Stephanie Pearson is a contributing editor to Outside, a 2023 National Geographic Explorer, and the author of 100 Great American Parks, published by National Geographic. Three of her Outside stories have been anthologized in The Best American Travel Writing, and she’s won numerous Lowell Thomas Awards from the Society of American Travel Writers Foundation. She’s also a former travel editor at Outside.
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Aigle Shems – Midweight Jackets: Reviews With a soft fleece interior and warm, durable merino wool/nylon exterior, this jacket combines our favorite fabrics in one versatile top. 1.9 lbs; aigleusa.com Patagonia Pau – Footwear: Reviews (Terry Heffernan) The coolest mocs we’ve ever laid eyes…
If the temps dip into the teens, throw on a fleece-lined POLAR REVERSIBLE BUFF, an odor-resistant, two-layer tube that can be worn 12 ways.
Down Economic stimulus in the form of a 650-fill down jacket with a soft, shaggy hood and a feminine cut. llbean.com…
Pavement Pounder The Glide 2 is the Tempur-Pedic bed of the road-running world. Case in point: Soft, moldable foam conforms around your heel and the top of your foot, making this one of the most comfortable runners we've ever stepped into. It's a breezy, mesh neutral trainer with ample cushioning, ready…
The 100 percent merino-wool jersey knit in SMARTWOOL‘s moisture-wicking MICROWEIGHT TANK is so comfortable, you’ll likely have rolled out of bed in it.
Resort Roomier than most resortwear, this waterproof jacket has a brushed-polyester lining, fuzzy collar, and removable hood. patagonia.com…
Burly Day Hiker Whether for a dog walk or an eight-hour peak assault, testers came back to this shoe again and again—even if the forecast called for rain. The waterproof Gore-Tex lining in this nubuck hiker kept our feet dry but never steamy. Want something sturdier for multi-day excursions? Opt…
SKULLCANDY‘s lightweight CHOPS HEADPHONES. With arms that wrap firmly behind your ears, they keep the tunes coming at you loud and clear.
Backcountry/Free-ride FlyLow broke into girls’ gear with a waterproof-breathable and lightly lined soft shell that’s warm enough for skiing but, thanks to ample pit zips, great for touring as well. flylowgear.com…
Stability Road Runner For mild to moderate overpronators, the CT Stamina 2 offers stability with noticeable comfort. The stable heel cup gives way to a light and flexible mesh upper. And for a stability shoe, there's significant cushioning. Testers loved the Stamina 2 for distance training, but its light weight…
MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR‘s 100 percent wool ARA DOME HAT lets hot air escape out the top, while its recycled-polyester fleece ear band adds extra warmth.
High Tech They make this classy jacket expensive, but the redesigned, built-in heating panels definitely work. On the high setting, you can get up to six 20-minute blasts of heat in the torso, sleeves, and collar. $800; rossignol.com…
You can pretty much bet on a short, fierce thunderstorm on your hike. This shell has welded seams and a cinchable but ample-size hood to make sure not a drop of rain gets through. And when the weather clears? It scrunches to the size of a grapefruit in your…
You’ll get the right support with HANDFUL‘s feminine but run-worthy BRA.
Casual This 850-fill piece is the ultimate base layer (yes, it’s svelte enough to wear under a shell), but its chic western flair looks even better after you peel off the layers for après-ski. nau.com…
Layers are key when it comes to summiting peaks. You can drop 20 degrees and gain as much as 6,000 feet in elevation from trailhead to summit. This quick-dry, breathable, mostly nylon top wicks away sweat as you get moving but will also keep you warm when the mercury…
MOVING COMFORT‘s MOBILITY 1/2 ZIP is soft and breathable but practically looks like a piece you can wear to a cocktail party.
A naysayer to the skort? This quick-dry, mostly polyester skirt (with built-in shorts) is so comfortable it will convince you otherwise. Its 13-inch inseam hit just the right spot on our thighs to be flattering, and the four-inch shorts didn’t move midrun (read: chafe-free). Plus, two internal pockets secure…
You’ll often leave before sunrise to make a summit push. Pack this small, light LED headlamp, which has two settings: a floodlight for illuminating the trail and a beam for long-distance (150 feet) spotting. princetontec.com…
Even though the V90s have a small fit that’s friendly to female faces, the interchangeable bronze mirror lens on these impact-resistant shades still successfully shielded the sun during a brutally hot Arizona 5K last fall. With extra lenses available—like amber and clear—at $20 a pop, you’ll be covered no…
Hiking up may be hard, but it’s the downhill that your joints will really feel. Bring along a pair of trekking poles so they can take the brunt of the impact instead of your knees. The thermofoam-handled Aergons are lightweight and easy to adjust on the fly.
On a hot day, you’ll feel speedy as the breeze swooshes into the mesh vents along the sides of this quick-dry polyester running tee. It’s so silky, in fact, that you’ll forget it’s there—especially because of its flat seams. marmot.com…
Any guide will tell you: Keep your feet warm and dry. Merino wool naturally fends off water, keeps swamp foot away, and (as we were pleased to find) fights stink. point6.com…
Keep the sun out of your eyes with this ultralight and flexible all-mesh visor. It pairs perfectly with Smith’s PivLock sunglasses and is easy to adjust on the fly. mountainhardwear.com…
Sure, your rain jacket can stave off a downpour, but it’s equally important to have quick-drying pants. These water-repellent nylon capris are roomy and have five secure pockets for stashing energy bars and a pocketknife. mountainhardwear.com…
What's the best helmet for backcountry skiing in Colorado? The Editors Santa Fe, NM
What's the best backpack for a dog? The Editors Santa Fe, NM
What's the one item you never travel without? The Editors Santa Fe, NM
I am going trekking in Nepal this September? What are essential items of clothing for this trip? Can you recommend the different type of layers that I will need? Saoirse Rooney Dublin, Ireland
Why is it so hard to find cycling apparel that doesn't make me look like a boy? The Editors Santa Fe, NM
I'm looking for a new multi-use bag for graduate school. I'd like a bag I can use during the week for biking to school (I have a 17 inch laptop), and on the weekends for long day hikes with my dog. It'd also be nice if it was waterproof, and it doesn't need to be specifically for holding laptops since I have a sleeve. Liz Harvey Denver, Colorado
What's the best gear to buy a beginning hiker? My 22-year-old girlfriend is just getting started, but she's not outdoorsy. CilliantLouth Ireland
What are the best office-friendly travel clothes? The Editors Santa Fe, New Mexico
What's the best long haul bag for an island vacation? The Editors Santa Fe, New Mexico
What's the best sunscreen to use while snorkeling? — The Editors Santa Fe, New Mexico
What's the best bike for singletrack and urban commuting? — Amy Philadelphia, PA
I will be a tour guide this summer/fall in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The tours involve camping, sightseeing, nightlife, hiking, mountain biking, and whitewater rafting. My pack must not exceed 50 pounds. What items do you recommend for such a diverse itinerary? — Shauna Danos Austin, Texas
Can you recommend a hiking trail for my eight-year-old daughter and me near Asheville, North Carolina? I'm looking for a trail beyond five miles, with pretty scenery. Also, what gear--other than water, snacks, and cell phone--do we need? — Melissa Simmons Saxapahaw, North Carolina
I am going on a long road and camping trip next month. I tend to need to pee every 15-30 minutes. Is there any gear that would help relieve me, without any mess?—AmyPortland, Oregon
I just moved to the Pacific Northwest from Las Vegas and I'd like to start hiking. What is a good starter hiking boot for the wet Cascades that won't break the bank? I'm not planning any overnight or heavy pack trips.— JamiSeattle, Washington
Are there any good sleeping bags for two people that can be brought on backpacking trips?—Jen MooreOrangevale, California
I'm new to hiking and would like some good clothing suggestions for day hikes in late spring/summer/early fall. I'm just not sure where to start.—TaraWashington D.C.
What's a good sports bra in the 32-38 DD range that isn't totally painful or useless?—Jenna ErvinFresno, California
What goes on at Aspen Fashion Week?—The EditorsSanta Fe, New Mexico
Cruise ships and wildlife buses? The tourist staples miss the point of Alaska: It's the last real place to find an epic, crowd-free adventure on American soil. We've scoured the state for the best wilderness lodges, river trips, lonely highways, and DIY escapes. Bear mace not included.
It's spring and I'd like a new bike. I've been riding for years and am debating between a men's and a women's frame. Is women's-specific gear always best?—The EditorsSanta Fe, New Mexico
What backpacking gear do you recommend for Colorado trails?—SophiaConcord, New Hampshire
I'm looking for a good hiking watch. I've heard that Suunto is good and I'm willing to spend $100 to $150, but want to make sure it's a good watch. Any advice?—RebeccaMechanicville, New York
It's in the middle of nowhere, populated by quirky sheep farmers, and just a footnote in British military history. But the world is finally discovering what Darwin found out 176 years ago: The Falkland Islands are one of the last great wildlife destinations on the planet.
I'm doing the John Muir Trail this summer and am trying to decide between a down sweater (like the Rab Microlight Alpine jacket) or a down vest (like the Western Mountaineering Flight Series vest). The vest is lighter, but I'm concerned about warmth.—NanaNew York, New York
I'm a runner and cyclist. I have runner's knee, mild arthritis, and mild overpronation. I don't want to spend hundreds, but I do want to protect my knees. What gear might be useful?—TinaPortland, Oregon
As a descendant of proud Swedes, I shamefully admit that Dale of Norway knits some of the world’s finest sweaters. With classic designs like the “Voss,” “Utstein,” and “Uppigard,” you can’t miss the Nordic connection, but the technology that this 130-year-old company employs is what will blow your mind. Working…
I walk a lot--at least 25 miles per week because I walk to work almost every day. Can you recommend a shoe that can withstand that sort of rigor? Sylvia Boston, Massachusetts
I'm from Colorado but living for a short while in the UK. I'd like to buy a two-person tent that can withstand the rain and has excellent venting because I love my down sleeping bag. Can you recommend one? Jie Oxford, UK
How would you compare the waterproof/breathable ratings of The North Face Venture, the Marmot Precip, the Mountain Hardwear Epic, and the Isis Torrent? CYD Falmouth, Maine
As a newcomer to a cold climate, I've found several outdoor sports I enjoy. I've figured out how to keep my body and digits warm, but my face gets so cold it goes numb and my eyeballs feel like they'll freeze in their sockets. I've gotten a mild case of frostbite on my face. How can I keep my face warm and protected?
Winter weekends are short and dark—which means you need to be fast and smart. Beat the blues with one of these surprisingly affordable escapes.
Longevity guru Dan Buettner has a plan to add 12 years to your life. But is it worth it if you have to give up what you love most?
What's on the Gear Girl's Christmas wish list? The Editors Santa Fe, New Mexico
What are some great recycled products? The Editors Santa Fe, New Mexico
What's the secret to testing gear? The Editors Santa Fe, New Mexico
What are the best green products for cleaning my holiday swag? The Editors Santa Fe, New Mexico
What's the best full-length, ultra-light sleeping pad? Beth New Canaan, Connecticut
What is the best sleeping bag for a fetal sleeper? Ellie Wilmington, Delaware
What is the best women’s full-length parka for very cold weather? Linda McFarlane Calgary, Alberta
Can you recommend a good women’s analog watch for under $200? Claudia Garren Asheville, North Carolina
What's the best hybrid bike under $1,000 for trails and around town? Tobi Colorado Springs, Colorado
What are good women's packs for an extended trip? I plan to hike the Long Trail next summer and need a larger pack. Erin South Windsor, Connecticut
I just started mountain biking at 50. What's the best equipment for me? @yakimakel Via Twitter
My wife and I would like to take our 13-month-old daughter cycling with us around town. Should we use a trailer or a child seat? Noah West Lafayette, Indiana
What's the best mountain bike for a eight-year-old girl? I want a front suspension to help me beat my dad on the trails. Gwendolyn Nace Snellville, Georgia
I'm looking for the best pair of running shoes for a triathlon event. I'm not a natural runner but a natural athlete. What are the best running shoes for a triathlon? Viver Swimmer Taipei, Taiwan
What is the best waterproof rain jacket for Machu Picchu? Sara San Jose, California
What is the best storage case to protect my iPhone while kayaking/biking/running? The Editors Santa Fe, New Mexico
What is the best way to pack your bike for a flight? The Editors Santa Fe, New Mexico
What is the best way to transport kayaks if I don’t like to lift them to the top of my car? Heather M. Hillsborough, North Carolina
What is the best way to store skis and skins over the winter? The Editors Santa Fe, New Mexico
In Michigan, you’re never more than 90 miles from a Great Lake, which is the reason, I suppose, it’s nicknamed the Great Lakes State. By those standards, it should also be dubbed the Unbelievably Sick Trout-Water State. The Au Sable, the “Big” and Little Manistee, the Muskegonthere are quality rivers…