My husband and I love to camp. So when our identical twins were born in March 2017, our first big purchase that didn鈥檛 involve a trip to Babies 鈥溞�� Us was a gigantic tent from REI. In theory it was a good acquisition: something the entire family could use as a basecamp for adventuring and exploring new places.

Our girls are almost six now, and I can count on one hand the number of times we鈥檝e used that tent. In our experience, tent camping is a lot of effort in exchange for very little sleep. And, as all parents know, sleep is precious. We defaulted to day trips or AirBnBs simply so we could feel rested enough to keep up with our kids and enjoy whatever activities we had planned.

But we still wanted the camping experience: setting off on far-flung adventures that leave you just the right amount of grimy and exhausted; sipping coffee on a crisp morning while wrapped in a blanket; sitting around a campfire with an adult beverage while the kids feast on s鈥檓ores; and participating in all the other things that come along with getting off the grid and out into nature.

We started thinking that a teardrop trailer鈥攅ssentially an enclosed mattress on wheels with a rear-facing, outdoor galley kitchen鈥攎ight be the solution to our sleepless nights. We didn鈥檛 need a cushy seating area or a refrigerator or a bathroom. We just needed something that could be pulled anywhere by our Tacoma and would allow us to get some shut eye.

Oh, and it had to sleep four people.

Many teardrops (including one awesome that we rented from to confirm we wanted to go the teardrop route) accommodate rooftop tents, but we wanted the entire family to sleep inside the trailer, at least while the girls are little. This narrowed down our options considerably, but we dutifully set out to research all of them. My husband, a scientist and spreadsheet guru, masterfully organized our findings into rows and columns of data that helped us determine what to purchase.

The clear winner鈥攂ased on sleeping capacity, overall quality, and off-road capability鈥攚as the from Boulder-based Colorado Teardrops. We ordered one in September 2020 and due to pandemic-induced supply chain issues, the skyrocketing popularity of teardrops, and Colorado Teardrops being such a small company, we drove away with a sky blue beauty eight months later.

We鈥檝e now had our Summit Pinnacle for almost two years. We鈥檝e had zero regrets and many restful nights. We鈥檝e camped dozens of times already鈥攕pending a long fall weekend in Crested Butte, Colorado; Thanksgiving at in southern New Mexico; and spring break at the Grand Canyon, just to name a few incredible destinations鈥攁nd each time has been a truly enjoyable experience. We even spent nine days in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, something we never would have done if we were tent camping.

You can geek out on the nitty-gritty specs of the on Colorado Teardrop鈥檚 website, but the abridged version is that this trailer can fit in most garages. The body of the trailer is about five feet wide and 10.5 feet long. If you鈥檙e measuring the tongue and wheels (which sit outside the cabin), the footprint is a little larger.

The whole thing weighs 1,950 pounds (and quite a bit more once it鈥檚 loaded up with food, water, clothing, and other supplies). My husband and I naively thought we鈥檇 be able to move it (unhitched) just the two of us, but we were very, very wrong. It sat awkwardly in our driveway for two days before a trailer dolly from Amazon saved the day. Now, just one of us can reposition the trailer on flat, paved surfaces.

In the wild, of course, the Summit Pinnacle鈥檚 high ground clearance, skid plate, axle-less design, and rugged tires help us get as far from flat, paved surfaces as possible. Once we鈥檝e reached a destination, we use our truck to more or less position the trailer where we want it. We also use a jack to move the front of the trailer up or down so that the body is level (leveling gauges on the tongue help us dial in the perfect height).

The trailer is framed with structural aluminum and has gorgeous hickory wood walls in the cabin and galley and prefinished aluminum (available in many colors) on the outside. The trailer is fully insulated; in fact it鈥檚 so airtight that you鈥檙e supposed to crack a window or pop up the roof-top vent at night听 to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Both the windows and the vent have screens, which is great for keeping out bugs, especially when the lights are on inside. The vent also contains a fan, which sucks out hot air and provides some white noise that can be helpful when getting the kids to bed.

And speaking of bed, the Summit Pinnacle has two kid-size (five feet long by 21 inches wide) bunks that run the width of the trailer on the side closest to the hitch. A company in Denver makes custom mattresses (sold separately) for these bunks, although we know some folks who use lawn-chair cushions. The twins have slept great in the bunks, which means that mom and dad also sleep great on their memory foam queen-size mattress (included).

Another factor that contributes to my good sleep is that I feel really safe in the trailer. A friend was nearly killed by a bear a couple summers ago, and the unprovoked attack really spooked me. Even though we take all the bear-safety precautions while camping, I definitely appreciate hard walls between me and wildlife at nighttime.

During the daytime, the queen mattress can fold into a couch on one side of the trailer, and the bunk beds can convert into a couch on the other. In between, you can set up a small table that鈥檚 stored under the queen mattress. Essentially this set up forms a little living room that gets great natural light from a big skylight above. Admittedly, we鈥檝e yet to use this setup because we prefer to be outside, but I鈥檓 sure the day will come when we鈥檙e caught in a thunderstorm and need a dry space to hang out.

Opposite the bunk area is a storage zone where we keep clothing bins. We easily have enough space to pack clothes (including lots of layers) for four people for a week-long trip. There鈥檚 also storage under the queen mattress, which is great for things we don鈥檛 use too often, such as spare sheets and extra toilet paper (for our , $26).

On the outside, the galley kitchen offers four levels of storage space. We purchased wire-mesh bins from Target for the middle levels. One is full of staples鈥攖hings like spices, oils, coffee, and whiskey鈥攖hat never leave the trailer unless items need to be topped off. Otherwise, before each trip, we carefully organize the dry food into the other bins. Cold items go in the cooler (we have an Engle 65), which sits on a special pull-out shelf on the bottom level.

The galley鈥檚 food preparation area is almost as spacious as our home kitchen. It consists of a large countertop and two pop-out shelves on the lower galley doors that are the perfect size for a camp stove or an ($400). Conveniently, one of the doors swings back toward the 11-gallon propane tank that鈥檚 mounted on the side of the trailer so it’s easy to connect quickly and get cooking.

The propane also instantly heats up water from the trailer鈥檚 11.6-gallon water tank for the shower that we opted to install on the side of the trailer. Excessive? Yes. But it sure is nice to fall asleep clean at the end of the day. Last summer, I ran a half-marathon in the middle of a camping trip, and the post-race shower inside a ($80) was almost as priceless as sleeping well the night before the race.

The trailer is powered by a portable ($450), which can be stored out of sight below the bottom bunk or in the galley. This battery powers the interior, exterior, and galley lights, as well as any electronics that are plugged into the USB ports. The battery charges when the trailer is plugged into a running vehicle; this is also how the brake lights, turn signals, and electric brakes get power. The electric brakes, in particular, make easy driving even easier. We cruised up and down Teton Pass and hardly felt the trailer on the 10 percent grade.

If you鈥檝e read this far, you鈥檙e likely wondering how much of a dent the Summit Pinnacle put in our bank account. Starting at $32,000, the trailer is more pricey than many teardrops on the market. But, as I鈥檝e hopefully demonstrated here, it uses high-quality components, is thoughtfully designed, and is built to last generations. The folks at Colorado Teardrops are easy to work with, happy to customize trailers to their customers鈥� needs, and committed to making quality teardrops. After ordering the trailer, we drove up to Boulder to tour their shop and talk about customizations with the staff. The owner, Dean Wiltshire, commented that one day our kids will inherit the trailer. My husband and I certainly hope that鈥檚 the case鈥攂ut only after we get many decades of use out of it first.

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Snowshoeing may be one of the most accessible winter activities. For starters, it鈥檚 easy to learn鈥攊f you can walk, you can snowshoe. And unlike winter sports that involve schussing or gliding, snowshoeing allows you to explore as slowly and methodically as you like, with practically zero injury risk. It鈥檚 also affordable. If you already own good cold-weather clothing, the only expense is the snowshoes themselves. Once you have them, just slip them on and go鈥攏o helmet, goggles, or lift tickets required. After months of testing, we鈥檝e honed a lineup that has something for everyone

Evvo Snowshoes ($234)

Evvo offers a novel solution to cold, wet feet: a 颅water-repellent, insulated, breathable upper, much like a clog鈥檚. Just slide your foot in, adjust the heel strap, and go. We also love the flexy Michelin rubber outsole, which is like a strip of burly snow tire. And just like a good set of snow tires, these snowshoes handle snow and ice, no problem. Due to the pandemic, Evvo鈥檚 U.S. expansion has been slow, but if you e-mail the company, it鈥檒l arrange for shipping to the U.S.

Decathlon Quechua SH100 Easy ($90)

French retailer Decathlon is bringing foam snowshoes to the masses. The new SH100 Easy is affordable and true to its name: a simple, 颅full-foam base with three Velcro straps that are a cinch to put on. The slim silhouette (7.5 or 7.9 inches wide) makes for smooth striding, yet it鈥檚 still plenty wide for navigating deep powder. Molded foam traction underfoot and six metal spikes take care of any ice you encounter. Our only complaint is that the dense foam is a tad heavy.

Yukon Charlie Ridge 825 Kit ($200)

If you鈥檙e looking to get into snowshoeing, look no further than the Ridge, which boasts a sturdy aluminum frame and plastic deck, with six aggressive crampons. The 颅snap-and-twist bindings wrap evenly around your feet. It even comes with a bag and poles, which can be helpful for maintaining balance on uneven terrain or in deep snow. Pick from four sizes: 8×21 inches, 8×25 inches, 9×30 inches, or 10×36 inches. If your feet are smaller than a women鈥檚 8, opt for the smallest to ensure a proper fit.

Northern Lites Race Wave ($289)

Most snowshoe races are held on groomed trails or packed 颅singletrack, so participants don鈥檛 need footwear with a lot of flotation. Instead, they need small, lightweight snowshoes that won鈥檛 compromise form or speed. At 21.5 ounces per pair, the Race Wave fits the bill. It鈥檚 just eight inches wide and 20 inches long鈥攁mong the smallest and lightest models on the market颅鈥攂ut still compliant with the听 United States Snowshoe Association size limits.

MSR Evo Ascent ($200)

No, you can鈥檛 buy the special snowshoes that MSR makes for Army paratroopers. But you can buy the next best thing: the Evo Ascent. Jagged traction rails below a sturdy deck offer up plenty of support and lateral stability on uneven terrain. The bindings are simple鈥攋ust pull and secure each strap鈥攂ut effective for any shoe type and foot size. You can buy the snowshoes alone, but they also come as part of a kit ($300) that includes poles and a pack.听

Crescent Moon Kids Snowshoes ($90)

Adjustable bindings mean Crescent Moon鈥檚 latest model will grow with your kids, even if you have to buy them new snow boots as their feet get bigger听 every winter. The two 颅hook-and-loop straps (one above the toe and one behind the heel) are easy for little fingers to get on and off unassisted.

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Dion Model听120 Laser LT (starting at $145)

Vermont-based Dion makes some of the lightest, most versatile running snowshoe on the market. The frames themselves are lightweight for a model built for speed, at only 1.3听pounds, and, depending on the conditions, you can swap out the standard cleat for ice or deep-snow models. The easy-to-use but sturdy听bindings stay put across long distances, but if you鈥檙e not a fan, simply use a drill and some basic hardware to mount the LTs to your favorite trail runners.

Crescent Moon Luna Foam Shoe听($120)

A few years ago, Crescent Moon debuted the Eva, the first-ever all-foam snowshoe, which one tester called 鈥渁 fat bike for your feet.鈥� The Luna is a smaller version, at听seven by 20 inches compared to the Eva鈥檚 eight by 24, but it has just as much cushion and a similar rockered shape, plus optional screw-in studs that offer extra traction in icy conditions. Not that you鈥檒l be getting rid of it anytime soon, but when you do, it鈥檚 recyclable through athletic-shoe recycling programs.听

Atlas Helium-Trail ($140)

It鈥檚 not often that snowshoe companies come out with all-new models, so testers were excited about Atlas鈥檚 new-to-market Helium series of backcountry, all-mountain, and trail-walking models. Our favorite, the Trail, is an all-purpose composite snowshoe that comes in 23- and 26-inch sizes and flexes gently as you walk. Steel crampons keep you upright on icy terrain, traction is built into the deck for stability, and an easy-to-flip-up heel lift takes the edge off of steep climbs.

TSL Highlander Adjust听($250)

A fantastic all-around snowshoe, the French-made TSL Highlander Adjust comes in three sizes. Once you鈥檝e selected your model, a one-time adjustment fits the binding to the length of your entire boot. From that first use onwards, all you have to do is step into the binding, cinch the Boa down across your toes, and secure a strap around your ankle. 鈥淚 had the entire system set to accommodate my boots in less than two minutes,鈥� said one tester, who added that the Adjusts were also nimble and confident on spring melt, ice, hardpack, and deep drifts.

Garneau Premiere Premi猫re听($245)

The company has updated its popular Premi猫re听backcountry snowshoes with a new Boa closure system听that tightens the binding uniformly around the toe and heel with the twist of a single knob鈥攏o pulling straps or fiddling with buckles required. Available in two sizes, the Premi猫re听proved well-designed for breaking trail through deep snow.

Northern Lites Honey Badger ($299)

If you鈥檝e ever been in a situation where you needed snowshoes and ice crampons, what you really needed was the Honey Badger. Named after the world鈥檚 鈥渕ost fearless animal,鈥� these snowshoes feature aggressive鈥攙ery sharp, very long鈥攕tainless-steel cleats from toe to heel to keep you steady on slick, steep surfaces. And at only 25 inches long and 3.75 pounds, they鈥檙e not unwieldy or too heavy, although testers who weigh more than 175 pounds may want a bigger snowshoe or risk sinking in deep powder.

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In an effort to reduce my carbon footprint and make bike commuting a normal thing for my twin daughters (who aren鈥檛 old enough to ride their own bikes yet), I decided to get an electric cargo bike. If you鈥檙e rolling your eyes like my husband did when I said the word e-bike,听let me explain.

I live in Los Alamos,听New Mexico, elevation 7,500 feet. My commute to work is only three miles, but that three miles involves 250 feet of climbing and one day-care stop at the top of a very steep hill. I am a strong cyclist, but hauling 60 pounds鈥� worth of kids听up a 14 percent grade听in a trailer behind my commuter bike is too much鈥攗nless I want to pack a change of clothes and shower at work, which I don鈥檛. I want to hop on a bike that can comfortably carry my lunch, a few personal items, and my kids鈥� school stuff; drop off the kids without breaking a sweat; cruise into work; and park ten feet from my building. An e-bike allows me to do that.

As I began researching, I quickly realized that e-cargo bikes range from kind of expensive to very expensive. I didn鈥檛 really want to spend a lot of money, but I also didn鈥檛 want to end up with a bike that was unreliable on steep hills or felt unsafe in any way, especially with my kids on board.

I ended up testing three e-cargo bikes at different price points: the ($5,800 for the dual-battery option), the ($4,300), and the ($1,500). These bikes met my main criterion: they can carry two child seats. (Side note: the $250 price tag on these seats is worth every penny; they are safe, comfortable, and super easy to get on and off a bike. Plus听they accommodate kids up to 50 pounds, so you should get years of good use out of them.)

The Test

For a month, my husband and I rode these bikes to work and around town. Sometimes we used them to carry听the kids and听sometimes groceries, gym clothes, or library books. Once I tried to carry my 50-pound dog, but he wasn鈥檛 a fan (I鈥檒l keep trying). I also loaded up each bike with an 80-pound bag of concrete mix and rode the same four-mile loop. (My twins weigh in at 25 pounds apiece, and I wanted to see how these bikes would handle more weight.)

Pedal Assist

The RadWagon and the Stretch each have a five-level pedal-assist system that you operate with your left hand听and a gear shift and throttle that you operate with your right hand. Pedal assist only works when鈥攕urprise!鈥攜ou鈥檙e pedaling. For the RadWagon, level one provides a gentle boost, whereas听level five is much more aggressive, giving you a full 750 watts of power. Your speed and the amount of assist will depend on a variety of factors, such as how much you鈥檙e pedaling and if you鈥檙e going up- or downhill.听

The pedal-assist system on the Stretch provides whatever power is necessary to maintain a certain speed鈥攌ind of like cruise control. So pedal-assist level five, for example, will kick you up to 20 miles per hour听on flat terrain. You鈥檒l go slower听if you鈥檙e going uphill.听

The throttle on both the RadWagon and the Stretch propels the bike forward without pedaling. I found that, for these two bikes, a twist of the throttle is helpful to accelerate from a complete stop.听

The Tern GSD S00 also has a pedal-assist system that you operate with your left hand, but it has four levels of assist: eco (which matches 50 percent of your power output), tour (120 percent assist), sport (190 percent), and turbo (300 percent). Instead of a traditional indexed gear shifter on the right side, the bike has a twist-grip shifter that鈥檚 connected to an infinitely variable gear-range rear hub. Just twist the shifter down to get more resistance on the pedals听or up to make pedaling easier.听The bike鈥檚 20-inch wheels accelerate more easily than the 24-inch wheels on the Stretch or the 26-inch wheels on the RadWagon, and the motor鈥檚 sensors (more on that below) help out, too, so I didn鈥檛 miss the bike鈥檚 lack of a throttle when accelerating from stop signs and lights.

For all three bikes, per federal regulations, the pedal assist (as well as the throttle for the RadWagon and the Stretch) shuts off once the bike hits 20 mph, but you can go faster using your own power or gravity.

Battery

Battery life depends on a variety of factors, including your level of pedal assist, your weight, your cargo, and any听hills or听headwinds you might encounter. RadPower听advertises 45 miles per charge (and five hours to recharge the battery), Pedego advertises 50 miles (and three hours to recharge the battery), and Tern advertises 124 miles between its two batteries (and more than five hours to recharge). Because of my short commute, this was not a significant factor for me. But I did have a friend borrow the RadWagon for her 20-mile, round-trip commute, and she got there and back鈥攁nd up some crazy hills鈥攋ust fine, although the bike definitely needed to be charged afterward.

Motor and Ride Feel

The Stretch鈥檚 500-watt geared motor is the loudest of the three and sometimes takes a few seconds to engage (and it鈥檚 amazing how hard normal pedaling can feel during those few seconds). But once it kicks on, you can quickly reach 20 mph and be on your way. The RadWagon鈥檚 750-watt Shengyi direct-drive hub motor is really quiet and engages immediately for a smooth ride, but it doesn鈥檛 punch up hills quite as well as the Stretch does.听

The GSD S00 uses a Bosch Performance Line CX 250-watt motor that relies on听torque, cadence, and speed sensors to measure your pedaling and blend in a proportional level of assist. This motor is like the little engine that could; though it鈥檚 less powerful than the other two, it鈥檚听smooth, steady, and reliable.

Style and Fit

The Taiwanese GSD S00, with its smaller wheels, folding handlebars for ease of storage, and occasional mechanical noises, is like a robot on wheels. The Stretch, hailing from Orange County, California,听is a classic cruiser with swooping geometry and a plush memory-foam seat. And the Seattle-made RadWagon, even at a whopping 79 inches long, has more of a standard city-bike look and feel.听

Weight and Cargo

Each of these bikes weighs about 75 pounds. When you add attachments (front racks, child seats, panniers, etc.), plus whatever you鈥檙e going to be hauling around, odds are good that the loaded bike weighs more than you do. You have to use some serious muscle to get the kickstands up and even walk the bikes. Also keep in mind that fully loaded bikes are typically back heavy, which makes them even more unwieldy to walk beside and ride.

The GSD S00 has 20-inch wheels and sits much lower to the ground than the RadWagon听or Stretch. This lower center of gravity makes it feel more stable with a heavy load in the back. When the RadWagon听and Stretch were loaded up, they (the RadWagon in particular) tended to wobble at very low speeds, which is terrifying at first, but once I mastered using the throttle to accelerate from a stop, getting going was much smoother.

The total payload capacity鈥攔ider plus cargo鈥攆or these bikes is 440 pounds for the GSD S00, 400 pounds for the Stretch, and 350 pounds for the RadWagon.听

Hauling two kids on the back of a bike means that you can鈥檛 also have panniers back there, which means听your cargo space is limited to a front rack. Of these three bikes, the Stretch is the only one that comes with a front rack (using a bungee cord, I attached听a milk crate to the rack鈥攚hich is actually more like a shelf鈥攖o accommodate more stuff). The GSD S00 and the RadWagon also have strong, shelflike front racks, but they鈥檒l cost you an extra $69 or $120, respectively.

When you are sans kids and want to haul stuff in back, note that the frames of the built-in back racks on these bikes are thicker than the racks you might buy off the shelf and attach to a standard bike. Not all bungees and panniers will work. To play it safe, purchase accessories directly from the bike company.听

On the RadWagon, I used RadPower鈥檚 听(a $79 add-on), with a waterproof ($59), and easily could carry everything I needed for commuting, even during New Mexico鈥檚 summer monsoon season.

Hills

I live in a very hilly town, and each of these bikes made conquering the ascents considerably easier. The听Stretch was the fastest on the hills. With 80 pounds of concrete mix on the back, I put it in pedal-assist five and a low gear and cruised up a steep, 10 percent grade at nine听mph with no problem. The GSD S00 was just as reliable but a bit slower at the highest level of assist and听the same level of effort. On the RadWagon, however, I found that听even in pedal-assist five听and a low gear, my quads were burning a bit more than on听the other bikes and I went听the slowest (about seven mph).听

Kickstand

I loved the RadWagon鈥檚 metal, double-leg kickstand: it鈥檚 super easy to get up and down, even with two kids on the bike. The GSD S00 and the Stretch actually have the same terrible kickstand as one another. Each time I used it, I thought I might break a toe鈥攁nd it didn鈥檛 get better the more I used it. In fact, I found this kickstand so difficult to use that I often chose to ride the RadWagon simply so I wouldn鈥檛 have to battle the others鈥� stubborn kickstand.听

The GSD S00 and the RadWagon have built-in handles under their seats to help lift the bike to release the kickstand, which is very听helpful when you鈥檙e听trying to lift something that weighs nearly as much as you do.

Design Details

I found each bike to be thoughtfully designed. For example, they all come with disc brakes, fenders, and integrated front and rear lights. Here are a few more things I loved about听each:

• GSD S00: The back rack doubles as a stand if you want to store the bike vertically, and the handlebars fold听down if you want to fit the bike in a small space, such as a car or an elevator. An integrated lock on the front wheel means you鈥檒l always have a way to keep the bike secure.
• RadWagon: The brake lights, regenerative braking (engaging the brake levers helps recharge the battery), puncture-resistant tires, attractive wood paneling (on the rear rack and foot rests), and USB port for charging electronics, are all great features. Plus, you don鈥檛 have to move your left hand to use the pedal-assist system, and the screen sits right in the middle of the handlebars, making听it easy to glance down and听check your speed and distance.
• Stretch: The seat folds forward, so听you can lift the battery out and take it with you to charge. The bike itself has beautiful wood paneling,听easily adjustable handlebars (with leather grips) to accommodate riders of different sizes,听and听side and back racks that can be moved around to accommodate different sizes and shapes of cargo. It also has a听USB port.

The Verdict

At the end of the day, unsurprisingly, the priciest ride鈥攖he Tern GSD S00鈥攚as the best all-around bike I tested (although, because of its tiny wheels and folding handlebars, I thought of it not as a bike but rather as an electric commuting vehicle). It was the most stable bike to ride fully loaded, even uphill (though it definitely struggled with hills more than the less expensive Stretch), and with the twist shifter, I could seamlessly dial in the right amount of resistance without a jerky ride. And听should I ever need to cover some serious distance, the dual batteries would have me covered.

However, for $4,300 less, the听RadWagon听will still get you from A to B, though it鈥檚 the most work to ride uphill听and you sacrifice battery life. The RadWagon is also less stable when fully loaded (the front end feels more wobbly than the GSD S00), but you鈥檒l learn to handle it better with every ride鈥攊t just takes practice. Keep in mind, however, that because RadPower sells bikes directly to consumers听(one way it听keeps prices down), you鈥檒l either have to assemble it yourself or take it to your local bike shop.听

The Stretch provides a happy medium鈥攖hough $4,300 is still an听investment. If speed and performance on hills are听most important to you, this is your bike. If you love the classic beach-cruiser look and feel, this is your bike. I鈥檇 just recommend that you replace the kickstand, and to help with that (and anything else), Pedego has more than 125 dealerships located around the country.

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Iverson Alaskan ($302)

In a world where gear is constantly getting new bells and whistles, sometimes the best products are the ones that have stayed the same for centuries. The Alaskan, a 56-inch wood and rawhide beast, is not unlike the snowshoes of yore. It can be awkward to fit in your car, but once you hit the trail, there鈥檚 nothing better to stay afloat in deep snow.

L.L.Bean Trailblazer ($170)

The Trailblazer lived up to its name on a trek across an ancient supervolcano in New Mexico鈥檚 Jemez Mountains. The aggressive cleats conquer diverse terrain without icy buildup. And the enhanced Boa binding, which locks down for lateral stability, is the simplest on the market鈥攋ust step in and turn the dial to tighten the shoe around your foot. The women鈥檚 version has a tapered tail to accommodate a narrower stride.

听

TSL Symbioz ($300)

You鈥檝e seen the French-made Symbioz in these pages before. This season it has a refined Boa binding that ensures a comfortable fit over the instep. And the back end of the bind颅ing operates like a Brannock device (that thing in shoe stores that measures your foot), adapting precisely to whatever size you wear. When we first donned the Symbioz, adjustment took a few minutes, but after that we were able to put it on and take it off in seconds. Tip: pair with boots, not trail runners, to prevent chafing from the ankle strap.

MSR Revo Ascent ($260)

With metal sawtooth traction built into a durable plastic frame, the Revo offers the perfect combination of aggressiveness, float, and speed. Plus, it鈥檚 manufactured in MSR鈥檚 Seattle factory, which means a smaller carbon footprint than snowshoes made overseas. A heel lift gives you a boost on steep climbs, and the updated mesh binding that stretches across the top of the foot secures with two easy-to-use buckles. Getting in and out is painless, even with gloves or cold fingers.

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When my husband and I adopted a 45-pound husky-shepherd (we think?) mix from our local shelter, I was excited about gaining a four-legged running buddy who could accompany me into the mountains around our home in Los Alamos, New Mexico. I also thought an eager pup, who we named Wheeler after New Mexico鈥檚 highest peak, would keep me accountable for my early morning runs before work, especially during the dark and cold winter months.

My first run with Wheeler, using a standard hand-held leash on loan from the animal shelter, was uncomfortable. I couldn鈥檛 swing my arms normally, which resulted in the rest of my form falling apart. I was also worried that we鈥檇 encounter a deer and he鈥檇 wriggle right out of his collar in hot pursuit. Thinking that a hands-free leash might allow for more natural movement and a harness might offer more control (and less strain on Wheeler鈥檚 neck), I started looking into different options. Turns out there are a lot, and for the most part, they鈥檙e all really nice, high-quality products. Here are five of my favorites.

Best for keeping it simple:

Tuff Mutt ($29)

• Pros: The leash鈥攚hich is 48 inches long but can stretch to 60 inches鈥攊s attached to the waist belt with a simple clip that slides as the dog moves, so the dog can make a circle around you without moving the waist band. No chafing, no shirt bunching, no readjusting necessary! Handholds near the top and bottom of the leash are helpful when you need to reign in the pup at a traffic light, and reflective stitching on both sides of the leash and waist band glows when light hits it at night.
• Cons: This leash uses hardware that鈥檚 a tad heavier than other brands’ models. As a result, there鈥檚 a slight pull where the leash attaches to the waistband and a little more jingling as you run.
• Pair it with: The Tuff Mutt ($35) has large, easy-to-use buckles and reflective stitching on the straps, which are adjustable to accommodate any shape and size of dog.

Best for carrying a lot of stuff:

搁耻蹿蹿飞别补谤鈥檚 ($70)

• Pros: The Trail Runner System consists of a slightly padded waist belt and a thin leash that stretches up to six feet. The leash attachment slides through the top loop of the leash to allow your dog to run from side to side in front of you without affecting the placement of the belt . The pocket on the belt is a handy place to store treats, keys, poop bags, and a phone. The belt has a built-in water bottle holder and comes with a 21-ounce water bottle.
• Cons: There鈥檚 no elastic in this belt, so you really have to cinch it down if you don鈥檛 want it to move. If you鈥檙e not running with water, the water bottle holder adds unnecessary bulk. And although the leash provides tension, it isn鈥檛 as substantial as some of the others tested here, so perhaps it鈥檚 best for smaller dogs or dogs that don鈥檛 pull too much. I鈥檝e also wished it had a handle down near the collar clip so that I could have a little more control at times.
• Pair it with: Once it鈥檚 fitted correctly, 搁耻蹿蹿飞别补谤鈥檚 ($40) is so easy on, easy off that you鈥檒l end up using it all the time, not just for running.

Best for no back pain:

Kurgo’s听 ($37)

• Pros: The elastic waistband stretches comfortably around the waist for a secure but comfortable fit that doesn鈥檛 dig into your lower pack if your pup starts to pull. Leash clips to the left and right of the buckle work well if your pup prefers to run on a specific side, or if you鈥檙e running with two pups. (Note that this belt does not come with a leash, but it can accommodate most leashes.) The parallelogram shape of the zippered pouch is tricky for larger phone sizes but does work well for treats and poop bags.
• Cons: This belt comes with a 12-ounce water bottle, which isn鈥檛 quite enough water for a person and dog to share on a hot run. But it鈥檚 enough that the holder adds some bulk to the harness if you run sans water.
• Pair it with: The ($53) features lightweight buckles and a breathable, slightly-padded chest plate. It also has a back handle that鈥檚 useful for assisting your pup over a fallen tree on the trail or into the car after an exhausting run.

Best for running in the dark:

Stunt Puppy’s听 ($48)

• Pros: Shine a light on this set up at night, and you and your pup will definitely be seen from a distance鈥攖he entire leash and waistband are covered in reflective stitching. The waistband is adjustable to accommodate runners of all sizes or as many layers as you want to pile on. The lower part of the leash is static and can be adjusted in length while the upper, bungee part of the leash absorbs tension from eager pups. The hardware on this leash is so light that it鈥檚 hardly noticeable during a run.
• Cons: Although Stunt Puppy says the 鈥渇loating D-ring on the waist belt keeps your dog in the sweet spot without tugging on the waist belt,鈥� my experience was that the dog actually determines the position of the D ring, which results in the wait belt spinning and tugging, depending on the dog鈥檚 direction and momentum.
• Pair it with: The entire chest portion of the super-lightweight ($45) is reflective, as is the stitching on the straps. The martingale-style leash attachment on the top of the harness tightens鈥攋ust a bit鈥攊f a dog pulls, signaling to the dog that it鈥檚 time to settle down.

Best for a budget:

Black Rhino ($20)

• Pros: Don鈥檛 let the low-price points fool you, Black Rhino products are as solid as any others reviewed here. The two-part leash features an adjustable belt and a separate, adjustable leash that can be clipped on. In between the leash鈥檚 two neoprene-padded handles (one at either end), is a thick bungee section that absorbs tension from a pulling pup.
• Cons: Weighing in at 1.25 pounds, this leash-harness set up is substantially heavier than any other reviewed here (the others weigh about a pound or less).
• Pair it with: The padded Black Rhino ($23) is covered in lightweight mesh breathable fabric that allows moisture to evaporate quickly. It comes in a variety of bright colors that are fun for daytime use, and reflective details are helpful for runs in the dark.

These great products鈥攅specially the reflective ones鈥攎ight help keep your pup safe on the run, but don鈥檛 forget to keep him or her safe on the drive to the run. I started researching crates for the car and quickly settled on:

($350鈥�$700, depending on size). Yes, it鈥檚 pricey, but it鈥檚 also the only pet travel crate that鈥檚 earned a five-star Crash Test rating. In other words, it鈥檚 the only crate out that that will keep a 60-pound dog from becoming 2,700-pounds of projectile if you get into an accident at 35 mph. Definitely worth it if you want to keep your favorite running buddy safe.

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Touted as easy and fast, downhill races grab the attention of runners hoping to snag a听PR or qualify for Boston鈥攊tself a net-downhill course. And although downhill marathons such as the , 听or the听 do send hundreds of runners to Hopkinton every April, they also destroy quads, and in some cases, totally derail any hopes of a speedy time.

That鈥檚 because downhill races 鈥渃an really take a toll on the body due to the amount of excessive force exerted on the body,鈥� says听, founder of Bolton Endurance Sports Training and coach to 2015 Boston winner Caroline Rotich. 鈥淭hese forces are in excess of 50 percent greater than normal, flat running鈥攖he steeper the downhill, the greater the force.鈥�

The quadriceps, which act like brakes to keep the body upright, take the brunt of the force. 鈥淲hich is why we see people hobbling around after marathons, especially downhill ones,鈥� says Bolton. 鈥淚t鈥檚 also why walking down stairs hurts more than walking up stairs after a race.鈥�

Downhill running is a braking鈥攐r 鈥攎ovement, where muscles increase tension as they lengthen. 鈥淩unners don鈥檛 often have massive eccentric contractions when running on flat terrain, so when running prolonged periods downhill, this really beats up the body and causes the delayed onset muscle soreness that everyone experiences,鈥� Bolton explains.

The good news is that with some downhill training, runners can adapt to downhill terrain and improve their speed. 鈥淚f a runner is going to do a race that has significant downhills, it鈥檚 important to add downhill running to the training plan,鈥� Bolton says. 鈥淭his will help adapt the body to the forces it will experience in the race.鈥�

Downhill training should be progressively built into a training plan, carefully monitoring distance and speed. 鈥淪tart with some shorter downhill repeats and build to incorporate a longer downhill section into a late section of a long run,鈥� Bolton suggests. Be mindful that with gravity on your side, it is easy to overdo a downhill workout and end up too sore to run a day or two later. Have some fun and let yourself fly, but keep the total stress load low until your body adapts, gradually adding more downhills more often.

Focusing on proper posture is also helpful because it incorporates other major muscle groups such as the glutes and hamstrings. 鈥淭here鈥檚 no way to get around using the quads,鈥� Bolton says, 鈥渂ut not loading them is helpful.鈥� Don鈥檛 lean back too much; keep upright and over your feet, feeling like you are leaning into the downhill. Focus on hinging freely at the ankles and hips, rolling down the hill smoothly with a minimum of braking.

Improving speed is another reason to incorporate downhill running鈥攁s intervals or as part of a long run鈥攊nto a training routine. 鈥淔or highly-developed athletes, I like to add some solid downhills late in runs when their legs are tired, to train the legs for high turnover while in a fatigued state,鈥� Bolton says. 鈥淗owever, just like using downhills for adaptation, this needs to be approached with caution鈥攖oo much, too fast, too soon can cause serious injuries.鈥�

Originally published July 2018

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When Meb Keflezighi finished his first marathon鈥擭ew York City in 2002鈥攈is first thought was the same one most first-time marathoners have: 鈥淚 don鈥檛 want to ever do this again.鈥�

And like most first-time marathoners, he found himself on the starting line of another marathon (Chicago) less than a year later. And another one after that, and another one after that, until finally, he鈥檇 run 26 marathons in 15 years, winning New York, Boston, and an Olympic silver medal along the way.

Early on during this venture, Keflezighi says he 鈥渄ecided to be a student of the sport.鈥� He would apply what he learned from each race to future races, which eventually allowed him to dial in the physical preparation and mental fortitude necessary to become one of the world鈥檚 best marathoners鈥攁nd a four-time Olympian.

Keflezighi stresses the importance of his upbringing in learning the value of preparation. Keflezighi was a refugee from Eritrea, who moved to the United States with his parents and siblings in 1987. 鈥淢y parents taught me that the key to life is education, the key to life is preparation,鈥� he says. 鈥淚鈥檓 not the most talented guy, but I try to work hard and do things the right way.鈥�

What does this mean in terms of running? Keflezighi doesn鈥檛 rely on talent or luck, but trusts his training. As an example, he says that if someone asked him to run a half marathon at five-minute pace right now, he would struggle. But a month or two from now? Bring it on. 鈥淚 believe in the process, I believe in the training,鈥� he says. He knows exactly the type of workouts鈥攊ntervals, tempos, long runs, strides鈥攏ecessary to be successful at a certain distance and pace, and knows that he can鈥檛 have success without diligently following the process.

鈥淲e all have this body, we have to nurture it,鈥� he says. 鈥淚f I train consistently, I will have good results.鈥� Those results are predictable and consistent. Keflezighi completed 19 of his 26 marathons between 2:08 and 2:14 and 8 of them between 2:09 to 2:10. 鈥淚鈥檓 the same person, so I don鈥檛 expect to be all over the chart if I do the process right,鈥� he says.

Consistency is also necessary in nutrition; in addition to finding foods that worked for him, Keflezighi weighed himself almost every day when he was competing. 鈥淚 would take the scale with me when I traveled,鈥� he remembers. 鈥淓fficiency is important, and I knew what I had to weigh to be efficient.鈥�

That is 121 pounds for the 5 foot, 5 inch Keflezighi. He says he weighed that even at the Rio Olympics despite joking with his wife that, due to Rio also being a family vacation, he was 鈥済oing to gain 50 pounds and show up on the starting line looking like a black Stay Puft Marshmallow Man next to the world鈥檚 top marathoners.鈥�

Keflezighi retired from competitive running in 2017 after running the . He now works full time as a and as a general ambassador for the sport of running. He鈥檚 also the founder of the , which funds programs that promote fitness and other positive lifestyle choices for children. 鈥淚鈥檓 not competing, but I鈥檓 still busier than ever,鈥� he says. 鈥淧eople still want to see me whether it鈥檚 at 8-minute pace in a race or at a speaking engagement.鈥�

鈥淚鈥檓 honored to be on that pedestal,鈥� he says, 鈥渁nd I鈥檓 honored that people want to learn from what I鈥檝e done right and what I鈥檝e done wrong.鈥� One way he鈥檚 passing on those lessons was to write his new book, . Keflezighi wrote the book with (who was also Keflezighi鈥檚 co-author on the 2015 New York Times best-seller ).

In 26 Marathons, Keflezighi chronicles his races and their respective lessons. The races are presented chronologically, each as its own chapter, with the big takeaways as the chapter theme. For example:

鈥� Olympics 2004: Experience isn鈥檛 everything. Have belief in your abilities and confidence in your preparation.
鈥� New York 2005: Small personal victories can show you that even greater things are possible in the future.
鈥� Boston 2010: It鈥檚 better to be 90 percent ready and make it to the start line than to panic and become either overtrained or unable to start the race.
鈥� Boston 2014: We all have our day when everything clicks. If you recognize when it鈥檚 happening, you can produce something that鈥檚 bigger than yourself.
鈥� New York 2014: Mother Nature and other forces outside your control will always be a factor, but you can鈥檛 let them ruin your race.

Keflezighi writes in the book鈥檚 preface, 鈥淚 hope that this book inspires you to run to win on your terms, in running and in life.鈥�

26 Marathons goes on sale March 19 and costs $25.

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Four sturdy stompers for deep days on the trail

Louis Garneau Course Boa Arc ($250)

Louis Garneau is primarily a cycling com颅pany, but it sure makes some impressive snow颅shoes. The lightest and fastest is the unisex Course Boa Arc. Weighing just 14 ounces. it鈥檚 hardly noticeable on a racecourse, and the narrow frame and tapered tail don鈥檛 alter your stride. Crampons beneath the toe and heel offer just enough traction to keep you upright, and the simple Boa binding tightens evenly across your foot and won鈥檛 come loose no matter how many miles you log.

L.L.Bean Trailblazer ($170)

Keep your gloves on. Close your eyes if you dare. Then insert your foot into the binding and turn the Boa dial. That鈥檚 how simple it is to put on the 21-inch Trailblazer (women鈥檚 pictured). The binding accommodates most winter boots, and the sturdy aluminum frame and polyethylene deck should last a lifetime. Guys, check out the men鈥檚 version, which comes in longer sizes for heavier bodies.

听

Crescent Moon Gold 10 ($275)

At a whopping 32 and 29 inches long, respectively, the Crescent Moon men鈥檚 Gold 10 (pictured) and women鈥檚 Gold 15 are surprisingly maneuverable, thanks to the heavily tapered design. More surface area means extra float in deep snow and better traction underfoot in icy conditions. Adjustable bindings accommodate most ski and snowboard boots, should you be using these to hike up and shred down.

听

Atlas Serrate ($290)

The Serrate has a classic snowshoe look and feel, but modern updates made it a favorite among testers. A spring-loaded suspension system propels your foot forward with each step, and aggressive traction underneath virtually guarantees a sure-footed journey. Once you dial in the fit of the heel strap, the pressure-free binding closes with a simple tug. The women鈥檚 version鈥攖he Elektra Serrate, designed with women鈥檚 walking mechanics in mind鈥攈as a tapered tail, a narrower nose, and more arch support.

听

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Play atop the powder with these new decks.

Dion Model 120/Laser (From $240)

Just when we thought Dion couldn鈥檛 lighten its racing snowshoes any further, the company launched the Model 120, which sheds even more ounces thanks to aircraft-grade aluminum tubing. At only seven inches wide and 20.5 inches long, the 120 doesn鈥檛 force you to alter your stride. 1 lb

Crescent Moon Eva All-Foam ($159)

鈥淎 fat bike for your feet鈥� is how one tester described the Eva鈥攖he most intuitive snowshoe in our test, courtesy of its easy-to-use Velcro bindings and simple, lightweight design. Underneath, hard foam lugs act like snow tires for a footprint that鈥檚 more lithe trail runner than bulky snowshoe. 1.7 lbs

Yukon Charlie鈥檚 Carbon Flex Spin ($190)

Long snowshoes can feel clumsy, but the Carbon Flex, at 5.2 pounds per pair, makes breaking trail through the deep stuff a bit easier. This 28-inch model offered the best flotation of any we tested, with its rigid but light hydrocarbon-polymer frame. 2.6 lbs

TSL Symbioz Motion ($209)

A ten-mile trek through New Mexico鈥檚 Jemez Mountains was no challenge for the Motion, which offers the right combination of confidence and speed. The plastic frame flexes over terrain, allowing for natural movement while providing stability. A heel lift ensures optimal boost when cranking uphill. 2 lbs

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