The first time river guide Bart Baldwin ever dipped a paddle into whitewater, he was rafting Oregon’s Upper Klamath River. “It spoiled me,” recalls Baldwin, who grew up near the river. That initial experience sparked a passion for paddling that Baldwin parlayed into a career that led him across the country—and back to the Upper Klamath, where he’s operated Noah’s Rafting Company since 2008. He discovered that the “UK” whitewater had few equals. “It was unique,” Baldwin says. “It wasn’t natural by any means, but unique.”

Timed releases out of JC Boyle dam created surges in the river’s flow and some of the biggest (class III and IV) rapids in the Pacific Northwest. And the water was a comfortable temperature: Unlike the bracing snowmelt that many rafters brave across the western United States, the Upper Klamath water that flowed from Boyle Reservoir and Upper Klamath Lake farther upstream was known for its warmth. The crowd-pleasing day trip accounted for more than 50 percent of Baldwin’s annual revenue.

But summer 2023 was the last season for the dam-dictated Upper Klamath. JC Boyle and three other Klamath River dams were dismantled between July 2023 to October 2024, and without those timed, high-volume releases, the Klamath no longer offers its famously thrilling whitewater. The river, which had been dammed for over 100 years, has yet to settle into its new normal—and it’s unclear whether it will have sufficient flows to be navigable at all.

Saying goodbye to that income, and to the rapids that inspired Baldwin to devote his life to running rivers, came hard. The Upper Klamath, which runs through high-desert western juniper forests that grow in volcanic soils, “feels like home,” Baldwin says. “I spent 30 years up there, and they were some of the best years of my life.”

The removal of JC Boyle and the other three dams is the world’s largest-ever dam removal project, affecting a 41-mile stretch of the Klamath River flowing between Oregon and California. Built between 1908 and 1962 to generate electricity for nearby communities, these four hydroelectric dams submerged indigenous lands, blocked salmon passage, and created pockets of warm water where toxic blue-green algae thrived. Deconstructing them promises to repair significant social and environmental damage, and consequently, many people celebrated when the smallest of the four dams, called Copco Number Two, was removed in summer 2023. Drawdown of the other three reservoirs continued in January 2024, and the project was officially completed in October. Keno Dam, which sits far upriver, was left in place because it has a fish ladder and provides irrigation for farmland.

This change promises, in the long-term, to improve water quality and allow salmon to reach their former upstream spawning grounds. But there are unwelcome tradeoffs: People who lived and worked along the dammed Klamath had built homes and businesses that relied on its series of reservoirs and rapids, and many of these stakeholders had opposed the dams’ removal. Since the dams have come down, property values along the former lakes have declined. The region’s sprawling farms and ranching families also fought the project because the dams routed water to their lands. And some environmentalists question whether salmon can or will return to upriver spawning grounds. Rafting outfitters anticipate significant financial losses now that dam releases no longer produce the rapids that attracted boaters. People stand to lose not just money, but also their identities.

Envisioning a New and Undiscovered River

Historical and scientific records yield only a few clues about what the Klamath River was like before it was dammed. The annals confirm little beyond the fact that fall- and spring-run chinook salmon, Pacific lamprey, and steelhead trout all used to migrate to some unconfirmed point near the headwaters of the Klamath River, at marsh-ringed Upper Klamath Lake.

The Klamath that living people have come to know starts there, at a shallow basin that hugs the eastern edge of Oregon’s Cascade Range for 25 miles. Those warm waters flow through Keno Dam, JC Boyle Reservoir and Dam, and into Copco Lake” before spilling out through Copco One and Copco TwoÌęand passing myriad agricultural diversions along the course to Iron Gate Dam. From there, the Klamath picks up speed as it slices through northern California for 200 miles to meet the Pacific Ocean near Crescent City.

Baldwin, a lifelong adventurer, can’t help but feel curious about the potential for continued exploration on the newly free-flowing river. “There is some opportunity here,” he says of the transformed stretches of riverbed. “We’ll push off in boatsÌęand wonder what’s around the corner. We’ll run something with no beta, and that’s so unheard-of in the Lower 48,” Baldwin says.

Already, he’s scouted , a stunning 1.7-mile chasm of columnar basalt that had been dried up by Copco TwoÌędam. Future flows there may range from 5,000 to 10,00 cubic feet per second (CFS) in winter to 700 to 1,000 CFS in summer for class III and IV rapids. “That was pretty cool to see,” says Baldwin.

Because the flows on the future Klamath River will be lower than the summertime surges facilitated by the dams, big rafts probably won’t be able to negotiate the new runs. Baldwin is mulling the possibility of offering multi-day fishing trips in small catarafts that can plumb technical water through remote canyons.

“I don’t know if salmon are going to be teeming through that section. I hope they do,” says Baldwin, noting that large-scale, water-hungry agricultural operations have appeared along the Klamath River and challenge the return of historic flows. “I hope that with the dams out, that entire river system will heal, and be better in the long run.”

That vision tests Baldwin’s faith. Nevertheless, he’s putting plans in place—in part because he enjoys seeking solutions to novel problems that haven’t already been solved. The future is uncertain, but it could be exciting. “I could be a taxi into some of the newest and most unique fly-fishing spots in the US,” says Baldwin.

Connecting Past and Future Visions

Since 1918, salmon and steelhead have bumped their heads against the aptly-named Iron Gate dam, the lowest of the four dams and an impassable barrier for migrating fish, which was removed on May 5 of this year. Installing fish ladders and updating the aging hydroelectric infrastructure at Iron Gate and other Klamath River dams wasn’t worth the expense, decided PacifiCorps, the energy company that operated the dams. And so, after decades of protests from the region’s indigenous tribes, California and Oregon issued approval for dam removal to restore habitat for four keystone fish species: Chinook salmon, Coho salmon, Pacific lamprey, and steelhead trout.

“Conifer forests benefit from the marine-derived nutrients,” explains Keith Parker, senior fisheries biologist for the Yurok Tribe, one of several entities that’s working to restore the Upper Klamath and its sea-run species. Salmon, steelhead, and Pacific lamprey spend most of their lives in the ocean, which fattens them for their long migration (totaling hundreds of miles) up the Klamath River to reproduce. Their eggs feed other fish, such as bull trout, and their carcasses enrich the soil to nourish some of the world’s tallest, oldest trees. Multiple, cascading ecological processes rely on these fish.

The fish have both biological and cultural significance, explains Parker. “They have fed our people since time immemorial with high-quality protein,” he continues. The Yurok people now eat a primarily commercial diet, but Parker is hopeful that the return of the salmon could help them reconnect with ancestral foods and traditions. His tribe suffers disproportionately from obesity, diabetes (at twice the national average), and poor mental health. are 14 times higher than the national average.ÌęParker believes that sourcing local, nutritious food is an important step towards better community health.

Parker considers the fish population and the Yurok people intertwined. “My people were wiped out to fewer than 1,000 of us, and the salmon experienced their own genocide,” says Parker. The Klamath River’s current salmonid population represents just two percent of historic levels. “Yet they still persist,” continues Parker. When he imagines the future of the Klamath River, he looks to the distant past.

“Salmon are in the fossil record,” Parker says. The oldest salmon fossils in Oregon are . That history gives him confidence that they will return, which many people outside the tribal community view as uncertain. To Parker, a hundred-year lapse can’t permanently interrupt a five-million-year-old habit.

Parker also draws inspiration from more recent proof of salmonids’ resiliency.Ìę“There have been close to 250 dam removals in the western US, and the common thread among all of them is that within a short period of time—literally months—biologists found juvenile salmon and larval-stage lamprey above the dam sites,” he said. As of this writing, As of this writing, Chinook salmon have started to into the previously inaccessible water above the Iron Gate dam site, roughly 150 miles from the California coast. They haven’t yet reached the former JC Boyle reservoir, 32 miles farther upriver in Oregon.

Focusing on the Future

After Danny Fontaine moved to the shores of Copco Lake in 2011, he’d spend the mornings and evenings on his dock, casting a fishing rod for perch, bass, and crappie. The water shimmered just below his lakeside home, with a 150-step staircase linking his back door to the shore. Some days, he captained a pontoon boat across the water; other times he launched his motor boat.ÌęNow, the lake has receded back to a river.

His home sits among a small cluster of buildings: There’s the defunct Copco Lake Store (which Fontaine owns and hopes to remodel), the fire station, the Community Center, and its outdoor swimming pool. These buildings and the residents they serve : nobody knows for sure how the river—or the local economy—will regenerate. Amid that climate of precarity, Fontaine’s work as a real estate agent has dried up.

But Fontaine is training his eye on the future. He seeks solace in tangibles such as the Copco Lake Store and the interior remodeling that it requires. “Thinking about that makes me feel good,” he says. His hope is that rafting outfitters might find a way to continue to offer float trips on the new river, and that those boaters would use the future store as a resupply station. Maybe creating a new campground would give visitors a reason to come to the community that once occupied the southeast end of Copco Lake.

Such visions of the future help Fontaine accept this change. He also reminds himself that the Copco residents will persist, even without the lake. Throughout the year, the Community Center hosts monthly dinners involving area residents. Fontaine or his husband Francis Gill, a trained chef and the Community Center’s president, typically cooks for the group. “Everyone out here is fairly tight-knit,” says Fontaine.

“Nobody here has sold their house because of the dam removal, nor do they plan to,” he says, concluding, “We won’t be able to have the water, but we’ll be able to have the community.”

The post After the Klamath Dam Removal, Residents Grapple with an Uncertain Future appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

Humans feel comfortable in a shockingly narrow temperature range—which is what makes a terrific midlayer so valuable for cool- and cold-weather outings. As the mercury dips into the 50s, 30s, or (gasp!) below zero, insulated jackets let us achieve our preferred climate conditions while we venture beyond the HVAC-controlled indoors. One could even say that a midlayer is the most important single piece of gear for outdoor sports through fall, winter, and spring.

Except that when it comes to materials and construction, midlayers can vary as widely as the weather you’re seeking protection from. In other words, choose wisely based on your activity level, region, and material preference, among other things. After testing close to 50 women’s insulated midlayers, we recommend these six standouts.

At a Glance

• Editor’s Choice:
• Best Ultralight:
• Best Emergency Warmth:
• Best Stretch:
• Best Wind Protection:
• Best Sport/Casual Crossover:
• Best Fleece Midlayers
• How To Choose an Insulated Midlayer
• How We Test
• Meet Our Testers

If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

Editor’s Choice

Mountain Equipment Oreus

Sizes: XS-XL
Weight: 12 oz.
Warmth: 8/10
Breathability: 8/10
Durability: 9/10

Pros and Cons
⊕ Very warm
⊕ Excellent breathability
⊕ Compresses to a small size
⊗ Expensive

If I could custom design a midlayer, this would be it. I loved the Oreus for ski touring and winter hiking, finding it breathable enough to wear at the resort beneath a shell during pow laps at Steamboat. Checking boxes for warmth, ventilation, compressibility, and durability, the Oreus is made from 100 percent recycled polyester insulation fibers interlocked with a reflective material that traps body heat—like a space blanket, but more breathable thanks to air pockets between the insulation fibers. That’s topped with a 10-denier, 100 percent recycled ripstop fabric treated with a fluorocarbon-free DWR, which repelled snow flurries during testing and prevented clamminess when worn during and after high-exertion ski-touring climbs. Silky and quiet, the fabric also proved durable enough to resist snags or rips over four months of steady wear while ski mountaineering. Cozy enough to serve as an emergency layer in all but the coldest conditions, the Oreus ably handled temps ranging from 5 degrees Fahrenheit to up to 35 degrees—in other words, most winter conditions.

The jacket squishes to basketball-size when packed, and abundant pockets hold climbing skins (in the interior drop pouch) and other essentials (in three zippered outer pockets). Testers even gave the hood rave reviews for its three-way adjustability and warmth. At $450, this layer costs more than many insulated ski jackets and shells, but its performance won’t disappoint.

Best Ultralight Layer

Black Diamond Deploy Down Hoody

Sizes: XS-XL
Weight: 4.8 oz.
Warmth: 8/10
Breathability: 7/10
Durability: 7/10

Pros and Cons
⊕ Light but warm
⊕ Packs small
⊗ So-so breathability
⊗ Fragile shell fabric

Behold the mighty warming power of 1,000-fill down. Made with a hood—but without a full-length zipper—this pullover claims to be the world’s lightest down hoody. We believe it: The combination of high-loft insulation and tissue-thin, four-denier ripstop nylon packs so small that I was able to stuff it into the water bottle pocket of my hip pack. Unfurled, it delivered impressive warmth when testers paused while cross-country skiing or hiking. “It’s all the warmth I needed in 15 to 32-degree conditions,” one tester reported. That said, everyone agreed that colder temperatures warranted a heavier-weight emergency layer. Because down insulation’s Kryptonite is moisture, the Deploy isn’t ideal as the only layer for resort skiing, uphilling, or other sweat-producing activities (a PFC-free DWR does protect the down from light flurries). Instead, it’s best as a topper during game delays: Pull it on during a scenic snack break and savor its low-bulk warmth.

Best Emergency Warmth

Women’s Jones Re-Up Down Recycled Hoodie

Sizes: XS-L
Weight: 14 oz.
Warmth: 9/10
Breathability: 7/10
Durability: 8/10

Pros and Cons
⊕ Ethically and sustainably made
⊕ Reliable warmth
⊕ Very durable
⊗ Sometimes too warm and not super waterproof

Here’s the piece that kept our California-based tester comfy through all conditions—including a shockingly cold April ascent of 14,179-foot Mt. Shasta. “This jacket was great in blizzard conditions, for wearing over layers on a multi-pitch ice climb, and when transitioning from skis to crampons and back again during mountaineering objectives,” she reported. Plenty of responsibly sourced, upcycled 750-fill down fattens the baffles, sewn in certified ethical factories using 100 percent recycled, 20-denier ripstop nylon. That fabric proved its durability over a season by remaining tear-free despite getting shoved into packs with sharp tools and sparring with hamburger grease during aprùs (“It did great in the wash,” reported a tester). Water-repellent coatings on both the plumes and fabric keep the jacket lofty through light precipitation or modest perspiration, but this piece is no standout in breathability or rain resistance. Emergency warmth is its calling and its Achilles heel: It’s too warm to wear while moving or in mild conditions.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT BY REI
REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket – Women’s ($129)

Bundle up for chilly walks, crisp air and crunchy leaves in the REI Co-op women’s 650 Down jacket. This everyday jacket boasts recycled materials to help you feel good in more ways than one. Insulation is down and the weight of the jacket is 10.2 oz

Best Stretch

LĂ© Bent Genepi Wool Insulated Hybrid Jacket

Sizes: XS-L
Weight: 14.8 oz.
Warmth: 7/10
Breathability: 9/10
Durability: 9/10

Pros and Cons
⊕ Unconfining fit
⊕ Odor-resistant
⊕ Spiffy enough for town
⊗ Not very compressible

First, a warning: The Genepi will make every other jacket in your closet feel like a restraining device. “I can’t believe how free my arms feel,” reports one tester, who wore it for nordic ski workouts, hiking, and resort skiing (when she topped it with a ski shell). Its modified raglan sleeves extend the underarms’ heat-dumping stretch panels (made of a synthetic/rayon/Merino wool blend) around the shoulder blade area to reduce constriction when pole-planting. More of that highly breathable fabric extends across the lower back. The chest and center back have baffled insulation containing recycled polyester and wool (30 percent), which results in a comfort zone that spans an impressively broad range of temperatures, from eight degrees Fahrenheit (during high-exertion skating) to mild spring days at the resort. Equally versatile is its styling: Testers wore it around town and for road trips.

Best Wind Protection

Arc’Teryx Proton Hybrid Hoody

Sizes: XXS-XXL
Weight: 10.9 oz.
Warmth: 6/10
Breathability: 10/10
Durability: 10/10

Pros and Cons
⊕ Outstanding breathability
⊕ Buffers wind
⊕ Extended sizing
⊗ Not the warmest

A winter-weight wind shell, the Proton blocks knifelike gusts without trapping sweat. I was impressed with how regulated my temperature stayed in this jacket while ski-touring in 20-degree Fahrenheit conditions and skate-skiing at 12 degrees. Colder than that, and wearers reached for additional layers: Only this jacket’s chest panels are insulated, using a thin layer of 40-gram Coreloft polyester (recycled and Bluesign-approved). Windproof Gore-Tex Infinium fabric across the shoulders and hood shielded testers against storms, while the jacket’s back and arms used a proprietary air-permeable fabric. Its breathability is excellent, and that moisture control—along with the unfettered feel of four-way stretch fabric and articulated seams that allow the arms to move freely—made the Proton Hybrid testers’ favorite midlayer for sweat-producing adventures. Three zippered pockets (two for hands and one on the chest) hold a phone and neck gaiter.

Best Sport/Casual Crossover

Strafe Women’s Highlands Shirt Jacket

Sizes: XS-XXL
Weight: 8.3 oz.
Warmth: 7/10
Breathability: 9/10
Durability: 8/10

Pros and Cons
⊕ Great-feeling fabric
⊕ Breathable warmth
⊕ Functional pockets
⊗ Wind cuts through

With a banded collar, snap-front closure, and roomy hand pockets that invite slouchy lounging, this puffy became testers’ anytime pullover during road trips, shopping errands—and yes, winter hikes and tours calling for technical insulation. Lightly insulated with synthetic PrimaLoft Active Evolve, it kept testers warm while moving in 22-degree Fahrenheit conditions, and the stretchy, air-permeable nylon face fabric virtually eliminates clamminess. “This jacket actually feels better than it looks, which is saying something,” noted one Colorado tester who praised the material’s unusually soft hand. “Balled up, it made the perfect airplane pillow,” she added.

Its effectiveness at managing moisture made it perfect for backcountry climbs and resort downhills—but donning a shell on top during the latter was imperative because wind penetrated the weave. Even the pockets proved useful during sport: Along with the two hand pockets and a snapped chest pouch, two interior drop pockets hold kicker skins or a spare pair of gloves.

How to Choose an Insulated Midlayer

Insulated midlayers come in as wide a range as the activities you’ll use them for and the conditions you’ll use them in. Their fabrics and insulation determine warmth, breathability, and weather protection. Synthetic-fill insulation, goose and duck down, hybrid designs that blend baffled panels with other fabrics; these fabrications and more all appear in the midlayers we tested last winter. Each has its benefits. But in general, a great midlayer should keep you warm—but not so warm that you overheat and fill it with sweat. It should provide enough breathability for perspiration to move away from the body, and its protection against wind and water should be minimal (a waterproof shell worn over a midlayer does most of the weather-protection work).

Here are the questions to ask to decide will best serve your needs.

How Wet Will it Get?

Down-filled layers have the best warmth for the weight but can lose that advantage if the garment gets soaked from precipitation or an accidental dousing. If you expect especially wet conditions, a synthetic fiber (used in the ) or bio-based fiber fill (the ) will do better at keeping you warm when wet.

How Cold Will it Be?

The general rule of thumb is the thicker the layer, the warmer it is. That comes with tradeoffs like weight or size if you have limited space in your pack. If you know it’s going to be frigid, by all means, go for a thick puffy like the . But that piece could be a wasted layer if it proves too warm for the weather. Consider layering more than one piece, like the , to better handle changing temperature conditions.

How Much Weather Protection Do You Need?

If you plan to wear a wind-and waterproof shell over your midlayer, you won’t need to worry about the storm cutting right down to your base layers. If not, look for a piece that offers a light shell and/or a DWR chemical treatment for more wind and weather resistance, like the or the .

How Hard Are You Going to Hammer?

If you are planning to work up a sweat, look for a more breathable layer so you won’t trap too much moisture next to skin, which can turn into serious cold if you stop moving or encounter big winds. More porous fabrics used in the and jackets will allow that perspiration to move away from your body.

How We Test

• Number of testers: 10
• Number of products tested: 46
• Testers’ age range: 15-54
• States represented: 5 (California, Colorado, Wyoming, Minnesota, Maine)

Our testers don’t just spend a lot of time outdoors—though they do qualify as obsessive skiers, mountaineers, ultrarunners, climbers, hikers, and view-admirers. They also possess the gift of gab. Our testers must be able to say much more about a piece of gear than “it’s awesome” or “it sucks.” They sweat details about—well, sweat, and how apparel responds to their sweat or contributes to its production. They note what makes a jacket feel unconfining, how much wind protection it delivers, and whether it plays nice with a backpack.

For this test, we evaluated 46 of the most promising puffies and hybrid-style insulators on the market, including full-zip and pullover styles. We asked testers to consider the fit, the breathability, the warmth they enjoyed from each jacket, and its best application: Is the jacket best for ski-race spectation? Nordic skiing? AprĂšs at the resort? All of the above? Only the items that earned raves on performance and livability earned coverage among these reviews.

Meet Our Testers

Kelly Bastone moved to the Colorado Rockies in 1998 and has pursued outdoor sports ever since. A freelancer who writes about gear and other outdoor topics for publications such as Backpacker, AFAR, and The Red Bulletin, Bastone has contributed many gear reviews to șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű over the years. An avid skier (resort, Nordic and backcountry), fly-fisher, mountain biker and mushroom forager, she gets the news she needs from the weather report.

The post The Best Insulated Midlayer Jackets for Women in 2025 appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

Fleece is the OG outdoor midlayer that continues to ace all manner of adventures—from fall and winter hiking and mountain biking to skiing and snowshoeing. Its fluffy texture feels cozy and comforting in cool to cold weather. And its airy structure delivers both warmth and ventilation: The pile provides insulation while also moving perspiration and excess heat away from your body. Contrary to popular belief, fleece comes in all different weights to offer a wide range of options in warmth and performance. We put more than 20 fleece jackets to the test last winter to narrow it down to these five top performers.

At a Glance

• Editor’s Choice:
• Best for Frigid Temps:
• Most Versatile:
• Best Wind Protection:
• Best for High-Intensity Activity:
• Products to Avoid
• How to Choose a Fleece Jacket
• How We Test
• Meet Our Lead Tester

If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

Editors’ Choice

Artilect W-Halfmoon Bio Pullover

Sizes: XS-XL
Warmth: 6/10
Breathability: 7/10
Weather Protection: 5/10

Pros and Cons
⊕ Doesn’t shed microplastics
⊕ Ideal balance of warmth, ventilation and protection
⊕ Casual style
⊗ Pocket zippers can rub beneath backpack hipbelts

Here’s a do-it-all fleece for virtually every outing, year-round. Testers described the fabric thickness as a “light-midweight” and said it delivered Goldilocks warmth and proved “just right” for a huge range of pursuits. Over the testing season, we wore it under a shell when downhill skiing, over a T-shirt on summer peakbagging missions, at the climbing gym before a workout, and on its own around an evening campfire. Its moderate warmth and breathability make it ideal for mid-pace, stop-and-go activities (interval sprinters should consider the LaSportiva or Helly Hansen options below).

Testers also loved its sustainable construction. Made of 100-percent recycled content, the jacket’s Primaloft BIO fleece biodegrades in oceans and landfills. So, unlike other synthetic fabrics that shed plastic microparticles, this one doesn’t pollute the environment. The extra-long chest half-zipper let wearers dump heat on sunny resort afternoons or after hard-charging powder runs in Steamboat, Colo., and two zippered side pockets secured a phone or warm up chilly fingers. Most testers comfortably buckled a backpack over the streamlined kangaroo pouch, but some mentioned that the bulky side pocket zippers could rub beneath the straps.

Best For Frigid Temps

Ridge Merino Women’s Ediza Fleece Merino Jacket

Sizes: XS-XL
Warmth: 10/10
Breathability: 5/10
Weather Protection: 8/10

Pros and Cons
⊕ Wind- and abrasion-resistant
⊕ Odor-resistant
⊕ Warmth without bulk
⊗ Runs long

Our always-cold tester found her bliss wearing this merino-based fleece, which combines a high-pile, brushed-wool interior with a lightweight nylon exterior that turned this unassuming piece into an all-weather jacket. Neither snow nor light precipitation soaked through the jacket thanks to the light nylon face fabric, which allowed testers to wear this instead of a waterproof shell in all but the stormiest conditions. The fabric showed no pilling or snags after months of wear beneath a backpack. And its warmth is tops: One wearer stayed comfortable in just a base layer beneath the Ediza while trail-running and cross-country skiing in 15-degree F conditions during a Steamboat, Colo., winter. It also won props for under-shell insulation on cold resort days. Ample warmth and merely moderate breathability makes it best for stop-and-go sports, winter camping, or people who run cold.

The Polartec Power Wool fabric’s four-way stretch feels unconfining, and testers reported that the two zippered hand pockets feel comfortable beneath a pack’s hip belt. Cut long through the chest and sleeves, the Ediza allowed even ape-armed testers to access the cuffs’ thumb holes, and the generous neck opening accommodates a gaiter. If you’re on the shorter side, though, be warned: the longer, slimmer silhouette might not be ideal for all body shapes.

Most Versatile

Alpine Revival W Granite Crew

Sizes: S-L
Warmth: 8/10
Breathability: 7/10
Weather Protection: 5/10

Pros and Cons
⊕ Ultrasoft
⊕ Retro aesthetic
⊕ Low-bulk warmth performs on and off-piste
⊗ Expensive

Skiing’s original midlayer was a crewneck sweater, and this one pairs old-school aesthetics with modern technical performance: One strand of Lycra woven throughout contributes durability and stretch to the 100 percent cashmere fabric, delivering warmth without bulk. Testers reported that the midweight knit kept them cozy on 25-degree F days when sandwiched between a base layer and shell (or sans shell when hiking in calm, dry weather).

“No odor accumulated over weeks of wear, making this an easy-care option for travel,” reports our lead tester, who wore it daily in Steamboat and during a weeklong tour among hĂŒttes in Austria. Testers appreciated the simple, sleek look, completely uncluttered by pockets or zippers. While they did note that the cashmere began to show signs of wear beneath abrasive backpack straps, testers felt that the Granite Crew’s breathability proved adequate enough to qualify as a technical layer, albeit a pricey one.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT BY PUBLIC LANDS
Varley Women’s Rhea 2.0 1/2 Zip Sweatshirt ($148)

Your new favorite sweatshirt is here. Perfect for wearing over leggings or pants, the Rhea 2.0 features a sleek, two-tone look that you’ll want to wear every day. Designed with a high collar, drop shoulders, and signature panelled detailing, this longline pullover is cut for a relaxed, elegant fit. Ribbed Ottoman fabric ensures you stay cozy as the weather changes. You just might never take it off.

Best Wind Protection

Dynafit Tigard Alpha Direct Jacket

Sizes: XS-XL
Warmth: 7/10
Breathability: 8/10
Weather Protection: 9/10

Pros and Cons
⊕ Very stretchy
⊕ Breathable yet wind-buffering
⊕ Efficient use of different fabrics
⊗ Sporty looks limit around-town use

Over the course of a frigid season in Gunnison, Colo., the Tigard became a constant companion for our ski-touring tester, who wore it in 15- to 30-degree F temperatures and only topped it with a shell for descents. “The breathability is impressive,” she said, “but it also blocks wind, which I appreciated when skinning up exposed ridgelines.”

That balancing act comes courtesy of a hybrid construction: the jacket tops breathable Polartec Alpha Direct—a lightweight, temperature-regulating synthetic insulation—with ultralight stretch nylon that’s coated in a PFC-free DWR. The coating shed light precipitation—a feature we were grateful for while hiking up Aspen’s Highland Bowl during flurries. The sides and underarms feature a gridded, woven fleece that’s also heat-dumping and stretchy. “I love the freedom of movement I feel,” gushed our tester. Three zippered pockets (one chest, two for hands) fit a smartphone and snacks, and the head-hugging hood seals in warmth and blocks wind better than most toques.

Best for High-Intensity Activity

Helly Hansen Versalite Hybrid Fleece Jacket

Sizes: XS-XL
Warmth: 5/10
Breathability: 7/10
Weather Protection: 7/10

Pros and Cons
⊕ Chest panels buffer wind
⊕ Minimal insulation
⊕ Good ventilation
⊗ Limited use of recycled content

Meet your new winter workout partner. Made of moderately thin, gridded polyester fleece topped with a thin polyester shell (94 recycled, with 6 percent elastane) across the chest, this hybrid construction appeals to skate skiers and other speedsters who need scant insulation and a smidge of wind protection. It’s soft enough for next-to-skin wear, so testers dispensed with any base layer and wore this on its own to maximize the fleece’s sweat-wicking performance while traversing the rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park through breezy, 15-degree Fahrenheit conditions.

Channels between the fleecy squares help dissipate moisture. A bit of stretch in the shell fabric let testers move without restriction. “My pole plants felt free and unencumbered,” reported one tester after a session on Crested Butte’s Nordic network. When zipped closed, the collar effectively sealed in warmth without feeling constricting. Finally, the hand pockets have openings near the center zipper so that when the pockets are opened, these mesh-lined pouches serve as functional air vents.

Products to Avoid

Synthetic Fleece That Lacks Recycled Content or Biodegradability

You might think that touting recycled content is mere greenwashing—but as we near 2025, it should in fact be the standard among all apparel producers. Fabrics (including fleeces) made from recycled nylon and polyester are now so abundant that there’s virtually no excuse for manufacturers to roll out garments made from virgin materials. Multiple independent studies have confirmed that recycled synthetics impose less environmental impact, and some fleeces are even addressing the problematic end-of-life issues associated with synthetic fabrics (which shed micro-fibers that commonly pollute our streams and drinking water sources). Look for fleeces that are largely made from“100-percent-recycled” materials, and opt for “post-consumer” rather than “post-industrial” recycled goods when possible. Post-consumer recycling means the brand is actively keeping material out of the landfill, while post-industrial recycling sometimes just means the brand grabbed a bunch of factory-floor scraps that it would have re-used anyway.

How to Choose a Fleece Jacket

Fleece jackets range widely in warmth, breathability, and weather protection. Materials also vary. Synthetic fleece is quick-drying, making it a smart choice for damp conditions, and abrasion-resistant. Unlike wool or even cotton, synthetic fibers can hold their own against friction from backpack straps. But fleece made from merino wool is particularly warm and temperature-regulating (wearers avoid clamminess through a broad spectrum of temperatures). Hybrid constructions—a trend that continues to gain momentum in this category—combine various fabrics in multi-paneled jackets that pair breathable fleece in the hot zones such as underarms with wind-resistant fleece in exposed areas like the shoulders.

Here’s how to judge what will serve your needs.

Will You Pack It?

As a rule, a fleece isn’t as compressible as, for example, a down jacket. So it takes up considerable space in luggage or backpacks. If you need heavyweight insulation but know it will remain packed most of the time, you might consider other, more space-saving insulated jackets.

How Much Will You Sweat in This Fleece?

Some fleeces use a dense construction that traps body heat but limits breathability. If you’re cross-country skiing, running, or logging other high-output outdoor workouts, look for lightweight fleeces or hybrid constructions that use body mapped insulation and place breathable panels under the arms and in other hot spots.

Will You Wear a Water- and Windproof Shell Over this Fleece?

Most fleeces offer some water-resistance, but that varies—and no fleece can be counted on to deliver waterproof protection against serious rain or sustained snowfall. Most fleeces are also porous enough to let breezes in, which is great for sweat mitigation but bad for comfort amid 30-mph winds. Consider whether you’ll wear a shell sometimes, always, or never: Ski-tourers might choose a fleece with some weather-resistant panels so they can skip a shell in milder conditions, while resort skiers are often better off with breathable fleece worn as a midlayer under a full shell jacket.

Do You Run Cold?

If you’ll wear the fleece in 0- to 10-degree F temperatures, or if you’re always chilly no matter the conditions, choose a high-pile fleece with cozy insulation.

How We Test

• Number of testers: 9
• Number of products tested: 21
• Testers’ age range: 15 to 54
• States represented: 5 (California, Colorado, Wyoming, Minnesota, Maine)

Our testers don’t just spend a lot of time outdoors. Yes, they are gifted skiers, mountaineers, ultrarunners, climbers, hikers, and view-admirers. But they also possess the gift of gab. Our testers must be able to say much more about a piece of gear than “It’s awesome” or “It sucks.” Instead, we choose industry professionals, lifelong athletes, and fellow gear reviewers who can both identify a product’s strengths and weaknesses and talk at length about the nitty-gritty details that make a jacket shine in some areas—and fall short in others. Over the course of each testing season, each tester keeps notes on their samples’ fit, how much wind protection each delivers, its ability to retain warmth, and whether it plays nice with a backpack. They geek out on the gear and its performance, and then deliver those notes to us for final analysis.

For this test, we evaluated 21 of the most promising fleeces on the market, including full-zip and pullover styles. We pored over our testers’ notes to nail down each jacket’s best application: Is the fleece best for dog-walking? Nordic skiing? Aprùs at the resort? All of the above? Only the items that earned raves on both performance and livability earned coverage among these reviews.

Meet Our Lead Tester

Kelly Bastone moved to the Colorado Rockies in 1998 and has pursued outdoor sports ever since. A freelancer who writes about gear and other outdoor topics for publications such as Backpacker, AFAR, and The Red Bulletin, Bastone has contributed many gear reviews to șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű over the years. An avid skier (resort, Nordic and backcountry), fly-fisher, mountain biker and mushroom forager, she gets the news she needs from the weather report.

Bastone’s backing band of gear testers includes ski bums across four resorts in California and Colorado: These women click into touring, downhill, or cross-country boards each and every day of the season. A wildlife researcher and ultrarunner punished jackets in Minnesota; another ultrarunner and backcountry rescuer tested insulation on all-weather runs and missions in northwest Colorado; a rancher wore test puffies while exercising her horses in Montana.

The post The Best Women’s Fleece Jackets of 2025 appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

Violet “Nena” Kelty was born in 1922. It was the end of World War I. Something called “jazz” was playing its first few notes. Americans debated whether to teach Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection in schools. Over the next century, Nena, along with her husband helped shape a revolution in backpacking gear and had a pretty wild ride along the way. We sat down with Nena Kelty to look back at biggest moments of her life.

As told to Kelly Bastone

I knew nothing about backpacking [as a child.] I was born in England, and not a lot of people were doing that kind of hiking there. But I was very athletic, and . England had so many outdoor swimming pools. When I was 16, I saw that a water show wanted girl dancers who could swim well. And I thought, that’s me! Without telling anybody, I went into London from Wimbledon, where we lived, for the audition. We performed at outdoor swimming pools, and whenever they had a little pause in the show or an interlude, I’d do a solo dance for distraction.

During [World War II], dad said, I’m going to form an act. I was 16. My brother was 15. I could dance and play the piano. Uncle could play the guitar. He figured out a 15-minute act with my brother and me. We worked continuously through the war, with ENSO—the Entertainment National Services Organization. Until one month, when Germany was getting very close to where we were on the border with Belgium, we tried to get across the [English] Channel but couldn’t because everyone was too busy getting ready for Germany. We found a fisherman and got in his boat.

During the war, Dick was stationed in Blackpool, which had a huge theater with a cinema, restaurant, ballroom—everything under one roof. We had a [performing] contract there, and my parents had rented a house. Dick was the liaison between the Lockheed [Martin] base in Ireland and Wharton RAF base in Blackpool. I was sharing a dressing room with three girl dancers, and to get out of their way, I would and a cup of tea. One night an American asked me if I could do him a favor. He said, “I met this very nice girl in the show named Margot. Could you take a note to her?” I said sure. That’s how I met Dick.

We got to know each other, and one day, he asked me out for a rum coke—hat was the new drink. He was good-looking and very friendly. He came [to the show] one night and I got on the stage and there he is in the front row! We stayed in touch by writing letters.

After the war, and after working for Lockheed in Ireland, he moved back to California. We got married [in 1946] and Dick built our house. But he was longing to go up into the Sierra. Dick was an avid backpacker ever since he was a little boy.

He found an old Boy Scout backpack and took it for a hike and was absolutely miserable with the quality of the backpack. A lot of people back then had Boy Scout gear, and it was very uncomfortable. Backpacks actually had wooden frames. But at Lockheed, he was exposed to lightweight materials, such as aluminum and nylon, which were new. I had a sewing machine. So both of us, in our spare time, set about making a backpack.

Dick was a very good designer. Everything we saw, he’d see how it could be better. He had a good brain for problem-solving. Dick was working as a carpenter, and he was gone all day. But I could see the improvements he was making, and he needed help. I learned to sew in elementary school, so I helped. But I think my encouragement was just as important as anything else.

We learned that you couldn’t just cut nylon with scissors, or it would fray. You had to cut it with a hot knife so it would seal itself. Dick visited factories that made things using nylon fabric, which nobody knew too much about, to find out what the problems were.

We also needed someone to weld aluminum frames. Aluminum is not like other metals; it takes a special technique. Dick knew a man who worked for Lockheed and he would come and weld the frames in the garage.

Finally, we had made a model in each size, Small, Medium and Large. One day, I got a call from a doctor in Pasadena who had read an article that the Sierra Club had written about our packs. He came and bought all three, and when Dick got home and found out that I had sold our whole inventory, there was shock on his face. He was in awe that somebody liked these packs.

It was a very personal business. Some of [our customers] came to our house to try the packs on. Dick’s old school friends were into backpacking too, and they were more than eager to wear his packs and tell him what they didn’t like. That’s how we changed the weight from the shoulders to the waist: [One of Dick’s friends] wore our pack and said, “My shoulders were killing me until I stuck the pack [frame ends] into my back pocket and I didn’t feel the weight. It was a miracle!” Dick thought, we could put a belt on the backpack.

I had three children at that time, so I wasn’t able to go backpacking at first. But later I went with Dick. I was always athletic, and I enjoyed it. Around that same time, food became easier to take on a backpacking trip: Suddenly there was dried food that had not been available before.

Soon we needed more than one person at the sewing machine. We moved into a proper factory, on Victory Boulevard in Glendale. Dick no longer needed me, because all I was doing was sewing. That’s when I started to step away from the business, and it just got bigger and bigger.

I don’t know how the word got out. Dick never wanted to advertise, but the Sierra Club really liked our packs and wrote glowing articles. Movie stars were wearing our packs, and firemen.

Dick did not enjoy the constant responsibility of everything. He knew that he didn’t want to be a big businessman. He really was a very good designer; he had that eye that knew what an item needed. But he was no Henry Ford. [Kelty sold the business in 1972. Today, Dick and Nena both have Kelty backpacks named after them.]

Backpacking was a very central part of our lives. Richard [Kelty, the couple’s oldest child] loves to go. And we all go every September, and spend a few days together as a family, in memory of their dad [Dick died in 2004]. His ashes were scattered outside of Yosemite. Many of our equipment testers hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, and they were so grateful to Dick for making this pack, because there wasn’t anything like it on the market.

The post Nena Kelty, Godmother of the Modern Backpack, Looks Back on a Century of șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

Women are everywhere in the outdoor industry, but few occupy owners’ offices at outdoor companies. These six standouts in the surfing, cycling, camping, and hiking sectors buck the trend. All six brands bring fresh products and perspectives to the male-dominated market and demonstrate how gender parity enriches the industry for everyone who recreates outdoors. Shop at the below brands this

Wild Rye

Cassie Abel, co-founder and CEO

When her business partner left Wild Rye as a fledgling apparel brand to pursue personal interests, Abel assumed full ownership and squeezed the throttle on company growth and development. A brand that began with a couple of ski and mountain bike pieces expanded into a complete active lifestyle collection, spanning Youth size 8 to Women’s size 24. “Our goal is to bring women beautiful, technical, and well-fitting apparel pieces that inspire confidence and welcome more women into the outdoors,” Abel said. Now a certified B-Corp, Wild Rye achieved Carbon Neutral certification and contributes financial support to various women’s initiatives, including giving $20,000 to Planned Parenthood after the Row vs. Wade reversal and sponsoring women-led ski films and Ladies AllRide cycling camps.

ToughCutie

Brittany Coleman, founder and CEO

“I hope to inspire more women and people of color to be confident in getting into ‘outdoorsy things,’” explains Coleman, who hatched the idea for her hiking sock company in 2019 and launched it in 2021. She envisioned a company that practiced inclusivity in ways she hadn’t seen as a business analyst for the apparel and hosiery sectors. So, working primarily with female designers and high-quality domestic yarns, ToughCutie launched Eve, a lightweight hiking sock in three heights. Now, the company is developing offerings for winter sports and runners. “There are so many ways to get outside and we want to play a role in helping our community get there,” Coleman said.

Shredly

Ashley Rankin, founder and owner

When they hit the market in 2012, Rankin’s wildly patterned women’s mountain bike shorts enjoyed instant popularity because they raised the bar on fit and aesthetics. Here were bottoms designed by women for women, with bold graphics that helped riders feel emboldened, too. Now, Shredly produces a full line of mountain bike apparel (including a jumpsuit) for youth and women size 00 to 24. Along the way, Rankin learned that the bigger the challenge, the greater the gratification. “As a female owner of a women’s specific outdoor company,” she says, “I’m now able to appreciate ‘he challenge and approach it as an opportunity.”

Hotline Wetsuits

Brenda Scott Rogers, founder and owner

An elite surfer at a time when few women attempted the sport, Brenda Scott Rogers won the 1978 World Cup at Sunset Beach, Hawaii, then founded Hotline the following year. She began by importing surf booties from Japan, then expanded to producing wetsuits—which Scott Rogers designed for women as well as men. After launching the market’s first women’s-specific wetsuits, Hotline expanded into products for various other water sports, including kids’ gear.

Good-To-Go

Jennifer Scism, co-founder, head chef and CEO

As a professional chef who trained at The French Culinary Institute in Manhattan and defeated Mario Batali on The Food Network’s Iron Chef competition, Jennifer Scism sought the finest ingredients and used sophisticated cooking techniques to dazzle diners at the top-rated restaurant that she ran with her business partner, chef Anita Lo. Her backpacking meals continue that commitment to quality food: Good-To-Go uses real foods, often preserved using methods that Scism pioneers herself, to make yummy camp dinners and breakfasts (such as the brand-new Ranchero Scramble). Next up: Carrot-Ginger Power Bowl and other salads that don’t require boiling water and let hikers enjoy quick, veggie-laden lunches with virtually no prep. Scism credits her strength and success to female collaborators who challenged and nurtured her: “There is no lack of strong women,” said Scism, “And once you create that dynamic group around your shared mission, you each become stronger.”

Carve Designs

Jennifer Hinton and Thayer Sylvester, co-founders

While on a surf trip in Mexico, Hinton and Sylvester lamented the lack of board shorts that fit their bodies and handled real-world rigors—and the duo determined to change the scene. Since 2003, the pair has produced sustainably-made apparel for surfing and now, swim and beach lifestyle. Each item is still designed and tested by women, and they strive to support their employees by offering flexible schedules and financial backing for other initiatives, like SheJumps, Brown Girl Surf, and the Send It Foundation.

The post Six Outdoor Brands to Support This Women-Led Wednesday appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

Here’s one of very few things that, I wager, all humans can agree on: mosquito bites suck. I’ve spent much of my life battling it with antihistamine creams, alcohol wipes, ice cubes, and a raft of natural remedies that promised to end the irritation but ultimately left me disappointed. So in June, when a publicist sent me a smartphone accessory that claimed to cure the itch, I greeted it with the same skepticism that I reserve for fad diets.

The device, called made by a German company and sold in that country since 2020, plugs into the charging port of a smartphone, draws power from its battery, translates that power to heat, and is then used to apply that heat directly to the bite site. It’s about the size of my thumbnail and is controlled by a free app (iOS and Android).

Intrigued, I installed it on my iPhone so I’d be ready for the next testing opportunity—which presented itself the following morning. My daughter is one of those unlucky people who inexplicably attracts mosquitoes where none seem to exist, and she arrived at the breakfast table with a fresh white welt that hadn’t yet matured into pink or red.

I grabbed my phone, opened theÌę app, and followed the prompts that open automatically when you insert the device (which only works when connected to a phone). Three settings (for recipient age, treatment duration, and skin sensitivity) let you adjust the output. Since my daughter is 12, I chose the “child/short/sensitive” combination for our first use. The app told us when Heat It was ready to be applied to her skin, and then a timer counted down for four seconds to an audible chime that indicated the end of treatment.

She was startled by the heat, but unhurt, and by the time breakfast ended, she announced that the bite no longer itched. Even the swelling appeared to have diminished. All that day, she never felt compelled to scratch, which is a huge improvement over her typical routine in which she scratches mosquito bites into open wounds that make her skin look like pepperoni pizza.Ìę

That initial success triggered a flurry of use by me, my husband, and our bite-prone kid. We zapped new welts and old ones, becoming fairly addicted to the gizmo this summer. Because, damn: it works.Ìę

Really large bites and ones that are several days old seem more resistant to the treatment so that after a few hours of relief, the itch sometimes returns (we zap them again for renewed comfort). On new bites, Heat It usually stops the itch altogether, even when treated with the short setting. The eight-second, long setting feels fairly intense, especially at the adult level, so we save that one for maddening mega-bites on fleshy body parts (extended treatment proved to be too painful when applied to thin-skinned zones, such as the shin).Ìę

Visually, the redness lingers for a few days, but without the accompanying prickle. It’s the best thing that’s happened to summer since watermelon.

It seemed too good to be true, so I called Adam Friedman, MD, a professor who chairs the dermatology department at George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, to learn what makes Heat It work—and whether it’s medically safe and legit.

“It makes sense that it works,” says Friedman. He explains that we feel itchy when our bodies’ immune systems react to foreign substances that insects secrete when they bite us—or in mosquitoes’ case, saliva that numbs the skin so we don’t feel their blood draws. That immune response causes our skin cells to swell, our blood vessels to redden, and our nerves to get sensitized. But those same nerves also transmit temperature, says Friedman, “So the thinking is that if you can overwhelm the nerves with heat, you can obscure the itch.”

That validates why some people champion the and pressing it onto the bite site. But such methods, says Friedman, pose the risk of burning the skin. “If [heat] is well controlled, it could help with the itch of a bug bite,” he continues. And since scratching often opens the skin and introduces bacteria that live beneath fingernails and commonly cause staph and strep infections, heat treatment strikes Friedman as being better than the alternatives. Certainly, our family can attest to that improvement.Ìę

But effective heat control is key, Friedman says. So heÌę questioned the settings used by Heat It and its related app. “How are the settings defined?” he says. “What body of evidence dictates, for example, what the ‘sensitive’ mode should be?”

I put that question to Heat It founder Lukas Liedtke, who developed the product after a friend loaned him a larger, battery-operated heat stick to treat his mosquito bites. “[Similar products are] very common in Germany,” says Liedtke, who estimates that 60 to 70 percent of that country’s households own and use some sort of heat applicator (like ) to quell insect-caused itching.

Liedtke’s innovation was to make a much smaller and lighter device that exploited the battery and control capability of something that most people already carry with them everywhere: their smartphone. The dime-sized Heat It clips to a lanyard, which makes it easy to carry and locate. Its plastic housing includes a heat adjuster, a microcontroller, and a medical-grade ceramic element that warms to 124 degrees Fahrenheit.

As for those treatment settings, the company established them after collecting user data representing some 12,000 uses. In Europe, Heat It achieved classification as a medical device—a process that relied on abundant data demonstrating the device’s safety and efficacy. “We did a mess of studies,” says Liedtke, adding that Heat It recorded subjects’ responses during and after treatment to determine the device settings and measure effects. “We see an 80 percent reduction in itching and pain within the first minute,” he notes.

After receiving USDA approval this year, Heat It entered the U.S. market in June with REI Co-Op and Amazon. “In the U.S., only five percent of people have ever heard of this [heat treatment] principle,” says Liedtke. So the sales potential is significant, but only if shoppers understand and embrace the approach, he says. “It’s taken a lot of work to educate people.”.Ìę

I, for one, needed to feel it to believe it. The app functions perfectly, with no crashes or apparent bugs. Using the device registers no drain on my phone’s battery. And in our family, Heat It actually stops our mosquito bites from itching, resulting in the first summer that my kid hasn’t resembled a shotgun target. Consider me a convert.

The post The Device That Stops Mosquito Bites in Their Tracks appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

Diehard hikers often rank their bottoms—be they pants, shorts, or skorts—as their single most important piece of performance apparel. That’s because bottoms serve several functions, all of them critically important: They shield against chafing, manage sweat, and fend off assaults from trailside brush and branches. These pants, shorts, and skorts do all that—and more.

The Winners at a Glance

Houdini Daybreak Shorts ($130)

KĂŒhl Haven Joggr ($109)

Kuiu Attack Pant ($149)

Mountain Hardwear Mountain Stretch Skort ($65)

How We Test

Number of Testers: 12

Number of Products Tested: 45

Number of Miles Hiked: 299

Number of Holes Golfed: 18

Number of Continuous Pitches Climbed: 3

Pounds of Blackberries Foraged: 1

Number of Jelly Spills: 1 (staining avoided)

All hikers are wonderfully unique, which is why we tapped a group of testers with the most diverse body types and hiking habits we could wrangle. One tester who serves on Search and Rescue and rarely registers fatigue before mile 80 struggles to find pants that accommodate her extra-capable calves. Another tester loves short-shorts but hates inner-thigh chafing. Short legs, broad bellies, sensitive skin—these and other realities helped us evaluate and winnow out the products that don’t fit and feel comfortable on an array of women’s bodies. Our diverse group of testers put these bottoms through their paces all across the United States and Canada, from Maine’s deep forests to the gusty summits of the Colorado Rockies.

Meet Our Lead Tester

Over the 20 years that Kelly Bastone has been subjecting her 4’11” frame to the gear-testing mission, she’s watched the outdoor industry make significant improvements to the fit and function of women’s gear. Yet even now, pants rarely earn her approval (properly fitting her pear shape requires an above-average attempt at patterning). Living in Steamboat Springs, Colorado puts a wealth of testing opportunities at her doorstep—she hikes, mountain bikes and fly-fishes across the Rocky Mountains and adjacent canyon country. For her testing squad, she recruited West Coast resident Emma Veidt, Colorado River hiker and rafter Sabrina Motta, youth outdoor coach Kelly Landers, and a range of additional women representing various outdoor experiences and body types (from XS to XL).

The Reviews: The Best Women’s Hiking Apparel of 2023

Houdini Daybreak Shorts ($130)

Weight: 6.2 oz (small)
Size: XXS-XL
Pros: Outstanding fit; Lightweight fabric feels tolerable in hot weather
Cons: No hand pockets

It’s rare for one pair of shorts to earn raves from all testers, but women of varying shapes agreed that the Daybreak ranks among the best-fitting bottoms they’ve found. “Like they were made especially for me,” says Colorado-based Kelly Landers. Multiple seams improve the fit from hip to belly, so that even pear-shaped testers experienced no gapping at the waist. Scaling a talus slope in 90-degree temps, category manager Kelly Bastone appreciated the lightweight ripstop fabric, which uses mechanical stretch (not elastane, which slows the fabric’s dry time) for freedom of movement, and stays in place while walking and high-stepping. It’s also Bluesign-approved with a PFAS-free DWR finish that repels drizzle and stains. Two zippered pockets on the thigh are big enough for a smartphone, and a rolled-up windbreaker fits in the large back pocket. The polyester fabric (38-percent recycled) proved plenty durable while shimmying through Utah’s sandstone slot canyons, but when these shorts do wear out, they’re recyclable: Houdini re-engineers its discards into new duds. Also available for men.

Bottom Line: The Houdini Daybreak Shorts fit so well, you’ll wear them everywhere.

KĂŒhl Haven Joggr ($109)

Weight: 10 oz (small)
Size: XS-XL
Pros: Fabric is light but tough enough to survive abuse on-trail
Cons: Hip pocket zippers can create hot spots beneath a hip belt

Joggers made for indoor gyms often use soft fabrics that get snagged and torn while hiking among scrub and rock. Not the Haven: Its ripstop-woven tencel (with 27-percent nylon and 4-percent Spandex) stood up to abrasive conditions, like when our testers wore them slot-canyon slithering in eastern Utah. Yet the fabric is also light enough for hot-weather wear, and the minimal Spandex content adds stretch without slowing the fabric’s dry time. “After soaking the cuffs in a stream crossing, the pants were dry again within 15 minutes,” reports category manager Kelly Bastone. Nearly all testers approved of the gathered elastic waistband, which is smooth enough to provide everyday comfort and avoid chafing under a pack belt. A drawstring eliminates gaps at the waist, and ample pockets (two back and two hip, all zippered) secure a phone, lip balm, and ear buds.

Bottom Line: Comfort loungewear meets rugged construction in the KĂŒhl Haven Joggr.

Kuiu Attack Pant ($149)

Weight: 15 oz (size 4)
Size: 2-14
Pros: Fit is excellent; Durable fabric doesn’t sacrifice all-day comfort; Hems can be lengthened
Cons: Only earth tones/camo available

Some of the most durable fabrics are armor-stiff and noisy—but not this workhorse of a pant, which can stand up to the rigors of hunting and off-trail hiking yet feels comfortable enough to wear while road-tripping and chilling around a campfire. Credit the densely-woven polyester with four-way stretch that let testers scale steep hillsides and fended off thistles and pricks. Its brushed interior feels soft like pajamas, and a DWR finish repels moisture (one mushroom-foraging tester strode through dew-soaked brush and stayed dry). Two zippered, mesh-backed vents on the outer thigh dump heat on sweltering afternoons, and a plethora of streamlined pockets keep stuff organized (four of the six pockets are zippered). The fit is among the best that category manager Kelly Bastone has tested: The curved back yoke eliminates gapping at the waist, and ergonomic patterning (such as a gusseted crotch panel and seaming that accommodates bent knees) creates a body-hugging cut that’s unconfining while hiking. Extra fabric stitched into the cuffs (a common feature in kids’ pants) let tall testers grow the inseam from 32” to 33.5” just by removing a secondary seam. And an odor control finish prevents stink for a week or more without washing. A men’s version is also available.

Bottom Line: The Kuiu Attack Pant is a heavy-duty pant, perfected.

Mountain Hardwear Mountain Stretch Skort ($65)

Weight: 2 oz (size small)
Size: XS-XL
Pros: Undershorts stay put; the waistband feels comfortable beneath a hip belt
Cons: High-rise cut felt constricting to some testers

This skort earned vanity points for its figure-flattering modesty (skirts are more body-concealing than shorts). But testers’ highest praise went to the comfort of the slightly compressive undershorts, which eliminated inner-thigh chafing. “Unlike the shorts under most skorts, they did not ride up,” reports Colorado-based tester Kelly Landers. The minimalist waistband creates a low-bulk interface with a pack’s hip belt. But a thigh pouch on the undershorts holds a smartphone or snack, and the 100-percent polyester fabric (used in both shorts and overskirt) feels soft and wicks sweat. And because it looks good when paired with a sweater and spiffy shoes for around-town wear, it streamlined testers’ packing decisions when traveling.

Bottom Line: Practical for hiking and backpacking, Mountain Hardwear’s Mountain Stretch Skort looks cute off-trail, too.

How to Buy

Fit is paramount. Apparel that doesn’t suit your shape can prove uncomfortable on the trail. It’s also likely to languish in your closet because you won’t feel excited about wearing it. Once you’ve found apparel that fits, consider its fabric content: Different fibers deliver various performance benefits and drawbacks:

>Nylon resists abrasion and dries fast, but can feel rough against the skin.
>Polyester is softer to the touch, but sometimes less durable. Unless treated with an odor-resistant finish, it also gets stinky after contact with body sweat and bacteria.
>Elastane (sometimes branded as Spandex) provides stretch but slows the fabric’s dry time
>Merino wool is breathable, temperature-regulating (it cools you in warm weather and insulates you in chilly conditions) and naturally odor-resistant, but can be less durable than synthetics.

Finally, consider how garment features may dovetail with the rest of your hiking kit. Will the pull tabs on zippered hip pockets create hot spots beneath a pack’s hip belt? Do the pant cuffs pick up dirt and mud while wearing low-top hikers? By forecasting how your apparel will integrate into your ensemble, you can avoid buying pieces that disappoint you while hiking.

When it’s time to upgrade your gear, don’t let the old stuff go to waste–donate it for a good cause and divert it from the landfill. our partner, Gear Fix, will repair and resell your stuff for free! Just box up your retired items,Ìę, and send them off. We’ll donate 100 percent of the proceeds toÌę.

The post The Best Women’s Hiking Bottoms of 2023 appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

Make no mistake, these pieces are all business when it comes to performance: They wick sweat, banish chafing, and survive skirmishes with rocks and scrub. But each one also has a softer side that won the hearts of our trail-loving tester team. Beyond wowing us with their fit and comfort, this season’s top performers inspired affection and sometimes, true love. Here’s what made us swoon.

The Winners at a Glance

Maloja LindaM ($165)

Le Bent Ultralight Racerback Tank Top ($75)

Eclipse 37.5 Hoody ($93)

Poc Transcend Cap ($30)

The North Face Trailwear Wind Whistle Jacket ($140)

How We Test

Number of Testers: 12

Number of Products Tested: 36

Number of Miles Hiked: 299

Number of Holes Golfed: 18

Number of Continuous Pitches Climbed: 3

Pounds of Blackberries Foraged: 1

Number of Jelly Spills: 1 (staining avoided)

Women defy generalization. No single “women’s fit” can celebrate all bodies. And a woman’s definition of a great hike is just as varied: for some, it might involve shadowing a toddler for an eighth of a mile, for others, pushing themselves through an 100-mile ultra. So to make our reviews relevant for the broadest possible audience, we recruited testers from a diverse pool. For starters, we recruited women hikers of various sizes. But we didn’t stop there: We asked our testers to report on the micro-details that affect whether a high-performing hiking top makes or breaks the grade. Large breasts, extra-long arms, swimmer’s shoulders, sensitive skin—these and other realities helped us evaluate and winnow out the products that didn’t fit and feel comfortable on an array of women’s bodies. These hikers also represented varying climates from across the U.S. and Canada. We tested gear in Maine’s dense forests, Minnesota’s humid lakeshore, the Rockies’ wind-bitten summits, Utah’s sandstone canyons, and California’s arid hills.

Meet Our Lead Tester

Over the 20 years that Kelly Bastone has been subjecting her 4’11” frame to the gear-testing mission, she’s watched the outdoor industry make significant improvements to the fit and function of women’s gear. Yet even now, pants rarely earn her approval (properly fitting her pear shape requires an above-average attempt at patterning). Living in Steamboat Springs, Colorado puts a wealth of testing opportunities at her doorstep—she hikes, mountain bikes and fly-fishes across the Rocky Mountains and adjacent canyon country. For her testing squad, she recruited Backpacker editor Emma Veidt, Colorado River hiker and rafter Sabrina Motta, youth outdoor coach Kelly Landers, and a range of additional women representing various outdoor experiences and body types (from XS to XL).

The Reviews: The Best Women’s Hiking Apparel of 2023

Maloja LindaM ($165)

Weight: 7 oz (medium)
Size: XS-XL
Pros: Progressive styling using an airy fabric with stretch
Cons: Top-shelf fabric is expensive

Collared shirts are as stodgy as they are practical, so Maloja updated the tried-and-true button-down by subbing in a banded collar and three-quarter-length sleeves. The neckline prevented chafing from backpack straps while the sleeves reduced sunscreen use and (without dangling cuffs) stayed cleaner during multi-day hikes. The nylon fabric (with 12-percent Spandex) is double-woven for durability and superior moisture management: The nubbed texture of the shirt’s interior promotes airflow and wicks sweat to the material’s smooth-faced exterior. “Here’s the one shirt I’ll reach for in all three seasons,” reports category manager Kelly Bastone, who praised the LindaM’s ability to keep her tolerably cool through 97-degree temperatures in Utah’s San Rafael Swell. The loose cut reduces stink, but lacking an antibacterial finish, the synthetic fabric accumulated noticeable odors on Day 3. Four-way stretch let Bastone thrust a trekking pole across a creek without feeling straitjacketed. And the sleek styling transitions smoothly from sandstone to sidewalks.

Bottom Line: The Maloja LindaM is a stylish performer that’s versatile enough to justify the cost.

Le Bent Ultralight Racerback Tank Top ($75)

Weight: 2.5 oz. (small)
Size: XS-L
Pros: Sustainably-sourced fabric feels soft and wicks sweat
Cons: Racerback cut can lead to backpack chafing

Soft, breathable fabric elevates this basic tank into a beloved essential that testers wore everywhere. Blending non-mulesed Merino wool with rayon that’s produced from organically-grown bamboo, the material scores high marks for sustainability and feels silky enough for anytime wear (even some wool-averse testers deemed this tank to be itch-free). The blend also aced the moisture-management contest: The textured fibers feature tiny divots that promote airflow and speed sweat’s evaporation. “My waistband was soaked, but this top stayed dry,” reports one tester after a prolonged climb in Colorado’s Elk Mountains. She also liked the racerback design, which let her pack’s ventilated padding soak up sweat (another tester disliked this same feature because her backpanel chafed her shoulder blades).

Bottom Line: If minimalist coverage is your jam, you’ll love the versatile Le Bent Ultralight Racerback Tank Top.

Eclipse 37.5 Hoodie ($93)

Weight: 6 oz. (small)
Size: S-XL
Pros: Featherweight, breathable fabric; hood design covers the front of the neck
Cons: No ponytail port

Too many sun hoodies use thicker, heat-trapping knits—but this one features the thinnest fabric we’ve tested, which proved extra breathable in the hottest climates. “It’s fast drying and breathable, so I didn’t feel too sweaty while hiking on Grand Mesa or rafting Ruby Horsethief,” reports Colorado-based Sabrina Motta. Credit the 37.5 fabric technology, which embeds the polyester (blended with 13-percent spandex) with volcanic minerals that increase the fibers’ surface area. That, in turn, speeds sweat’s evaporation to cool the skin. Another nice feature: the 50+ UPF rating, which blocks cancer-causing rays. Testers also praised the hood’s wrap design, which effectively covers the front of the neck. Thumbholes at the cuffs extend sun protection across the backs of the hands. Overall, the body-hugging fit offers just enough movement to feel airy.

Bottom Line: The Eclipse 37.5 Hoody offers full-coverage sun protection that truly keeps you cool.

The North Face Trailwear Wind Whistle Jacket ($140)

Weight: 10 oz. (small)
Size: XS-XXL
Pros: Snazzy patterns, ventilated fabric panels, and sizing that extends to XXL
Cons: Baggy cut is flappy in high wind

“So comfy!” raves Backpacker editor Emma Veidt, who made this her everywhere topper because it pairs cool-kid good looks with trail-worthy durability: “I tripped and completely ate it while wearing this jacket, but the cuffs kept my wrists from getting scraped,” she reports. (The 75-denier, 100-percent recycled polyester fabric also escaped without harm.) Ventilated panels across the upper back make the Wind Whistle less clammy-feeling than most windbreakers. And the densely-woven fabric with attached hood offered adequate shielding during moderate breezes (although the strongest gusts bit through, Veidt reports). Two snap-top bellowed pockets hold snacks or a tube of sunscreen, a PFC-free DWR finish repels drizzle, and the jacket packs down to liter-size.

Bottom Line: The North Face Trailwear Wind Whistle Jacket is a good-looking, well-ventilated, durable windbreaker for day hikes and ferry rides.

Poc Transcend Cap ($30)

Weight: 2 oz.
Size: One size
Pros: Smooth interior reduces chafing; brim is perfect size for hiking
Cons: No ventilation panels

This cap combines technical construction with street-ready style. At six centimeters deep, the flat brim shields against sun without blocking your view when hiking uphill. Taped interior seams eliminate rough spots that could chafe over hours of wear. And with its extra-soft sweatband and stretchy, ultralight polyester fabric, the Transcend proved itself to be a whopper of a sweat-mopper during a blazing 88-degree hike near Sedona, Arizona. Low-bulk construction lets it nest smoothly beneath a bike helmet, allowing one tester to wear it during her work commutes.

Bottom Line: The Poc Transcend Cap is a high-performing hat that doesn’t look tech-geeky.

How to Buy

Fit is paramount. Apparel that doesn’t suit your shape can prove uncomfortable on the trail. It’s also likely to languish in your closet because you won’t feel excited about wearing it. Once you’ve found apparel that fits, consider its fabric content: Different fibers deliver various performance benefits and drawbacks:

>Nylon resists abrasion and dries fast, but can feel rough against the skin.
>Polyester is softer to the touch, but sometimes less durable. Unless treated with an odor-resistant finish, it also gets stinky after contact with body sweat and bacteria.
>Elastane (sometimes branded as Spandex) provides stretch but slows the fabric’s dry time
>Merino wool is breathable, temperature-regulating (it cools you in warm weather and insulates you in chilly conditions) and naturally odor-resistant, but can be less durable than synthetics.

Finally, consider how garment features may dovetail with the rest of your hiking kit. Is the shirt’s hem long enough to stay tucked beneath the buckles of a waist pack? Are the chest pockets accessible underneath pack straps? By forecasting how your apparel will integrate into your ensemble, you can avoid buying pieces that disappoint you while hiking.

When it’s time to upgrade your gear, don’t let the old stuff go to waste–donate it for a good cause and divert it from the landfill. our partner, Gear Fix, will repair and resell your stuff for free! Just box up your retired items,Ìę, and send them off. We’ll donate 100 percent of the proceeds toÌę.

The post The Best Women’s Hiking Tops of 2023 appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

There are many different types of gifts to get someone on Father’s Day, but we would argue that the best are those that don’t just satisfy needs, but those that also indulge wishes with delight. These eight items are sure to upgrade dad’s outdoor kit—and charm him at the same time—whether he’s a camper, hiker, angler, forager, paddler, or beach lounger.

Bote Inflatable Hangout Chair Classic ($349)

Best for Chillers

Like a backyard lounge chair—but built for floating—this inflatable raft combines a rigid deck with a PVC sling that lets Dad kick back in cool, watery comfort. The pivoting back moves between reclined or upright sitting positions, and instead of a recessed cup holder, a magnetic plate secures any metal tumbler or can koozie. And we love that the sturdy D-rings make it easy to tether to a swim platform or other rafts. Bonus: after the session at the lake or seashore, the deflated lounger packs down to cigar-box size so he can take it anywhere.

Yeti Rambler Beverage Bucket ($150)

Best for Wannabe Bartenders

Built tough for campsites and tailgate aprĂšs sessions, these drink accessories let mixologists take their show on the road without worrying about breaking their gear. Big enough to hold more than just ice, the double-walled Rambler Beverage Bucket ($150) chills two wine bottles or a six-pack of cans. The stainless steel ($50) keeps gritty fingers out of the cubes and the ($20) keeps concoctions cold in style.

iKamper Apron ($80)

Best for Craftsmen

Help Dad keep his clothes unstained and unscathed with this heavyweight apron, made from scraps of rooftop tent fabric. The waterproof, densely-woven poly-cotton canvas shields against wood chips, wayward hatchets, or greasy bike wrenches. It looks spiffier than your typical kitchen, plus there’s plenty of room for tools, notebooks, pens, and gloves in the three pockets. You might have a hard time keeping him out of it.

Orvis Superfine Glass Fly Rod ($498)

Best for Anglers

For dads who covet handmade bamboo fly rods, we propose this more affordable (yet exquisitely crafted) fiberglass option. Its slow action and delicate feel appeal to anglers who love the old-school stuff (and make it forgiving enough for beginners), yet its newly-engineered S-2 glass delivers superior accuracy and lets experts hit palm-sized targets on technical waters. Thus anglers of varying abilities call this their ticket to bliss on small mountain streams and spring creeks.

Opinel No. 8 Mushroom Knife ($34)

Best for Foragers

Any pocketknife can harvest mushrooms and other wild edibles, but this handsome tool offers greater practicality and convenience for the dedicated seeker of wild food. The curved blade wraps around stems for cleaner cutting, and the built-in brush (made of boar bristles, the preferred shroom-scrubbing material) lets foragers field-clean their finds with ease and efficiency. We love how the birchwood handle takes on an attractive patina with repeated use. If you really want to go the extra mile, you can have the handle and blade engraved.

Roark Boatman 2.0 Board Shorts ($100)

Best for All-Day Trunkers

If dad’s summer uniform is a pair of swim trunks, gift him board shorts that come with a lifetime guarantee: made of ultra-tough Cordura fabric with four-way stretch, the Booatman stand up to rocks, coral, and brush while allowing for full freedom of movement. One zippered pocket holds valuables (and the shorts themselves, when packed), while the 17-inch inseam offers just-right coverage for surfers, anglers, and paddleboarders.

Sponsor Content

Gerber Custom Knife or Multi-Tool (from $140)

Get Dad a Gerber Fastball, Sedulo, or Terracraft knife that’s customized to fit his outdoor persona. With a variety of colors, materials, and lasermarks to choose from, this will be his favorite gift and new go-to adventure tool.

Silky Pocketboy Professional Outback Edition ($55)

Best for Hunters and Gatherers

This folding saw transforms the tedious chore of cutting wood into a source of self-powered satisfaction. Unlike cheapo blades, this laser-cut piece of Japanese steel features a proprietary tempering process that keeps the metal flexible, yet resistant to dulling (the steel’s high carbon content preserves sharpness over many uses). It also dispatches bone, making it ideal for game processing as well as campfire-building (it can also be replaced in case of damage). We were impressed with the grip the composite handle afforded us in wet conditions.

NEMO Stargaze Reclining Camp Chair ($300)

Best for Big Rockers

We’ll say it here: this is the most coveted chair in camping, newly updated for easier packing and improved comfort for bigger bodies (the frame’s vertical posts are now curved to accommodate broad shoulders). Pockets on both sides hold a phone or beverage, and the fabric feels soft and ventilated—never sticky. Leaning back into the chair automatically reclines it into “stargaze” mode, and the swinging hammock design offers rocking-chair relaxation on any surface.

The post 8 Father’s Day Splurges for the Dads in Your Life appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

Maybe you’re not chronically cold—but you probably know someone who is. Even people who love winter often struggle to stay comfortable through plummeting temperatures and snow. To the rescue: these five outrageously cozy accessories, which are guaranteed to raise both your temperature and your well-being.

Rumpl Whiteout Chillmono ($280)

Why settle for the standard-issue puffy jacket when you can don full-body baffles? This packs 100 percent post-consumer recycled polyester batting into a silky shell (also recycled polyester) that’s treated with DWR—so it repels snow flurries and coffee spills. Handwarmer pockets thaw icy digits. And the microfleece lining feels instantly cozy, as if the Chillmono was pre-warmed for you. So while its color evokes winter’s snow, its feel is downright fiery.

Selk’bag Nomad ($269)

Sure, you could wear this “” while camping, because the zip-away booties have tough nylon soles for traction and durability on bare ground (or slate floors). But we prefer it for lounging indoors, because unlike a basic blanket, it moves with you from couch to kitchen to garage. Fabric and zippers are made from 100 percent post-consumer plastic, and so is the down-like insulation: PrimaLoft Thermoplume Black, also used in premium bed pillows and comforters, feels instantly cozy. Seamless baffles hold it in place without the cold spots that are typical of stitched seams (the Nomad is comfort rated to 44 degrees F). Bonus: a hip pocket conveniently stashes a smartphone.

Manitobah Waterproof Snowy Owl ($250)

With a shearling lining and rabbit fur wrapping the ankles, you know this boot is warm. Comfort rated to -26 degrees F, it’s perfect for cold-footed commuters and aprùs-skiers who need to thaw frozen toes. Three layers of waterproof sealant keep out slush, a Vibram sole grips slick parking lots—and practical features are elevated by artistry. The toe’s beadwork was designed by Rosary Spence, a Swampy Cree creative (100 percent of Manitobah’s profits are returned to its Indigenous artists). The construction stands up to years of wear, and once you pack down the fluffy footbed, you can refresh the cozy factor with ($25).

California Cowboy AprĂšSki Robe ($398)

Winter’s answer to the Hugh Heffner robe, this is lined with plush recycled-fiber terrycloth that mops up droplets following any steamy soak. It’s also loaded with features that make it so much more than a post-tub topper: One generously-sized hip pocket holds a Champagne bottle; a terrycloth-lined chest pouch secures sunglasses; one waterproof front pocket protects electronics while the other integrates a bottle opener. Need cozy pockets for warming frigid hands? It’s got those too, plus a detachable hood and an adjustable belt. Stoke-up soundtrack not included.

Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Smart Heated Gloves, $299

Most heated gloves and mitts require you to fumble with heat settings to adjust the temperature—but not these , which automatically modulate their warmth according to your body temperature and activity level. Once you establish your desired temperature by using the related smartphone app, the gloves’ clim8 sensors and heating elements keep you consistently comfortable, whether you’re skiing in 0-degree F temperatures or watching the Christmas Day parade. The rechargeable batteries are bulky (about 2”x2”) so not every jacket cuff fits over or under the gloves’ gauntlet. But we’ve found the heat to last four hours or more in ultra-cold temps, and quality insulation (PrimaLoft Gold backed by Pittards leather) makes this waterproof glove a winning performer even without the wattage.

The post The Coziest Gear for Chilly People appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.