Gear Girl

Everything! The best part of my job (other than testing gear) is observing how the women’s side of the outdoor industry is evolving. Just when I think gear can't get any more stylish or technically advanced, another Outdoor Retailer show arrives. Companies are making more feminine, functional, and environmentally friendly gear than ever before. Here’s a quick preview of a few items I can't wait to get my hands on.

Icebreaker’s new women’s underwear (icebreaker.com), made from their lightest-weight merino-Lyrca fabric, comes in two lines: The Siren, in classic underwear styles, and the Sprite, which offers sportier options like the Racerback Tank ($55) and the Sprite Hot Pant ($35).

And no summer is really complete without adding at least one fantastic dress to your wardrobe. Patagonia’s full-length Kamala Cross-Back ($79; Patagonia.com) might as well be it. It's made from an organic cotton-Tencel blend and has a flattering cross back.

For travelers, Aventura’s organic cotton 2 in 1 Dress ($67; aventuraclothing.com) offers a simple solution to over-packing: it’s a skirt and a dress. As a skirt, it gathers into a wide, hip-hugging waistband, perfect after a day in the water. As a dress it's fancy enough to wear out, with horizontal bust pleats, an empire waist, and an A-line drape.     

I'm not the only one who's excited to see Princeton Tec’s new Spectrum (princetontec.com) headlamp, which allows you to mix and match colors and designs to create your own Fuel ($35) or Remix ($45) lamp. If you happen to be at the show, Princeton Tec is unveiling the lamp on Saturday from 4-6. Magic words: Free beer.