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Kelty brought back the external frame pack but with a modern twist. The Zyp uses a lightweight steel frame and a suspension system that doesn't suffocate your back. “I found it light and incredibly comfortable despite the water, camera, and food I was carrying,” our gear editor wrote.
If the idea of a climbing-specific sports bra sounds strange to you, you’re not alone. Our editor felt the same way until she tried the Beyond the Wall bra. She especially appreciated the high-cut neck and the thick crisscross straps, which “feels modest without being restrictive."
We called this the “the most portable SUP ever" in our 2019 Summer Buyer’s Guide. The board, pump, and included paddle all stow in a backpack. “The board’s length means it has less than exceptional glide, but 32 inches of width give it stability, and it was incredibly maneuverable,” we wrote.
We featured the Rounder in our selection of the best puffy vests. It melds classic western style with modern materials, like a water-resistant, rip-stop outer shell and Primaloft One insulation. Outside contributor Graham Averill wrote: “We like the touch of corduroy on the shoulders and the front snap pockets.”
The Cannons are some of our favorite women's sneakers. “Every aspect of this sneaker uses environmentally sustainable materials and construction,” our tester writes, “but it doesn’t look like a 'green' shoe, and that’s the point.” The synthetic upper uses recycled plastic bottles and the soles use Bloom foam made from repurposed algae.
When it's time to pack for a ski trip, our gear testers opt for the Boot Cube because it keeps their gear organized and compact. The Cube has built-in ventilation holes to let your boots air out and dry after a long day on the slopes. The front and interior pockets let you store your helmet and goggles in one place.
Treat yourself to cozy cabin vibes this fall with one of our favorite essentials from last year: the United by Blue Enamel Mug Candle. The nine-ounce candle gives you 40 hours of pine-and-vanilla-scented cabin bliss. When the candle is used up, wash the mug out and you have a handy coffee mug for your next camping or cabin trip.
The Spin Ultra won our 2019 Gear of the Year award for its high-quality performance on the trail. The Vibram Megagrip soles “serve up unparalleled traction,” our testers said. Plus, Scarpa added extra cushioning to the Spin Ultra for all-day comfort whether you’re charging up a hill or doing ultra-distance runs.
This hard shell made it into our Gear Guy's ultimate ski touring setup. “This is one of the most breathable hard shells I’ve tested,” he wrote. Plus, when you’re not using it, the shell packs down to the size of a tangerine and only weighs one pound.
Our Gear Guy recommended this running stroller in his roundup of the best gear for road-tripping with children. Folded down, the Revolution Flex goes down to 35-by-10 inches and easily squeezes into an already full car. Jackson especially liked the stroller’s stability and shock-absorbing suspension system.
We included the Dyna Solo in our favorite women’s running gear of 2019. The waistpack lets you carry the essentials like water, phone, ID, keys, and a gel on your trail run. Plus, the elastic, women-specific hipbelt provides a comfortable, secure fit.