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

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

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

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

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

A Relationship with an Alpaca Sweater

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alpaca’s Unique Qualities

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Away Carry-On Boot Bag 55L

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

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

Quinn Snacks, Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets

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

Loon’r Hi Flyer Boot

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

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

Stellar Equipment Stellar Shell 2.0 and Stellar Pant 2.0

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

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

On Movement Tight

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

Tecnica Mach1 LV 120 ski boots

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

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

The North Face Summit Series Breithorn Hoodie

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

Filson Lined Mackinaw Wool Packer Coat

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

Ibex Men’s Woolies Pro Tech Bottom

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

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

Ciele VLV Halfzip Running Midlayer

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

Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Hooded Waxed Jacket

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Skida High-Pile fleece hat

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

Helly Hansen LIFA Merino Midweight Base Layer

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

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

Nike Pegasus 41 Gore-Tex Shoes

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

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

Pas Normal Balance Insulated Vest

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

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

Outdoor Research x Mark Abma Skytour AscentShell Jacket and Bibs

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

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

Men’s Baist Classic Glove

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

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

Roar Sound Machine and Speaker

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

Veer All Terrain Cruiser

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

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

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

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

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

Backnobber II

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

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

Smartwool Active Fleece Jogger

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

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

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

You know you need warm layers when the temperature drops. But not just any jacket will do. Choosing the right insulation for the conditions is the key to enjoying cold-weather adventures鈥攁nd staying safe.

Number one, you want a good warmth-to-weight ratio, and that means apparel made with either natural goose down or synthetic polyester fill. Both types of insulation are packable and warm, because they trap air and create a lightweight, heat-retaining buffer between your body and the outside elements. But beyond that, they have different properties and benefits, so choosing the right insulation for your needs depends largely on conditions and personal preferences. Do you want something that鈥檚 more water-resistant or more compressible? How do you prioritize sustainability, durability, and affordability? Here鈥檚 how to understand the differences and make the best choice.

Down insulation, which uses the plumage found underneath the exterior feathers on ducks and geese, offers an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. It鈥檚 breathable, packs well, and can last for decades if it鈥檚 cared for properly. Trade-offs? Down does not perform well in wet conditions, as the feathers tend to clump in bunches, losing the loft that keeps you warm, and it鈥檚 hard to dry. Some down is treated with a water-resistant coating, but it鈥檚 still not ideal for wet weather. Also, you鈥檒l want to check that any down used is harvested in a humane way.

Synthetic insulation has always been a top choice for anyone expecting wet conditions, because it still insulates when wet. There used to be a wider gap in packability, but more and more adventurers are turning to synthetic insulation for their warmest layers because innovative companies like are making huge strides in creating synthetic fibers that are sustainable, durable, and high-performing in the field.

Not only does synthetic insulation maintain its ability to keep you warm even if it gets wet, but it also dries quickly, making it a superior choice in harsh conditions. Synthetic insulation is also typically less expensive than goose down.

The Italian brand Thermore was founded on this very principle and has continued to be a pioneer in sustainable, high-performance synthetic fill. The brand was established in 1972 by Lucio Siniscalchi, who saw the rise of winter sports like skiing and knew the discipline would demand more technical apparel than what was available at the time. Thermore has been pushing the envelope ever since, developing the first recycled synthetic fill in the early 1980s. Siniscalchi saw how used bottles were being melted to create solid plastics and recognized an opportunity. He decided to have those same bottles melted to create fibers that could be used to insulate jackets. Currently, 98 percent of Thermore鈥檚 products are made from recycled content.

鈥淧roviding sustainable insulation and down alternatives is part of our mission and something I鈥檝e grown up with,鈥� says Patrizio Siniscalchi, managing director of Thermore and son of Lucio Siniscalchi. 鈥淢y father pioneered the use of synthetic fibers for apparel because those fibers provide more flexibility and higher durability, and we鈥檙e still working to ensure our entire portfolio is as sustainable as possible. We aim to blend performance and sustainability with everything we do.鈥�

Consider Thermore鈥檚 recent launch of , a 100 percent recycled insulation that has proven to be more durable than traditional down, making it a win-win for anyone who wants a jacket that鈥檚 both sustainable and performs beautifully in the field. Stio鈥檚 jacket uses 60 grams of Thermore鈥檚 ECODOWN, for a lightweight 鈥渟hacket鈥� that鈥檚 perfect as a shoulder-season outer layer or a midlayer in colder temps. Karbon鈥檚 Epic is an even warmer option, ideal for winter sports, with 120 grams of ECODOWN in a hooded jacket with a snow skirt.

And that鈥檚 just one of Thermore鈥檚 innovations. The company also developed , a hybrid tech that blends the high loft of blow-in insulation with the ease of use of rolled insulation, which is great news for consumers because it provides similar benefits of down but is more cost-effective to manufacture. Result: high-performance, more affordable garments.

is another new product that promises to revolutionize insulation for hard-charging, adventure-minded consumers thanks to its high warmth-to-thickness ratio. The new, condensed fiber is incredibly thin without sacrificing insulating properties, which will allow manufacturers to minimize bulk when making technical garments. Ultimately, with Invisiloft, brands can make a thinner jacket or sleeping bag that is just as warm as a thick puffy, in a package that鈥檚 easy to pack and wash. And yes, this new fiber is also made from 100% recycled poly that comes from used water bottles.

鈥淥ur R&D team continuously travels to experience the latest trends and technologies,鈥� Siniscalchi says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a process that does not stop and is constantly evolving. The goal is to provide a real benefit to the consumer, not just a cool marketing story.鈥�

Translation: No greenwashing here. Since there are no federal laws regulating sustainability claims, some companies use terms like 鈥渆co-friendly鈥� and 鈥渘atural鈥� to prey on well-intentioned consumers, making vague and misleading claims. It鈥檚 false advertising, and until the government steps in, it鈥檚 going to continue. The most common form of greenwashing is lies of omission鈥攍ike claiming to use recycled content but not stating how much. Thermore provides all the details you need to understand how sustainable practices are incorporated into its products.

鈥淚t is our moral duty as suppliers to not just ensure that our products are meeting elevated sustainability standards but also to educate consumers on what to look for in the marketplace,鈥� says Siniscalchi. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 why we are investing in initiatives to both obtain gold-standard environmental certifications and use language that is honest and clear in all of our marketing materials.鈥�

鈥淲e love our job and are completely focused on both the brands that work with us and the end consumer,鈥� Siniscalchi adds. 鈥淲e want end users to better enjoy their everyday life or sporting activities to the highest level鈥攕ustainably.鈥�

Based in Milan, Italy, specializes in the research, development, production, and marketing of high-quality thermal insulation for performance apparel. Through its global sales network and its production facilities in the Far East and Europe, Thermore caters to the best brands in the outerwear industry. Thermore was the first company to launch a recycled insulation and is now highly focused on sustainable innovation, using post-consumer waste such as PET bottles.

The post Synthetic Versus Down: Which Insulation Is Right for You? appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

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

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

Orla Kiely Midi Crossbody bag

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

Pearl Izumi Attack WxB Jacket

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

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

Birkenstock Tokio Shearling Sandals

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

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

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

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

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

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

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

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

Nanuk 976

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

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

Filson Tin Cloth Short Lined Cruiser Jacket

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

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

Bellfab Dometic Water Jug Universal Mount

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

Northwest Alpine Black Spider Hoody

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

Kuiu Base Camp Insulated Snap Shirt

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

Evoc Hip Pack Pro 3

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

Yardsale P1 Ski Poles

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

Roll Recovery Superplush Classic Shoe

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

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

How do you cap a world-class snowboarding career? Make world-class snowboards and riding apparel. That鈥檚 the path Shaun White is on, and everyone who loves winter stands to benefit. After a record-setting gold medal run, White teamed up with his brother, Jesse, to create . Here, chief creative officer Jesse White shares what makes the brand special.

国产吃瓜黑料: Why did Shaun White create WHITESPACE?

Jesse White: Shaun has always forged his own path. So, when he retired from his snowboarding career, he wanted to build a brand that focuses on performance and quality to meet athletes鈥� needs. Using the knowledge Shaun gained over 20 years as a sponsored athlete, WHITESPACE creates best-in-class products that are rider tested.

The brand embodies Shaun鈥檚 unique point of view, his ability to see opportunities for creative expression, and his competitive excellence. With WHITESPACE, he wants to encourage athletes to express their own unique point of view. That鈥檚 what brings excitement and individuality back into the sport.

What makes WHITESPACE different?听

It sounds corny, but our approach to snowboarding has always been different. Growing up in SoCal during the 鈥�90s, Shaun and I enjoyed a sport that was about being an individual, being authentic to your style, being unconventional. Those are our roots. Now, we want to open the door to others who might love to ride but feel like there isn鈥檛 a brand for them.

What products are you most excited about for the coming season?

The boards are incredible. When you hop on a Freestyle Shaun White Pro or the Montano, you can feel the snap and responsiveness immediately. In addition, our men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 outerwear is super exciting. We really hone in on the details, from exciting colors to technical features, down to the little things like keeping your phone warm and your keys from flapping around.

What does the WHITESPACE community look like?听

The community we are building is the backbone of our brand. This is something that we learned growing up with Jake [Burton] as an important figure in our lives and sport. Talking to our riders and listening to their needs have shaped the products we make. It takes a village to create a brand, and we鈥檙e extremely humbled and grateful for everyone who has supported us to get here.

WHITESPACE is a performance snow brand created to inspire riders to forge their unique path, transcend boundaries, and write their own story. Learn more at .

The post WHITESPACE Is Ready for Its Close-Up appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Once you’ve experienced the magic of packing cubes you just cannot go back to throwing your clothes naked into a suitcase. I mean, how many pieces of gear both double your ability to bring stuff along with you and help you stay tidy? I know there are some fancy numbers we could probably crunch at the 国产吃瓜黑料 Gear Lab to quantify just how much more capacity cubes let you squeeze into a carry-on. But I’m going to shoot from the hip here and say I can likely double my packing capacity when I use cubes. As a dad who travels with a six-year-old often, every centimeter of that carry-on is precious space. You better bet I make the most of it.

Not all are cubes created equal, though. To help you invest in the right ones for you, I tested 23 different packing cubes and identified the six best systems on the market. Do yourself a solid, get a few, and take some of the stress out of holiday travel this season.

At a Glance

• Best Utility Player:
• Best for Families:
• Best for Big Trips:
• Best for Wet Gear:
• Best Value:
• Lightest:
• How I tested

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

Best Utility Player

Thule Compression Cube Set

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Dimensions: Small (10.2 x 7.1 x 4.3 in.); Medium (14.0 x 10.0 x 5.9 in.)

Weight: 7 oz.

I have come to expect Thule products to be cleverly designed, simple to use鈥攁nd expensive. Fortunately, only the best two of those three attributes proved true for this cube set. Performance-wise, the two cubes did everything I could have asked for鈥攖hey provided solid compression for the two jean jackets and three pairs of jeans my daughter wanted to take on our trip. They also boast a nice, simple, clean look and a lightweight weigh-in: the two clock in at just over seven ounces put together. The 100-denier nylon was plenty hearty for our stress-testing, as were the large zippers with solid, straightforward pulls. The nylon was also water-resistant, which made these cubes a fine place to stash slightly damp bathing suits. While the semi-transparent material made it easier to spot key pieces of clothing (namely鈥攁ll of Josie鈥檚 denim), it wasn鈥檛 transparent enough to pick out small items like a floating toothbrush. Still a great option for the price, particularly for someone who travels alone a lot and needs just two straightforward cubes.

Best for Families

NOMATIC Compression Packing Cubes

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Dimensions: Small (7.75 x 7.75 x 5 in.); Medium (11.5 x 7.75 x 5 in.); Large (11.5 x 11.5 x 5 in.)

Weight: 15 oz.

This set of three extremely durable cubes was perfect for organizing a carry-on bag for a family trip. A swath of mesh in the front of each one makes it easy to see what’s in them, while the rest of the compartment is made of a heavy-duty nylon. The result was a cube that could really withstand some squashing. I was able to cash in on the breathability of the mesh without worrying about these things feeling fragile. The big zippers and paracord zipper pulls also felt hearty. While all of this bodes well for a long life, it did result in a weight penalty: each was nearly a pound. That wasn’t noticeable when I was walking them from parking lot to hotel, but it would be too much weight to bear if I was trying to travel light on a big trip or absorb one of the cubes into my backcountry ski kit.

Best for Big Trips

Eagle Creek Isolate Carry On Set

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Dimensions: Small (10 x 7 x 3 in.); Medium (14 x 10 x 3 in.)

Weight: 9 oz.

I audibly giggled with satisfaction when I realized how perfectly this set of cubes absorbed my daughter’s and my necessary gear. The four straightforward and thoughtfully built cubes not only fit all of our clothes and toiletries volume-wise, but they were also sufficiently water-resistant to keep wet bathing suits and sweaty running socks contained. The compression zippers were strong enough to squeeze piles of gear to half their original size when I brutally overpacked the cubes, and the lightweight nylon construction made it tempting to turn one of them into a first aid kit for my next backpacking trip. It’s definitely the most expensive set on this list, but it also has the most cubes, which does ease the sticker shock a bit. Plus, nine ounces for four cubes is pretty hard to beat.

Best for Wet Gear

Sea to Summit Hydraulic Packing Cube Set

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Dimensions: Extra-small ( 5.7 x 3.7 x 2.4 in.); Small (8.3 x 4.3 x 2.8 in.); Medium (10.4 x 5.5 x 3.9 in.)

Weight: 4 oz.

These cubes are bonafide multitaskers: they’re at once highly water resistant and extremely packable while also still maintaining a very light weight. I came up in the outdoor world as a raft guide and then an editor for a kayaking magazine, so I gravitate toward water-compatible gear. These three cubes were the best for keeping the wettest and grossest pieces of clothing separate from clean, dry, clothes. That’s thanks to a TPU-laminate, 70-denier ripstop material that packed down small but repelled water like a light-duty drybag when full of completely soggy bathing suits. I would add any (or all three) of these cubes to a rafting, expedition kayaking, or backcountry ski kit without a second thought due to the incredibly light weight and fantastic water resistance. The only downside: they did not feature compression zippers like most of the cubes in this test, so it took some manual squeezing to compress them down to size. That definitely didn鈥檛 allow for as much volume add in my carry-on.

Best Value

GoRuck Packing Cubes

Dimensions: 5L (10 x 8 x 3 in.); 10L (15 x 10 x 3 in.)

Weight: 6 oz.

These heavy-duty packing cubes come in at a killer price ($15 for the 5-liter and $20 for the 10-liter) and definitely deliver in terms of packability and durability. The full-mesh front was a bonus in some ways鈥攍ike making tiny socks easy to find quickly鈥攂ut did not make these cubes a great option for my stinky run shorts or soggy swim trunks. The 200-denier nylon backers were nearly as thick as the fabric on the NOMATIC cubes, and the hearty zippers took all our abuse with aplomb. If you are looking for something simple, well-built, and at a very reasonable price, these cubes will serve you well.

Lightest

Peak Design Ultralight Packing Cubes 3-Pack

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Dimensions: XX-Small (7 x 3 x 2.3 in.); Extra-small (9 x 4.3 x 3.5 in.); Small: (11.8 x 6.7 x 5 in.)

Weight: 3 oz.

Like pretty much every Peak Design product I’ve ever tested, these cubes are so damn smart. They were the lightest on the list and still were fantastic at dealing with moisture thanks to their internally taped seams, which made the cubes borderline waterproof. The durable #5 zippers were a huge bonus, but the stretchy zipper pulls were pretty stressful to watch Josie work over during the stress test. I have a very hard time faulting these cubes for that too hard because they are so incredibly light. I would use these to organize any number of things in my backpacking kit. The only downside to the featherweight construction: the 40-denier nylon was the least abrasion-resistant material in the test.

How I Tested

At first glance, it seemed like everyone who makes bags makes packing cubes. To help work through the myriad options available, I researched packing cubes online and picked the ones with the most compelling designs and materials. I reached out to the brands with the most positively reviewed packing cubes and received 23 packing cubes to test. I weighed all of the cubes together as a set on a kitchen scale to double check manufacturers’ numbers. It is also worth noting that the GoRuck cubes don鈥檛 come in a set, but I tested the two size options as one for congruence with the rest of these sets.

Packability

I then crammed tons of stuff in the cubes to test their packability. I packed every cube in this test 15 times with laundry in my house and fake-packed my Sea to Summit 65-Liter Duffel, which has been my go-to carry-on since I dragged it behind a car for a duffel test in 2016. The consistent repeatability of this experiment allowed me to zero in on the nuances of each cube and sniff out the smartest design details.

Real-World Use

For a real-world test, I took these packing cubes on a family road trip to Eugene and Portland, Oregon, that we had planned in celebration of my daughter Josie turning seven. This was a gear- and outfit-heavy trip since my daughter鈥檚 new favorite hobby is fashion, my wife and I prioritize getting exercise on these trips, and Josie and I are serious hotel pool enthusiasts. We brought three different carry-on-sized bags that I filled with cubes. We packed and unpacked them a full four times over the course of the trip with everything from toys to dirty clothes to wet bathing suits.

Durability

I spent an inordinate amount of time thinking of amusing ways to destroy these cubes. I was tempted to drag them behind my truck or create a wild pulley system in my garage to tear them apart. While those tests would have been fun for me, they really wouldn鈥檛 have given you much useful information, so in the end I stuck with a pretty vanilla but very realistic stress test. I overpacked each one and zipped it up 25 times when overpacked (a common cause of zipper failure). That was meant to mimic the most real-world stress test these would face. I also encouraged my six-year-old daughter to beat the living hell out of them because it was fun, cute, and a real-world way to test the durability of things like handles, zipper pulls, and tie-down spots.

The post The Best Packing Cubes to Help You Survive Holiday Travel appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

The first time I pitched a performance flannel review to an editor was a little over six years ago. In the pitch, I made some snarky remarks about how the term felt like a light oxymoron. Like saying high-tech wool or hydrophobic down, talking about a flannel being a badass performance piece felt like an oversell. Well, sometimes even veteran gear reviewers eat their words. After diving deeper into the category, I discovered that they can indeed deliver the best of both worlds in terms of performance and style. Half a decade later, performance flannels make up about 45 percent of my wardrobe in the wintertime. I love that a single shirt can be perfect for a date, an on-camera work meeting, or a sweaty mountain bike ride. But which ones do it best? To help you choose, I tested more than a dozen options and rated the top eight.

At a Glance

• Best in Test: ($119)
• Best for Travel: ($95)
• Best for Mountain Jocks: ($95)
• Best Trail-to-Tavern: ($100)
• Most Versatile: ($89)
• Most Classic: ($65)
• Best Value: ($45)
• Quickest Drying: ($120)

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

Best in Test

DUER Performance Flannel Button Down

Performance: 5/5

Comfort: 5/5

Style: 4/5

I鈥檓 used to DUER鈥檚 pants and shirts performing well stretch-wise, but I was shocked (in a good way) by how supple and soft the DUER Performance Flannel Button Down was. Next to skin, it was the softest of the bunch. At first look, the Button Down looks like a thick-weight wool, but thanks to its 40-percent synthetic content, it moved like a lightweight wicking layer in the gym and on my mountain bike ride. And even after I worked up a sweat on the ride’s big climb, it dried within the seven-ish minute descent. The Button Down was almost too thick for most other aerobic activities, though: I overheated while riding in temps above 55 degrees. But for slower-paced activities, it shone. The 60-percent cotton, 36-percent Lyocell, and four-percent Elastane fabric is some magic amalgam of stretch that felt unrestrictive during yoga stretches but still maintained a nice tight, clean-looking fit for days spent at my desk. It鈥檚 almost like an optical illusion: If you put it on with closed eyes, you could almost think it was some type of a soft-pile fleece rather than a flannel shirt. Between the fabric鈥檚 considerable stretch and next-level softness, it scored top marks both in comfort and performance.

Best for Travel

Stio Miter Stretch Lightweight Flannel

Performance: 4.5/5

Comfort: 4.5/5

Style: 5/5

I wrote 鈥渇eels like an old friend鈥� in my notes after my two days of wearing the Miter Stretch pretty much nonstop. That includes falling asleep in it at least once while reading my kiddo books at bedtime. The double-brushed weave鈥攎ade of 97-percent organic cotton and three-percent elastane鈥攔eally did wear like a beloved cotton shirt that you鈥檝e washed 200 times. It toed the line between casual t-shirt and dressy button-down. That鈥檚 in large part thanks to its cut, which was trim enough that it never felt sloppy, but boxy enough that it never constricted my back or shoulders on mountain bike rides. The small elastane content in the otherwise organic material was enough to boost the fabric鈥檚 flexibility鈥攕omething I appreciated during heavier physical activities, like digging a trench in my yard. This high level of comfort and versatility make it an ideal travel piece. In fact, this was the flannel I packed for a rainy work trip in Washington, and I鈥檓 glad I did: it鈥檚 really lightweight, was comfortable to fly in, and didn鈥檛 overheat under a rain jacket. It definitely looked more casual than the other flannels on this list due to its cut and cotton-like finish, though, so I wouldn鈥檛 choose it if you’re looking for something to wear to an office.

Best for Mountain Jocks

Flylow Handlebar Tech Flannel

Performance: 5/5

Comfort: 3.5/5

Style: 5/5

As an aging mountain jock, I can say with authority that the Flylow handlebar is aimed directly at my demographic. I particularly loved the arched cut at the sides of hem, which made the shirt easy to tuck in, but still looked handsome untucked. I also found the tailored cut flattering on my body, which trends on the Marge (medium-to-large) side of medium. On the practical side, I loved the two buttoned chest pockets, which each fit a pack of gummy bears鈥攁 perfect snack for my kiddo on errand runs, or for me on a longer ride. This was the only shirt in this test that had snap buttons, which made donning and doffing super easy (I also personally love how snaps look). The sleeves are a little longer than the other flannels on this list鈥攊deal for when my arms were extended on the mountain bike. It’s not the stretchiest of flannels, but it’s built with some extra length in the arms and some articulation in the elbows. That permitted effortless, unimpeded motion both on the bike and in the gym. In terms of next-to-skin feel, the Handlebar definitely trends more synthetic and less cozy than the Stio or Outdoor Research options, earning it a slightly lower comfort score.

Best Trail-to-Tavern

Royal Robbins Lost Coast Flannel

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Performance: 3.5/5

Comfort: 4/5

Style: 4.5/5

I had extremely high hopes for this offering from Royal Robbins since the Thermotech Drake I tested for this publication five years ago remains an all-time favorite of mine. The Lost Coast did not disappoint: its crisp lines made it wear like a fancy dress piece, and it was incredibly lightweight. It was breathable enough for warm afternoons but cozy enough for cool mornings and evenings. Extra material in the sleeves delivered a few extra degrees of movement in my arms on the bike, and it looked the nicest tucked-in of all the options in this test. That made it my go-to for important meetings. However, it’s a polyester-cotton blend, limits stretch. I felt the lack of elastane in the gym and during yoga sessions, but the fact that it got high marks on the mountain bike and could be worn in a boardroom kept me from getting too mad about it.

Most Versatile

Outdoor Research Ravenna Flannel Shirt

Performance: 4/5

Comfort: 4.5/5

Style: 5/5

Fit-wise, the Outdoor Research Ravenna’s cut straddles the line between a boxy and tailored, making it an ideal date-night top in a mountain town. I found myself grabbing for the Ravenna for mountain bike rides even beyond the testing period because its 8.6-ounce weight was enough to give me a slight thermal boost on brisk fall rides, but the 47-percent recycled polyester material moved moisture incredibly well when I broke a sweat on my climbs. The other 53 percent of the fibers are cotton鈥攚hich means it felt organic and super-soft next to skin, particularly after the first couple of washes. I really appreciated the light weight and moisture-moving qualities when I got into heavier yardwork jobs like raking or moving wood around. However, though it was a perfect weight for fall here in the Pacific Northwest, I’ll definitely need to layer over it as the days get colder. I also might be too thin for late fall in colder climes like the Rockies. If you live somewhere truly frigid, opt for the thicker Dickies or DUER flannel instead.

Most Classic

L.L. Bean BeanFlex All-Season Flannel Shirt

Performance: 5/5

Comfort: 3.5/5

Style: 4/5

OK, can we just stop for a second and love on L.L. Bean for naming a shirt the BeanFlex? The name is adorable (and almost even cool?) in a way that only a heritage brand like L.L. Bean could pull off. Everything about this shirt surprised and delighted me in a nostalgic way. The colorway I tested (Barley!) reminds me of looking through L.L. Bean catalogs in my childhood. And while nostalgia led me to love this shirt while testing, I was also happy with the pre-inflation look of the $65 price tag. The fit is definitely a classic flannel cut, but the flex is anything but retro. It lived up to its cute moniker during every arm exercise and yoga move I put it through. It also felt downright nimble on the downhill portion of my mountain bike test, despite clearly not being cut for cycling (there’s not a ton of of articulation in the sleeves or body). Next to skin, it skews more synthetic in feel and doesn’t have the softness of a classic cotton flannel like the Stio or Outdoor Research do. Still, this is a great lightweight, straightforward flannel, especially if you like a classic boxy cut.

Best Value

Dickies FLEX Long Sleeve Flannel Shirt

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Performance: 5/5

Comfort: 3.5/5

Style: 3/5

Of all the flannels I tested, the Dickies FLEX had the largest, most relaxed fit in both the sleeves and in the cut of the torso. I had to double check that this top was a medium because the top was so boxy, but I ended up not minding the extra fabric because it gave my arms and shoulders some more room to move on the mountain bike and in the gym. Its heavyweight, 4.6-oz stretch flannel was woven with one-percent spandex which made it flex really well (as the name would suggest). That said, I didn’t end up testing that flex too much: unlike other shirts in this review, the FLEX was too heavy to wear for vigorous exercise. I sweat completely through it on a mountain bike ride on a 60-ish-degree F morning and it proved slow to dry; it was still soggy when I took it off to shower 45 minutes after my ride. I will be grateful for that extra weight in the winter, though, and will likely be reaching for this when I harvest firewood during the first snowfall.

Quickest Drying

Fj盲llraven Fj盲llglim Shirt

Performance: 4/5

Comfort: 3/5

Style: 4/5

The Fj盲llglim has some of the smartest design details of any of the options in this test. Take the zippered pocket that hid underneath the regular chest pocket and fit my phone, which I loved for mountain biking. Or the button on the arm that allows you to fold it up into a short-sleeve shirt鈥攁dding to the versatility of this piece. I found it to be a great travel shirt because of the extra pockets as well as the fact that it can pull double-duty as a short-sleeve shirt and a long-sleeve shirt. Its 100-percent polyester material didn’t have as much stretch as the elastane- and spandex-infused tops above, but it moved better than a 100-percent cotton shirt of a similar weight would have. It also wicked moisture away from my body like a thick technical base layer so I rarely felt clammy. I also didn鈥檛 feel much impediment to my movement during the arm exercises, though I did notice some constriction along my back in downward dog.

How I Tested

As a longstanding flannel enthusiast, I started by researching the companies that have traditionally made great flannels. I looked for currently available offerings that had some technical fiber woven into them鈥攗sually some type of elastane or a stretchy polyester blend. These fibers enhance a flannel鈥檚 flexibility, durability, and drying time, making them a dead-giveaway that a shirt is going to be able to keep up with active outdoor pursuits. I ended up testing 13 flannels and whittled them down to the eight below.

The main factors that caused flannels to get cut from the roster were weight, lack of durability, or lack of stretch. Once I had my eight flannels to focus on, I wore each of them for two full days doing my everyday fall tasks like playing with my kiddo at parks, raking leaves and obsessively tending to my compost, and working in coffee shops. I also rode my out-the-front-door mountain bike route, Lower Wasabi, which is just shy of six miles round-trip from my yard. The ride has about a half mile of a technical climb and a fun, flowy descent (It鈥檚 both a great workout and downright hoot!).

To get a more distinct view of how each shirt moved, I also put together an exercise routine that included push ups, dips, and curls. I also did an extended downward dog-based stretching session in each of these flannels to see how the back flexed. At the end, I tallied the scores, reviewed my notes, and collated it all into the reviews you鈥檒l see below.

The post The Best Performance Flannels to Get You Through Fall appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

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

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

Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Carrier

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

Wild Rye Payette Pullover and Pant

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

Salomon Elixir Gore-Tex running shoe

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

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

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

Nestout Power Bank 15000mAh

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

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

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

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

Tushy Classic 3.0

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

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

Tower 28 SOS Rescue Spray

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

Kork Goods Vilano Cork Convertible tote bag

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

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

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

Rumpl Backcountry Puffy Blanket

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

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

Simms Pursuit Shoe

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

Le Bent Targeted Cushion 3/4 Trail Sock

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

Gunner Dog Bowl

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

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

Garmin inReach Mini 2

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

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

Maven B.7 Binoculars

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

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

Specialized Stumpjumper 15

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

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

Artilect M-Sprint Tee

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

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

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