Like all hiking gear, underwear needs to perform. Any layer that doesn’t dry quickly is uncomfortable, so a moisture-wicking, quick-drying fabric is essential. As always, that means opt for synthetic or wool and stay away from cotton. The six pairs of underwear weren’t chosen at random. Four of them because they were available at my … Read more
I look down from nearly seven thousand feet above the slickrock canyonlands of Utah’s southeast desert. Just 45 minutes outside Moab, Utah, I’m taking Ridge Merino’s Solstice Sun Hoodie for a testing day out on the skin track in the La Sal mountains. From the snow-covered access road to the boot pack up to the … Read more
Hardshell jackets keep out water and wind while letting out heat and sweat. They do that with a waterproof breathable membrane, commonly known as Gore-Tex. There are 2-layer and 3-layer membranes, plus the third choice, 2.5 layer. Here’s what that means and how to decide which one is the best for you. The invention of … Read more
Featherlight Insulation Made for the Mountains A great down jacket is essential to my kit any time I head out into the mountains. I wanted to see if the Accelerator Down Jacket met my need for a versatile, lightweight down jacket that could keep me comfortable from mountaintops to evenings at camp. Over the course … Read more
Hats do much more than protect facial skin from sun damage – they make being outside more comfortable. Air temperature is only a few degrees different between sun and shade but the shade can feel up to 20 degrees cooler. Many people just wear their favorite baseball or sun hat hiking. However, there are strong … Read more
This sun hoodie is the silky-softest ultralight layer for hiking, running, and skiing Wearing the Himali Eclipse Sun Hoodie while touring in Crested Butte, CO. Photo Credit: Jordan Herbert No matter the season, when I’m out in the mountains, you’ll find me wearing a sun hoodie to protect my skin from the relentless UV rays … Read more
This Local Brand Makes the Best Merino Wool Baselayers for Mountain Athletes Who is Ridge Merino? Out on the skin track in Mammoth Lakes, CA, I glide between sun and shade, forest and meadow, ridgeline and basin. The temperatures swing from a balmy 34 degrees to a brisk 22 with windchill, but I feel comfortable … Read more
Tera Kaia is a sustainability-minded, women-owned business makes the best sports bras and underwear for outdoor-folks of all body types. Tera Kaia is the Best Up-and-Coming Sports Bra Brand on the Market Last year, living in the eastern Sierra Nevada, I often passed by Tera Kaia’s sleek corner storefront on Bishop, California’s Main Street. Bishop … Read more
There is a lot of dating advice out there, most of it is bad. The only true advice is to be yourself. If part you enjoys nature, a hiking date is an inexpensive and authentic way to have good time and get to know each other. Hiking on a date adds looking good to the … Read more
A hiking vest is one of the most versatile pieces of outdoors gear the whole year round. Vests keep you warm during spring, fall, and cool summer nights and can also provide an extra layer in winter. Why a vest and not a jacket? Hiking vests provide most of the warmth of a jacket with … Read more
Yes, waterproof socks exist and yes, they are really waterproof. Here’s when to wear them, when to skip them, and some of the best waterproof socks to wear hiking or anytime feet need to stay dry and warm. What makes waterproof socks waterproof? It is similar to wearing a plastic bags between two socks, and … Read more
If you’ve seen an episode of Survivor in the last 41 seasons, you’ve seen a hiking buff. It is a long tube of thin, stretchy fabric that can be worn and used in over a dozen different ways. Like Kleenex, buff is both a brand name as well as a product description. They can also … Read more
(Product provided in compensation for a review) I have embraced wool for base layers but not for below-the-base layers. Well, I definitely waited too long to try wool underwear for women. BRANWYN kindly sent a set of their products to test and review and I am so glad that they did. BRANWYN wool underwear for … Read more
The Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity shell jacket is a pro shell that is super versatile (I use it for hiking and skiing), 100% waterproof and windproof, quick-drying, extremely breathable (amazing long open wide pit zips), eco-responsible (no harsh chemicals), lightweight (500 grams), and packable. What is really awesome is that the fabric is not noisy … Read more
First and foremost, men can wear skirts too. In fact, the extra breeze for those special sweaty areas makes hiking skirts a great choice for both male and female hikers – including me! Though not a common sight on the trails, here are some reasons and recommendations on hiking skirts for your next outdoor adventure. … Read more