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Written by Outside columnist Brad Stulberg and running coach Steve Magness, The Passion Paradox shows readers how they can find and cultivate their passion and avoid its dangers. In researching the book, Stulberg wrote: “I learned that nearly everything people think about passion is wrong.”
This jacket was our favorite alpine shell in our 2019 Summer Buyer's Guide. The hand pockets didn't interfere with a harness, and the fabric is stretchy, durable, and weather resistant. “It’s not breathable enough for running, but the details that make it ideal for climbing work just as well for getting to the crag on a bike or on foot,” our testers wrote.
The best part about this shell is a set of zippers from arm to hem that allows it to vent like a poncho. Last winter, we evaluated over 100 men’s and women’s jackets to find the best ones for outdoor sports. While the Hemispheres wasn’t our top choice in the test, it still stood out as a high-quality backcountry hardshell.
For long days on a bike, this is the helmet you want. When we reviewed it back in 2015, our tester Aaron Gulley wrote: “The Z1 has 31 gaping vents, breathes better than André Greipel in a sprint, and kept us cool on even the muggiest afternoons.”
Named as one of the best pieces of climbing gear in our 2019 Summer Buyer’s Guide, the Petzl GriGri is an excellent addition to anyone’s climbing kit. The latest version of this auto-locking belay device accommodates a wide range of rope widths.
This superlight jacket is filled with the company’s brand-new PlumaFill insulation, made of hydrophobic polyester fibers that mimic the structure of down—gossamer tendrils radiating from a central spine. Rather than being blown into baffles like other synthetic down, the PlumaFill is tacked between sheets of ten-denier nylon fabric in long strands, so it won’t shift and create cold spots.
The Performance Better Sweater is the perfect mid layer for cold-weather pursuits. The side panels are stretchy for extra mobility and the back hem is lower for better protection against the elements. We loved this hoodie so much, it was our favorite hoodie in 2018.
Fend off chills and cold weather in the Ghost Whisperer Reversible jacket. Nikwax-treated 800-fill down retains heat while also resisting moisture, so the jacket can be worn in light rain and snow and still provide ample protection from the elements.
The Storm is the perfect example of how far headlamps have come. It’s moderately priced but pumps out 350 lumens from a proximity beam—ideal for working in close quarters or as a spotlight when you’re on the trail. We really like the battery meter, which shows how much juice you have left in your AAAs. Oh, and it’s fully waterproof.
Last year, Outside tester Anna Callaghan chose the R1 Fleece Hoody as the best overall fleece. “The R1 was my go-to choice when I knew I’d be working up a sweat,” she wrote. Plus, the R1 is so well-loved, it had people literally breaking into song earlier this year.
This superlight jacket is filled with Patagonia's new PlumaFill insulation, which is made of hydrophobic polyester fibers that mimic the structure of down. Rather than being blown into baffles like other synthetics, the PlumaFill is tacked between sheets of 10-denier nylon in long strands, so it won’t shift and create cold spots.