Packing for adventure travel is never easy. Every trip is different, which means each time you break out the suitcase or duffel bag, you need to start from scratch when deciding what to bring. The clothes and gear will change, that鈥檚 a given. But if you want to streamline the packing process for flights, the best advice I can give鈥�based on two decades as a travel writer鈥攊s to figure out a carry-on setup that will get you through 90 percent of trips. For most people, the key to that setup is finding the best personal item bag.

Yes, the 鈥減ersonal item,鈥� that ill-defined and rarely size-enforced additional bag that can range from a purse or daypack to a garment sack and even a guitar, depending on the airline and flight attendants on duty. The confusion over what counts as a personal item stems from the fact that most airlines don鈥檛 specify exact dimensions, other than it needs to fit under the seat in front of you. That directive comes directly from the Federal Aviation Administration, which is why most airlines follow its lead. But the under-seat space varies from airline to airline, so what鈥檚 an adventure traveler who鈥檚 trying to avoid aggressive baggage fees (or anxiously waiting at the carousel like a date that鈥檚 been stood up) supposed to do?

Here鈥檚 a basic tip before we get into the specifics: Traveling is hard enough, so don鈥檛 complicate things by trying to sneak a giant duffel and a roller bag on the plane. A large duffel or backpack, no matter how lax the gate agent is, will likely get flagged by flight attendants onboard the plane, and you鈥檒l be forced to check it or your larger carry-on item. Essentially, anything bigger than a day pack will be hard to pass off as a personal item. (Although I once watched, admirably, as a father tried to claim that a giant stuffed giraffe was his kids鈥� personal item.) For the sake of everyone onboard, get with the program and use a backpack or similar bag as your personal item. It鈥檒l make airline travel, if not headache free, more tolerable.

Here鈥檚 what to consider when deciding what personal item-sized bag is best for you.

What Counts As a Personal Item?

Many airlines don鈥檛 specify exact size restrictions for personal items, but the that all carry-on items fit under the seat in front of you, if it鈥檚 not in an enclosed storage compartment.

This leaves a lot of wiggle room as to what size bag counts as a personal item. A small backpack with a change of clothes and your toiletry bag? Definitely. A messenger bag for your laptop? Sure. A large backpack crammed full of a week’s worth of clothes? Well鈥� it depends. The room under each seat varies from airline to airline, but there鈥檚 a general size limit you can go by: if your bag comes in around 18 x 14 x 8 inches, it should fit just fine.

If it鈥檚 a soft-side bag with gear inside that can compress, you can probably go slightly larger than those dimensions. In my experience, most flight attendants don鈥檛 police the size of personal items as you鈥檙e boarding the plane, so all you need to do is make sure you can cram it under the seat when you sit down. This is why a medium-sized backpack works well as something of a cheat code: paired with a suitcase or duffel bag, you can stuff it full of an impressive amount of clothes and gear and still get it to fit under the seat.

This guidance comes with a caveat, though. If you鈥檙e going to be tossing your bag on the floor of a plane and kicking it underneath the seat in front, it needs to be durable. It鈥檚 going to get a lot of wear and tear, not to mention shoe grime and pretzel dust.

With durability, size, and smart design in mind, here are the best bags to consider in a few different categories.

听Backpacks

Best All-Around: Patagonia Black Hole Mini MLC 30L

Dimensions: 20 x 12 x 7 inches

Cost: from $199

It鈥檚 hard to find a better pack designed for the rigors of frequent airplane travel than this soft-sided daypack, made from a recycled ripstop polyester fabric, meaning it鈥檚 more than durable enough to serve as a personal item. It鈥檚 designed with a long list of smart features that make organizing gear easy, like a padded laptop pocket, a large main compartment with two interior pockets (great for passports and/or electric cords), and an exterior stretch-mesh pocket for a water bottle. The padded hip belt can double as a shoulder strap, converting the bag from a backpack to a messenger bag, and all the straps can be tucked away when not being used, turning it into ad hoc duffel bag, which is perfect when you’re fitting it underneath the seat in front of you, so no extra straps get caught on your feet. It even has a wide loop on the back panel that slips over the handle of a rolling suitcase, so you can cruise through the terminal without the weight of the pack on your back.

Also Great: Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L

Dimensions: 21 x 13 x 7 inches

Cost: from $240

This rugged backpack, with a recycled, weatherproof nylon shell, is stuffed with so many travel-specific features that it may take three or four trips to discover them all. A large top pocket with three sleeves makes organizing your keys, wallet, sunglasses, or passport a cinch. There鈥檚 the requisite padded laptop sleeve and tuck-away shoulder straps to hide all the backpack accoutrements when cramming it under an airplane seat. The other great thing about this bag, which also separates it from many others, is that it鈥檚 expandable, with a zipper that unzips to transform the bag from 27 liters to 33 liters. Either size should fit just fine underneath the seat, making it an excellent overall choice for those looking to maximize packing space in their personal item.

Most Durable: Yeti Crossroads 22L

Dimensions: 18.5 x 12 x 7.1 inches

Cost: from $200

With 22 liters of space, this pack is perfect for stashing an impressive amount of clothes and gear while still fitting under the seat in front of you. An inside sleeve fits a laptop; a zippered compartment up top delivers easy access to sunglasses, keys, and a passport; and a luggage pass-through panel allows you to slip it over the handle of your roller suitcase while cruising through airports. And because it鈥檚 made from Yeti鈥檚 proprietary Tuffskin nylon, it鈥檚 nearly bombproof, meaning it鈥檚 great for stashing on the plane and touring around in the wilds once you arrive at your destination.

Best for a Laptop: Cotopaxi Allpa Mini 20L Travel Pack

Dimensions: 17 x 10 x 8 inches

Cost: from $140

If all you need is a pack that can haul your laptop through the airport, along with a few other essentials and a toiletries bag, then this is the daypack for you. With a sleek design that weighs just 18 ounces, this pack is perfect for those types of trips where versatility is key and you鈥檙e on the go most days. It has an internal sleeve to secure a tablet or small laptop, a water bottle pocket, and two large internal main pockets for organizing other gear.

Duffel and Weekender Bags

Best All-Around Duffel: The North Face Base Camp Voyager Duffel 32L

Dimensions: 22.7 x 13.8 x 8.7

Cost: from $125

This is the smaller, backpack-hybrid version of The North Face鈥檚 ubiquitous workhorse, the Base Camp Duffel, and it works exceptionally well for traveling, with an adjustable interior divider to help with organization, padded shoulder straps that can be stowed behind the back panel, and even a laptop compartment. Made from ballistic nylon and polyester tarpaulin, it鈥檚 designed for the long haul, along with a few backcountry beat-ups along the way. This duffel pick comes with a slight caveat, however: its maximum dimension comes in at slightly larger than recommended for an under-seat bag. I鈥檝e gotten mine to fit on all but one occasion, when I had it packed to the gills and was flying on a smaller plane on a regional airline. Unless you find yourself in similar situations often, you should be fine with this bag, particularly because it鈥檚 soft-sided and compresses when getting it to fit.

Best Non-Nylon Weekender Bag:听 Tom Beckbe Canvas Weekender Duffel Bag

Dimensions: 20 x 11 x 11.5 inches

Cost: from $595

Sometimes you just need a bag with even more durability and class than the usual ripstop nylon offering. Waxed canvas is the material you want, with its superior abrasion resistance and good looks, and the bag you want is this one, from Southern outdoor brand Tom Beckbe (named loosely after a river in Alabama). With leather trims and a large clamshell opening, this weekend bag is perfect for a trip to a genteel lodge鈥攁long with any other use you can throw at it.

Best Packable Duffel: Waterfield Packable Duffel

Dimensions: 18 x 8 x 10 inches (18 x 8 x 13 inches expanded)

Cost: from $129

Sometimes you need an extra bag with a lot of space but only for one way on your travels鈥攎aybe for taking some gifts to friends overseas, for example. This lightweight, water-resistant bag is that perfect extra bag for just such an occasion. The ripstop nylon lining offers lightweight durability and it packs down into its own 9-inch by 8-inch pocket.

Camera Bags

Best Bombproof Camera Bag: Wandrd Prvke 21L

Dimensions: 19 x 11 x 6.5 inches

Cost: from $219

For serious photographers, a durable, weatherproof bag that allows you to keep your expensive gear by your side at all times, including on the plane, is essential. Camera equipment is personal, and thus everyone has a preference on what camera bag offers the best combination of protection and easy access. For most people, this one should hit the sweet spot. With an exterior made from a waterproof tarpaulin and ripstop nylon fabrics, it sloughs off rain and snow and stands up to repeated scuffs and abrasions. Inside, it has padded space dividers with compartments designed to perfectly fit Wandrd鈥檚 Essential Camera Cube ($64) and a protective case for lenses and DSLR bodies that you can configure to whatever interior size you need. The Prvke also has a clamshell opening that鈥檚 designed to make grabbing your camera on the go easy and quick while maintaining protection when closed. The bag鈥檚 padded straps make it comfortable to wear for long periods, and there鈥檚 even a hidden passport pocket for overseas travel. It鈥檚 also backed by a lifetime warranty, so you don鈥檛 need to worry about the bag itself, just what鈥檚 inside, when tramping around in the forest or on city streets.

Wheeled Bags

Best Underseat Luggage: Briggs & Riley Baseline Cabin Spinner

Dimensions: 16.5 x 14.5 x 8.5 inches

Cost: from $499

It鈥檚 rare that an adventure traveler will require a wheeled under-seat suitcase on the regular; it鈥檚 more for business travelers setting out for one-night jaunts. But if you do find yourself in need of one, it鈥檚 hard to do better than this compact suitcase from one of the best names in luggage: Briggs & Riley. Made from ballistic nylon fabric, it offers exceptional durability, both on and off the plane, plus its telescoping handle and spinning wheels make it a cinch to pull through terminals and city streets. If you need a diminutive wheeled bag for heavy, expensive items (like camera lenses and equipment), this is a great option, and with Briggs and Riley鈥檚 best-in-class lifetime guarantee, the steep price is more than worth the cost.

Packable Bags/Totes

Best All-Around: Patagonia Terravia Tote Pack 24L

Dimensions: 16″ x 10″ x 8″

Cost: from $99

One of the hacks I鈥檝e developed over years of traveling is carrying a version of this extremely lightweight (just 14 ounces) bag on pretty much every trip. It packs into its own pocket and, unfurled, you can carry it as a backpack or a tote. On the road, it serves as a perfect pack for grabbing groceries or bringing a bathing suit and a towel to a backcountry hot spring. (Usually, though, I simply use it as a laundry bag for dirty clothes.) When it comes time to pack for home, you also have an extra bag to carry on any souvenirs or other purchases you鈥檝e made along the way. I usually check my main suitcase (it doesn鈥檛 matter if it gets delayed on the way home) and carry on the most important things in a backpack and this tote bag.

Best Low-Cost Option: Peak Design Packable Tote

Dimensions: 15.5 x 10.25 x 8 inches

Cost: from $30

If you鈥檙e looking for an ultra-packable sack for those just-in-case moments while traveling鈥攕ay you bought an extra sweater or two in Norway that won鈥檛 fit in your carry-on鈥攖his 12-liter nylon tote, which weighs just 2.8 ounces, is an excellent option. It packs down to roughly the size of a deck of cards, meaning it can fit just about anywhere in your luggage and, at just $30, it鈥檚 a cheap investment to help you easily expand your luggage space when traveling home, if you decide to check your primary bag.

Ryan Krogh is a freelance writer and editor based in Austin, Texas. In the last decade, he鈥檚 traveled to 27 countries and every U.S. state, nearly all with just a carry-on suitcase and a personal item鈥攗sually a backpack stuffed with clothes or fishing gear but also the occasional dog food bag when traveling with his yellow labrador, Magnolia.听

The post The 11 Best Personal Item Bags for 国产吃瓜黑料 Travelers appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

As a seasoned traveler, I consider myself a good packer. I suspect you do, too. Most people do.

It鈥檚 human nature, I think, to presume our organizational skills are better than everyone else鈥檚鈥攁 sort of Dunning-Kruger effect for human鈥檚 ability to cram a carry-on with a week鈥檚 worth of clothes. But unless you鈥檙e using packing and/or compression cubes, you鈥檙e doing it wrong. Trust me, that鈥檚 just the fact.

For years, I avoided compression cubes, mostly because I assumed they were more hassle than they were worth. I was also, to put it generously, an inveterate tightwad. Throwing down $50 dollars on a nylon bag to pack something inside it, which was then packed inside something else, felt ridiculous. Why waste the money, and the extra effort?

I was wrong. Once I started traveling every other week for work, I quickly realized I needed a better system than 鈥渁lways roll, never fold.鈥� That wasn鈥檛 getting me there. And neither was jamming whatever didn鈥檛 fit in my suitcase into the bottom of my carry-on backpack like a chipmuck stockpiling nuts for winter. So I bought a couple of cheap packing cubes to help organize everything. I then made the full transition to packing-cube evangelist once it became clear how much easier compression cubes made everything.

Not only do they create more space, but they allow you to be more organized while on the go. No need to constantly unpack and repack every item each time you want a pair of socks from the bottom of your bag. They also allow you to cordon off certain items from others. For example, you can keep dirty and clean clothes in separate cubes or even stash hiking shoes next to your pants without worrying about mud stains.

Those benefits may seem basic, but over the course of a weeklong trip, one with multiple destinations, those little cubes can save valuable minutes and reduce re-packing headaches. Here鈥檚 a primer on how to deploy compression and packing cubes effectively, as well as our guide to the best ones on the market.

Basic Packing Cube Guidelines

Decide Between Compression vs. Packing Cubes

It may seem obvious, but too many people confuse general packing sacks with compression cubes. The latter actually compresses items inside them to make all your听items fit in a smaller space. They do this through zippers that get progressively tighter, straps that cinch down, or even vacuum sealing. Having both a couple compression cubes and packing sacks is ideal. Compression cubes are particularly helpful for clothes, especially loose items like socks and underwear, which can be condensed into a much tighter space. General packing bags are good for keeping organized and, if they鈥檙e large enough, offering a place to stash items like shoes.

Invest in at Least Three Different Sized Cubes

Like Goldilocks, having a few bags will allow you to find an option that鈥檚 just right for whatever you鈥檙e packing, whether it鈥檚 a down jacket or four pairs of boardshorts for a surf trip. I often bring four or five cubes: a large compression cube for large clothing items; a large packing bag for a pair of shoes; one for socks and underwear; one for the bottom of my backpack to hold a complete outfit, just in case (pants, a long-sleeve shirt, socks, and underwear); and a toiletries bag, which is basically its own form of a packing cube. When I鈥檓 traveling overseas, I also have a little pouch for cords to keep my power adapter and other electronic necessities in one spot. As the trip unfolds, I eventually transition my large compression cube into a bag for dirty clothes, to keep them separate from clean ones (which has the added benefit of making unpacking easier once I get home).

A Dedicated Shoe Bag Is Highly Underrated听听听听

I鈥檓 a fanatic about traveling with just carry-on luggage, which means I limit myself to two pairs of shoes: the ones I wear on the plane and another pair packed in my roller bag. But if the trip involves basically any activity, especially hiking鈥攐r even strolling through a foreign city鈥攃hances are I鈥檓 going to get my boots or sneakers wet or muddy. Until I bought a shoe bag, I鈥檇 have to pack those soggy sneakers next to my pants or shirts and risk getting them dirty, too. But with the bag, I can pack them in my roller bag wherever it fits best and not worry about cross-contamination.

Get a Well-Designed Toiletry Bag听

I like to keep my toiletries organized, too, and most dopp kits are simply fancied-up stash bags with a single pocket and a zipper. That means that everything, from a hairbrush to a deodorant to sunscreen, goes into the same large compartment. If anything leaks, it gets over everything. And even if it doesn鈥檛 leak, you鈥檙e basically forcing your toothbrush to intermingle with your toenail clipper. Get one that has multiple, dedicated compartments to keep things separate and organized. If you鈥檙e bringing sunscreen, make sure it has a screw top, or put it in a different container so it doesn鈥檛 leak.

Use a Small Bag for Cords

I almost always travel with my laptop, and because I travel frequently, I have everything ready to go in a small bag. It holds my charging cord, an extra cord for my phone, and two small wall chargers, just in case. By always keeping them in the same small ditty bag, it鈥檚 an easy grab and go scenario when I鈥檓 packing for a trip.

The Best Compression Cubes, Pouches, and Sacks

Best All-Around: Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Compression Cubes听

Cost: From $25

Eagle Creek has long offered some of the best compression and packing cubes on the market, and these ones are the latest, greatest version. They come in multiple sizes and even as a set of two (starting at $50). The cubes help shrink clothes stashed inside via a zipper that, as you close it, pulls the bag and its contents together. These compressions pouches are made from 100-percent ocean-recycled fabric that鈥檚 water resistant, which means it鈥檚 great for packing bathing suits or wet towels while shuttling between stops on a multi-destination trip. As an all-around packing cube, these ones are hard to beat.

Also Great: Yeti Crossroads Packing Cubes

Cost: From $25

Like all things from Yeti, these packing cubes are over-engineered鈥攊n a good way. They are, without doubt, the burliest compression cubes on the market and will stand up to years of abuse (with a three-year warranty). They come in three sizes, too: small, medium, and large. The small one is very small, basically good for cords and cables and other small items. But the large is great, big enough to keep pants and shirts organized. The zippers are particularly durable, which means you can overload these bags and get them to close (and compress as it does). If the cubes get dirty, say from muddy shoes or wet clothes, simply turn them inside out and toss them in the washer.

Best Large Cube: Patagonia Black Hole Cube

Cost: $45

If you want one large packing cube to store most of your clothes on a trip, this is the one to get. At 14 liters, it鈥檚 the size of a daypack (i.e. it has plenty of storage), but it鈥檚 in the shape of a rectangle, so it fits snugly in a roller bag or duffel. It opens like a clamshell to reveal a zippered compartment on each side, both of which are big enough for multiple pairs of pants and long-sleeve shirts, or even a down jacket. One side is mesh, to see your items, and the other is covered with taffeta fabric to keep dirty items separate from the other compartment. The cube doesn鈥檛 compress items but, in a pinch, it will work as an extra, separate bag if you pick up too many souvenirs.

Best Multi-Cube Bundle On a Budget: Cotopoxi Cubo Packing Travel Bundle – Del D铆a

Cost: $50

If you鈥檙e looking for a quick, simple purchase to complete your organizational quiver, this three-cube travel set is perfect. The cubes come in three sizes鈥攖wo liters, three liters, and ten liters鈥攁nd each has mesh sides for breathability and a way to see what鈥檚 inside. Each also has a wrap-around zipper that makes packing and compressing a cinch. In short, this is a great starter set if you have any doubts about the efficiency of packing cubes.

Best for Clothes Organization: Thule Clean/Dirty Packing Cube

Cost: $34

These days, plenty of companies offer packing cubes designed with 鈥渃lean鈥� and 鈥渄irty鈥� compartments to keep your clothes organized and fresh while traveling. But this one from Thule is excellent, with a thermoplastic polyurethane divider between its two compartments that prevents dirt, moisture, and odor from transferring from one side to the other. At 13 liters, it鈥檚 huge, too, so you can pack a week鈥檚 worth of clothes inside. Made primarily from ripstop nylon, it鈥檚 both water repellant and durable, and because the exterior fabric is semi-transparent, you can even see the colors of the clothes inside to know which items are where. With a webbing handle, you can also use it as a separate bag, if needed.

Best for Shoes: Peak Design Shoe Pouch

Cost:$25

This durable nylon bag is perfect for holding a pair of shoes and sandals for a long weekend trip. It鈥檚 also big enough to fit mid- and high-cut hiking boots if you need to bring along some serious ankle support for trekking. The burly zipper will withstand years of abuse, and when you鈥檙e not using it, the bag packs down into its own storage pouch that鈥檚 just three inches long.

Best Compression Sack: Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Compression Sack听

Cost: From $35

Sometimes when traveling you need some serious compression capability鈥攕ay if you鈥檙e traveling with a down parka or multiple fleece jackets or sweaters. This is when you need a compression sack like these from Sea to Summit. Essentially, they鈥檙e sleeping bag sacks, with buckle straps that you can crank down on to really shrink whatever is inside. These ones come in multiple sizes, from five to 35 liters. The diameter of each one is different, from 6 inches to 11.3, but they all fit inside a wheeled roller bag or most backpacks. It鈥檚 rare that you would need one when flying, but if you do need to compress something soft and bulky, this is the best way to do it.

Best Toiletries Gag: Gravel Toiletry Bag

Cost: From $40

This toiletry bag comes in four sizes, but the slim, at 9 x 5 x 2 inches and with six individual pockets, will work for most people. The multiple interior pockets keep everything organized. For example, a dedicated toothbrush compartment means your comb or toenail clipper won鈥檛 rub up against the tool you鈥檒l be putting in your mouth.

Ryan Krogh is a freelance writer and editor based in Austin, Texas. In the last decade, he鈥檚 traveled to 27 countries and every U.S. state, nearly all with just a carry-on suitcase, thanks to packing light and using compression cubes. He has recently written a guide to carry-on luggage, the best vacation spots abroad in 2025, and airports with amazing outdoor spaces.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Packing Cubes for 国产吃瓜黑料 Travelers 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.

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.W.

“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.

When we’re not writing about influencers disrupting marathons or debating whether you should bring a camp chair while backpacking, our editors are busy testing gear outside. An unpredictable mixture of sleet, rain, snow, and sunshine this month makes it challenging to pack the right gear for those adventures. Luckily, we put hundreds of products through their paces to determine which ones will keep us the most comfortable and prepared. The following thirteen pieces of gear are helping us enjoy the sometimes dull, sometimes sunny days of November.

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.

Orla Kiely Midi Crossbody bag

I treated myself to this lovely bag for my 50th birthday. I was drawn to the bright colors and the leaf pattern, and I think of it as my positive pop of panache when the rest of the world seems gray (both meteorologically and metaphorically). It鈥檚 fairly spacious鈥擨 still must rifle through its open and zipped pockets to place the item I’m looking for鈥攁nd I love the small magnet closure at the top, which I hands-down prefer to the hassle of zippers. As you might expect of a bag designed by a Brit, it is practical and cheery and both water- and scratch-resistant. And it gets me all kinds of compliments in public. 鈥�Tasha Zemke, managing editor

Pearl Izumi Attack WxB Jacket

听

I absolutely loved this year’s unseasonably balmy autumn here in Colorado, and I spent tons of time riding my bike in the sunshine. But a minor drawback of the warm weather meant I was unable to test raincoats, baselayers, and other shoulder-season gear. All that changed in early November when we had a week of solid rain, sleet, and snow. I headed out on several soggy bike rides and once again felt the sting of cold on my face and the slush of water in my legs and shoes.

Of the gear I tested, the Attack WxB Jacket from Pearl Izumi performed the best. The rain jacket is fully waterproof with sealed seams and an internal storm flap under the zipper to prevent moisture from oozing through. It’s also surprisingly breathable鈥攎y core vented off heat and I never felt the muggy dampness of my own perspiration building up inside. Credit the jacket’s breathability and rain-blocking to its three-layer fabric construction. Alas, these attributes come with some drawbacks: the coat felt heavier than some of the paper-thin rain slickers I’ve owned in the past. And there are no pockets鈥攁 design that helps the jacket fit into a pocket. But if you want a garment that is purpose-built for rainy rides, consider the Attack WxB Jacket. 鈥擣red Dreier, articles editor

Birkenstock Tokio Shearling Sandals

I probably wear Birkenstocks 70 percent of the time. I have my favorite running and hiking shoes, and I鈥檓 happy to break out my Blundstones for the snow, but otherwise this German company has an almost complete monopoly on my feet. And I鈥檓 not alone. The company was valued at $8.6 billion when it had its initial public offering thanks to a very strong and diverse following. Summer sandals are its backbone, but the company has made a big push into winter footwear, and I鈥檓 currently obsessed with their Tokio Shearling Sandals.

These sandals have the company鈥檚 classic cork-latex footbed, which I鈥檝e long loved because it feels great on recovering feet, and they also come stuffed with an ultra-warm, genuine shearling. I wear the sandals without socks on milder fall and winter days and never have any unnecessary sweating, and then throw on a merino sock so I can wear them when it鈥檚 freezing. Birkenstock clearly knows they鈥檝e created a movement so the prices are high. But rest assured that the sandals are supremely well built and will last for years. 鈥擩akob Schiller, correspondent

Nike Men’s Dri-Fit UV Full-Zip Versatile Hoodie

Fall weekends in my house are spent running, literally, from one activity to the next. Early mornings usually involve a cold-weather cross country meet where I cheer on my kids at the start line, sprint to a mid-course spot to keep them motivated, and then sprint back to the finish for a post-race hug. Next it鈥檚 off to a slightly warmer soccer game where I help them warm up, and then probably off to a family lunch and maybe a family movie. All that variability had me searching for the right fall layer that would keep me warm, breathe well enough to not wet out, and not make me look like I was running my own race.

What I landed on was this hoodie, which is made from 78 percent polyester, so it has the chops to move sweat, and 22 percent cotton so that it still looks casual enough and doesn鈥檛 come off as workout wear. Nike offers the hoodie in several colors, and while the light gray does scream 鈥淚鈥檓 a proud sports dad,鈥� the black is more understated and easy to wear.鈥擩.S.

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

听

I鈥檝e tried plenty of carry-on sized travel packs, and they all have some sort of drawback, whether it’s uncomfortable straps or poor organization. So far, Peak Design鈥檚 45 liter pack hasn鈥檛 let me down. It expands to the maximum possible carry-on volume, which meant I could pack enough clothing for a week-long work trip, with a laptop sleeve and plenty of smaller compartments for dongles and chargers. If you鈥檙e on a persnickety international flight, you can cinch it down to the allowable 35-liter capacity. The massive main compartment flays open completely near the back panel for easy packing and unpacking, with several other zippered access points for stuffing or pulling layers out on-the-go.

I haven’t used it as a dedicated camera bag yet, but photography nerds will appreciate the padded, structured shell of the pack鈥攚hich allows for any combination of packing cubes and pouches鈥攁nd two side stretch pockets for tripods (or water bottles). Most importantly? This thing is actually comfortable to wear. After a day hauling 30 pounds of gear on my shoulders, I remained relatively pain-free. 鈥擝enjamin Tepler, senior gear editor

Nanuk 976

Pelican cases are the gold standard in this country for transporting things like hunting or photo equipment without having to worry about careless baggage-handlers. But recently, I tried out a massive waterproof, dustproof, impact-proof roller from Canada鈥檚 leading protective case brand, Nanuk. Overall? Same level of protection as a Pelican, with just a bit more ease and comfort for the user (we鈥檙e not all loading ammunition onto a Humvee.)

The shockingly large 208-liter container easily held several scuba tanks and multiple bits of oddly shaped kit thanks to an easy pick-and-pluck foam insert that you can hand-carve to your heart’s desire. Seven burly latches along the case were easy to close, with no danger of getting snagged and flipping open鈥攁 risk with other protective case brands. Giant, folding soft plastic handles on either end of the bag made it easy to grab off of baggage claim belts and pull out of trunks, and an equally massive telescoping handle and two sets of double wheels made hauling the Nanuk through airports feel somewhat effortless, despite the absurd size. If you need to transport something truly fragile鈥攆rom wine to weapons鈥擭anuk’s ballistic-level protection and thoughtful ergonomics are hard to beat. 鈥擝.T.

Filson Tin Cloth Short Lined Cruiser Jacket

听

Filson鈥檚 offerings tend to err on the side of bulky and utilitarian. Don鈥檛 get me wrong鈥攖hey look great, but itchy wool and extra-long sleeves aren鈥檛 for everyone. The Tin Cloth Cruiser, however, is equal parts fashion statement and workwear.

It鈥檚 made of a thick, waxed cotton that鈥檚 pretty much bramble-proof, and will shed water as well as any Gore-Tex layer (as long as you wax it every few years). Lower pockets are generously bulky鈥攍arge enough for work gloves or a hat鈥攁nd the right-side chest pocket has multiple pencil/tool slots for whatever project you鈥檙e working on. It鈥檚 not cheap, but the tight weave, heavy-duty duck canvas, and bar-tack stitching make this thing a workhorse that will probably outlast you. Unlike most of Filson鈥檚 offerings, the cut of this jacket is trim, short, and boxy. If you鈥檙e after the cool-guy bomber-jacket look, order your usual size. If you鈥檙e using it for work, order one size up. 鈥擝.T.

Bellfab Dometic Water Jug Universal Mount

One of my absolute favorite pieces of camping gear in the last couple of years has been the . At 11 liters, it’s the perfect size for most camping trips, and when you pair it with one of Dometic’s faucets, you get a sink with running water wherever you are. I recently attached this mount from Bellfab to the T-Track on my Tune M1 camper, and now my Dometic GO has a dedicated spot in the rig. The aluminum mount is super strong, and attaches to basically anything鈥攁 camper, roof rack, your 4Runner’s trunk, or a truck bed’s tie down rails. It keeps the Dometic jug safe and secure while in transit, and lets me position the jug inside the camper for quick access to water, effectively creating a tiny camp kitchen when paired with a small collapsible sink. 鈥擝ryan Rogala, gear columnist and contributor

Northwest Alpine Black Spider Hoody

Since cooler weather has finally hit here in New Mexico, I’ve been living in this layer. The Black Spider isn’t new鈥擭orthwest Alpine has been making it since 2010鈥攂ut frankly, I hadn’t heard much about the brand until they sent me the hoody. After wearing this piece hiking, hunting, and doing chores around the farm, I’m not sure I’ve ever worn a better midlayer. The Polartec Power Grid fabric helps the Black Spider breathe exceptionally well when you’re working hard, but keeps you warm when you’re not. It’s not loaded with unnecessary features, the fit is great, and so far it’s proven extremely durable. I have a feeling I’ll be wearing this hoody for a long, long time. 鈥擝.R.

Kuiu Base Camp Insulated Snap Shirt

Kuiu is predominantly a hunting brand, but they鈥檝e branched out into everyday wear with some good looking pieces that work at the campsite or around town. I鈥檝e found myself reaching for their Base Camp Insulated Snap Shirt as the temperature has dropped, not only because the 40 grams of synthetic insulation provides just enough warmth to fight the November chill, but also because of the fit of the shirt/jacket; There鈥檚 enough room to allow for a full range of motion, but it has a slim cut that avoids the balloon-effect that plague some insulated layers. The liner is brushed for next to skin softness, and the collar looks good down or popped up if it鈥檚 particularly chilly. I鈥檝e been wearing it as a shoulder season jacket, but I could see this piece transitioning into a stylish mid-layer come ski season. 鈥擥raham Averill, gear and travel columnist

Evoc Hip Pack Pro 3

I鈥檝e been trying to ride my mountain bike as much as possible this fall, and most of my rides are under two hours and close to home, which means a full backpack of support gear would be overkill. Enter the Evoke Hip Pack Pro 3, a demure waist pack that has a built-in 1.5-liter bladder and enough storage for snacks, tools, and an extra layer. My favorite thing about this bag, though, is the stretchy velcro waist belt which keeps the fit tight without binding around my torso. It鈥檚 the sort of bag you forget you鈥檙e wearing until you need something in it. 鈥�G.A.

Yardsale P1 Ski Poles

Like most kids, I learned to ski without poles. When it came time to add poles to my regimen, I didn’t think much of them and grabbed just any sticks from the rental shop. Turns out, poles are pretty important, and can make or break ski form. The P1 poles from Yardsale are the perfect accessory for skiers who are looking to upgrade their gear. The poles come in a variety of colors, and sizes, and have a magnetic locking system so they stick together. You can even customize the color on the site. But the best feature of Yardsale’s poles is the lifetime guarantee. You break your poles, tell the team how (the more novel the story, the better), and they’ll send you new poles. 鈥擩amie Aranoff, Digital Editor, SKI

Roll Recovery Superplush Classic Shoe

I keep reaching for these new recovery shoes from Roll Recovery because their stretchy, breathable uppers and wide toe box stay out of the way and make them disappear, with nothing squeezing, rubbing, or holding in sweaty heat鈥攁nd invisible comfort and freedom are my most important qualities in a recovery shoe. The Superplush Classic’s are incredibly easy to slip on and off, yet once on, the fit is secure enough I didn’t have to worry about sliding around or clenching my toes to stay in the shoe. Underfoot, the flexible sole provides unobtrusive support and a stable, comfortable platform without drawing attention to itself. Plus, the use of sustainable, recycled yarns and algae-based Bloom foam does a bit to relax my mind about environmental concerns. 鈥擩onathan Beverly, senior running editor, gear

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

Fall is arguably one of the best seasons to get outdoors鈥攚hat’s not to love about 60-degree mountain biking weather and end-of-the-season camping trips with a fire? But that’s not to say fall doesn’t have its challenges (smoke, the first freezes, and mud, to mention a few). Our editors used the gear below to stay warm while huddled around a campfire, comfortable while backpacking in shoulder-season mud, and cozy while sleeping outside on cool fall nights.

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.

Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Carrier

I generally cheap out when it comes to roof racks. As long as the thing is sturdy, I don’t mind using a budget bike rack setup, or simply battening down a surfboard with ratchet straps. When it comes to lifting kayaks, though, it’s another story. After some painful attempts to haul a new 70-pound tandem kayak over my head and onto the roof of my car this fall, I picked up Thule’s Hullavator Pro, which uses a lift assist to save your back from ruin. Just load the kayak into a waist-high cradle, and the gas-assisted struts handle the bulk of the work with a modest shove of the oversized handles. It’s an investment, but an absolute life-saver for anyone who kayaks solo, has a massive watercraft, or any sort of mobility issues. 鈥擝enjamin Tepler, senior gear editor

Wild Rye Payette Pullover and Pant

I received the Payette jacket and matching pants just in time this September for cold-weather camping in the Bridger Mountains this fall. Made with 100 percent post-consumer recycled materials like a synthetic polyester ripstop, I felt perfectly cozy in 40-degree temperatures when wearing baselayers underneath this set. The pullover and pants are definitely lightweight鈥擨 don’t recommend wearing the pullover in anything colder than 40 degrees unless as a midlayer, but it was the perfect addition as a topper on a cool night. The pants have a relaxed fit, and you can adjust the ankle with a hem cord, but I liked wearing them loose so I could easily pull them on and off over my leggings. I took them out near Hyalite for a night of camping, and received endless compliments on the stylish cut and caper color. 鈥擪elly Klein, gear editor

Salomon Elixir Gore-Tex running shoe

Sometimes, we 国产吃瓜黑料 editors aren’t able to properly test a piece of gear until it’s sat in our closet for a few months. Such was the case with my pair of Salomon Elixir Gore-Tex hiking shoes. I attended the Elixir product launch last November and went on a short two-hour hike in the foothills outside Boulder. The shoes felt fine, but what can you really tell about all-terrain footwear in two hours? The shoes stayed in my living room for weeks, until my wife shuffled them off into a closet, and I forgot about them.

Luckily, in early September I fished them out for my end-of-season fall adventure: a two-night backpacking trip in the Indian Peaks Wilderness with two other dads from the neighborhood. I wore them over three days and 18 miles of dirt, scree, pea gravel, roots, and river crossings, and I loved them. They gripped slippery slopes, weathered uneven rocks, and dried quickly after I splashed them in the creek. I recorded zero blisters or footaches.

The Elixirs reminded me of the footwear argument that 国产吃瓜黑料’s hiking columnist Grayson Haver Currin has long made, which is that a is just as good (or even better) than a true hiking boot. In the Elixir, you have all the grip and toe protection you need, with the comfortable, lightweight, and breathable upper of a running shoe. My only gripe is the earth-tone color options鈥擨 wish Salomon would spice up this model with sportier accents, like yellow, orange, or red. That way the shoes would never get lost in the closet. 鈥擣red Drier, articles editor

Nestout Power Bank 15000mAh

I spent a great deal of time living out of my truck this summer and fall. (And, no, my girlfriend didn鈥檛 dump me, I wasn鈥檛 evicted from my home, nor will I make a worthy subject for any country-music hit.) I was rock climbing and working from my truck camper.

The co-working spaces in Winthrop, WA, and Squamish, BC, were delightful but expensive, and I really only needed them to charge my laptop and cell phone once a day. Thankfully, I鈥檇 also packed a host of the Nestout Power Bank 15000mAh, which provided days of power at a time, and let me save my cash.

The Power Bank 15000mAh is seriously light at 12.8 ounces, making it equally suitable for car camping and multi-day trips where you鈥檒l be using your phone as a camera, movie screen, and GPS in equal measure. It鈥檚 also remarkably durable, as I found out when I forgot to close the cabinet of the camper and peeled out onto the winding North Cascade Highway, causing my 15 gallon water jug to belly-flop onto the Power Bank and then slowly leak over it for an hour.

Shock-, dust-, and water-proofness aside, the Power Bank has three charging ports (2 USB-A and 1 USB-C) and delivers 32 W of power. You can recharge the 15000mAh in about three-and-a-half hours. The Power Bank is also available in a 5000mAh size and 10000Ah, for when you want to go ultralight for that backcountry rave. 鈥擜nthony Walsh, digital editor, Climbing

Tushy Classic 3.0

I always thought bidets were wacky and weird. And I certainly never thought I’d be writing about them for 国产吃瓜黑料. Then I tried one as I was researching a story on the environmental impacts of toilet paper. Now, I’m hooked. In fact, I now find wiping with toilet paper pretty gross. This $99 add-on bidet can fit on any existing toilet; I installed mine in about 15 minutes. It’s pretty simple: you sit, you poop, you spin the dial, and a sprayer washes your butt clean.

You still need a bit of TP to dab yourself dry, but a bidet will drastically slash the amount of tissue you’ll need to buy over time. And if you’re concerned about the added water usage, don’t be (unless you live in a water-scarce area). Spritzing uses far less water than it takes to create toilet paper. Plus it saves trees and saves you money. So while they may be a bit wacky and weird to us Americans, they are decidedly not for the rest of the world. About 70 percent of the world uses them regularly. So what are you waiting for? Once you bidet, you’ll never go back. 鈥擪ristin Hostetter, head of sustainability and contributing editor

Tower 28 SOS Rescue Spray

After about two months of testing out this facial spray in the summer and fall, I’ve decided it lives up to its name. I’ve used plenty of other facial sprays in the past but the SOS rescue is a cut above. It helped reduce redness in my face after windburn, and is now a daily part of my routine. I love that it’s alcohol and fragrance-free free so I’m not spraying anything irritating on my skin and there are only three ingredients (water, sodium chloride, hypochlorous acid). The spray is the perfect travel buddy and has become my new go-to accessory for keeping my skin clean and hydrated. 鈥擩amie Aranoff, digital editor, SKI听

Kork Goods Vilano Cork Convertible tote bag

As an avid adventurer and a picky travel editor, I鈥檓 always searching for the perfect bag that I can shove underneath an airplane seat鈥攁nd haul comfortably for long periods of time through airports and cities, and to trailheads. It has to be large enough to hold my laptop, books, water bottle, chargers, neck pillow, wallet, and passport for flights, or a pair of trail runners, my hydration vest, snacks, and ample layers for stopovers on road trips. Kork鈥檚 Vilano Convertible Tote tops any I鈥檝e tried this fall.

Made from sustainable cork, it鈥檚 unusually lightweight but durable, and the extra 50-inch adjustable, removable strap lets me switch from shoulder bag to crossbody in seconds. I stash my phone, chapstick, and a Clifbar in the external side pocket and my I.D. and wallet in the zippered interior. Not so secretly, I love that it鈥檚 aesthetically timeless, so I feel put together even when I鈥檓 jet lagged, rocking workout apparel, or schlepping around a gear duffle. Each Kork piece is uniquely inspired by a Florida beach and stamped with its coordinates for a subtle design flare. The company is part of 1% for the Planet and donates a chunk of annual sales to environmental organizations.

Bonus Tip: Need something smaller? I鈥檝e also tried 鈥榚m all, and the equally lightweight, hands-free ($69) holds all of my essentials, plus a packable rain jacket. It鈥檚 my go-to for trips where I鈥檒l need a real purse and a fanny pack won鈥檛 suffice. 鈥擯atty Hodapp, senior contributing travel editor

Rumpl Backcountry Puffy Blanket

Earlier this spring, inspired by a camping trip in Iceland, my husband and I scored a rooftop tent. We took it to British Columbia for most of the summer, where we quickly learned that our crappy, age-old comforter didn鈥檛 cut it for chilly, variable coastal temps. We toughed it out, and when we returned home to New Mexico, we vowed to get a real backcountry blanket designed for overlanding.

Enter: Rumpl鈥檚 new, two-person Puffy spread. Our mattress is just under the size of a full, so it fits perfectly in our rig鈥攁nd now lives there semi permanently. (We only take it out to wrap up fireside during brisk fall evenings or toss it into the washing machine.) It鈥檚 super lightweight, with a water-repellant finish and ripstop outer shell that can take a beating from hiking boot removal, and the NanoLoft insulation keeps us plenty toasty, even on the coldest nights. Finally, we鈥檝e got our roof tent Zzzs dialed like pros. If we wanted to bring it backpacking on warm summer nights, we could鈥攊t packs down into a roll-top stuff sack that鈥檚 smaller than our lightest sleeping bags. 鈥擯.H.

Simms Pursuit Shoe

After a summer of stubbing my toes, slipping around, and getting river-bottom muck between my toes, I finally decided to hang up the sandals and get a pair of close-toed wet-wading shoes for fly-fishing. Enter the Simms Pursuit, which I am deeply obsessed with. The rubber sole comes up high around the toes to offer extra protection as you’re feeling your way along a rocky river bottom, and the grip is really remarkable on both wet and dry surfaces. The shoes are comfy enough to hike in (wet or dry), and save me from wading in my trail runners on a long day of fall hiking and fishing. The fit is snug and secure, and an easy lacing system saves me from constantly re-adjusting. 鈥擜bigail Barronian, senior editor

Le Bent Targeted Cushion 3/4 Trail Sock

I left these socks at my parents’ house, and my mom conveniently “forgot” to tell me for a year because she liked them so much. I’m picky when it comes to socks: they need to be snug, cushioned but not bulky, made from natural fibers (ideally merino), and subtly cute. These socks check all the boxes. Merino, rayon, nylon, and elastane make for a cool-but-cozy blend up for sweaty summer runs and cool fall hikes alike, and the styling is great鈥攁 perfect mid-rise height, muted colors, and two little stripes at the ankle. 鈥擜.B.

Gunner Dog Bowl

Why on earth would anyone pay for a dog bowl that鈥檚 five times as expensive as what you could buy from your local pet store? Because in addition to being a dog bowl, this is also a sealable dog food container, spill-proof water container, and a memento. Thanks to a rubber lid, the bowl serves as my favorite travel-friendly water dispenser that lives in the back of my truck with my dog for long road trips. Every time we stop, I pry off the lid and give him a solid drink before covering more miles. Whenever we get where we鈥檙e going it then turns into a food bowl that I can close if he鈥檚 being picky and not eating the entire meal.

Thanks to the nameplate on the front, the bowl will belong to my dog Waldo, and Waldo alone, so that it鈥檚 an important keepsake when he鈥檚 gone. I also love that the bowl is made in Tennessee, and not China. 鈥擩akob Schiller, gear columnist and contributor

Garmin inReach Mini 2

听

I鈥檓 a longtime inReach user, and have used the original unit for the past 5 years. I recently upgraded to an inReach Mini 2 for my Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR) trip this summer and fell in love with the size and simplicity of the Mini 2. I relied on it most every day to stay in touch with my wife, and never had an issue sending or receiving messages, or pairing with the app on my phone. The Mini 2 also withstood being strapped to the top of the seat pack on my bike for 2700 miles, through blazing sun, plenty of rain, lots of dust and miles upon miles of vibrations courtesy of washboard roads. The fact that it still functions after that, let alone looks no worse for the wear, is a testament to how rugged it is.

Interestingly, I was also able to test the inReach Mini 2 alongside a first generation Mini for 10 days of the ride while my wife Sarah supported me. We found the Mini 2 consistently outperformed the Mini in terms of sending and receiving messages. It also couldn鈥檛 hold a candle to the updated device鈥檚 battery life鈥攚e had to recharge the Mini every night, whereas I only recharged my Mini 2 a handful of times during my 45 day trip. 鈥擝.A.

Maven B.7 Binoculars

I鈥檝e been a fan of Maven Optics鈥檚 binoculars for years now, and own two pairs for hunting. The brand鈥檚 glass quality is second to none, and there鈥檚 no better value out there. The ones I own are great for dedicated pursuits like hunting or birding in the fall, but I鈥檝e often found myself wanting to keep a set with me for everyday use, whether on a road trip, while riding my bike or even backcountry skiing鈥攖he ones I own are too large to keep on my person on a regular day.

Thankfully, Maven also makes the B.7s. At just 4.8 inches long and weighing only 12.4 ounces, they鈥檙e not only small enough to keep in the truck, but I even took them with me on a recent bikepacking trip鈥攜ou never know when you鈥檒l see a bird or big game animal worth taking a closer look at, and the mighty little B.7s were more than worth their weight. 鈥擝.A.

Specialized Stumpjumper 15

It鈥檚 tough to say which part of mountain biking I like more, the uphills or the downhills. The flow or the tech. To be honest, I love it all, which means I need a bike that can handle it all. Enter the Stumpjumper, an iconic trail bike built for the vast majority of mountain bikers who dabble in all sorts of riding.

Specialized recently overhauled the legendary Stumpjumper, tweaking the geometry, suspension and chassis to create a more modern whip that handles technical terrain better than previous versions, thanks in large part to the new Fox Genie rear suspension system. I鈥檝e been riding the Stumpy all over Pisgah National Forest this fall, which is known for its endlessly technical singletrack, fall-line descents, and long gravel climbs. It鈥檚 the kind of forest that demands a do-it-all bike, and is quick to highlight deficiencies in many rides that claim that very thing. But the Stumpy has been a dream to ride in every scenario. 鈥擥raham Averill, gear and travel columnist

Artilect M-Sprint Tee

I’ve worn this 58 percent merino t-shirt far more often this fall than I ever thought one could wear a garment, both for running and casual wear. Usually I wore it casually for several days and then ran it for several days before putting in the wash, but more than once I grabbed it from the bedpost where it had dried after a sweaty run and wore it through the day, with no hint of odor or stiffness. The lightweight Nuyarn fabric is created by spinning merino around nylon without twisting it on itself, making the shirt highly breathable, quick drying, and stretchy without using elastane. The fabric has a lightly ribbed texture that keeps it comfortably away from the skin when wet and gives it a heathered appearance that complements the flat lock seams听 running down the sides, embedded with a subtle silver-colored reflective tape.

The fit stays close to my body without being compressive or clingy, allowing ease of movement when exercising and a flattering profile when hanging out. Despite its light weight and airy feel, the fabric doesn’t seem fragile and I’ve seen no sign of wear or loss of shape after a couple of months of heavy wear. That versatile wear makes the $90 price tag not feel so steep, as I anticipate continuing to reach for it often through four seasons. 鈥擩onathan Beverly, senior gear running editor

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

August in the United States saw intense heat waves and chillier temperatures bordering on autumn conditions. To make the most of it, our editors cozied up on mega-comfortable car camping sleeping pads, huddled around campfires, and protected themselves from the beating sun during hikes in the middle of the day. This is the gear we couldn’t get enough of this month.

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.

Patagonia Women鈥檚 Funhoggers 4-Inch Shorts

Bless a Patagonia sale! Thanks to the most recent one, I finally invested in a pair of their four-inch Funhoggers Shorts. Living my life as an active mom with a remote job, I do not want my bottoms to be tight鈥攎y legs like room to breathe. I鈥檓 also only 5鈥�4鈥�, so when shorts are both very roomy and very long, I can look like a child playing dress up in adult clothes. I do not look like that in these shorts. They鈥檙e both comfortable and sturdy, and I鈥檝e been wearing them as often as I can clean them. Once, I spilled an enormous amount of melted butter on the front of the shorts (basically my second time ever wearing them), and I was able to get that out with no problem. Easy clean is another huge plus for me. 鈥擱yleigh Nucilli, digital managing editor

New Balance Fresh Foam X Balos Shoes

听

I鈥檓 not shy about my dislike for high-stack, sloppily squishy running shoes that leave me wobbling and wallowing down the road, unable to connect with the ground beneath my feet (you know, the majority of shoes on the market since the industry became thoroughly Hoka-nized). At first step, the new New Balance Balos seemed to fall squarely in that category. Its thick midsole is so soft that after putting one shoe on I had a bit of trouble balancing on it while I pulled on the other.

As soon as I started running in the Balos, however, I felt nimble and surprisingly stable and grounded. It鈥檚 like turning so far one way you end up going in the opposite direction: the foam is so soft that, when weighted, it鈥檚 firmly responsive. The first NB Fresh Foam shoe that uses a PEBA-based blend in its midsole (the ultra-light, hyper-responsive foam found in marathon racing super shoes), the Balos wraps around my foot and, thanks to the flexible ground-contact EVA outsole, adapts and moves with it through the stride.

But the Balos’ magic really comes from how the super foam interacts with the rocker: as you roll forward, it lowers you gently onto the lower, thinner forefoot, while gathering up behind the ball to rebound at the right time. I found the shoe encouraged a quicker cadence, taller posture, and more forward-balanced stance, while also coddling my aging, gnarled feet. I still hate most max-cushioned shoes, but the fast-rolling, smooth-riding Balos is winning me over. Read my . 鈥擩onathan Beverly, senior running editor, gear

Exped Megamat Duo

听

When I’m car camping, I’m on my princess shit. I bring Uggs, my whole skincare routine, my Kelty camp couch, and more down blankets than I could possibly need. But this summer I really upped my game with an Exped Megamat Duo, a 4-inch thick double sleeping pad that’s genuinely as comfortable as my bed. At 77.6 x 52 inches, the long wide double (there are a few size options) fills out the floor of my trusty old REI half-dome tent, which makes snuggling with a partner easy and sleeping alone downright luxurious. 鈥擜bigail Barronian, senior editor

Rainbow Leather Sandals

听

Having to transition away from wearing sandals in fall is such a sad acknowledgement that all the freedom and happiness I associate with summer is on the way out. But this year will be even harder because I bought the best pair of flip-flops听ever.听I stopped into the Rainbow store in San Clemente while road-tripping through SoCal and it was a total vibe. Not gonna lie: 60 bucks was more than I imagined spending on sandals, but they have been so worth it.

They’re incredibly comfortable. It took me about a week to break in the nubuck leather, but the resulting softness is unbeatable. The footbed offers arch support and is slightly more elevated than your average flip-flop, and I’ve found that the bottom doesn’t suffer punctures like flimsy models. Best purchase of the year? Definitely. 听鈥擳asha Zemke, managing editor

Patagonia Baby Block-the-Sun UPF Hat

听

My son was born in April and for the last three months, he’s basically lived in this Patagonia hat. At first it was a little too big for his head, so we just draped it over him while walking the neighborhood so he could have a snooze without being exposed to the sun. Now it fits properly and he wears it constantly while we’re outside. The extra coverage in the back is key to keeping him comfortable outdoors. 鈥擬att Skenazy, features editor

Norrona Senja Equaliser Stretch 6-Inch Tights

I’ve worn these shorts on everything from a sweltering 3-mile road run from my house in Montana to a soggy ten-mile trail run in the Beartooth Mountains, and they excelled in both situations. The 65 percent recycled stretch nylon and 25 percent elastane fabric is super thin and therefore breathable, but these shorts are also tight enough that they feel securely attached to my legs. I’ve worn them on about seven runs so far and have not experienced any chafing thanks to the flatlock seams or seen any pilling on the fabric after multiple washes. Perhaps my favorite feature is the phone-sized pockets on both thighs that let me run hands-free. A zippered back pocket also keeps my keys or Airpods case secure. 鈥擪elly Klein, gear editor

Solo Stove Heat Deflector

听

I used to think the Solo Stove was a bit silly. Yes, it minimizes smoke thanks to its hole-lined rim and doesn’t scorch your patio, but the insulated, double-walled design that makes those things possible also means that the Solo Stove doesn’t radiate any heat. If you’ve ever tried hanging out around a Solo Stove in fall or winter, you’ve had numb feet. Recently I picked up the brand’s heat deflector, though, which does exactly what it sounds like: the conical shield bounces all of that lost heat directly towards your legs and feet. It nests safely in the rim of a Solo Stove, and disassembles in seconds. A (mostly) smokeless fire pit that protects the ground and still warms your toes? I’m in. 鈥擝enjamin Tepler, senior gear editor

Decked Minuteman 80 Case

听

I鈥檝e been looking for a way to carry camera gear while overlanding, and this case is my solution. Made from high-strength plastic, sealed with a waterproof gasket, and lined with customizable foam, the Minuteman is a reliable way to transport thousands of dollar鈥檚 worth of gear in the back of my truck without fear. I had to spend some time cutting out the foam to fit my cameras and lenses, but I like knowing that when I鈥檓 rambling down a rutted road, nothing in the case is moving around or getting dusty. When I get to where I鈥檓 going, all I have to do is open the case and grab what I need. I also love the easy-to-use latches and the lock for extra protection. 鈥擩akob Schiller, gear columnist

Epic Water Filters Pure Pitcher

I live in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which has been in the news for decades because they found the nearby Kirtland Air Force base leaked 24 million gallons of jet fuel into ground around the base. Needless to say, I sometimes worry about my drinking water and I鈥檓 always looking for the best filter. My favorite at the moment is the Pure Pitcher, which is like a Brita on steroids and has been shown to effectively remove fluoride, PFAs, microplastics, chlorine, and heavy metals. With a 10-cup capacity, it holds plenty of water between refills, and the filter has a self timer that tells you it needs replacing after 90 days. 鈥擩.S.

Paka Long Sleeve Base Layer听

Have you ever put a piece of clothing on that made all of the other clothes in your closet suck? That鈥檚 what happened the moment I slipped Paka鈥檚 Long Sleeve Base Layer over my head. Paka uses a mix of 15 percent alpaca wool and 85 percent Tencel, resulting in a super light weight performance shirt that looks great in public.

Paka calls it a baselayer, and it鈥檚 certainly thin enough to wear under other layers, but it鈥檚 too nice to cover up. It has an athletic fit that stops short of being tight, and it breathes well and wicks moisture like a champ. But I wear this shirt when I don鈥檛 need it to wick much moisture because it鈥檚 so damn comfortable. It鈥檚 like slipping into butter. That sounds weird, but it鈥檚 not, I swear. It鈥檚 also fully machine-washable so you don鈥檛 have to treat it like an heirloom. 鈥擥raham Averill, gear and travel columnist

The post The Gear Our Editors Loved This August appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Monsoon season in the West and intense heat waves throughout the East Coast didn’t stop our editors and contributors from getting outside. Here鈥檚 the gear that kept us cool, dry, and comfortable this July.

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.

Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack

The Freerain22 has been in my gear quiver for several years now, but I continue to be amazed by the utility of this packable day pack. It holds 22 liters of gear in an ultralight package that weighs just 10 ounces, but still has all of the bells and whistles I need from a daypack鈥攕eparate pocket for phone and snacks, external gear loops, et cetera. It鈥檚 comfortable on my back, even when it鈥檚 loaded with extra layers and food thanks to the wide shoulder straps and hip belt, which help disperse the weight.

All of that is great, but I reach for the Freerain22 over and over because it packs into a tiny ball inside its own stuff sack, which means I can bring it on trips when space is tight. It鈥檚 not a dry bag (you shouldn鈥檛 submerge it) but it is waterproof and has kept my gear dry as I鈥檝e hiked through rainstorms multiple times. I鈥檓 headed to Mexico for a quick weekend trip, and the Freerain22 was the first thing I put in my luggage because I know it will come in handy whether I鈥檓 hiking in the desert, exploring a beach, or wandering around town. 鈥擥raham Averill, gear and travel columnist

Osprey Poco LT Child Carrier听

Last year, when using a child carrier pack that will remain nameless, my husband experienced an extended moment of pure terror: one of the straps on the pack snapped, sending him (and my daughter) off balance, which then sent them careening down a steep, rocky trail. My husband had to throw his body to the ground to stop the motion. He and my daughter both blessedly sustained only a few scratches from the episode, but we agreed that since she was getting bigger, we didn’t want to take a risk with a child carrier pack again. Then we quickly found out that our resolution would severely limit the distances we could cover on day hikes.

Earlier this summer, we got back on the horse with Osprey’s Poco LT Child Carrier, and I’m so glad we did. It has a max weight limit of 48 pounds and a built-in sunshade that you can easily tuck away when you don’t need it. It’s good for long hikes in the wilderness and for urban vacations alike鈥攕omething we just discovered when we took it on a weeklong trip to Portland, Maine, and used it for hikes on islands in Casco Bay as well as jaunts around the city. It’s comfortable for the carrier and the carried alike. 鈥擱yleigh Nucilli, digital managing editor

Vacation Classic Spray Sunscreen SPF 50听

I’m usually not one to jump on a viral product, and I’m especially hesitant to try anything I see on TikTok. However, I tried the exceedingly viral Vacation Classic Spray over the Fourth of July and it did in fact live up to the hype. This spray was an instant favorite amongst my cousins and I because it was super lightweight and did not feel sticky at all. The spray left no residue which is important when you’re on a boat and want to decrease slippery spots.

I’m fairly confident half of the product’s viral fame comes from its joyful scent which is the perfect mixture of summertime nostalgia: nutty pistachio and coconut.听 These days I don’t leave my house without sunscreen and since I go through a lot of it, I’m so glad I tried the Vacation spray. 鈥擩amie Aranoff, digital editor, Ski

NW Alpine Fortis 115 Short Sleeve Performance Tee

If you鈥檙e anything like me, you鈥檝e got half a dozen or so lightweight Merino t-shirts sitting in a drawer somewhere, because they鈥檙e all full of holes after being washed regularly. But it鈥檚 hot out, and I need a fabric that stays cool, without soaking up sweat like cotton. Enter NW Alpine鈥檚 new Fortis series of synthetic tech fabrics. They wick moisture just like merino, but these ones stay perfectly dry (Merino can hold on to 30 percent of its weight in sweat). The big innovation is a proprietary, made-in-America blend of nylon and virtually indestructible Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers that鈥檚 incredibly lightweight, yet extremely durable. At 115 grams per square-meter, this is the lightest piece in the range, making it ideal for summertime exertion. 鈥擶es Siler, contributing editor

Old Town Discovery Canoe听

On hot July weekends I can think of few things better than throwing my canoe on top of my 14-year-old Tacoma and heading to one of the lakes close to my home. A canoe is an unusual choice in western Nebraska, where I now live, but my love affair with the simple boats dates back to my childhood in Maine. Some of my fondest memories are of canoeing on the lakes and rivers of the Pine Tree State, including an epic (for the youthful me) four-day camping trip on a river loop in the northern woods. My options are more limited out west, man-made lakes in widely separated state parks, but the peaceful escape as I glide over the water is unchanged.

I love my Old Town 16-foot canoe (made in Maine near where I grew up) for the ease with which I can load and unload it myself, put the wooden yoke on my shoulders and carry it as easy as a backpack to wherever we’re putting in. I love how it comfortably holds my wife and I, and rides, smooth and true, over the waves as I j-stroke us along the shore (none of this kayak fishtailing). I love the shallow draft that lets us explore coves and secret channels, and the quiet of our passing as we sneak up on pelicans and egrets.

The canoe’s triple-layer polyethylene hull shows no wear but a few scratches after a decade of use, and the wood thwarts and nylon web seats seem like new. I’ve taken to leaving it on the pickup, where it doesn’t get in the way during the week and beckons us to paddle away from worries on Friday afternoons. 鈥擩onathan Beverly, senior running gear editor

Norda 001 Shoes

Last week I had my most ambitious second date of all time. After a breezy four-mile forest run on a smooth single track, I asked the Norda 001 to accompany me with the rest of my gear on the infamous : a four-summit linkup gaining 15,000 feet of vert over 34 miles in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Why did I rush our relationship? I had a good feeling, as hopeless romantics do. And after 14 hours of mind-numbing running, scrambling, and power hiking, I was smitten. Here’s my route below:

Norda鈥檚 001 is most at home on long runs over punishing, rough terrain. Where most airy mesh uppers would shred after just one 3,000-foot scree-ski, the 001鈥檚 seamless, bio-Dyneema uppers鈥攁 revolutionary material 15 times stronger than steel at its relative weight, and sourced from the of the timber industry鈥攈ung tough while I (attempted) to run through boulder fields, bashed off-trail through gnarled scrub, and stumbled through hour 11鈥檚 come-to-god bonk. The 001 has a Vibram mid-sole with 鈥淪LE Technology,鈥� the Italian-rubber brand鈥檚 lightest and toughest compound, which I found delightfully responsive on Mount Lady MacDonald鈥檚 knife-edge summit traverse, but cushioned enough to endure the mindless trail miles that ultras typically entail.

The drop of 5 millimeters (26mm heel; 21mm forefoot) was perfect for me. A super-light Vibram Litebase sole and Megagrip outsole complete the ensemble; its angular 5-millimeter lugs dug into mud and loose dirt with aplomb. Norda鈥檚 burly choice of materials surely offset the lofty price鈥攖hey may be 30 percent more expensive than my other pairs of trainers, but I expect them to last at least 1.5 times as long.

My one ding against the 001鈥檚 is its zero-padding tongue. They were comfortable while running down forgiving scree and graded trails, but on steep hardpack sections I noticed the Dyneema-infused laces wearing into my midfoot. A heavily cushioned sock might mitigate this, or a careful lacing strategy. Or maybe I should just take it slower on our third date. 鈥擜nthony Walsh, digital editor, Climbing

Jungmaven sporty tank

The only time I subject myself to bras these days is during athletic activities鈥攐therwise, I prefer to keep things loose, free, and comfy. But there鈥檚 such a thing as too loose; my C/D cup chest usually still requires a little bit of support to keep everything in place. Enter Jungmaven鈥檚 Sporty Tank. I own three of these tanks in neutral colors, and wear one, sans bra, basically every day.

The hemp/cotton/spandex-jersey blend fabric is stretchy and on the thicker side, which adds just enough structure and compression to keep everything in place and鈥攁s my mother would say鈥攁ppropriately modest in appearance. The basic cut and slightly cropped length goes with everything, and the sturdy material hasn鈥檛 lost its shape despite heavy use. Bottom line: If I had to choose between these tanks and a bra or bralette, I鈥檇 choose the tank top every time. 鈥擬iyo McGinn, assistant editor

MSR Hubba Hubba NX tent

Each time I pitch my Hubba Hubba鈥攚hich has been most weekends for the last couple months鈥擨 think to myself, 鈥淲ow, I love this tent.鈥� It鈥檚 not particularly revolutionary or cutting edge鈥擨鈥檓 pretty sure a few other gear brands offer tents with nearly identical designs. But there鈥檚 a reason that multiple outdoor gear developers landed on this layout and structure. It just works, really well.

The freestanding, one-pole structure is quick and intuitive to set up and take down, and the horizontal-opening carry sack (quite possibly my favorite part of the whole thing) eliminates the hassle of stuffing poles, the fly, and tent into a tight, narrow bag. It鈥檚 plenty light enough to use as a backpacking tent if you鈥檙e not sweating every gram, and the spacious but compact layout has kept me reaching for it over my larger, more elaborate frontcountry tents, too. 鈥擬.M.

Peak Design Rugged Case and Out Front Bike Mount V2

I just spent 45 days riding the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route from Antelope Wells, New Mexico to Banff, and used Peak Design’s new Rugged Case for my iPhone along with the latest version of their Out Front Bike Mount. Prior to this trip, I’d never found a phone mount for a mountain bike that I liked鈥攎ost rely on some sort of weak rubber band situation for attaching to the handlebars, don’t allow you to quickly remove your phone, and don’t hold up well to mountain biking.

The new Rugged Case is a collaboration with Nomad that provides significantly more protection and weatherproofing than the brand’s everyday case, and uses their SlimLink attachment system to integrate seamlessly with the Out Front Bike Mount. Having my phone mounted somewhere I could see it was paramount since I used it for navigation, but I also constantly shot photos and videos with it鈥攖he SlimLink system, which is both magnetic and mechanical, let me effortlessly remove the phone when I needed to, but was absolutely bombproof throughout the ride. I didn’t have a single issue with the mount or phone case in over 2,700 miles of riding, most of which was on dirt roads. I’ll never use another phone case or mount again. 鈥擝ryan Rogala, contributor

Cotopaxi Sombra Sun Hoody

Bikepacking trips are the perfect way to test gear because they’re usually very tough on equipment, and since you have limited space, everything you bring has to really work. I lived in Cotopaxi’s Sombra Sun Hoody for nearly six weeks, and it has become my go-to layer for pretty much any outdoor activity when it’s sunny. Other sun hoodies I’ve tried have been too warm to wear cycling, but the Sombra somehow proved to be the perfect layer whether it was pushing 100 degrees in Southern New Mexico or hailing on me in Montana.

It’s breathable enough for vigorous exercise in hot weather, the hood is roomy enough to fit over a bike helmet, and because the fabric is a recycled polyester blend it also dried out quickly when it got wet. The Polygiene finish helped with stink, and more than anything the fact that it came home without any tears or abrasions speaks volumes to the durability. 鈥擝.R.

The post The Gear Our Editors Loved This July appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

This June, we tested gear while climbing on Squamish鈥檚 crags, jamming out at the 国产吃瓜黑料 Festival in Denver, and running the Mont Blanc 23k in Chamonix, France. Here鈥檚 the gear that kept us cool, calm, and collected in hot and sticky situations.

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.

Arc鈥檛eryx Kragg Shoe

Last month I raved about Arc鈥檛eryx鈥檚 new one-shoe-wonder, the听Vertex Alpine, which confidently tackled techy single tracks, slick slabs, and alpine scrambles. But there鈥檚 one thing the Vertex can鈥檛 do that its new sibling, the Kragg, excels at: chilling the hell out.

The Kragg lies somewhere between supportive approach shoe and laissez-faire slider鈥攂ut it leans far closer to the recovery-shoe end of the spectrum thanks to a thick foam insole, a light, breathable upper, and a collapsible heel that allows you to wear it like a slipper.

But believe it or not, there鈥檚 real tech behind this moon-boot-cum-slipper-cum-Yeezy-slider. While wandering around Squamish鈥檚 Smoke Bluffs, the Kragg鈥檚 Vibram Megagrip outsole provided plenty of friction on slick wet granite, and a sturdy toe cap gave some protection while tripping over roots and talus. I won鈥檛 be clipping these shoes to my harness or hauling overnight loads in them anytime soon, but sliding into the Kragg after a long day of climbing is akin to flip flops after a spring ski mission: heavenly. 鈥擜nthony Walsh, digital editor, Climbing

Peak Design Ball Mount Adapter

I didn’t realize how annoying my car’s smartphone setup was until I picked up one of Peak Design’s Ball Mount Adapters. As someone who spends a great deal of time on forest roads, I’ve been a long time user of听, a souped-up phone mount that’ll keep your phone cemented to your windshield or handlebars when you’re vibrating along washboard and ruts. The downside? The vice grip requires two hands to open and often ends up jamming down on my smartphone’s side buttons.

Peak Design’s adapter (meant to work with their smartphone cases) lets you utilize whatever burly mounting system you already have while swapping the phone mount itself with a super-strong magnet with wireless charging. Now I can slap my iPhone straight onto the mount without fiddling with the spring-loaded grip or plugging in my phone鈥攁 huge time-saver whether you’re navigating offroad or driving to the grocery store. 鈥擝enjamin Tepler, senior gear editor

Merrell Moab Speed 2 Shoes

听

I spent a few weeks in Chamonix, France this June to test gear and hike and run the French Alps鈥� epic trails, and eventually ran the 23k route from the Marathon du Mont Blanc (I was too late to sign up for the real race on June 30^th, so I just ran the route during my own time). In what could have made an epic mistake, I decided to bring a pair of shoes I hadn鈥檛 yet worn to Chamonix to train in and eventually run the 23k in. Though they鈥檙e technically hiking shoes, I wanted a burly enough pair to handle lots of wear and tear during weeks of both hiking and running on Chamonix鈥檚 gnarly trails.

Fortunately for me, the Merrell Moab Speed 2鈥檚 kept me exceptionally comfortable and performed wonderfully on the muddy, slippery, and sometimes snowy alpine trails. The 4-millimeter Vibram traction lugs kept me securely on the ground over 60 miles of hiking and running, even when I had to cross a long and steep snow patch on extremely tired legs during the last mile of the 23k. It rained almost every day I was there, and the Moab Speed 2鈥檚 nylon ripstop and TPU upper kept my feet as dry as I could have hoped for without locking in moisture.

Though they鈥檙e too clunky to wear while running on gravel paths (I found myself feeling a bit bogged down after 6 miles on a fire road), that鈥檚 not what they鈥檙e designed for. I plan to wear these shoes for long trail runs and hikes as long as they last me this summer. 听鈥擪elly Klein, gear editor

Outerknown California Hoodie

I recently watched 鈥�,鈥� a documentary that follows a group of professional surfers who would go on to rule the sport for generations. Kelly Slater is part of that group and it was insightful to see how obsessive he can be about something he loves. Surfing will always be his number one, but as surfing has slowed down with age he鈥檚 turned his obsessive energy toward several brands, including Outerknown, which he co-founded in 2015. Sort of like a Patagonia spin-off, the brand has a deep commitment to sustainable manufacturing and fair labor practices, but also to making some of the nicest everyday clothing I鈥檝e ever tested.

The $200 sticker price on the California Hoodie is a bit of a shock, but for that mini investment you get a midlayer that鈥檚 made from responsibly-grown California cotton and a garment that鈥檚 sewed by folks, also in California, who are part of a well-established fair labor program. The sweatshirt itself is soft but durable and, like the best cotton garments, absorbs dirt and stains almost like a personal patina. I lived in this hoodie during high-mountain camping trips, plane rides, and in offices where the air conditioning was turned too high, and it鈥檚 been the perfect companion in every scenario. 鈥擩akob Schiller, contributing writer

Path Projects Wadi LS Hooded Tee

It can be 95 degrees in Albuquerque, New Mexico where I live but feel worse than 110 degrees in Phoenix because the high-elevation sun out here beats down in a way that makes you feel like you’re under some kid鈥檚 magnifying glass. As a result, sun gear, particularly long-sleeve sun hoodies, are a necessity on bright days, and my new favorite is the Wadi from Path Projects.

Made from an airy Japanese Toray fabric that has tons of built-in stretch, this hoody moves sweat and heat off my body faster than anything I鈥檝e ever worn while running or hiking. That means I get plenty of sun protection but don鈥檛 feel like I鈥檓 sweltering inside some kind of personalized steam room. Other highly breathable hoodies I鈥檝e tested tend to be fragile, but I recently took the Wadi on a camping trip where I lugged around firewood, scrambled over rocks on a hike, and got pummeled by sparks from the campfire, and the hoodie is no worse for the wear. 鈥擩.S.

Paka Men鈥檚 Alpaca Underwear

Summer might seem a strange time for wearing wool underwear, but these alpaca-blend briefs have kept me comfy and cool on hikes, while watching my nephew’s baseball games, and during long days out in the sun working the 国产吃瓜黑料 Festival. The blend of 49 percent Tencel, 33 percent organic cotton, 14 percent Royal Alpaca, plus 5 percent spandex in the waist band is light, airy and oh-so-soft against the skin. They fit close to the skin without compressing anywhere or restricting movement, and breath so well I rarely notice they are on.

In this June’s heat I have sweated enough to soak them a few times, and, when wet, they are clingier than a synthetic shorts liner but less clammy than cotton briefs鈥攁nd still softer than either, with no chafing. Plus, they dry so quickly and thoroughly, and avoid odor so well, I’ve worn them on multiple hot, humid days without washing and without noticing a difference in feel. 鈥擩onathan Beverly, senior running editor, gear

Ignik Growler 3.8 Deluxe听

Ignik鈥檚 propane growlers are a genius solution to the disposable camp propane bottle problem, offering portability in a reusable package. Their new Growler 3.8 Deluxe size is the perfect weekend car camping fuel option. It weighs just eight pounds and holding as much propane as four green bottles. Plus, it comes with a four-foot adaptor hose. And when the tank is nested inside its carrying case, it makes for the perfect side table to hold your beer. I know from experience. 鈥擥raham Averill, gear and travel columnist听

Rumpl Camp Pillow听

Sure, you can just crumple up a fleece and stuff it under your head when you鈥檙e camping. But you鈥檙e a grown-ass person, so splurge on this new pillow from Rumpl, the most comfortable camp pillow I鈥檝e tested. It鈥檚 double-sided, with a warm polar fleece on one side and a slick, cooling polyester on the other.

But the true genius of this pillow is the adjustable loft. The fill is a blend of removable memory foam and polyester to dial in the perfect firmness. And the entire pillow is made from 100 percent recycled materials, so you can sleep easy at night, both literally and figuratively. 鈥擥.A.

The post The Gear Our Editors Loved This June appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Our editors enjoyed the much-deserved sunshine this May. We shredded spring corn, took our pups on hiking adventures, and biked the streets of New York City. Here鈥檚 the outdoor gear that we loved the most.

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.

Atomic Backland 102 skis

Ski season ain’t over yet. In fact, May was prime time in some high-country areas because the steeper backcountry shots up there had finally solidified and created safe conditions. To make sure we didn鈥檛 miss out, a couple buddies and I climbed up to a secret spot in the Truchas Peaks north of Santa Fe and skied perfect corn down a chute called 鈥淭he Shaft.鈥�

It鈥檚 a three-mile slog to get there with lots of hiking, eight river crossings, and a final push of skinning, so I was very happy to have the new 2024/25 Atomic Backland 102s that weigh a scant three pounds. At the top of the chute while staring down a 45-degree run and feeling slightly puckered, I was also happy to have the Backlands because the poplar and caruba core mixed with a healthy dose of camber created a super stable ski that helped me feel totally confident. They were solid while jump turning to begin, linking turns in the middle, and then ripping big GS turns once the chute opened into an apron. 鈥擩akob Schiller, contributing writer.

Gunner G1 Dog Kennel

As a dad of four kids, I鈥檝e spent more than a decade carefully strapping kids into car seats or firmly reminding them that they need to buckle their seat belts. But then, in some sort of lapse, I let my two dogs roam freely in the cab or bed of my truck and I鈥檝e watched several times as they went flying when I had to slam on the brakes. After a recent face-to-dashboard incident with my smaller dog, I reached out to Gunner to test a couple G1 kennels and I now feel much better about traveling with my pups.

The kennels, which are made in America and built from double-walled rotomolded plastic, are all crash rated, have protected many a dog in a car accident, and are so tough that a 12-gauge shotgun can鈥檛 get through (according to Gunner tests). I strapped my kennels to the bed of my truck using the included tie-down straps, and it鈥檚 easy to get the dogs in and out via the well-designed kennel doors. Because the kennels are made of plastic, they鈥檙e significantly cooler than any metal version, and Gunner also offers a strap-on fan to keep the dogs cool in the hottest time of the summer. 鈥擩.S.

Gramicci Voyager pants

I have worn my Gramicci Voyager Pants at least three times a week since I got them. They have that casual, baggy swagger Gramicci is known for, but with ever-so-slightly more flattering tailoring that their classic pants. The barrel-cut leg leaves plenty of room for movement and they have giant, subtle pockets鈥攁s in, big enough to carry a bottle of wine each鈥攚hich feels like a win for women. They’re a mid-weight 100% cotton twill, and they’re the perfect in camp, climbing, and even hiking in cooler temps. They’re one of only a few items of clothing I own in two colors. They’re just that good. 鈥擜bigail Barronian, senior editor

Arc鈥檛eryx Vertex Alpine shoe

The new Vertex Alpine shoe is shaping up to be my one-shoe-wonder this summer. Why? Because it can tackle all of my favorite summer activities in comfort: trail running, alpine scrambling, and scree bashing. I鈥檝e already logged 50 miles in my sleek matte black pair since receiving them last month, on everything from snowy single tracks and dusty roads, to blocky climbing approaches and pitches of 5.7. Then, after scrubbing the mud off of them, they served me well interviewing a famous climber on stage in front of a crowd of 200.

The Vertex Alpine (also available with Gore-Tex) nails the tricky balance between lightweight runner and heavy-duty scrambler: its sturdy shank and toe cap feel protective while stumbling through talus, yet its grippy Vibram tread and superlight 336 grams feels like the domain of feathery trail runners. If I was going on a scrambling and trail-running trip this summer, the Vertex Alpine would be the only shoe I need. 鈥擜nthony Walsh, digital editor, Climbing

Path Projects Wheeler FT Pant

These are easily the most versatile pants I own: I’ve comfortably worn them in settings as diverse as hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park and attending the New York Metropolitan Opera. Made from a polyester “FlexTwill,” they have a slim, classic fit, a smooth, wrinkle-free drape, and just enough stretch to allow unimpeded movement when climbing over tall boulders or breaking into a run.

They are cool and breathable enough to not feel overdressed on a 70-degree Fahrenheit day, but warm enough, with a DWR coating, to protect during an unexpected spring snow squall at 9,000 feet. The 5 pockets are deep and have hidden, high-quality zippers. My only gripe is they’re slightly too long, but that may be because I tend to wear more minimalist hiking shoes and outdoor gear.听 鈥擩onathan Beverly, senior gear editor, running and fitness

Tifosi Salto sunglasses

Tifosi makes some of my favorite, inexpensive cycling glasses, but the Salto give me that same quality build in a lifestyle frame. There鈥檚 nothing groundbreaking about these sunglasses (they don鈥檛 have Wifi or check your blood pressure or anything), but the square aviator shades are built well for adventure with shatter-proof, scratch resistant lenses that offer 100 percent UV protection, and integrated hinges on the arms, on a featherweight 22-gram frame. And at such a great price point, the Salto can鈥檛 be ignored. You can choose your lens shade and frame color for a semi-custom look. I went with the classic鈥攂lack frame, dark gray lenses. 鈥擥raham Averill, regular gear and travel columnist

Born Outdoor Mud Mat

A mud mat? Yeah, a mud mat. This 33鈥漻 27鈥� lives in my truck. It folds down to a small square and weighs just .25 pounds, so it鈥檚 one of those easy-to-keep-around pieces of gear that has multiple uses. It鈥檚 a practical welcome mat when I鈥檓 camping; I set it on the ground outside my tent and it gives me a place to take my shoes off before stepping into my home away from home. Having a clean tent with no shoe funk or gunk is priceless. I also throw the Mud Mat down when I鈥檓 at the trailhead and I have to change shoes, and in a pinch I鈥檝e used it as a pseudo blanket to sit in the grass and watch the sunset. I鈥檝e only had it for a couple of months, but It鈥檚 made from recycled 600 denier poly ripstop with a DWR coating, so I think it鈥檒l last a while. 鈥擥.A.

Bandit Stamina Shorts and Stamina Scoop Neck Bra

After months of watching the Bandit Running website for restocks, I finally got my hands on two of their cult favorite running styles, the stamina shorts and matching sports bra. The wait was worth it because the running kit has quickly become my favorite. Starting with the shorts, these were clearly designed by and for runners with ample slim pockets, a drawstring waist, and “Italian Grip Tape” at the seams so the shorts stay in place for long and sweaty runs. The bra is just as intuitive, with a back pocket for your phone and two additional pockets for snacks or a credit card.听 鈥擩amie Aranoff, Editor, SKI

Freefly Bamboo Lightweight Hoodie

I’ve got a lot of sun hoodies in my closet. The problem with most of them? They’re synthetic, which makes for a sticky鈥攁nd stinky鈥攅xperience when I’m sweating in a tropical climate. Freefly makes a bamboo version that’s as lightweight as some of the best technical hoodies, with a cool, silky-smooth feel that I can fall asleep in. I wore it for a weeklong trip in Yucat谩n, Mexico and scarcely took it off. The UPF 20+ rating kept me from getting burnt during long days on a dive boat, and I never felt clammy or uncomfortable, even on 102-degree days in M茅rida. 鈥擝enjamin Tepler, Senior Gear Editor

The post The Gear Our Editors Loved This May appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.