Women’s
Archive
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…
A snap-out chamois liner hides under a pair of stylish plaid shorts, perfect for heading from the trail to the pub. pearlizumi.com…
Throw this sporty bathing suit on for surfing or volleyball. Then, to thwart tan lines, swap the top out for the Bali Bandeau ($40; not shown) in the matching print. carvedesigns.com…
Nothing beat the uninsulated Snowbelle on bluebird spring ski days. Patagonia’s proprietary fabric is completely waterproof but didn’t suffocate, even when we wore it on a steep, snowy hike up 9,111-foot Atalaya Mountain in Santa Fe. Our taller testers applauded its extra length (which kept snow out), and everyone…
Big Mountain Our women testers praised the Nemesis as “the go-to ski for anyone who seeks powder at all costs.” But, while the 98-millimeter waist says soft snow, when you hit the hardpack you can hang it way out there with the carvers. New this year, a “slow rise” in…
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.
Necessary addition to your starter kit: a chalk bag. Keeping your hands dry is essential for better grip. This bag offers easy access—and is available in feminine prints. metoliusclimbing.com…
While all the shoes here are made specifically for women, we found that the Terrastryder’s lower- volume forefoot, cushioned ankle, deep Achilles cutout, and sloping collar combined for the best fit of the bunch. It feels more like a sandal than a boot but still has bootlike stability,…
This standout in Deuter’s new women’s line is the pack equivalent of 1,000-thread-count sheets. Like other models here, it has female-specific features—curved shoulder straps, a shorter torso, and a contoured hipbelt. And it hugged our bodies with just-right padding. Plus you can fine-tune fit with the ladderlike Vari-Quick harness.
DELUXE RIDE Cushy, comfy, and extremely breathable, these shoes are like a Mercedes convertible for your feet. The midsole offers good stability and major cushion that, combined with a seamless transition, had me on cruise control during long runs. Best for neutral runners. 10.3 oz; saucony.com Bonus: Moisture-wicking liners…
Ground-biting traction and a cushy, flexible midsole made this low-top our favorite for fast scrambling in steep terrain. scarpa.com…
This versatile shoe goes from road to trail—and October to April—with ease. Midsole cushion is pillow-like on rocky trails and flexy enough for roads, and the upper breathes well and resists minor weather (but isn’t waterproof). It’s best for narrow-footed mild pronators. 10 oz; brooksrunning.com…
As comfy as slippers, these ultra-warm clogs can be worn with long underwear or slacks. The top-quality leather says dress shoe, but the thick, grippy outsole can take on the snow. bornshoes.com…
BIG-AIR MAGNET The HiFi is like having two bikes in one: You can huck huge lines without sacrificing the light weight of your cross-country ride. With five inches of travel (compared with four in most new women’s bikes), it’s an invitation to step it up. The Fox F120 fork is…
The 15-degree EcoPro is made with a new 80 percent recycled synthetic insulation and 100 percent recycled polyester shell fabric. But it compresses and insulates as well as comparable synthetics and comes with a microfleece-lined collar and a stash pocket. 15°F, 3 lbs; marmot.com…
BEST OVERALL This jacket is all about skier-friendly features. Our favorites: an easily removable hood, a powder skirt, zipper tabs big enough for mittened hands, and fleecy cuffs that keep drafts out. The insulated Sofia is warm without looking bulky, but on the coldest days you’ll have to layer up…
Heartily cushioned, especially in the heel, this stability shoe is customized for women, with a narrower last, lower heel height, and more flexible forefoot than the men’s version. 9 oz; reebok.com…
Good for Park and Pipe The reverse-camber Compact was the most confidence-inspiring and maneuverable park-and-pipe board we tested this year. We’re also big fans of Ride’s proprietary urethane sidewalls. They absorb chop better than other brands’ and help eliminate washout (over-rotating), a common problem with rockered…
ALL MOUNTAIN Good for All Mountain Developing an easy-flexing ski that still offers hard-snow performance has long been the holy grail of ski design. With the World Cup–inspired D2 (or Doubledeck), essentially a ski on top of a ski connected by free-gliding joints, Atomic has all but broken the…
Rain-soaked singletrack? Don’t even hesitate. The Apex is made for muck. The aggressive outsole gripped well on both the way up and the way down, and the Gore-Tex upper fended off even the slushiest snow. The stiff, supportive platform is very stable—easily crossing over for all-day hike/run epics—but it’s…
Trail Cheetah Training on rocky, technical terrain? This shoe is your superstable running partner. One-pull Kevlar laces lock down tight, securing the cradle around your foot and creating lateral stability and even tension throughout for an agile feel. Cushioning is on the firm side, which we thought was just fine…
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.
This slim-fitting merino-wool jersey won’t stink as quickly as most, and thinner merino panels under the arms and along the sides helped it dry better than other jerseys we’ve tried. smartwool.com…
Testers raved about how smoothly this waterproof trench coat transitioned from hikes in the woods to art galleries. Plus it was pineapple-size in our suitcase. merrell.com…
The wrong knee-length parka can make you look like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. Not the Aria. Its 650-fill down is toasty on blustery winter days, but the close-fitting silhouette doesn’t add bulk. Plus one of the hand pockets doubles as a stuffsack. TAGS: knee-length, media pocket, packable…
Big Mountain As the stiffest boot in the women’s Inferno line, the Crush was our favorite advanced-level boot. “It’s a no-holds-barred women’s skiing machine!” one tester exclaimed. Its basic design—low volume with a very natural and efficient stance—fit most of our testers well right out of the box. A faux-fur…
You’ll get the right support with HANDFUL‘s feminine but run-worthy BRA.
It's a super-solid ski that's quick and holds incredibly well on ice but also likes to float through powder. To achieve that versatility, and allow the ski to flex unimpeded, the Austrian company affixes its integrated IQ binding system (included) with a single screw. Which, combined with the full-wood core,…
Lightweight and low-profile, the Hooligan is perfect for slim faces and smaller heads. Bonus: You can afford another pair if you lose ’em at the crag. www.ryderseyewear.com…
Hydration packs don’t come with more features than this. On a day hike in Utah’s Owl Canyon, the Isis’s leakproof three-liter reservoir toted plenty of water, the main compartment stowed lunch and more, and the large exterior pocket and cinch cord held extra layers. Even fully loaded, the pack…
MOST VERSATILE From a fast 5K to a long, slow jog to a moderate trail run, these shoes do it all. The 2120 has a lighter midsole material than its predecessors, and a solid support system helps both heel and midfoot strikers retain a natural stride while gently correcting overpronation.
BEST ALL-AROUND From lunch-hour sprints to a Sunday century, the Cannondale Synapse does it all. It’s as responsive, stiff, and zippy as high-end machines twice the price, but thanks to its relaxed geometry, it’s also comfortable on the longest days. Credit the full-carbon frame, which absorbed bumps even on Vermont’s…
Tackle the trickiest winter trails with this all-conditions shoe, thanks to a tough toe cap, sticky rubber outsole, and rigid midfoot support. ASICS’s signature gel pockets in the heel minimize pounding, and testers loved the smooth transition from heel strike to toe-off. 11 oz; asics.com Bummer: Check…
Now you really can wear Crocs year-round. Remove the faux fur for washing. crocs.com…
GOING DOWN? For speed and control on the descent, the aluminum BMC took top honors, with our riders reporting significant increases in their downhill speed, so much so that they were catching other bikers they normally wouldn’t even see. On a ripping descent of Vermont’s Cliff Trail, turns were quick,…
It’s slightly dubious that a bag that packs down to the size of a tennis shoe can keep you warm, but even on a 38-degree night, you’ll be snug. Credit the 650-fill down insulation and an additional interior foot pouch that can be pulled over your toes. 40°F, 1.6…
APRÈS This jacket is as comfy as a sleeping bag, but with a flattering waistline it looks exponentially better. The DWR-treated exterior repelled light precipitation surprisingly well, but the wind whipped right through. Alter ego: Use as a liner under a shell on cold days. cloudveil.com…
The most gender-specific shoe in our test, the Wave Rider accommodates a woman’s unique biomechanics. The result is a nimble, comfortable, impressively breathable, neutral trainer that’s also ready to race. 8 oz; mizunousa.com…
Dialing in the perfect fit is a cinch. A tug on the right pull tightens the upper and toe zones, while the left controls the ankle, the most sensitive pressure point. Then you can tuck both away in between the liner and shell. forumsnowboards.com…
BIG MOUNTAIN Good for Big Mountain You'll feel like you're cheating on huge powder days. The only women-specific rockered (upturned tip and tail) ski on the market, the Voodoo Pro also has tapered tips and tails, so they don't get hung up on pillows of poof. But what sets…
Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you have to run in beefy shoes. The light weight, streamlined silhouette, and lateral stability of the SpeedComp made us more nimble on trails of all sorts, while the Gore-Tex upper kept us warm and dry. With the one-pull laces and a women’s…
All-Terrain Rambler With a sticky rubber outsole, the light and flexible Tsali performs best on rolling, rocky trails. We especially loved the lacing system, which provides a snug, arch-supporting fit. And there's more than just a gender-specific last here: To accommodate a women's lighter weight, the Tsali's midsole and a…
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…
Breathable mesh and perforated palms kept riders’ hands cool. Plus, grippy fingertips helped slippage on shifters. konaworld.com…
These shades are stylish and technical. Peripheral vision is great, and they stay firmly in place when running around on the beach. Go for the polarized version ($220) if you’re heading for water. oakley.com…
This lightly insulated, water-resistant soft shell is perfect for nordic skiing or snowshoeing on winter’s coldest days. It’s got a plethora of pockets, activity-friendly four-way stretch, and a helmet-compatible hood. Why we didn’t want to take it off: The quilted lining is like wearing your softest sleeping bag all…
All Mountain The Kenja is a master of all terrain, thanks to an even flex and a modestly tapered sidecut. On snow, that translates to a huge sweet spot—you don’t have to be “on it” all the time—with a low swing weight and silky ride. At 86 millimeters underfoot, it’s…
MOVING COMFORT‘s MOBILITY 1/2 ZIP is soft and breathable but practically looks like a piece you can wear to a cocktail party.
When British triathlete Chrissie Wellington lines up at the Ironman World Championship, in Kona, Hawaii, October 9, she'll be going for a fourth-straight title.
Outside Magazine offers free photo galleries. See the best in outdoor photography, featuring top pictures of climber Alex Puccio.
Is it ever too late to become an elite athlete? Sure. But Leander, Texas, native Liz Hatch, 30, has extended the admissions deadline. She got her first bike at age 24—an escape, she says, from a troubled relationship and the cigarettes-and-cocktails lifestyle of Miami, where she was living. Six years later, she's a key domestique on the Belgian powerho
Kick Kennedy The dynastic brothers are gone, but up comes the next generation. Kick, 21, a senior at Stanford, has quietly built a résumé fighting for water conservation. In 2006, she joined an Imax crew filming Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk and became…
Julia Mancuso The first time we heard about Julia Mancuso, she was winning gold in the 2006 giant slalom, in Turin, after top U.S. contender Lindsey Vonn was injured in practice. The Lake Tahoe native went on to have a career-best season, but in the years that…
It’s hard to call an Olympic silver medal a defeat, but that’s what Gretchen Bleiler’s 2006 halfpipe loss to Vermont native Hannah Teter seemed like. Bleiler, the 28-year-old from Aspen, Colorado, has been the dominant woman in snowboarding for the past half-decade, but she’s entering this Olympic year as an…
The newest addition to Jack Johnson’s Brushfire Records is a ukulele-strumming 23-year-old from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, who caught her break on YouTube. In 2007, Zee Avi posted videos of herself singing uke-accompanied pop songs. The clips went viral, and Avi, who lived on Borneo until age 12 and started playing…
We handed disposable cameras to 11 Outside icons for a behind the scenes look into their lives. What did we find out? You'll be surprised.
Putting off med school to train for the English Channel swimming record? Now that's a gap year. San Francisco-based Laurin Weisenthal, 25, who helped her Harvard swim team win an Ivy League championship and break into the NCAA's top 25, plans to make her attempt at the 25-mile, 58-degree crossing…
She drinks hard, fights dirty, and runs 100 trail miles faster than any woman alive. Meet Jenn Shelton, ultramarathoning's new antihero.
Before she on-sighted the 2,000-foot Northwest Face of Half Dome, in October, the 28-year-old sylph from Kentucky was already hailed as one of the world’s best sport climbers winning both the X Games and the World Cup earlier this decade. On-sighting free-climbing on her first try, without…
An American is the best female skier in the world. Better start paying attention.
In your dreams. (You couldn't keep up anyway.) But that doesn't mean you can't learn a few things about maximizing your summer fun from surf goddess Malia Jones.
She won gold in Turin, but mostly Julia Mancuso wants you to know her name
Photo Gallery: Julia Mancuso Associate editor (and ski-babe connoisseur) Gordy Megroz lived the dream of many a lad when he flew to Maui to profile U.S. Ski Team star Julia Mancuso for the November 2007 profile “America’s Next…
We spoke to 25-year-old, seven-time Olympic medalist Amanda Beard about her progression from 14-year-old podium-placer to her out-of-retirement run for a fourth Olympic Games. Here, read Curtis's complete interview with Beard.
Steph Davis knows the downside of being one of the world’s best women climbers: like living out of a car for seven years and having your mom suggest (frequently) that you’re out of your mind. The upside? Yosemite. The Andes. And a life in which every day is a thrilling vertical grab.
Four young climbers hit the road in search of big rock, girl power, and a heavenly interlude of physical bliss
 Outside Magazine, January 1999 Blackbeard Doesn’t Come Here Anymore And for that matter, neither do the Bahamian picnickers, or the drug runners, or the gentle eccentrics who once made Gorda Cay their home. Of course, that was…
In the 500 dusty years of refined yet raw Spanish ritual, one young matador stands quite apart from the others