With below-freezing temps and plenty of snow in the past month, we have tested more winter gear on the slopes than ever this year. From new ski boots to the perfect shades to heated gloves, below you’ll find eleven items that our editors couldn’t live without this winter.

When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside.听Learn more.

Away Carry-On Boot Bag 55L

I was taught at a very young age to never check your ski boots, no matter how tedious it might be to carry them onboard. While this practice is heavily rewarded with never having to use rental boots, it’s also downright annoying to carry clunky ski boots through airport terminals. I’m always in search of a comfortable solution, and my new go-to is Away’s ski boot bag.

The bag itself is so spacious that I can fit just about every piece of gear I’ll need for a ski trip, minus the skis (think several pairs of gloves, neck warmers, goggles, a helmet, a few sets of base layers, ski pants, socks, jackets, and of course boots). The bag also has a luggage sleeve, so it pairs nicely with a roller bag. I prefer to wear the bag on my back, but it can be carried as a duffle as well. There are also several clip-closure systems on the bag to help compress it for air travel. The bag itself is on the larger side for boot bags at 55 liters, so when fully stuffed, it may not fit under your seat. That said, I haven鈥檛 had any problems fitting the bag overhead. 鈥擩amie Aranoff, digital editor

Quinn Snacks, Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets

听

I just returned from a weeklong backcountry trip, and one of my main food groups was peanut butter-filled pretzels. I’m gluten-free which means I can’t always eat the same snacks as the rest of my team, but these pretzel nuggets from Quinn were so popular that my entire group, including the gluten-tolerant, were snacking. The pretzels are the perfect food for backcountry skiing thanks to the combination of carbs from the pretzel and protein from the peanut (or almond) butter. They’re also perfectly salty with just the slightest touch of sweetness. Now that I’m back in the front country I’ll be looking to try out all the different varieties. 鈥擩.A.

Loon’r Hi Flyer Boot

Two years ago, Mammoth Lakes, the sleepy mountain town I call home, received a whopping 73 feet of snow. I spent the majority of that winter shoveling more than skiing. One of my greatest grievances about shoveling was how wet my feet got each day. But no more.

These new knee-high EVA boots bring a smile to my face every time I pull them on. They’re super warm (my feet will go from cold to toasty within a minute of donning a pair) and fully waterproof. The tread on the bottom is sufficient for all but the slickest black ice, and the color is just delightful. Mine are Palisade Peach, a kind of neon orange that looks hilarious as I trade them for my also-bright-orange ski boots. Even though town has been snow-free for a month, I continue to wear them because they grip so well on the icy sidewalks. 鈥擩ake Stern, digital editor, 国产吃瓜黑料

Stellar Equipment Stellar Shell 2.0 and Stellar Pant 2.0

This kit feels like real-deal big mountain body armor. I tend to prefer my waterproof ski layers more on the breathable end of the waterproof/breathable spectrum because I love to hike, sidestep, and boot for stashes, but this new kit from Stellar shifts that paradigm for me.

The Stellar Shell and Pant feel incredibly premium鈥攖hick 3-layer material, a secure powder skirt, and excellent pocket placements (including a pass pocket, which should be mandatory on every ski shell in my opinion) all make for the perfect storm-day protection. All waterproof zippers and huge mesh-backed vents really round out what I like about this kit. If you have a sensitive chin, the top of the zipper may bother you until it breaks in a bit, but that’s no problem if you wear a buff. Once it finally snows again, I’ll be wearing this kit while storm skiing bell to bell. 鈥擩.S.

On Movement Tight

听

A few years ago, sick of constantly having to hike my leggings up during workouts, I decided to forgo them entirely. This past fall and winter, though, I found myself wanting a pair for yoga classes and the gym. I was nervous to reenter the world of elastane and lycra, but the On Studio Tights put all my fears to rest. The seamless front is secure and camel toe-free, the drop-in side pocket on the right leg conveniently stores my phone, and the elastane and recycled polyester-blend fabric are wicking and breathable even in 95-degree Fahrenheit yoga classes. Most importantly of all: they stay put. I鈥檓 fully a legging convert鈥攁t least for this specific pair. 鈥擬iyo McGinn, assistant editor, 国产吃瓜黑料

Tecnica Mach1 LV 120 ski boots

Life’s too short to ski in pain, but if I’m honest, I’ve endured far more days of agony on the slopes than ones without. This unfortunate fact is due to my long, narrow, low-volume feet. Most extra-large models are far too wide in the toe box, and too roomy in the arch. My feet swim around, forcing me to either stuff the boot liners with footbeds and padding or to ratchet down the buckles to choke my foot into place. Neither method is particularly comfy.

That recently changed after I purchased a pair of Tecnica’s Mach 1 LV 120 boots. My coworker, digital editor Jake Stern, recommended them after I complained to him about my footwear plight. Prior to joining 国产吃瓜黑料, Jake was a professional boot-fitter, and he’s the smartest guy on ski gear that I know. I tried them on, along with several other LV models from different brands, and they fit the best. The “LV” stands for “low volume”鈥攜ep, boots designed for wonky feet like mine. And after eight days on the slopes thus far, I can say without hesitation that they are the most comfortable pair I’ve ever skied in. I’ve bid adieu to my pre-ski-day Advil, and even my post-ski-day complaints. Thanks, Jake! 鈥擣red Dreier, articles editor, 国产吃瓜黑料

The North Face Summit Series Breithorn Hoodie

听

It鈥檚 been an unusually cold and snowy winter here in the Southern Appalachians, which means I鈥檝e spent a lot of time in this over-engineered, incredibly warm puffy. The Breithorn is stuffed with water-resistant 800-fill synthetic down, so I don鈥檛 have to worry when the snow shower turns into a wet 鈥渨intery mix.鈥� This is the puffy many TNF athletes use in bitter cold, high alpine environments, and you could argue that it鈥檚 overkill for me, considering my mountains top out at 6,000 feet. But I鈥檇 argue that you can never be too warm when you鈥檙e drinking whiskey in the ski hill parking lot after a night skiing session. Also of note鈥攖his thick puffy is actually really packable, squishing down to the perfect airplane pillow size. 鈥擥raham Averill, travel and gear columnist

Filson Lined Mackinaw Wool Packer Coat

When the Bidens invited my wife and me to swing by their place for the White House Christmas party, my first thought was panic. What on earth does an outdoors writer who lives in rural Montana wear to meet the president? Over a wool suit and a vintage tie, Filson鈥檚 flagship jacket was the answer. It kept me warm while waiting in the security line in 30-degree temperatures, and the sheepskin collar added just the right amount of flare for the holidays. I know this not due to my own very limited fashion sense but because the stylist who did Dr. Jill鈥檚 Vogue cover told me so. The coat鈥檚 since worked just as well on a particularly chilly visit to the Dallas Country Club, and while dining out with family in Park City. 鈥擶es Siler, contributing editor

Ibex Men’s Woolies Pro Tech Bottom

The new year found me staying in a cabin near Estes Park, Colorado,, and venturing out for hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. The first thing I put on every day were these lightweight wool leggings from Ibex. The merino/nylon Nuyarn blend was exceptionally soft and warm against the skin, but so thin and stretchy that I didn’t notice they were there. Whatever my level of effort or the weather鈥攔anging from calm, sunny days with temps in the 30s to a howling blizzard with the thermometer barely reaching the teens鈥攖he Ibex bottoms insulated and breathed admirably under wind- and water-proof outer layers, keeping my leg temperature comfortably regulated. They didn’t even feel stifling sitting in a cafe eating lunch after a morning hike.

The tights are too thin and airy to ever wear alone outside, but they were snuggly as jammies for chilly evenings and nights in the cabin. 鈥擩onathan Beverly, senior running editor, Gear

Ciele VLV Halfzip Running Midlayer

It鈥檚 damn hard to design a good midlayer for runners. You need something warm because runners love to head out at 6 a.m. when it鈥檚 cold and windy. But you also need something that breathes well because running is such a high-output sport. Ciele offers several smart solutions with the VLV. First, they lined the inside with a diamond grid fleece where the center of each diamond is hollow so that lots of air can escape. On first wear it feels like the VLV lets through more air than you would like, but after five minutes it鈥檚 perfectly regulated for running in temps anywhere from 10 to 40 degrees. The half zip also comes with a two-way zipper so you can open the bottom for ventilation but not have the collar flapping around in your face. I particularly love the purple colorway because there鈥檚 not a lot of good purple running gear on the market. 鈥擩akob Schiller,听国产吃瓜黑料听correspondent

Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Hooded Waxed Jacket

Waxed jackets are having a style moment thanks to shows like Yellowstone. And while it looks cool when cowboys flip up the collar on their jackets, I鈥檓 here to tell you it adds almost no warmth. The wind will find its way around your neck and you鈥檒l still be cold, even if you look tough. That鈥檚 why I鈥檓 a much bigger fan of this hooded waxed jacket. I still get the tough-as-nails exterior that develops a beautiful patina over time as well as a flannel-lined hood with a buttery-soft interior that keeps my head, ears, and neck warm when it鈥檚 bitter outside. The jacket gives off more of an urban vibe instead of making me look like I rode in on a horse, but I鈥檓 okay with that. 鈥擩.S.

The post The Gear Our Editors Are Loving This Winter appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

After five years of trailblazing as a plus-size apparel entrepreneur, Raquel V茅lez recently shuttered her outdoor apparel company, , due to a lack of profit.

Alpine Parrot was one of a handful of outdoor brands dedicated to the plus-size market, which makes up more than 65 percent of Americans. V茅lez started with sizes 14-24 and ultimately expanded to size 30. Her biggest sellers were sizes 22 and 26, she said.

鈥淪topping isn鈥檛 the same as quitting,鈥� said V茅lez, who started the company in 2019 after she fell in love with skiing but found she had limited options for gear as a plus-sized woman. She left her work in the tech space, took up sewing, and self-funded Alpine Parrot for the first two years before opening up to investors such as REI. All along, her mission was to make clothing that allowed those with听bigger bodies to feel comfortable and confident in nature.

Since announcing the decision in late 2024, she said she has had legions of customers and fans reach out disappointed because they were rooting for the brand.

鈥淲hether you were a customer, a cheerleader, or simply someone who believed in our mission, you’ve been an integral part of this adventure. Together, we’ve made a genuine impact on people’s lives and pushed the outdoor industry to rethink inclusivity,鈥� V茅lez wrote in the brand鈥檚 .

Ultimately, Alpine Parrot鈥檚 clothing wasn鈥檛 selling at a rate to support the company or future product.

In the blog announcing the closing, V茅lez cited consumer spending habits, outdoor industry inventory challenges, rising interest rates, cashflow issues, the company鈥檚 ability to secure loans, and the culture鈥檚 shift from body neutrality to diet culture in the advent of weight loss medications.

Meanwhile, she told us, retailers didn鈥檛 have the bandwidth to adapt their stores to meet the needs of the plus-size shopper, who has very different retail patterns. For example, straight-size shoppers find the style and look for their size, V茅lez said. Plus-size shoppers, on the other hand, look for their size (which often isn鈥檛 there) and then considers style.

Also, V茅lez said she had trouble winning folks over on the value proposition. She tried to explain how the price included her ethical sourcing and living wage, but it proved to be too high,听 even though she sold her Pondorosa name pants for $139, which is about average in outdoor gear.

The pants sold when discounted, she said, and her inventory flew quickly when on final sale. Had that much volume been sold at full price, Alpine Parrot would have been able to hold out a bit longer, she said. Any remaining items were donated to non-profit organizations where the product will be loved long after Alpine Parrot closes its doors.

V茅lez鈥檚 work and advocacy made space for other up-and-coming brands, said Arwen Turner, co-founder of听 , which also specializes in plus-size pants.

“Alpine Parrot paved the way for plus-size-owned brands to finally be seen, heard, and legitimized in the outdoor industry,鈥� Turner said. 鈥淎s a plus-size adventurer, walking into a shop and finding hiking pants beyond a size 2X made for plus-size bodies on the rack鈥攇etting to try them on and then spotting them out in the wild on friends鈥攊s nothing short of a game changer. It was the start of something much bigger, not the end.鈥�

The post Plus-Size Outdoor Apparel Company Alpine Parrot Shutters appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Winter is finally here in full force, and our editors have been enjoying every last drop of snow (and sometimes rain) outside. From touring up our local ski hills to early-morning winter runs before work, we’ve tested countless pieces of gear this December. Below are the 12 pieces we’ve enjoyed the most鈥損ermission granted to steal some ideas for last-minute holiday gifts.

When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside.听Learn more.

Skida High-Pile fleece hat

I use this fleece beanie year-round, but this month I haven鈥檛 left the house without it. Historically, I鈥檝e struggled with headwear. I have a big-ish head and even bigger hair, which makes it challenging to find hats that don鈥檛 make my head look even more globe-like than it already does, or leave a crease in my curls鈥攐r both. Skida鈥檚 high-pile fleece hat, on the other hand, manages to check the boxes for both style and function. The thick recycled Polartec fabric is super cozy, and the four-cornered top and boxy shape stays in place on my hair without crushing it. It鈥檚 not the only hat I own, but it鈥檚 pretty much the only one I wear. 鈥擬iyo McGinn, assistant editor

Helly Hansen LIFA Merino Midweight Base Layer

I’m guilty of integrating my most technical, purpose-made outdoor garments into my rotation of everyday outfits. Yep, I’m the guy who wears his backcountry skiing midlayer to the office, and brings his $100 cycling gloves along while trick-or-treating. It should be no surprise, then, that I’ve used Helly Hansen’s cozy LIFA merino baselayer鈥攚hich is designed for the coldest days on the slopes鈥攆or a wide array of banal activities that don’t involve skiing.

I wear this base layer when I walk the dog and shovel drifts off my driveway. I’ve worn it under my cycling jacket on long, cold bike rides. And yes, I’ve also worn the top as a long-sleeve shirt under a vest for trips to the grocery store. I realize this makes me a walking, talking, fashion faux pas. But I love this base layer. It’s incredibly warm, and it doesn’t itch or run like other ones made from synthetic material. And it also doesn’t look like long underwear. The merino layer is thicker than the other ones I own, and the angled stitching makes the garment look more like a technical long-sleeve t-shirt than an undergarment. So, for now, I plan to continue wearing my technical base layer鈥攁nd other outdoor gear鈥攖o the mall, movies, and office. Call the fashion police. 鈥擣red Dreier, articles editor

Nike Pegasus 41 Gore-Tex Shoes

听

I recently doubled the number of miles I鈥檓 running each week as I ramp up training for a Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim attempt in May. That means I鈥檓 running rain, snow, or shine, and have come to rely heavily on the Gore-Tex version of the Pegasus 41, Nike鈥檚 well-known stability shoe.

Thanks to the waterproof liner, my feet stay dry, and more importantly warm, when I have to run through puddles or in a downpour. Cold feet, like cold hands or ears, is one of the easiest ways to lose motivation when I鈥檓 already straining physically on a long or fast-paced run. There鈥檚 no way to keep a little water from leaking in the cuff when it鈥檚 truly pissing rain, but if I keep the shoes tight and wear a mid-high sock, my feet stay dry enough to keep me happy. I also appreciate the reflective details all over the shoes that shine bright when I鈥檓 trying to avoid cars on early morning winter runs. 鈥擩akob Schiller, contributing writer

Pas Normal Balance Insulated Vest

I鈥檓 tempted to wear a full windproof jacket every time I head out for a winter run because I鈥檓 scared of being cold. But then I remember that after 10 minutes I鈥檒l be too hot and have to carry the jacket for a majority of the miles. As a compromise, I鈥檝e recently run in this lightly insulated vest that adds plenty of warmth early on but breathes well enough once I start sweating.

I love the double zipper that allows me to unzip the vest from the bottom so I can vent without the upper part of the vest billowing in the wind, and the collarless design cuts down on any chafing around my neck and chin. I will say that thanks to extra-warm PrimaLoft insulation, the vest adds too much heat for runs when it鈥檚 above freezing. But it鈥檚 perfect for days when temps are hovering somewhere between 15-30 degrees. 鈥擩.S.

Outdoor Research x Mark Abma Skytour AscentShell Jacket and Bibs

I’ll admit, I was a little skeptical of a snow-camo printed backcountry skiing kit. But the black arms really do pop against a snowy background. If you vibe with looking like a snow leopard stalking its prey in the alpine, this kit could very much be for you. This print was made by Outdoor Research for US special forces, and the Skytour kit has the features to back it up.

Massive side zips vent heat from an already very breathable fabric that is fully seam sealed and sports watertight zippers. Thoughtful pocket placements and a beacon clip in the left thigh zippered pocket complete this dialed backcountry kit. On a wet, snowy Eastern Sierra tour the other week I was encouraged by the protection and breathability this kit offered. I’m even more excited to see how it will do come spring when the white color will repel the sun’s rays on hot days. 鈥擩ake Stern, digital editor

Men’s Baist Classic Glove

Baist Gloves, made in Vermont, are constructed from a waterproof goat leather and tough cordura shell that鈥檚 twice as thick at the knuckles and high-wear zones for maximum durability. They鈥檙e built to last, but the real secret sauce is the Baist liner, which Velcros into place inside the shell, providing a seamless, no fuss fit but also the opportunity to remove it and dry it separately at the end of the day.

Baist also gave the glove a few nifty features this year, like an interior pull cord and a velcro wrist strap to make sure snow never reaches your hands, and a loop on the tip of the glove that allows you to hang it upside down to dry. These are the warmest mittens I鈥檝e ever owned. I skied in them all last winter and I鈥檓 psyched to pull them back on again now that ski season is upon us. 鈥擥raham Averill, 国产吃瓜黑料 travel and gear columnist

Roar Sound Machine and Speaker

This rugged and portable sound machine has become an essential piece of baby gear when we travel with our kiddos. It鈥檚 small and simple yet can blast brown noise, ocean waves, or summer rain. You can also connect the Roar to your phone to use it as a portable speaker. I loved the first iteration I tested despite some shortcomings: the sound machine used to alert you with a loud voice command when the battery was low, which woke my sleeping kiddo up in the middle of the night on more than one occasion; and its default volume once turned on was also very loud and startling. The newest version of the Roar addresses both issues by getting rid of the low battery warning and lowering the default volume, making this portable sound machine a no-brainer for families on the go. 鈥擩enny Wiegand, associate gear director

Veer All Terrain Cruiser

听

Veteran parents know there鈥檚 no such thing as one stroller to rule them all. Active families who are always on the go likely need a compact travel stroller, a jogging stroller, and some sort of gear hauler. We have all three, but these days, the Veer All Terrain Cruiser is getting more use than the others thanks to its versatility.

Unlike many other wagons out there, you can push the Veer like a traditional stroller, which is a really nice feature when you鈥檙e conveying a heavy load of kiddos and gear. It also has burly wheels that make it easy to navigate off the beaten path. But my favorite feature of this wagon is how compact it is. Unfolded, it seats two kiddos on built-in benches, or it can seat a toddler and accommodate an infant car seat with the appropriate adapter. Folded up with the wheels popped off, it lays flat for easy storage in the trunk of a car, in the roof box, or against the wall of our garage. We even flew with the All Terrain Cruiser in a gate-check bag for a beach vacation last summer, and it came back home with lots of sand but nary a scratch.

At $700, it鈥檚 expensive and double the price of similar hybrid stroller-wagons like the听. But like a听 cooler, the Veer is over-engineered to be extremely rugged and durable, making it a piece of gear that will stand up to kid abuse, travel, and years of family adventures. 鈥擩.奥.

“What If We Get It Right?” by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson

Although it’s not gear in the traditional sense, this new book has gotten me through听a recent spell of climate anxiety. Written by one of the country’s most notable climate experts, Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, it’s easy, provocative reading that left me feeling both relieved that the climate solutions we need are at our fingertips and inspired to take more climate action myself. Through a series of conversations with experts across a wide range of industries鈥攆rom farming to finance to film and more鈥攁nd concrete examples, Johnson examines what the world could look like if we come together and get climate action right. And what that looks like is pretty beautiful. –Kristin Hostetter, head of sustainability听and contributing editor

Backnobber II

Look simple? I鈥檝e heard my husband call the Backnobber II the best tool in the house. He got it upon the recommendation of the accountant at our old workplace, Big Stone Publishing, at least 10 years ago, and uses it near daily. Mike has chronic shoulder issues from decades of climbing and shooting a bow, and serious back pain, either from some hard falls skiing or just years of charging around.

At such times, the Backnobber, near breathtaking in its S-shaped, dual-knobbed simplicity, saves him, as much as anything can. He hooks and crooks the knots and trigger points in his back, shoulders, and glutes; he can do it even while carrying on a conversation with some pitying friend who comes by to check in. I鈥檝e barely used the thing, but I鈥檝e had a front-row seat in witnessing its efficacy. He thinks it is a miracle worker, and I think for $35, you can鈥檛 lose. 鈥擜lison Osius, senior editor

Smartwool Active Fleece Jogger

听

I love winter running once I get out in the fresh air and the miles fly by easily鈥攂ut I still struggle to layer appropriately, especially on December’s first really cold days when I used to head out in shorts and tee. These 47 percent Polyester, 38 percent Merino wool, and 15 percent Elastane joggers have helped this year by being one cozy, dependable layer for my legs when the thermometer drops. The interior is a soft, brushed fleece that coddles my skin while a smooth, tightly woven exterior protects against wind and moisture. The relaxed fit makes them easy to pull on, but they aren’t so baggy that they get in the way on the run.

Despite being thicker than most running pants, they breathe remarkably well and don’t overheat when I’m warm, like most insulated apparel does. I don’t wear them when it’s over 40 degrees Fahrenheit, but I’ve reached for them a couple of times per week when the thermometer is below freezing and they’ve kept me comfortable from stepping out my door to charging up trails into the wind鈥攁nd they haven’t collected any odor despite only one wash all month. 鈥擩onathan Beverly, senior running gear editor

The post The Gear Our Editors Are Loving This December appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.