As colder weather creeps across the country, you might be turning to your vegetable garden to prepare for the winter months ahead. Here, we asked Jessica Hill, Farm Manager at , for tips and tricks on how to properly harvest and protect your cherished greenery, ensuring your garden will thrive in the coming months.

What Veg Should I Harvest?

Hill recommends that people harvest their summer crops before the first frost of the season. “We generally refer to these as fruiting crops,” she says. “This includes your tomatoes, sweet peppers, hot peppers, eggplant, okra, squash, and cucumber.” Hill also harvests any fragile greens like head lettuce, salad mixes, and chard, and annual herbs like cilantro, dill, and basil.

Herbs with woody stems—rosemary, sage, and oregano—should be fine through the winter, as well as hearty greens (collards, kale, cabbage) and root vegetables (carrots, beets, radishes, turnips).

How Do I Protect My Garden?

When Jones Valley experiences a hard freeze—where temperatures dip to 28 degrees Fahrenheit or below—for more than a week, Hill will throw a row cover over her plants, which can increase the temperature under the cover by up to 10 degrees. While row covers are specially made to trap heat, you can also improvise: “I’ve seen people use a bed sheet or mulch to protect the root system,” she says.

If you are in colder climates and want to extend your growing season deeper into the fall and winter, the Penn State University Extension service setting up a low tunnel hoop, which can be placed over plants to protect against harsh temperatures and weather damage.

What About Cover Crops?

Jones Valley uses a lot of cover crops—fast-growing plants like clover, oats, and buckwheat—on empty plots, which can help maintain soil health, fix nitrogen in the soil, protect against erosion, and suppress weeds. “Usually it’s always good to have something either growing in your soil or covering your soil,” Hill says. The Penn State Extension gardeners to sow cover crops at least four weeks before harsh weather and to turn them under at least three weeks before they plan to start planting in the spring.

Time Is Your Friend

Hill’s top advice for gardeners preparing for the winter? Don’t wait, especially when planting veg you can overwinter, like root vegetables and hearty greens. Having these plants experience some warmer temps helps them become hearty enough to tolerate the cold. “Some people plant when it’s too cold and aren’t super successful,” Hill says. “And I think that turns people off from gardening in the fall and winter, but it’s just because the plants weren’t strong enough.”

Jones Valley Teaching Farm is an partner. It offers food-based education to grammar-, middle-, and high-school-aged kids, using food, farming, and the culinary arts as a foundation for academic exploration, leadership, and pursuit of post-secondary pathways.

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The nectarines were mushy. I was testing a recipe from , a new cookbook from Pit magazine editor Helen Graves, which requires these sweet, juicy fruits to be grilled until charred, chopped up, mixed with tarragon and basil, and served with thick, chunky strips of grilled halloumi. My fatal mistake, I learned when speaking with Graves after, was that I used nectarines that were too ripe—too juicy and thus, too mushy when grilled. “You should look for something that’s still firm, but with some ripeness,” she says. “It requires some practice because sometimes you need to adjust the cooking time of the recipe if the fruit is too ripe or add honey to overcompensate for a firmer fruit that’s still a little tart.” Noted: the best fruit for grilling is one that is probably less ripe than what you might eat out of hand, one that can hold up to a high heat that will caramelize its natural sugars. Even with softer-than-usual nectarines, the dish was superb, the sweet herby fruit salad playing well with the chewy, salty cheese.

Live Fire offers plenty of these in-the-know tips on every step of the outdoor grilling experience, from starting a grill to sourcing spices. While there’s no shortage of adventurous and delicious meat recipes, I was mostly drawn to Graves’ veg- and fruit-forward dishes, including charred tomatoes with garlic yogurt and pomegranate molasses and a whole barbecued pumpkin stuffed with beer and sage fondue—a dish title that almost requires multiple exclamation points after it. “The vegetarian recipes have been the most popular with people on social media,” Graves says. “Which is interesting because usually, my meat recipes are the draw.”

Below, Graves shares a recipe from Live Fire for a smoked cherry sundae. While it calls for fresh cherries, she says that frozen will also work. “Larger frozen fruits are usually too soft to grill, but frozen cherries would be fine in this recipe because the whole goal is to make them collapse anyway.” My tip? Save money (and time pitting the fresh cherries) and go frozen. Put those dollars towards a fancy ice cream.

Click here for the recipe.

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Looks like working from home is here to stay. In an October 2021 Gallup poll, nine out of ten remote employees said they wanted to keep clocking in from the couch at least some of the time. Our advice: do it right with the best tech and accoutrements you can get HR to sign off on. We tested a variety of home office gear promising better ergonomic support and a more pleasant nine-to-five. These six made it through the interview process.

Work from Home Desks WFH Desk ($549)

Made of sturdy birchwood ply, this standing model is easy to assemble and takes up less room than other designs, making it perfect for tight spaces. And with 16 add-ons, including a bookshelf ($229) and hooks ($21 for two), you can customize it to suit your every need. We especially liked the Laptop Lifter Wing ($95) and Top Shelf ($199), which upped our ergo game and cleared desk space for doodling and note-taking.

FluidStance Lift Laptop Stand ($79)

If there’s one must-have for home workers, it’s this sturdy steel riser. It lifts your laptop nine inches off your desk or (more likely) kitchen table, helping you keep a straight spine. We loved the thoughtful design, which includes an integrated whiteboard and ample space underneath to stash a keyboard, mouse, and notepad when the day is done.

Apple AirPods Pro Earphones ($249)

Home office, trail, cafĂ©, bodega—in the months we tested these active-noise-canceling earphones, we brought them everywhere the day took us. Featuring an outward-facing microphone to monitor ambient noise, they were key for helping us concentrate amid the bluster of loud cafĂ©s and housemates.

Aeris Muvmat Anti-Fatigue Mat ($145)

Now that you have a standing desk, you’ll want a mat to help reduce foot and knee strain. We found this one to be sturdy, cushy, and able to withstand long hours of fidgety procrastination without showing signs of wear. Small subsurface bumps provide stimulation and promote movement throughout the day. While the mat can support sneakers, flats, and even wide heels, go barefoot for the best experience.

Ember Mug2 Heated Coffee Cup ($130)

Slow sippers know the drudgery of repeatedly nuked coffee or tea. Embr’s mug keeps your beverage warm for hours: place it on the charging coaster, then select the desired temperature in the app. Migrating from desk to porch? Fully charged, the mug will keep things warm for up to 90 minutes. We especially liked the app’s presets for coffee, tea, and more.

Purple Back Cushion ($59)

If an ergonomic task chair isn’t in your budget, at least get a little lumbar support. This back cushion from Purple is semi-firm and features adjustable straps to keep it in place. After a week of using it with Purple’s Royal seat cushion ($99), we felt noticeable relief from the lower-back pain that plagued us during lockdown.

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Winter’s icy grip has loosened, and it’s finally time to embrace summer’s long days and flurry of activity. Whether that means you’re heading back to the gym to train for a fall event or returning to your routine of outdoor runs and hikes, these essentials will help you perform—and look cool doing it.

NorrĂžna Singlet Top ($49)

Many tanks are either too fitted, too loose, or too flowy. This hip-length option from NorrĂžna hits the sweet spot. Because of this spot-on fit, we barely noticed it during bicep curls and long spin classes. Its seamless style and deep racerback cut prevent underarm chafing, while the recycled polyester fabric has a silky feel. Bench presses and push-ups have never felt so luxurious. (XS-L)

Thinx Air Bikini Underwear ($35)

Of all the period underwear we tested, these were the least bulky and most breathable thanks to a light polyamide-elastic micromesh body. Flat outer seams prevented creep during lunges, burpess, and squats, and the cotton gusset held two regular tampons’ worth of fluid—yet we never felt sticky during our workouts. Just be sure to give them a cold wash and hang dry to help them last longer.(XXS-4X)

Rabbit EZ Long Sleeve Shirt ($50)

The mix of polyester and spandex in this slim-fit shirt is so buttery soft that you’ll want to keep it on long after your last rep. It has more heft than the other quick-dry warm-up tops we tested but without the bulk, making it ideal for cool morning runs when a fleece is too much. Plus, the reflective logo on the front had us feeling safer. (XS-XL)

Roka Lockhart Prescription Glasses ($245)

Workout glasses usually have a fatal flaw: clingy arms that painfully pull hair when you take them off. Roka’s Lockhart frames avoid that issue with small, two-centimeter grips on the arms and spring-loaded hinges—which also help them adapt to many different face shapes. At only 22 grams, they were barely noticeable in downward dog and during trail runs.

Bearded Goat City Spin Shorts ($58)

Most of the bike shorts we tested that actually stayed put were unflatteringly tight. This eight-inch pair from the Arkansas-based brand Bearded Goat were comfortably body-skimming, but didn’t ride up during spin sessions and cross-training workouts. They were so comfortable, stylish, and supportive that we even wore them outside the gym. (XS-XL)

Dagne Dover Medium Landon Carryall Bag ($170)

One bag you can take to the gym and the office? Sign us up. This 18-liter tote/pack effortlessly holds an extra set of clothes, tennis shoes, and toiletries, with separate compartments for your water bottle and laptop. The nonporous recycled polyester lining doesn’t keep odors and is easy to clean. Testers found the medium size to be plenty spacious, but we loved the broad range in sizing options as well (XS, S, L, and XL).

Brooks Run Within Crop Tank ($50)

For hot and muggy workouts, we reach for this crop top. Its four-way-stretch polyester-spandex fabric provides maximum range of motion during long runs, and the bonded seams anchored it down when we were reaching overhead to make big moves at the climbing gym. Bonus: the small, secure side pockets are large enough to stash keys and an energy gel. (XS-XXL)

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As the editor of Well Spent, I’m always excited to see what products our writers pick as their favorite skincare, fitness tools, and gadgets throughout the year. Here, we’ve rounded them up for a quick gift guide. From a budget-friendly foam roller to a luxury face moisturizer, these were our seven go-to wellness buys in 2021.

LuxFit Premium High Density Foam Roller: Extra Firm ($9)

A good gift doesn’t have to be expensive—just ask digital managing director Abigail Wise. Even though owns six foam rollers, this simple model from LuxFit is the one she reaches for most often when troubled by kinks, cramps, and sore muscles from running. “Its dense EPP foam was made to smooth away aches and pains, and that’s exactly what it does. The roller is hard enough to apply some serious pressure to your problem spots, but not so hard that a rolling session becomes unbearable,” she writes.

Purple Royal Seat Cushion ($79)

While a little extra padding for a loved one’s at-home work setup might not be the sexiest of gifts, it will probably be the most appreciated. Dedicated work-from-homer Molly Mirhashem raves about this thick seat cushion from mattress company Purple, which is made from a “rubber—and yes, purple—gel webbing and features a zip-on cover with a no-slip grip on the bottom.” She credits the pad for helping relieve some pandemic-induced back and shoulder pain: “It successfully upgrades my rock-hard dining chair to at least the level of those comfy office chairs. At the end of a long workday, I no longer feel desperate to book a deep-tissue massage.”

Harry’s Face Wash ($21 for three)

This wash from Harry’s is great for people who might be looking to upgrade (or just begin) their daily skincare routine. That’s how senior editor Luke Whelan came to the product a couple of years ago: “for the first time in my life, I thought there might be something to all those grooming products out there. It felt good to take care of my skin at the end of a long day.” He especially liked the wash’s delicate scent, which he describes as “refreshing but not perfumy, with notes of hay and earth that I’d never smelled in a shower product.”

EVA Foam Mats ($1 per square foot)

Gear director Will Taylor had nothing but good things to say about this multi-purpose gift for the whole family. After outfitting his sunroom with these interlocking, 0.4-inch-thick foam mats, the space was transformed into a playroom for his daughter, a gym for himself and his wife, and nap pad for the cat. “Having a safe, comfortable space that’s ready for us at any time, save moving a few toys, means we utilize it that much more. And for two busy parents and one busier toddler, that’s been crucial to staying healthy and in shape,” he writes.

Skinnies Sungel (from $32)

Labeling a product the “first sunscreen I don’t hate,” may sound extreme, but șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű contributor Martin Fritz Huber is adamant about his disdain for most sunblock in his review of Skinnies Sungel, a concentrated sunscreen. Unlike other lotions that leave white streaks, the sungel is clear and easy to rub in. “In addition to its discreet application, it dries very quickly, so you don’t have to spend half an hour languishing in the shade while your friends prance around in their vitamin A-infused ecstasy,” he writes. While $32 for a 3.4-ounce tube might be pricey, Huber says it’s worth the cost: “because you really only need a tiny amount, those 3.4 ounces can go a long way.”

Coway Mighty Air Purifier ($230)

Another unsexy-yet-necessary gift: a home air purifier that can help filter dust, fur, wildfire smoke, and other particles. Copy editor Tasha Zemke loves her model from Coway, which quickly purified her home’s air and helped reduce her and her family’s allergy symptoms during pollen season. “This lightweight model completely turned around the respiratory situation in our household,” she writes. “When I plugged it in the first time, the intuitive air-quality light turned red—the most alarming of the three possible colors, indicating unhealthy levels of allergens. It stayed that way for several hours while the machine vigilantly worked its purifying magic.”

Youth to the People Superberry Overnight Mask ($48)

While assistant video producer Evan Grainger tended to lean towards a minimal grooming routine, his introduction to Youth to the People’s line of skincare changed all that. “‘Game changer’ doesn’t do this experience justice,” he wrote. “My skin felt cleaner than it had in months.” His favorite product from his revamp is the Supperberry Overnight mask, which is packed with moisturizing and redness-reducing ingredients. “It provides a rich, hydrating experience that leaves your skin feeling plump and nourished in the morning,” he writes. “Almost immediately after starting to use it, my skin tone was more even and my face less puffy.”

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Sure, workout apparel should be sweat-wicking, comfortable, and uncomplicated. But it’s the 21st century, baby—we want all of these things, plus stylish cuts and performance-enhancing features. These are the clothes and accessories that helped us reach new PRs in training and in style.

Janji Circuit Crew Pullover ($88)

This well-designed, comfortable layer is our go-to for daylong hikes or running errands around town. Its secret: the fabric, which combines a smooth cotton-blend exterior for a sweatshirt feel with a breathable recycled-polyester lining that moves perspiration like a tech top. There’s also a discreet zippered pocket in the back that’s the perfect size for a set of keys and a card. We loved all the colors, but if you sweat a lot we’d recommend choosing a darker one—the dusty green Haze color tends to pit out. (XS–XL)

Vuori Elevation Bra ($58)

Whether you’re at the bottom of a squat or sprinting to the end of your run, the Elevation bra has you covered—literally, thanks to a high neck and thick, supportive bottom band. The compressive fabric, a soft, breathable blend of 87 percent polyester and 13 percent elastane, holds its shape and resists pilling even after multiple washes. We especially liked the deep armhole cut, which helped preserve freedom of movement and prevent armpit chafing. (XS–XL)

Lululemon Take Form Mat (from $128)

Ridges at the center and corners of this cushy ­five-millimeter mat help guide your feet during your practice so you can find certain spots on the mat without peeking down at your feet. It’s also made of 34 percent sustainably sourced natural rubber that’s certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.

Lululemon Align Pant Leggings (from $98)

These high-rise tights are so light we barely noticed them, even during our bendiest, sweatiest yoga sessions. Bonus: they come in three lengths (25, 28, and 31 inches) and in sizes ranging from 0 to 20.

Crossrope Jump Rope Training System ($99 and up)

Jumping rope was the unsung hero of our pandemic workout experience: it’s cheap, it’s easy to master, and by nature it requires people to keep their distance. These days we’re keeping the habit for when it’s just too cold to venture out for a run. Crossrope’s system allows you to choose from different handles and weighted ropes. Grab a quarter-pound model with slim handles for speed work, or a two-pounder with power handles for strength training. The app (Android and iOS) offers hundreds of workouts.

Hoka Hupana Flow Shoes ($115)

Hoka replaced the Hupana Flow’s upper with a more breathable knit, and we noticed. In these 7.5-ounce sneakers, our feet felt cool, even during hot runs. Meanwhile, the rubber foam outsole and ­five-millimeter-drop midsole gave stability for HIIT sessions. Double eyelets at the top of the tongue allowed us to lock in the lacing to keep our feet in place.

Honey Stinger Rapid Hydration Workout Drink ($33 for 24)

Honey Stinger’s new electrolyte drink mix includes L-theanine for mental focus, plus vitamins C and D to bolster the immune system. A pre-workout version adds citicoline, for focus, while the recovery version replaces L-theanine with zinc to boost your body’s defenses.

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Aprùs means something different to everyone. Whether you like beers or ’booch, a successful post-adventure hang has two key ingredients everyone can agree on: good food and good entertainment. We spent a month testing accessories for cooking, drinking, and relaxing and came up with a list with something for the whole crew. 

Swissmar Classic 8 Person Raclette Party Grill ($125)

A Swiss raclette meal involves melting cheese in small shovel-like drawers that rest under a heating element. Slide the resulting gooey goodness onto a plate filled with potatoes, cold cuts, vegetables, or pickles. Then repeat. Swissmar’s grill has eight trays and a nonstick top for preparing additional fixings like vegetables or brats right at the table. In the morning, flip the top over and use the crepe molds to make breakfast. 

Rumpl Merino Softwool Twin Blanket ($199)

Rumpl’s first blanket designed for the home doesn’t disappoint. Made from a warm, buttery blend of merino wool and ­organic cotton, this throw begs to be cuddled under on a snow day.

Breeo X Series Smokeless Fire Pit with Sear Plate ($349 and up)

We love this pit’s versatility: add the wide sear plate to the rim to cook shrimp or add a finishing crust to steak. Want to add some smoky flavor to your chili? The kettle hook (from $80) can hold the chili pot over the pit. Add the Outpost ($140 and up) to grill directly above the flame. Beyond these bells and whistles, the pit looks good too, thanks to small yet sturdy legs and either stainless- or Corten-steel finishes. It can be your go-to outdoor hang spot in any season.

Field No. 8 Dutch Oven ($295)

Cast iron is renowned for its durability and its power to spread and retain heat evenly. The downside: it’s heavy. Field’s 4.5-quart Dutch oven is the lightest we’ve ever used, and thus easy to handle. If your only concern is dialing in a perfect, crackling, gold-brown crust on your sourdough loaves, we’d suggest a heavier-bottomed pot. But this was the one we reached for most on a daily basis because it’s easier to handle but still delivers superior heat conduction. If you’re looking for one cast-iron pot to do it all—stews, soups, loaves, whole roasted chickens—this is it.

Poetry for Neanderthals Board Game ($20)

The company that brought us the cult-classic board game Exploding Kittens now has a new and improved take on charades. Pick a card and get your teammates to guess the phrase on it. The catch: you’re limited to one-syllable words. Score points if you succeed. Fail, and get bopped with an inflatable bat. It’s jolly good fun—and a great way to get your blood flowing after a long day on the slopes. 

Lodge 15″ Seasoned Cast Iron Pizza Pan ($43)

After a long day of skiing, few things taste better than fresh pizza. A sheet pan will do the trick, but the crust just doesn’t turn out the same as the pros’. That’s why we love this simple cast-iron tool, which lets you cook like an Italian gourmand for about the same price as a month’s worth of base-lodge slices. Preheat the pan so your crust will crisp just as your cheese bubbles. Handles make for easy transport from the oven.

Snowe Cocktail Shaker ($120)

While an integrated lid on a cocktail shaker (rather than using two separate cocktail-shaker cups) is good in theory, a lot of times shoddy construction leads to leaks, sticky hands, and wasted drinks. Snowe’s handsome shaker is made of durable stainless steel and shuts tightly. No liquid escaped during testing, even with vigorous shaking, so drinks came out perfectly chilled and strained with no mess.

Hirsch Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Whiskey ($90)

Those who like a whiskey that fights back will appreciate this spirit, which has a fiery flavor reminiscent of a Highlands malt. We like it straight or as a classic Manhattan.

OluKai Ku’una Slippers ($120)

OluKai’s Ku’unas are splendidly fleecy, with a cushy insole and just-right arch support—sublime after a day in ski boots. Our narrow-footed testers especially liked these for their slim silhouette. Where many plush slippers tend to feel like clown shoes, these fit snugly, like a bear hug for your feet. 

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For ­millennia, professional athletes and regular folks alike have sought to maximize the benefit of a seemingly basic function: sleep. Getting quality z’s—or not—can ­affect risk of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. No wonder that the sleep-aid industry is projected to reach $112.7 billion by 2025.

We tested dozens of products ­promising a better night’s rest. Here’s what made it onto our bedside table.

Oura Tracker ($299 and up)

The Oura ring uses a variety of sensors to measure resting heart rate, the amount and efficiency of sleep you’re getting, and how long it takes you to drift off every night. These metrics are bundled together into sleep and recovery scores in the corresponding app, which also displays time spent in various sleep stages, such as deep sleep and REM. It’s a lot to process, but Oura breaks it down with graphs and Efficiency and Restfulness grades. The app also delivers general sleeping tips (example: “avoid spicy, heavy meals and alcohol close to bedtime”), which testers appreciated.

Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light HF3520/60 Alarm Clock ($100)

Rather than jar you out of bed with bells or chimes, this combination alarm clock and bedside lamp gradually brightens starting 30 minutes before you want to wake up. The process culminates with a bright yellow glow and the sound of birds, ocean waves, or the radio.

The Nue Co. Sleep+ Supplement ($45 for 30)

This natural sleep aid contains 100 micrograms of 5-HTP, which may increase serotonin levels in the brain, and 200 milligrams of GABA, which the company claims helps you stay asleep. While the science is still out on these ingredients, we found that one capsule 30 minutes before bedtime helped us relax and enjoy a restful night’s sleep. And unlike other sleep supplements, it doesn’t contain magnesium, which can cause stomach irritation in high doses.

Casper Humidity Fighting Duvet ($350 and up)

This comforter put an end to our bedtime thermostat wars, thanks to a layer of merino wool that wicked moisture and kept hot sleepers from ­overheating, along with ethically sourced down fill to provide plenty of warmth. Weighing in at 5.5 pounds, it was the lightest bed covering we tested.

HoomBand Headband ($80)

Some noise blockers sit inside the ear, which led to earaches in the middle of the night for a few of our testers. The HoomBand avoids that problem by placing small, thin speakers in a comfortable and breathable headband that streams guided meditation, bedtime stories, and ambient tones from the HoomBand app. While there are plenty of sounds to choose from, our favorites included the gentle patter of rainfall, which masked a bed partner’s snores.

ThisWorks Deep Sleep Pillow Spray ($29)

Before bed, simply spritz this solution on your pillow and breathe in the soothing natural scents of lavender, chamomile, and vetiver. The company says it helps you fall asleep faster, but we mostly liked it for its aromatherapeutic benefits. The pleasant fragrance helped us relax after a stressful day.

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BioLite AlpenGlow 500 Lantern ($70)

Don’t let your hangout set with the sun. BioLite’s new lantern is waterproof, USB rechargeable, and rigged with a variety of lighting modes.

Trek Light Gear Positive Vibrations Blanket ($108)

We love the versatility of this handwoven blanket. Take it on a picnic, then use it as a throw for your couch.

Wave Pitcher ($215)

This pitcher is handblown by artist Sophie Lou Jacobsen with durable, light borosilicate glass and features a whimsical rippled handle.

Strainge Beast Passion Fruit Hard Kombucha ($5 a can)

Subtly tart with a fruity kick, this gluten-free carbonated brew is easy drinking, despite a 7 percent ABV that rivals a strong IPA.

Aprch CBD Sparkling Water ($13 for 4)

For those who don’t drink alcohol, CBD beverages are where it’s at. Aprch’s cans have 30 milligrams of broad-spectrum hemp extract.

Republic Restoratives Purpose Rye ($70)

This five-year-old, 100-proof whiskey is smoother than others twice its age, with both charred and sweet notes.

New Belgium Dominga Mimosa Sour Ale ($13 for 6)

Summer in a can is how we’d describe New Belgium’s latest, thanks to a tart flavor and milky mouthfeel.

Iruai Arcana Trinity Lakes Savagnin ($32)

This subtle, dry white has a mineral finish and spicy herbal notes that pair well with both fancy cheeses and potato chips.

Madre Mezcal ($50)

Madre’s mezcal, made from Oaxaca’s espadin and cuishe agave varieties, has floral notes and a smoky profile.

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Growing up, I never could handle horror movies. I had zero tolerance for Goosebumps books and suffered a cortisol rush when visiting our unfinished basement.

Perhaps my amygdala­—the area of the brain that processes fear—was to blame. In a , researchers found that an enlarged right amygdala in girls was associated with higher anxiety. Still, this doesn’t really explain why my childhood apprehensiveness followed me into adulthood. Such dispositions are a mix of nature and nurture, according to , a clinical psychologist in London. “Everyone is born with a biological sensitivity to fear,” she explained. “The environment you live in can intensify that sensitivity.”

One night seven years ago, I was assaulted while walking home. I wasn’t seriously hurt, but the incident was a tipping point, like someone afraid of the ocean being rushed by a shark. I became even more fearful, perpetually on edge when alone. It affected my relationship with the outdoors: I ran only on crowded trails, and never at night. I started envying thru-hikers, not so much for their ability to walk hundreds of miles, but for being able to spend so many of them alone. Completing even a portion of a long-distance trek went from bucket list to pipe dream.

With time and therapy, I grew less afraid (although night runs are still out of the question). Last October, I decided to embark on my first solo backpacking trip. I spent hours tracking my mileage, mapping out water sources, and researching trail conditions. It was overkill for a one-night trip, but I hoped that obsessive preparation could tamp down my proclivity for imagining worst-case scenarios.

I set off on a Friday afternoon a little groggy; my partner was traveling for work that week, and I’d had trouble sleeping alone in our apartment. The trails were empty, however, and my nervousness soon gave way to marveling over animal tracks in the dirt and belting out “Edelweiss” to the landscape. Soon I was deep enough into the backcountry that I didn’t expect to encounter anyone else. I set up my tent behind some bushes, which became an annoyance when the wind picked up. Despite overpacking, I somehow hadn’t brought enough cold-weather clothing; I struggled to stay warm in my sleeping bag. While irritating, these preoccupations were enough to distract me from being on edge. I didn’t exactly sleep deeply, but it was the best I got all week.

The next morning I experienced an unexpected emotion: loneliness. Perhaps fearful and forlorn are two sides of the same coin. Being wary of people might make me less afraid in the wild, yet I yearned for company. The former will take some time to overcome, but I felt confident about how to combat the latter. I popped in a headphone (leaving the other ear open, just in case) and started a podcast for the hike back to civilization.

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