Ridge Merino Solstice Sun Hoodie Review

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

Himali Accelerator Down Jacket (Hooded) Review

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

40+ Best Hiking Hats That Are Functional + Cool

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

Himali Eclipse Sun Hoodie Review

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

Ridge Merino Winter-Spring Gear Round-Up and Review

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 Makes the Best Hiking Sports Bra on the Market

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

Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket Review

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