Apologies to anyone who encountered me on the Pacific Crest Trail in July 2021, rabidly racing in circles through the wondrous in the northernmost reaches of California. Indeed, had you been peering down from , which juts from the brilliant forest like some rough-hewn countertop slab, and watched me sprint around the meadow below, you would have worried 1,600 miles of the PCT had finally driven me mad. But you see, I was just trying to get back my hiking hat鈥攆rom, that is, the diabolical deer who had stolen it. Not crazy at all, right?

To backtrack: Two years earlier, just days into my hike of the Appalachian Trail, a new friend had dubbed me 鈥淕unner,鈥� not because of my speed or because of some military past that does not exist. Instead, I looked like an athletic Elmer Fudd, with my zip-off cargo pants, yellow-tinted sunglasses, and blaze orange Filson hat. I wasn鈥檛 hunting wabbits, but I simply thought that鈥檚 how long-distance hikers moving across such ancient mountains and hollers were supposed to dress. Gunner became and remains my trail name, a badge of honor in spite of its embarrassing origins.

By the time I began the PCT, I understood trail fashion was much more flexible鈥攖iny running shorts from France, toe socks in all colors, a lightweight sun shirt in whatever shade I fancied. I also spent an absurd amount of time considering the perfect hat, which I saw as the bumper sticker of hiking couture, a way to say a lot about your personality and interests with a single pithy statement. So when I came across , a Nashville-based manufacturer kennel manufacturer for folks who hunt alongside dogs, I knew I鈥檇 found my match. My forest-green Gunner hat, with waterfowl taking flight behind the name, was not only a nametag but a little joke. I knew very little about guns or hunting, but here I was, a Gunner walking through the woods.

And now, this deer鈥攍oitering near a PCT shelter in the Klamath National Forest, waiting for us worn-out hikers to drop crumbs of the precious calories we carried鈥攈ad lifted it from a log, chewing on its sweat-stained rim for every bit of salty magic it could stand. I chased it around the woods for 15 minutes, at least long enough for the rest of my trail family to arrive, point, and laugh, less at the deer than my bad luck. It eventually disappeared with my hat clutched in its jaws, a victory swiped from the head of humanity. For the final 1,000 miles, I carried on in a series of hats I never really liked, occasionally grumbling about the Klamath deer that had replaced me as Gunner along the PCT.

These days, I take my pre-trail hat selection perhaps a little too seriously, considering not only how it feels on my head but also what I want it to say about me. You鈥檒l likely find me in a blaze orange baseball cap鈥攁vailable at most any hardware store in any town in the United States for about $5鈥攈and-stitched with some memento of a state I鈥檝e already crossed. For the last few years, I鈥檝e often sported a patch from Cypress Gardens, Florida, found in a Santa Fe thrift store, atop my hat; it鈥檚 an invitation to talk about the most fun National Scenic Trail, the Florida Trail. My alternate, another orange beauty from a California horse-and-hiking outpost called Kennedy Meadows Resort, is a kind of nod to other PCT alums, a chance to rhapsodize about the of nearby Sonora Pass.

You can express yourself in so many silent ways on trail, from your backpack brand to the food you eat. Everything you carry is often a direct reflection of a value. But there鈥檚 no simpler, cheaper, and more functional way to do this than with a good baseball cap with, perhaps, a few well-chosen accessories. Sure, there are other hats鈥攖he bucket hat, the sun hat, even the humble visor. I don鈥檛 think these comparatively lame pieces of headgear work better or say something that flattering about you. Here’s why the ballcap still rules.

You Can Wear a Sun Hat or a Bucket Hat, but鈥�

I turn 41 in a week. I am a fair-skinned dude with thinning hair, and I鈥檝e spent at least half of those years either going too hard at rock shows until late in the night or trekking for hours on end in the sun, rain, or snow. I don鈥檛 need any help looking older. But that is exactly what you get with a or a , pieces of anti-anti-aging technology so powerful I hear they are in with the kids again. Still, their appeal outdoors seems intuitive, right? A wider rim that encircles one鈥檚 head provides more shade on all sides. But have you ever worn a sopping wet bucket hat? How did that feel? And have you ever worn a wet bucket hat in rain that lasts three days or tried to strap that soggy mass to your backpack? Good luck with that. Both of these styles also serve as sails, so prone to being lifted by the wind that they include chinstraps that suggest a football helmet for the home gardener. I have no interest in strangling myself while I hike, and so I have no interest in bucket hats or sunhats.

You Can Wear a Sun Cap with a Neck Cape, but鈥�

Sun caps are totally fine, especially if having or expressing a personality just isn鈥檛 that important to you. That鈥檚 OK! They鈥檙e lightweight, breathable, and totally bland, the hat equivalent of having a thankless 9-to-5 job that you settled into because your parents told you that your passion would never turn a profit. If you love suncaps and want to express yourself as, say, a furry who loves rabbits, add one of those capes that drape down like leporine ears. You鈥檒l look great, and thanks in advance for the laughs.

You Could Wear a Visor, but鈥�

Seriously, though, what is wrong with you? Do you want your scalp to be sunburnt? Are you so ultralight that you鈥檝e forsaken the cap part of your cap, or do you just want to look like ? Look, visors are good if you鈥檙e playing golf, but I鈥檓 just saying that because I don鈥檛 know enough about that tax-shelters-as-sport to disagree. Seems debatable.

You Could Wear a Headwrap, but鈥�

As previously mentioned, I鈥檓 a middle-aged white dude with thinning and (goddammit) graying hair but without, well, a god. There are religious, cultural, and phenotypic reasons for all kinds of head wraps that will never apply to me; if they apply to you, amazing. But during those hatless days after the deer swiped my gear, I did try to use a Buff and even a bandana on my dome. I hated it鈥攈ot, sticky, damp, dirty. It鈥檚 just not for me, but I respect the headwrap鈥檚 minimalism and versatility, no matter what form it takes.

Bottom Line: Nothing Beats a Baseball Hat

Just think about it: For hiking, the baseball cap takes the virtues of everything I鈥檝e mentioned and eliminates their concomitant problems. It offers the front shade of the bucket or the sunhat while giving you a plastic band in the rear for looping a bandana or a Buff if you鈥檙e worried about the back of your neck. When it鈥檚 wet, it still acts as a little umbrella, keeping the rain out of your face, and a cheap cap with holes or a little webbing at the side is breathable enough. It鈥檚 not much heavier than a visor or a wrap, and if you don鈥檛 want it on, it鈥檚 small and collapsible enough to be stuffed into any empty corner of space you have when you switch to your cold-weather knit cap or your . If you need more sun protection, you should be always hiking with sunglasses, anyway.

And above all, it can say anything you want, from silly jokes that may help you find your friends on trail to the name of some favorite hang back home that reminds you of what awaits when the journey is done, like a daily postcard from the rest of your life. They鈥檙e cheap, ubiquitous, and totally easy to buy secondhand. If, say, a deer eats your prized selection because the salt on it was so good, you can find at least some sort of replacement at the next town you encounter. And by the way, if you ever see a dear wearing a Gunner hat near the Oregon border, thank it for the laughs.

Thanks to for the trail name and reminding me how important hats are as he begins his Continental Divide Trail hike.

The post How to Choose a Hiking Hat That Fits Your Personality appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Once upon a time, hats had a pretty simple function. The objective: to block the sun by any means necessary, style be damned (to be fair, this is still the credo of many faithful hat users). But as needs, desires, and manufacturing processes evolved, this allowed for highly specific use cases involving cutting-edge fabrics. Now, you can find hats for fishing, tennis, even . And, of course, hats for running.

Hats these days are designed to block the sun, create air flow, wick moisture, and look good too. Enter the five-panel.

Throw a rock at a running event and it is likely you鈥檒l hit someone in a five-panel (note: We do not condone throwing rocks at running events). Of course, trends come and go and runners often glom onto a particular look before the newest trend comes along (see: sweatbands). But the five-panel hat has enjoyed a relatively long run at the top atop the heads of runners. Is this pervasiveness a passing phase, or has the five-panel hit that hallowed sweet spot between functionality and style?

The Origins of the Five-Panel Craze

鈥淧aneling鈥� in a hat refers to the different pieces of fabric that are stitched together to comprise the crown of the hat. So a six-panel hat has six triangular pieces that all join at the very top of the hat. A one-panel hat is formed from a single piece of fabric. A five-panel hat typically has panels that are shaped to fit on specific regions of the head, often creating a closer fit.

Where did the five-panel hat come from? Admittedly, its origins are muddy at best, with several corners of various industries claiming responsibility for the trend. . who would wear something akin to five-panel hats during their shift in the early 20th century. Despite the opaque sourcing of the hat鈥檚 earliest days, it鈥檚 widely accepted that streetwear culture brought five-panels into vogue , with skate and hip-hop circles and companies beginning to offer five-panels.

RELATED: How the Outdoors Influence High Fashion

Patagonia鈥檚 1990 Duckbill Cap was also an in the space for outdoorsy folks who appreciated the crushable design and breathable mesh. In 2004, the popular New York City-based brand Supreme introduced a store in Los Angeles, and , which sent waves through the fashion industry. In 2014, the Canadian brand popped onto the scene with bright, multi-colored, lightweight, durable, UPF protective five-panels made specifically for running.

鈥淐iele definitely had a huge impact on the industry,鈥� explained Sean Van Horn, a PR professional for outdoor brands, former specialty run store manager, and experienced mountain athlete. He鈥檚 watched the five-panel explosion unfold in real time from all angles of the sport, and he credits Ciele with really modernizing the look for the performance-oriented. However nothing could have predicted the current ubiquity of the style in the running world.

Five-Panel Hat: Functionality

What is it about the five-panel that appeals to runners? The fit is surely a factor. A shallower depth results in the hat staying secure, whether it is from a strong gust of wind or an unseen branch. But the real innovation is in the modularity. Antonieta Fornino, the design manager at , a brand that specializes in neck and head accessories including the 听mentioned the mix-and-match ability of this style as a huge technical advantage.

鈥淭hese caps make it really easy to make whatever version you want, whether it is a mono-material or multi-material,鈥� noted Fornino. 鈥淵ou can include different panels easily, like mesh or fabrics that are a little bit more breathable. You can do many things with this shape.鈥�

On a typical six-panel baseball cap with matching triangles, it would be strange to have some made of mesh and others made of nylon, for example. There would be no rhyme or reason to such a design, as the triangles are all equally spaced around the head from the top down. But a five-panel offers a front-to-back flow that can be reconfigured depending on what one wants to achieve. The front panel can be made of a moisture-wicking material while the side panels can be made of mesh or feature laser cut holes to promote airflow. The horizontal symmetry contributes to the functionality.

The brim, too, allows for creative design choices. As Fornino and her team worked on a new five-panel Speed Cap design to launch in the Spring of 2024, they opted to go with a stiffer and slightly curved brim based on feedback from runners. The balance between a packable brim and one that will remain secure at speed is a matter of preference. Patagonia鈥檚 Duckbill is fairly floppy, whereas operates at a happy medium, with modest pliability that tends to keep its shape.

The stretch nylon front panel on the Global Hat combined with the mesh paneling above and on the sides makes it a super breathable option for a wide variety of pursuits. I asked Jedd Rose, the cofounder and president of Topo Designs, about the thought process behind the brim design.

鈥淲e wanted to make sure that it was lightweight, breathable, and packable and could work for the outdoors as well as travel,鈥� said Rose. 鈥淪o we ended up combining a few fabrics and switched the more traditional bill material to a flexible yet sturdy foam that can be packed but still holds its shape well.鈥�

Like Fornino, Rose appreciates the multifaceted nature of the five-panel. 鈥淚t lends itself to be versatile and adapt to multiple fabrics and materials,鈥� said Rose, 鈥渟o it’s easy to mix and match, and go heavier or lighter depending on the model.鈥�

Five-Panel Hat: Style

A hat is a public display of identity; it鈥檚 often the first thing you notice about someone. All of the technical advances in the world wouldn鈥檛 lead to a five-panel hat takeover unless they also happen to give off the vibe that the wearer intends. If you want to convey to the world that you love to run but your hat is telling people 鈥淚鈥檓 on safari,鈥� that might not be the optimal style choice.

鈥淲e saw a lot of fashion-forward runners sporting Ciele hats at first, and then it spread out to the broader industry,鈥� explained Van Horn. 鈥淭hese hats help to signify that you are a runner. If someone is wearing a Ciele hat you know that they pound the pavement.鈥�

Ciele has also brought variety into its line-up so that runners don鈥檛 have to go with a one-size-fits-all approach. For my small noggin, the ALZcap, with a 56.5 centimeter circumference and extra low profile, is perfect, though one has to be willing to spend a pretty penny on headwear. The typical Ciele hat runs between $40 to $55, but race caps in the Elite line will run you up to $85.

For a cap intended for one activity, that is quite an investment, but it is no coincidence that the popularity of five-panels has also dovetailed with . It turns out running hats can also be used for every activity, and a steeper price point can be more palatable if, like me, you wear a hat every day.

鈥淭he outdoor sports space has never been more willing to blur the lines between traditional and trend and lifestyle, so it makes sense that the five-panel hat sits perfectly in that intersection,鈥� said Rose. 鈥淭he fact that it began as an outdoor silhouette and then became a go-to in the lifestyle and street space makes it a perfect trend right now.鈥�

The Future Is Circularity

Of course, when something is a trend, that means the next iteration could be right around the corner. Bucket hats have increasingly shown up in the trail and ultra scene, though they haven鈥檛 quite disrupted the five-panel market. The visor has always been a steady presence on the running scene, too, with a temporary spike after #teamvisor U.S.A. won last year鈥檚 听Visors certainly have performance chops, even though it can make the wearer look like a college football coach.

When I asked Fornino what she sees as next, she pointed not to design but to the production chain. 鈥淪omething I am sure is going to happen is that sustainability is going to change headwear,鈥� said Fornino. 鈥淚t’s not only about having a recycled visor material, it’s about looking at how we can simplify the structure and the ingredients that are used in a cap so that they can be easily reusable and recyclable and have circularity at the heart.鈥�

RELATED: The Best Summer Running Gear Made of Recycled Materials

For those seeking a recyclable running hat, Swedish brand Houdini has centered circularity in its production, and the and caps, though not five-panels, have technical chops and won鈥檛 end up in any landfills.

When I asked Rose about what is next, he hinted at some even lighter and more packable designs in Topo鈥檚 future, but also paused to appreciate the classics. 鈥淎t the end of the day, it鈥檚 hard to beat that old bait shop cap that鈥檚 been floating in the trunk for ages, so those are always an inspiration to us as well,鈥� said Rose. You heard it here first: the bait shop inspired, circularly-designed five-panel hat might just be the next big thing in performance headwear.

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Love 国产吃瓜黑料? Us too! And now you can show it with some of our official merchandise. With everything from ultra-soft tees and ball camps, to insulated drinkware and, yes, even cycling bibs, we have something for everyone in the . Check out some of our favorites, below.

国产吃瓜黑料 Hydro Flask Cooler Cup ($25)

We love the . It鈥檚 been one of our personal go-tos for years, and now it comes in your favorite color with a clean 国产吃瓜黑料 logo. Get yours now!

国产吃瓜黑料 Giordana FR-C Pro Bib Short ($185)

If you鈥檙e a road cyclist, you鈥檙e in luck: We鈥檙e offering bibs from premium Italian maker Giordana in both and . 鈥淭he leg compression and moisture wicking mean these bibs remain comfortable all day, and the thin suspenders help to keep them in place but remain unnoticed while riding,鈥� 听our sibling publication, Triathlete. Ride on.

国产吃瓜黑料 5-Panel Woven Label Hat ($20)

Everyone needs a five panel hat鈥攐r seven. Get your and take it where it belongs this season. See you out there.

国产吃瓜黑料 & Proud Tank ($25)

国产吃瓜黑料 & Proud is 国产吃瓜黑料 Inc.’s LGBTQ+ community, which is working to get more queer people involved in active outdoor pursuits and improve LGBTQ+ representation and sense of belonging through enhanced and inclusive queer content, services, and events. Not only do these look sharp and feel soft, but every purchase helps create perpetual funding for content and community grants鈥攁nd 20% of net sales go to non-profit partners, such as The Trevor Projects, Venture Out, Outdoor Research, and Brave Trails. Check out 国产吃瓜黑料 & Proud’s and accounts for more information and announcements.

Suit up in style with more awesome merch from the .

The post 国产吃瓜黑料 Merch Has Arrived! appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Has any summer been as widely anticipated as this one? We would wager not. Now is the time for epic bike rides, leisurely picnics with friends, and long days on the river. Here鈥檚 the gear 国产吃瓜黑料 editors are using to take full advantage of the season.

40-Ounce Wide-Mouth Hydro Flask ($50) and Half-Gallon Hydrojug ($20)

It was heinously hot here in Santa Fe during June, and it was also party time, thanks to the lifting of pandemic restrictions. Two things have gotten me through: my giant insulated听and my even bigger听. The Hydroflask stays cool even in my hot car while I鈥檓 riding or hiking thanks to the vacuum insulation, and the ($10) means I can drink from bed when I wake up groggy and half-hungover in the middle of the night. The Hydrojug isn鈥檛 insulated, but it holds enough water to tide me over on long car rides and makes it easy to听drink a gallon (or more) of water a day. 鈥擜bigail Barronian, associate editor

听

Skida Bucket Hat ($54)

My stylish friends tell me that bucket hats are cool again. But I would wear Skida鈥檚 even if that weren鈥檛 the case. It鈥檚 made out of the same lightweight, DWR-coated polyester as the brand鈥檚 popular flat-brims, with an elastic band that hugs your head so you don’t have to worry about rogue wind gusts. In other words, it鈥檚 exactly what I want on scorching midsummer days, offering practical sun protection in a breathable, stylish design that I actually want to wear. Of course, the brand鈥檚 cute prints (I went with ) will have you dreaming up outfits just to give yourself an excuse to wear yours more often. In a true testament to this hat鈥檚 awesomeness, I wore mine for several hours of gardening听and simply forgot to take it off for the rest of the day. I鈥檝e already decided to buy another one. 鈥擜riella Gintzler, senior editor

Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Backpack ($300)

Bringing a backpack fishing is always a tough call to make. More often than not, it ends up just getting in the way even though it carries essentials like a water bottle, lunch, and camera. Thankfully, with from Fishpond, you don鈥檛 have to decide between being unencumbered and having everything you need on the river. It鈥檚 lightweight听and features chest and sternum straps that make it very possible to fish with it on your back all day even if you鈥檙e actively chasing fish. If you鈥檙e like me听and don鈥檛 like the extra weight when casting, you can put this fully submersible and super rugged pack anywhere in the river you鈥檇 like鈥攋ust make sure you secure it so it doesn鈥檛 float away. 鈥擡van Grainger, assistant video producer

Allied Echo Bike ($10,665听as tested)

If I could only own one bike for the next decade, it would be the . That鈥檚 because the brand found a way to squeeze two different bikes into one frame鈥攁nd each configuration is damn nice. Thanks to flip chips in the front and rear dropouts, you can quickly (the brand claims under ten minutes) change the geometry to make it either a lively, long-haul road bike or a steady-but-fast gravel whip. On the road side, I鈥檓 running 28 millimeter tires and a shorter effective chainstay and fork length. The steeper headtube angle also creates a more sprightly ride. When I flip the chips to switch to a gravel setup, I swap my wheels and all of a sudden have space for 40 millimeter tires, I get a longer effective fork and a chainstay length, plus a slacker headtube angle for a more stable ride on the dirt. The top-shelf build I tested is more bike than most people need, though. If you鈥檙e going to purchase this ride, go for Allied鈥檚听, which is significantly more affordable at $7,930, but just as much fun. 鈥擩akob Schiller, contributing writer

Ciele GOCap SC Running Hat ($40)

The New Mexico sun will burn my face red if I don鈥檛 run with a hat. My new favorite is cap from Ciele built with wicking recycled fabric on the sides and back听and breathable mesh up top. I still sweat plenty during summer runs听but never feel overheated. And I like that the big, curved brim stretches far enough out to cover my extra-large nose. Reflective hits on the front and back help keep me safe during night runs, and it鈥檚 machine-washable so I can keep it smelling relatively fresh. 鈥擩.S.

Club Ride New West Shirt ($80)

I want my mountain bike apparel to do two things: work well when I鈥檓 riding and look good once I鈥檓 done. Club Ride鈥檚 effortlessly checks both boxes. It features mesh underarm vents, five percent spandex for stretch, and UPF 50 fabric that keeps me cool and comfortable no matter how hot it gets. And despite the technical chops, it looks like some of my favorite thrift-store Western shirts with pearl-snap buttons, an oversized collar, and, on mine, . I often wear it to start the day, go for a ride at lunch, then rush back for a Zoom call without changing. I鈥檝e found that Club Ride鈥檚 shirt sizing can vary, so pay attention to their product notes while ordering online, or better yet, try it on at your local dealer. 鈥擶ill Taylor, gear director

Lemnos Riki Alarm Clock ($104)

This helps me sleep better. I鈥檓 a light and erratic snoozer, a fact not helped by the fact that I have two young children. As such, I do everything I can to make sure I get a good night鈥檚 sleep. One of the most helpful things has been keeping my phone out of the bedroom鈥攅ven thinking I might hear the buzz from a text can keep me up in anticipation. This classically styled mechanical clock makes that a non-issue. It鈥檚 completely silent and super simple, with a light that鈥檚 activated by the same button you snooze the alarm with and two knobs on the back: one to set the alarm, and one to set the time. Its small size, flat bottom, and single AAA battery power source let you move it around the room if you need to keep it away from toddlers or don鈥檛 want to look at it all the time. 鈥擶.T.

Rollerblade Zetrablade W ($100)

June might be my favorite month. June means听Pride, my birthday, and the start of summer all rolled into one. And nothing brings me that summertime joy like pulling on my听, cranking up my tunes, and strapping on my . I originally got into inline skating during quarantine as a way to get out of the house and听鈥攁nd maybe it had something to do with wanting to look cool. The experts at Rollerblade recommended these skates for those who are just starting out. They’re stiff enough to support beginners’ ankles but feel like听sneakers on your feet, allowing you to focus on staying upright rather than on fit. Plus, you can upgrade the starter-level wheels as you improve. (Don’t worry听鈥攖here’s a听 too.) 鈥擬aren Larsen, associate editor

Vuori Performance Jogger ($84)

In May I came across the softest, most comfortable workout pants I鈥檝e ever owned in my life: by Vuori, a Southern California company that has perfected the laid-back look of casual sportswear (and offsets 100 percent of its carbon footprint through so you can feel good about your purchases). I was on the hunt for a pair of summer-weight bottoms that I could slip on to head to the pool in the cool mornings, wear for Pilates or yoga, and use on easy walks or for lounging around the house. These are perfect for all of those activities, and they鈥檙e so comfortable that they鈥檝e replaced my PJs on many a night, too. I prefer their loose silhouette to skin-tight leggings, especially on crampy period days when I want to exercise but loathe听restrictive elastic waistbands. Constructed of 89 percent recycled polyester and 11 percent elastane, these are eco-friendly, stretchy, and so, so buttery. They come in nearly a dozen colors and a longer inseam. I should have bought two. 鈥擳asha Zemke, copy editor

Coral and Tusk Pillows ($91 and up)

This next pick isn鈥檛 so much functional as it is a beautiful, high-end gift any outdoor lover is going to appreciate: the of Coral and Tusk. Over the winter I saw them in a store and was immediately smitten with听鈥攁 group of animals tucked into their sleeping bags around a campfire鈥攁nd听, with a rabbit, an owl, and a chipmunk seated in a canoe. Stuffed and stitched figures pop out of their bags and boat, respectively, a clever idea which takes me back to being a kid. This embroidery brand, which began in Brooklyn in 2007 and has since expanded to an office in Wyoming, creates designs that demonstrate a love of wildlife and outdoor fun. There are scenes of beasts听, downhill skiing, and听, among others, as well as a new听听that features songbirds and flowers. While these aren鈥檛 inexpensive, and are too pretty to simply serve as a place to rest your head, they听bring the outdoors inside in a cheery way, and you鈥檒l undoubtedly have guests gushing over them the next time they visit. 鈥擳.Z.

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

A little over a year ago, I went into my dermatologist鈥檚 office, laid down on a table, and watched out of the side of my eye as she stuck a needle in my right ear to numb it. Then she took a large scalpel and scooped a raisin-sized mole out of my ear. I bled everywhere, was cauterized immediately, and walked out of the office with my entire ear wrapped in white gauze like a character out of a bad comedy.

I鈥檓 not trying to gross you out, but I do want to get your attention. My ear went under the knife听because the doctor had found an almost-cancerous mole and wanted it out immediately. She told me I was just days away from skin cancer and harangued听me (nicely) about taking every precaution I could to prevent further problems.

The thought of getting cancer and possibly dying before my kids grow up scared the shit out of me. I now get a skin exam every six months, religiously apply sunscreen, and wear a sun hoody and听dorky hat every time I go outside for an extended period of time.

Truthfully, it鈥檚 been fun to track down the most absurd sun hats I can find. There are a lot to choose from, and I鈥檝e amassed a small collection. My favorite and most-used听is the ($50), which looks like a safari hat and should probably be matched with one of those tan, multi-pocket vests.

The Brimmer has become the first hat I reach for听because it鈥檚 big enough to cover my entire face and neck, breathes well even on sweltering days, and can also be folded up and stuffed in my bag before and after an adventure. Adjustable head and chin straps听have kept the hat on my head in 40-mile-per-hour winds. It also floats if I lose it in a river, and as you might expect from Patagonia gear,听it鈥檚 made from 100 percent recycled nylon. I鈥檝e sweated profusely into the Brimmer, scraped it against tree branches, and thrown it in the wash several times and the hat still looks fine. It doesn鈥檛 look new, but I like a used look when it comes to something like a sun hat because it ups the dorky dad cred.

My听favorite for casual wear听is the 听($20). It鈥檚 made of straw and听nearly twice the size of the Brimmer,听so I use it for more stationary activities like beach days or backyard BBQs. I听love the look of the Cowboy because it鈥檚 so damn big and silly.听I also get a little chuckle out of wearing a summer hat that says 鈥淪ki Bum.鈥� The straw is fragile and I鈥檝e ruined a couple River Cowboys already from travel, but at just $20, they鈥檙e easy to replace if they get torn up.

If neither of these options get you excited about sun hats, here are two more I鈥檝e tested and recommend:

($38)鈥擝y far the most ridiculous-looking听option on the market, the Sun Runner is great because it keeps you fully protected but can also be turned into a 鈥渘ormal鈥澨齢at by removing the neck protector.

($55)鈥擳his sun hat from one of the world鈥檚 most famous hat makers wins all the style points and looks great when paired with a short-sleeve buttoned shirt and听khaki shorts.

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As a dogsledder, one of the biggest misconceptions I鈥檝e encountered is that I must be made of sterner stuff than other people, or that I simply don鈥檛 mind being cold. In fact, I am a baby. I like soft and comfortable things, and my circulatory system is decidedly average. But staying warm in deep cold鈥攐r even, say, shallow cold鈥攊sn鈥檛 something that most people are born good at; it鈥檚 a skill that anyone can improve, and it opens up a whole season of outdoor possibilities.听

Maybe you spend your winters pining for spring, dreaming of long weekends outside again. Maybe you鈥檝e just moved to a colder place and you have no idea how the locals do it. Or maybe you鈥檙e looking for ways to get out of the house safely, without violating social-distancing guidelines. Have no fear! Here are ten principles to get you started on your warmest winter yet.听

Embrace the Puff

A lot of staying-warm advice focuses on layering, but there鈥檚 nothing magical about layers of clothes; the real magic is the air that gets trapped inside them. That鈥檚 because the true goal of winter clothing is to create a layer of (warm) air that you carry around with you. Expensive cold-weather clothes? They鈥檙e just fancy ways to hold air. And any jacket you see advertised as 鈥渟leek鈥� is more focused on making you look small than keeping you warm, which can defeat the whole purpose.听

Whether you鈥檙e buying a new parka or layering the clothes you already have, focus on bulk. For outerwear, look for thick, lightweight insulation like down or primaloft鈥攁nd steer clear of cinched waists or other details that make your personal air bubble smaller. When you鈥檙e layering sweaters or fleeces, add a windproof or wind-resistant outer layer (when in doubt, try breathing through the fabric) to keep the wind from blowing听your air bubble away.

Go Long

Hot air rises, so the longer your coat, the more air you鈥檒l be carrying around with you (and even if it鈥檚 loose at the bottom, the warm air won鈥檛 鈥渇all out鈥�). At the very least, look for coats that go past your hips, so warm air can surround your听torso. This is also why insulated skirts are so great鈥攁nd the longer, the warmer. I like the kind you can听unzip fully听to slip over the rest of your outfit.听

Cover Up

It鈥檚 a myth that you lose 40 percent of your heat through your head, but that doesn鈥檛 mean hats aren鈥檛 important. In fact, people lose heat through whatever parts of their body are the least covered, which often happen to be heads. Other common offenders include the cracks at your wrists, ankles, neck, and waist, where cold air can slip under the edges of your clothing. Add a , tuck your pants into your boots (or socks), and wear wrist warmers under your mittens.

Stay Dry

Moisture can chill you quickly, so when you鈥檙e out in the cold, it鈥檚 important to minimize sweating. Your winter outfit should offer a way to cool down quickly, either by removing layers or unzipping; and if you鈥檙e going to be active (and thus generate heat), you should dress in such a way that you feel cold when standing still. Cotton doesn鈥檛 insulate well when damp, so if you wear a base layer (the layer against your skin) made of a non-cotton material like polyester, wool, or silk, you鈥檒l feel more comfortable throughout the day. And don鈥檛 skip your antiperspirant! I have friends who even put antiperspirant on their feet to help keep their toes dry and warm.

Add Insoles

Shoes are tricky, because they鈥檙e in contact with the ground, and you lose heat more quickly through contact with liquids and solids than through contact with air. (See also: contact frostbite; see also: why 50 degree water feels colder than 50 degree air.) So your boots and shoes听need to add bulk around your feet and听insulate them from the cold ground.听

When you鈥檙e sizing your winter boots, leave room for extra insoles (without pinching your feet, which makes them鈥攜ou guessed it鈥攃older). I like 13-millimeter听wool insoles. Then, whenever you come inside, pull the insoles from your boots so they can dry completely. And if you鈥檙e outdoors every day, a boot dryer can be a game changer. My husband swears that are the key to a happy marriage.听

Try Hand and Toe Warmers

I know people who worry that they鈥檒l be inauthentic if they use hand and toe warmers, or that it鈥檚 dangerous to rely on artificial warming because in a survival situation, you might not have access to it. Look: if you鈥檙e not into remote high-risk winter activities, you don鈥檛 need to overthink it. Hand and toe warmers are great. They are toasty. And you can be creative with them! I sew a little pocket into my hats, so I can tuck a hand warmer against the back of my neck, which feels super cozy. Slap a sticky toe warmer on the back of your phone and the battery won鈥檛 drain as quickly from the cold. And if you get chilled, stick a warmer in your crotch听(but not directly against your skin鈥攂urning yourself causes a whole other problem). It鈥檒l warm the blood in your femoral artery, which, in turn, helps to warm your whole body.

Eat Snacks

Meals make you colder, because blood rushes to your digestive system. But snacks make you warmer, because they鈥檙e easier to digest, and hot drinks warm you from the inside. When you head out in winter, bring a thermos and a pocketful of chocolate, dried fruit, or other quick-energy snacks. If you want to be really fancy, you can use a trick I learned from legendary musher Martha Schouweiler: fill a Gatorade bottle (or other wide-mouth bottle) with trail mix, and you won鈥檛 even have to take off your mittens to 鈥渄rink鈥� it.听

Stay Hydrated鈥攁nd Keep Peeing

Go to the bathroom frequently, because a听full bladder will make you significantly colder. But don鈥檛 avoid drinking so you don鈥檛 have to pee鈥攜a gotta stay hydrated, too.听

Warm Up Right

Once you get back inside, it may be tempting to keep your layers on while you warm up. After all, they make you warmer, right? Nope! Your coat and your boots will hold cold, just like they hold warmth. Strip down to your base layer and bare feet and you鈥檒l warm up much more quickly.听

Fat holds temperatures, too, so if you have more body fat, it may take you longer to get cold鈥攂ut it can also take longer to get warm again. Hot drinks (and/or sharing a friend鈥檚 body heat) can warm you up nicely. If you鈥檙e still chilly, a bath or shower will usually cut straight through the lingering chill. (Note: When people are very cold, hot water can cause damage by warming them too quickly. You shouldn鈥檛 take a hot shower or bath after cold-water swimming鈥攁nd if you might be hypothermic, seek medical help for proper re-warming.)

Get Cozy

Winter happens outside, but it happens inside, too鈥攁nd if you want to embrace winter, embrace coziness! Drink toddies, build fires in the fireplace (or light candles), load up on blankets, get into knitting鈥攊t鈥檚 all part of the season, and there鈥檚 something special about coming inside and drinking hot chocolate by the fire as your ears warm up. It can take time to learn the intricacies of how your body responds to cold, but the process should be fun, not daunting, and you can go at your own pace. There鈥檚 no right or wrong way to enjoy winter鈥攊t鈥檚 all about embracing the possibilities and figuring out what鈥檚 right for you.听

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Patagonia Snowfarer Cap听($39)

From backcountry laps to apr猫s beers, keep your cool in this brushed synthetic-lined听flat-brim. The low-profile back clip and flat seams make it comfy under a helmet, and the 100 percent听recycled nylon material is DWR coated to shed all the pow you encounter.

Simms Dockwear Insulated Cap听($40)

This classy five-panel protects from harsh winter sun and fends off flurries with burly waxed canvas. Its quilted polyester insulation and flannel-lined front panel lend warmth on chilly days.

Nathan Reflective Ponytail Beanie听($30)

On our first test run, we didn鈥檛 even notice this beanie鈥檚 ponytail hole, which, it turns out, accommodates even the thickest of manes. The light microfleece lining and snug fit were perfect for high-output activities, and the reflective detailing kept us visible.

Buff Merino Wool Fleece Hat ($35)

Two layers of Buff鈥檚 new merino fleece鈥攁 blend of 98 percent wool and 2 percent elastane that is stretchy, soft, and snug鈥攎ake this lid special. It has all the warming, wicking, odor-resisting, quick-drying benefits of wool in a tight knit听that keeps winter winds at bay.

Tentree Classic Rib Beanie听($35)听

Tentree uses recycled plastic water bottles to craft its stretchy rib-knit merino and polyester beanie, which keeps you fashionably cozy whether you wear it slouchy or cuffed. Even better, if you register it online, Tentree will plant ten trees and give you a code to discover where they put down roots.

Flylow Barracuda Pom Beanie听($30)

When it comes to poms, we say: go big or go home. The Barracuda fits the bill, with an ample yarn topper that鈥檚 hard to ignore (a slouchy fit keeps things casual). We also love the super-soft, quick-drying acrylic that keeps you toasty no matter the conditions.

The post The Best Hats of 2021 appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Trucker hats have been my headwear of choice for 25 years. From middle school through high school, a green-billed, white-topped trucker lived on my head nonstop. (I ditched it when my college girlfriend said she didn鈥檛 like it鈥攈uge mistake.) Since then听I鈥檝e worked, played, and lived in a shifting cast of netbacks.

But when I got serious about running, I had a problem: I found that my favorite lids were听terrible for exercise. Just one jog would render a hat听forever dirtied, lined with gross听salty marks. The non-breathable front panels听turned my noggin into a sauna, and cheap liners mainlined sweat directly into my eyes. Thankfully, we now have performance truckers that offer all the shade and steeze of their predecessors but with workout-focused details that make them comfortable on the hottest, hardest runs. That said,听they鈥檙e not all created equal: we put these five to the test to determine which could take the heat.

The Test

Over the course of a听sweltering听spring and summer, I ran in each hat for a minimum of 60 miles. My听routes and conditions varied, but I wore every model on at least one run when the temperature was over听90 degrees, I gained听more than 1,300 vertical feet, or I was out for more听than three hours. I took听notes on听the materials and fit systems, weighed the hats on my kitchen scale, and measured the brims to gauge coverage.

The Results

The Winner:听Sunday Afternoons Vantage Point ($32)

Fit: 5/5
Comfort: 5/5
Moisture Wicking: 5/5
Temperature Regulation:听5/5
Weight: 2.2 ounces
Brim Coverage: 7 by听3 inches

Full disclosure: I already loved this hat going into the test. I gave听the others a fair shot, but when I compared notes, the was the clear winner in every category except coverage. The seven-by-three-inch bill did provide plenty of shade for my large beak, so I couldn鈥檛 even complain about that.

I tried to distill my love for this hat down to one attribute听but couldn鈥檛, so here are two:听the fit and moisture mitigation were far superior to any other athletic hat I have used and made for a more comfortable run every single time I wore it. To the side of the rear size adjuster, Sunday Afternoons attached听about an inch of stretchy plastic鈥攕o it鈥檚 not听entirely made of听rigid plastic, like all of its competition except the Patagonia, below鈥攚hich afforded a completely dialed fit without being restrictive. As a听result, my head was noticeably more comfortable听at the end of a four-hour run from my house to the top of Mount听Ashland, Oregon, a climb with听5,764 feet of elevation, on a hot summer day. The amply holed听mesh front, plus the largest moisture-wicking听liner in the test, gave the hat a swamp-cooler feel on runs over 90 degrees. Sweat never dripped into my eyes, and I鈥檓 an听extremely sweaty person, so that is no small feat.

Runner-Up: Boco Trail听($30)

Fit: 4.5/5
Comfort: 4.5/5
Moisture Wicking: 4/5
Temperature Regulation: 4/5
Weight: 2听ounces
Brim Coverage: 7 by 3.5 inches

The soft foam front of didn鈥檛 look breathable, but it was surprisingly so.听At the end of the day, though, it didn鈥檛 vent as well as its all-mesh competition, landing it in second place. It was the lightest hat听in the test, and the malleable brim conformed to my forehead for a comfortable fit while still remaining听rigid enough to offer amazing coverage. All in all, its听simplicity makes this听a great running hat, but it was outgunned by the feature-rich Vantage Point.

For Cooler Temps: Patagonia Duckbill ($35)

Fit: 4/5
Comfort: 4/5
Moisture Wicking: 3/5
Temperature Regulation: 2/5
Weight: 2.4 ounces
Brim Coverage: 6.75 by 3.25 inches

I liked the looks of the best鈥攊t offered the perfect balance of casual style but retained听key performance details, like a flexible fabric strap and a water-resistant front panel. This was not a style competition, though, and the Duckbill had one serious issue for this hot-headed runner: the front鈥檚 recycled nylon grabbed onto moisture and held it. This would probably be a plus for blocking rain in inclement conditions, but it made things听notably hotter in sweltering ones. The adjustable rear buckle allowed for a dialed fit, and the design鈥檚 wide mesh in the back did breathe well. It鈥檚 a comfortable hat, but perhaps one just better suited for cooler temperatures.

For Small Noggins: The North Face Trail ($30)

Fit: 2.5/5
Comfort: 3.5/5
Moisture Wicking: 4/5
Temperature Regulation: 5/5
Weight: 2.7 ounces
Brim Coverage: 7.5 by 3.35 inches

This mesh-dominant trucker hat鈥檚 cooling powers were on a par with the first-place Vantage Point, and it offered the most coverage of the bunch. However, it听took a solid hit for its fit鈥攁lthough, to be fair to the North Face, I have a pretty massive noggin. I wear most of my hats with the adjustment system maxed out, and the fit my dome more like a novelty hat than a functional one. It was outmatched on fit and moisture wicking听by the Vantage Point, but this could be听the best hat on the list if you have a small or midsize听head.

For Casual Wear: Nathan Sports Runnable ($25)

Fit: 3/5
Comfort: 3/5
Moisture Wicking: 3/5
Temperature Regulation: 2.5/5
Weight: 2.5 ounces
Brim Coverage: 7.25 by 3 inches

On first sight, I thought the 听wouldn鈥檛 perform any differently than a normal hat. Nathan proved me wrong. Its looks are the most casual of the test, but it did a commendable job of wicking moisture, thanks to its internal mesh headband. A听structured front panel听created space between it and my forehead, and the hat helped move heat, as did the net听sides. That rigid front did make the hat a little less comfortable and a bit hotter overall, though. Paired with a middling fit, those qualities put this otherwise awesome lid听at the bottom of a stacked test.

The post Tested: The Best Performance Trucker Hats appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

As gear editors, our job is to test products that are brand-spanking new and then tell you what we think about them. We do this with the full gamut of outdoor equipment鈥攆rom Hoka鈥檚 newest running shoes to the latest advancements in ski bindings. Sometimes, though, our go-to gear isn鈥檛 the newest or flashiest. We go for the items that work the best and have gotten scraped up and spilled on after being used time and again. In short: our most-trusted gear looks like it鈥檚 seen some shit. Our emotional connection to these things isn鈥檛 so much about the price tag or technical specs, but the fact that it鈥檚 held up over the years and accompanied us on many adventures. We asked six editors what gear they鈥檝e been testing for half a decade or more, and why they aren鈥檛 looking to upgrade anytime soon.

Osprey Exos 58 Pack ($220)

Ten years ago, I was an intern at 国产吃瓜黑料 with virtually zero money in my bank account but the desire to be outdoors as much as possible. I鈥檇 just gotten into climbing and was looking for a crag pack when I came across the at an REI used gear sale. It was in like-new condition and cost a very steep (to me) $74. Gear lust being what it is, I bought it, figuring I could use it for climbing adventures as well as backpacking trips. And that鈥檚 just what happened. This pack, which was made for ultralight backpacking, took countless trips to Joshua Tree and Idyllwild to help me scale rocks. It accompanied me and my wife on our honeymoon backpacking in Yosemite. Squirrels gnawed on it in the Pacific Northwest, tape gloves gunked it up in Indian Creek, and sunscreen, bug spray, and garbage have stained it on occasions too numerous to count. There aren鈥檛 a lot of frills: it鈥檚 a simple top-loader with a brain compartment and hipbelt pockets, but the suspension system is highly adjustable and always feels great on my back, even though there鈥檚 minimal padding. And despite being made of mesh and relatively thin fabric, it鈥檚 held up to ten years of rock abrasion, hard drops after long hikes, and branch stabbings. I have better packs in my closet now, but this one is still in rotation for weekend adventures, even though the zippers are crusty and there are plenty of tears in the mesh. There鈥檚 just too much nostalgia here. 鈥擶ill Taylor, gear director

Camp Chef Everest Stove ($148)

Until I went away to college, the only camping stove I鈥檇 used was my parents鈥� MSR WhisperLite from the 1980s. Even if we were just car camping, we cooked all our meals on that single burner. So, when I bought my boyfriend the for Christmas five years ago, I felt like I was investing in the outdoor equivalent of a luxury stainless-steel kitchen oven. Now I can鈥檛 imagine how we ever lived without it. Having two places to cook is a complete game changer when it comes to easy, efficient meal prep. The Everest in particular puts out an impressive 20,000 BTUs, which is enough to boil water in minutes and make light work of whipping up breakfast burritos for a crowd. It has endured years of desert windstorms and bacon grease and looks none the worse for the wear. 鈥擜riella Gintzler, associate editor

This item is currently out of stock.

听

Arc鈥檛eryx Atom LT Hoodie Jacket ($60)

Six years ago, I spotted a glistening on the used gear rack at the famed store鈥攁nd it was only $60. Sure, it was a size too big, in a boring black color, and fit me like a loose old sock, but the jacket provides me with versatile warmth to this day. It鈥檚 been all over the world with me and remains my go-to midlayer when I鈥檓 unsure about the forecast. It packs easily and provides ample room for layering underneath, and the zippers glide as smoothly as the day I brought it home. I鈥檒l be riding this horse until the day the zippers fall off. And then I鈥檒l gladly pay Arc鈥檛eryx to fix it. 鈥擡mily Reed, video producer

听

Herschel Supply Pop Quiz 22L Backpack ($60)

has been my everyday hauler for nearly seven years. It carried my essentials on flights to four continents, lugged my textbooks through high school and college, and accompanied me on car-camping trips. This backpack鈥檚 simple design is one of the reasons I have no intention of upgrading. Besides a padded laptop sleeve, there aren鈥檛 any spots in the main compartment for things to get lost in. The front pocket is easy to access and has pouches for organizing essentials. The other reason I鈥檓 loyal to this pack is its durability. The zippers have never gotten stuck or come off the tracks. And though the fabric has become more supple over the years, it hasn鈥檛 ripped once. The leather bottom doesn鈥檛 look as new as it did in 2014, but I prefer to think of the wear as a patina that gives the backpack character. 鈥擟laire Hyman, editorial assistant

听

Nike Dri Fit Tennis Cap ($125)

In 2011, I took a trip with my family to Switzerland鈥攖he home country of my favorite tennis player, Roger Federer. As a high schooler obsessed with the sport, this trip felt very much like a mecca. I bought as a tribute to Federer at a sports store in Geneva and wore it as a lucky charm for every match I played thereafter. I continued to wear it years later in college, but it became my go-to cap for the years I was on a sailing team at William & Mary听in Virginia. If we were practicing, it was on my head. I capsized for the first time in it, too. But its supposed luck proved true: I got my first bullet (first place in a regatta) while sporting it. You can tell it鈥檚 been dunked in the James River dozens of times by its yellowish tint (it used to be white) and its subtle funk. It鈥檚 lasted so long because of its cotton-polyester blend that dries quickly, and because of the sturdy Velcro strap that鈥檚 kept it on my dome in the middle of surprise squalls. Now I wear it whenever Federer is playing in a contentious quarterfinal or when I鈥檓 in a situation that calls for an extra bit of luck. 鈥擩eremy Rellosa, reviews editor

听

Mysterious Patagonia Capilene Quarter-Zip Long-Sleeve

Sometime around 2009, my dad gave me this Patagonia zip-up. The tag is so bleached from washing that it can only be identified as an early iteration of . This shirt entered my life before I had braces or knew how to drive. It has outlasted every romantic relationship and questionable haircut. Over the years, it鈥檚 been my backcountry security blanket鈥攖he perfect weight to throw on as a midlayer when the air gets chilly, but thin enough to wear as a base layer. I鈥檝e lent it to鈥攁nd subsequently wrestled it back from鈥攎any underdressed friends. Despite more than a decade of heavy use, it鈥檚 in good enough shape to wear to the bar after a hike or ski run鈥攊t looks nearly new aside from one quarter-inch hole near the hem. The telltale baby blue of this layer can be spotted in most photos of my happiest memories over the past 11 years鈥攍earning to backcountry ski, camping and backpacking with friends and family, and climbing in epic places. When I鈥檓 ready for my next adventure, it鈥檒l be the first thing on my packing list. 鈥擬aren Larsen, assistant editor

The post The Gear We’ve Tested for Half a Decade appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Adding mileage to your runs is an incredible way to build more meditative time into your life, as well as force you into good shape. But putting in regular runs over ten听miles does require a few tweaks to your running kit. Below are the suggestions I would give to a runner piecing together their first distance-running kit, based on the seven years of testing I鈥檝e done for 国产吃瓜黑料. I鈥檝e included my favorite personal gear and some less expensive options, because one of the great beauties of running is that it doesn鈥檛 have to cost a fortune.

Shoes: Embrace the Cush

Even if you are a youngin鈥� with knees of steel, I would highly suggest being kind to them and choosing a shoe with a soft, supportive sole. I find that my body endures less wear and recovers faster when I wear a thick pair.

My preference: I鈥檓 on my second pair of Hoka Challenger ATR 5鈥檚听($130) and have yet to find a single thing wrong with them.

Inexpensive option: The shoes you already have. The best running shoes in the world are the ones that get you outside. If you can鈥檛 afford fancy trail shoes, don鈥檛 feel like you can鈥檛 run. I got absolutely smoked in a 50-miler by a guy wearing听generic big-store hiking boots and a JanSport backpack while I had on听hundreds of dollars鈥� worth of primo听gear.

Socks: Don鈥檛 Skimp

Don鈥檛 cut corners here if you can afford it. Years ago听I ran for two weeks with a fancy sport-specific sock on my right foot and a cotton sock on the left. My left foot was so chafed and blistered at the end of the experiment that I鈥檝e never used cheap socks again.

My preference: As the brand name suggests, Fits Light Runner socks听($17) suit a wide variety of feet fantastically well. They hug your dogs like a glove, which reduces chafing and also helps remove moisture.

Inexpensive option: Some people buy synthetic dress socks from thrift stores, but I wouldn鈥檛 suggest it. Your feet are where your body meets the ground, and it鈥檚 critical to take care of them on longer runs.

Support: Don鈥檛 Underestimate Its Importance

Men can get away with running a mile or two in loose-fitting boxers, but the repeated jarring our听privates endure on runs longer than an hour requires supportive liners or underwear. The same goes for a sports bra, according to my wife, Sarah.

Our preferences: The 听($75) provides all the support men听need, and it never chafes, even during 50-kilometer races. Nothing else is needed. Sarah describes 听($98) as 鈥渓ife changing鈥� and says that wearing it is the difference between her enjoying running and not. (Find out more information about the sports-bra market and how to choose the right one听for you here.)

Inexpensive option: 听($25) offer fantastic support and odor-fighting capabilities. Couple those with any pair of synthetic gym shorts and you鈥檒l have caviar support on a hamburger budget. As for women, according to an 国产吃瓜黑料 survey of 632 respondents in January 2019, many reported working out or running in relatively affordable sports bras from Target.

Tops: Like How They听Look

While caring about the fit, color, and style of a running shirt might seem vain, the right running shirt can also be worn around town, for other exercise, or just at home.

My preference: The Patagonia Capilene Cool shirts ($39 and up, available for men and women) dress听up like cotton but wick听moisture with the best of them.

Inexpensive option: Any shirt you own. If you鈥檙e running in nice weather, cotton is not going to kill you on your midday training sessions. On really hot days, I actually like that cotton retains sweat鈥攋ust make sure to apply extra (see below), because a wet shirt will create more chafing.

Sun Protection: Cover Your Beak

A hat is nonnegotiable for me on long runs. Not only does it save my skin from getting hammered by the sun, but when I wear one, I have a little more energy and am in a better mood when I get off the trail.

And though听I personally don鈥檛 like to run in sunglasses, the 听($150)听won a versatility test I performed last spring.

My preference: The Sunday Afternoons Vantage Point trucker hat听($32) keeps sweat off my forehead and breathes remarkably well.

Inexpensive option: A hat from your closet. If you鈥檙e听willing to deal with some crusty salt marks, you鈥檙e in luck. That cap might not be as comfortable or move moisture off your forehead as well as a fancy one made for running,听but you will be fine.

For sunglasses, find a pair that stays on your face even when you鈥檙e sweaty; look for something that鈥檚 relatively lightweight, plus rubber nose and arm patches.

Lubricant: Take Chafe Seriously

Bloody nipples are a really quick path to burn out on distance running. Thankfully, a little bit of lubricant placed in the right spots can keep you all but chafe-free.

My preference: I鈥檝e听been using the same stick of Body Glide听($10) for six years. It was a solid investment.

Inexpensive option: Vaseline works if you already have it under your sink and don鈥檛 want to buy new products. But it can stain your clothes and doesn鈥檛 have the staying power of chafe-specific products.

Calories: Don鈥檛 Starve

Figuring out the right number of calories, as well as a calorie-delivery system that works for you and your gut, is extremely tricky and takes time. I have made pretty much every mistake in the book, but my suggestion is to start with about 100 calories an hour (about half an energy bar or one energy gel), by any method you see fit (liquid or solid), and adjust things based on your performance and gastric comfort.

My preference: 听endurance fuel听($39) tastes delicious, delivers 100 calories per scoop, and provides a nice little buzz from 35 milligrams of caffeine. After听two-plus hours of running, I need something solid in my gut, so I bring a couple , which are听easy to transport and digest.

听

Inexpensive option: A few years ago, I ran a 50K that I didn鈥檛 really prepare for, fueled by听aid-station PB&J鈥檚 and water, and my gut felt great after the race. Many athletes swear by fueling with real food for long efforts.

Liquid Transport: Don鈥檛 Overdo It

It鈥檚 a mistake to carry massive amounts of liquid for relatively short runs, yet I鈥檝e seen friends do it again and again. While I realize no one wants to go thirsty, excess water is more weight to carry that costs precious energy and calories. I suggest starting with a handheld water-bottle system, and if your hydration needs outgrow it, upgrade to a vest or pack.

My preference: I use the Ultimate Direction EDC because it鈥檚 extremely comfortable in hand, a great size, and the soft flask gets smaller as I drink. That specific model isn鈥檛 available anymore, but its closest relative is the 听($50).

Inexpensive option: MacGyver a handheld out of products you have lying around. I have an 听handheld strap that I听lost the accompanying bottle to. I attach that听Velcro strap to any cycling water bottle I have laying around. Or buy .

Pack: Don鈥檛 Overdo It, Part Two

If you have a ton of storage space, you鈥檒l听likely fill it. But bringing extra items on a run just weighs you down. I suggest starting with the bare essentials, then adding gear if necessary. A simple waist belt provides what I need, even for runs over听20 miles.

My preference: I鈥檝e听been using the discontinued听听since 2013 and don鈥檛 foresee听using a different one until it鈥檚 been rendered unusable. The 听($55) is quite similar.

Inexpensive option: Any fanny pack will do. You might have some infuriating bouncing and a bit of chafe, but it鈥檒l get what you need out on the trail with you.

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