Ever come across an incredible hotel that stops you mid-scroll and makes you think, Wow, wouldn’t it be something to stay there? We do, too—all the time. Welcome to Friday Fantasy, where we highlight amazing hotels, lodges, cabins, tents, campsites, and other places perched in perfect outdoor settings. Read on for the intel you need to book an upcoming adventure here. Or at least dream about it.

Why My Family and I Love the Suitree Experience Hotel

It was my 13-year-old son who first became obsessed with the idea of staying at a treehouse in Costa Rica. So, when I found online, I quickly called him over. We stared, mesmerized, at the website’s drone footage of the treehouses’ disc-like rooftops set in a verdant rainforest on a hillside amid the clouds.

These aren’t your typical treehouses. Suitree’s four individual podlike dwellings are propped up on 30-foot-high steel stilts to better survey the scenery, with winding staircases leading to 110-square-foot “rooms.” Additionally, two ground-level bungalows can accommodate two, while their elevated counterparts can sleep up to four. On-site common areas include a lookout platform (offering views of the surrounding tree-covered hills), four pools (one with a swim-up bar), and an open-air restaurant.

Suitree opened in 2018 in the northwestern province of Guanacaste, just six miles from the closest Pacific beach. Its Italian owner enlisted an architecture firm in the capital city of San José for help in developing his idea: an immersive, canopied modern treehouse. (A note from the firm: Not a single tree was harmed in the making of this hotel.)

Fairly unfamiliar with Costa Rica, I asked a friend who lives in the province about Suitree and Sardinal, the closest town. “It’s where?” He balked. “There’s nothing out there.”

I booked it for a night anyway. Although Sardinal is roughly eight miles from Playa Hermosa, winding dirt roads make travel slow—and confusing. Apple Maps suggested we drive through a private horse pasture. Fortunately, we found another way without trespassing.

“That’s part of the experience,” says Nidia Bravo, a Costa Rican travel specialist who represents Suitree. While the property provides transfers from Liberia Guanacaste Airport, roughly 45 minutes away, guests with their own vehicle can make an adventure of their time here, just as we opted to.

We spent the morning playing in the ocean and trekking the trails in the shorefront town of Las Catalinas before heading toward Suitree. En route, we pulled off to enjoy a zip-lining adventure and monkey sanctuary. Had we foregone these detours, our drive from the coast would’ve taken about 30 minutes.

Upon our arrival, a golf cart transported us and our luggage up a steep, narrow cobblestone path to the base of our magical treehouse, which struck me as a modern Ewok village. At ground level was a private swing sofa. Our winding staircase led to what seemed like a trap door in the center of the elevated pod. Once through the hatch, we stepped into a gorgeous teak interior. There was a king-size bed, a bunk-bed nook, a writing desk, and a seemingly hidden—but spacious—bathroom. Nearly the entire space was encased by floor-to-ceiling windows.

We made the most of our wraparound deck, which afforded 360-degree views of the valley, mountains, and treetops. I did my there. And one of us was usually perched on the deck with the room’s pair of high-powered binoculars, scanning the surrounding canopy in search of wildlife. I could’ve stared out at the surrounding hills, listening to birdcalls and monkey howls for hours, but we had four bright blue pools to explore before dinner.

șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Intel

While Guanacaste is known for surfing—its 400-mile Gold Coast is home to popular beach breaks like Tamarindo and Playa Grande—the interior is where you’ll find monkeys and sloths and birds (oh my!).

For an additional fee, Suitree staff will book all sorts of guided tours, from a horseback ride through a savannah, to a rainforest hike at the base of the Arenal volcano, to an all-day excursion of the colonial city of Grenada, Nicaragua, about a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Suitree. If we’d had more time, I would’ve loved to try one of the many self-guided adventures available, including mountain biking and e-biking, hiking, and buggy rides into the jungle.

Instead, we floated in Suitree’s connected stone pools (at one point next to a resident iguana) and walked among hundreds of white and yellow butterflies. We laid out on the netting at the lookout while listening to the screeches of howler monkeys, and peered through binoculars in search of them and the other area residents: white-faced capuchin and squirrel monkeys, sloths, , , and 948 species of birds, many of them wonderfully colorful.

Various butterflies wing from bush to bush at Suitree Experience. Costa Rica is home to 1,500-plus butterfly species, and the rainier months between May and November are when more tend to be spotted. (Video: Courtesy Lisa Jhung)

My husband rose early and spotted red and blue tanagers in the adjacent tree canopy, along with an iridescent purple and green fellow that he identified as a spectacular motmot. Over coffee, I spent a solid 20 minutes staring through the binoculars at a brown spot on a faraway hillside to see if it moved—I was desperate to see a sloth. While I’ll never know if I accomplished my mission that morning, I did see a variety of birds and fell in love with the fluttering butterflies who hovered so close that they seemed to be wanting to tell me something.

Each night, bright stars speckled the sky. I regret heading straight to bed instead of out on the deck to stargaze, but fell asleep happily to the jungle’s nocturnal noises.

Choice Treehouse

While the hotel accommodates various wants and needs, including a wheelchair-friendly bungalow, its four treehouses are the main attractions. Do you choose the one with a private jacuzzi? Or the one that overlooks the stone pools? Or the one with a newly installed private pool?

We picked the one with the pool view. (The treehouse with its own pool was completed after our stay, and, because I’m obsessed with water, that’s where we would have wound up.)

Eat and Drink

With no restaurants within easy walking distance, guests will inevitably gather for a meal at Suitree’s on-site restaurant, Taru. Its menu features fresh, locally sourced ingredients and dishes inspired by regional traditions.

We started dinner with fresh guacamole prepared tableside, followed by our entrees: a mahi-mahi with seasonal vegetables for my husband and myself, and osso buco with spaghetti al bronzo (a tomato jus) for the boys.

Breakfast is included with your stay, and my sons and I were thrilled when the friendly staff offered to serve us at the swim-up bar. (My husband, less obsessed with water, dined at a regular table.) We swam over to stone stools submerged in cool water and my sons ordered pancakes, while I indulged in incredibly fresh fruit, yogurt, and honey foam.

When to Go

Suitree closes for renovations each October, toward the end of the rainy, less-touristed months (typically May through November). Rain can make outdoor activities more challenging and travel along this area’s numerous dirt roads difficult, but it also keeps this country green and doesn’t often last all day, every day.

The dry season is December through April, when prices are highest and temperatures hottest.

We visited in June and experienced torrential rains for less than 3 days of our 12-day trip, mostly at night. High temperatures were in the eighties, with more than 80 percent humidity.

How to Get There

San JosĂ© International Airport is a four-hour drive from Suitree, but the closer option is the region’s Liberia airport. The hotel offers luxury transport to and from Liberia for $120 each way for up to four people. Alternatively, you can book a shuttle or a taxi.

Don’t Miss

There’s zip lining in Costa Rica, and then there’s extreme zip lining in Costa Rica. Sign up for the latter. My family and I had our extreme experience at in Artola, less than 30 minutes from Suitree, halfway to the Pacific coast (from $45). We also tacked on a walk through its monkey sanctuary (from $54).

Strapped into a full-body harness, each of us in a completely horizontal, prone position, we whirred through the jungle canopy on five different zip lines, the longest of which was a quarter-mile. I stretched my arms out to enhance the feeling of flying above the gorgeous landscape.

DetailsÌę

Price: From $294

Address: Guanacaste, Sardinal de Carrillo
Obandito, 50503, Costa Rica

To Book:

Raised near the coast of San Diego, but living a mountain life in Boulder, Colorado, Lisa Jhung finds every excuse to travel to a beach. That said, she found herself drawn to Costa Rica’s interior on this trip, wowed by its jungles, wildlife, and adventures. Jhung’s most recent articles for șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online include a story on ways to make a family ski trips easier and the best winter running shoes.Ìę

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Forget roses. I don’t need chocolate. And the last thing I want to do for Valentine’s Day is go out to an overpriced prix fixe dinner. What I want for Valentine’s Day, and what I think is the most valuable gift from one partner to another, is to spend quality time together in the great outdoors. Time outside together is my love language.

My husband, Mark, and I have been married for 21 years. We started dating when he worked at Rock & Ice Magazine and I worked at Trail Runner Magazine. (It’s a very Boulder, Colorado love story.) We spent those early days trail running and climbing together. One of our first dates was a three-pitch climb on a very exposed face on Independence Pass—in the rain. He had overestimated both my climbing ability and my comfort level with exposure. I cried. He calmed me. He’d been a climbing guide and knew how to talk me off a ledge, literally and figuratively.

While we were dating, I occasionally dragged him into adventure races when my team and I needed another teammate. We still joke about the 24-hour race in California where his knee was bothering him about 22 hours in and we were reduced to a walk. I said something caring and comforting like, “Your knee is already hurt. We might as well run.” We did. He recovered.

We’ve since had two kids, and juggled jobs, finances, friends, and household chores. We often tag-team who goes to our sons’ soccer games on weekends while the other does their outdoor sport with friends, alone, or with the dog. Our relationship tends to collect dust, as does a lot of the outdoor gear that we’ve amassed over the years.

We’ve all heard about the numerous studies that prove spending time in nature,, and can even. And there’s a good reason why more therapists are adopting, either working with clients through dance or, especially here in Boulder, going for hikes. The mind-body connection can’t be ignored, and there is something to be said for opening up to someone and connecting while you’re not face to face—consider why running partners become so close; why kids often share more openly with their parents while in the car; and why two stubborn people who have been married 21 years actually talk more when outside doing an activity together.

A few recent studies have taken a look at how. But I don’t need a study to tell me that spending quality time outdoors together is good for my relationship with my husband. (That said, if I need to use science as an argument to get him out the door with me, so be it.)

One of my favorite ways to celebrate any event in the 23 years we’ve been together is to spend time on the trail. Right around our fifteenth anniversary, I was invited to a “couple’s-oriented” travel-writers’ trip on the island of Kauai. (The perks of the job are sometimes very good.) My husband and IÌę were treated to fancy dinners and stayed in nice places. But we connected the most—and I knew this would happen—when just the two of us hiked the on the Na Pali Coast. It didn’t hurt that the views were spectacular and swimming underneath a waterfall was otherworldly. But it was the walking and talking I liked the most—something we can attain anywhere, anytime if we just make the effort.

So, instead of spending money on clichĂ©d Valentine’s gifts like flowers, chocolate, or jewelry—or even buying each other adventure-enabling gear that we’d likely use separately—all I want to do is dust off the gear we already have and head outside, together. It’s the time, and the space, that is most valuable.

We may go on a hike with the dog. We may get creative, put on headlamps, and go for a night hike. Or we may grab our skinny skis and the dog and glide through a snow-covered open space to a lake. That may sound romantic, but it’s more than romance I’m after. It’s the connection. And connection is everything.

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On a quick trip to San Diego over the holidays, my friends couldn’t stop asking about the shoes I had worn on the plane and around town.

“Those are cute, who makes them?”

“Ooh, what are those?”

“You don’t run in those, though, do you?”

The answers to these questions were Tracksmith, my sneakiest, most versatile shoes, and yes, I do run in them quite nicely, thank you.

I was wearing the impressively good-looking , which we’ve awarded “Most Stylish+High Performance” the past two years in a row in our comprehensive șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű road running shoe guide. It’s a category we made up for the Eliot Runners, but one that applies to some of my most valued running gear. Due to their lack of branding—no giant, obnoxious logo, letter, or, worse, full word, anywhere on the shoe—and their semi-preppy, East Coast styling, the Eliot Runners could be worn by someone way cooler than me (and often are). But they’re mine, and I love them for their ability to pass for urban wear as well as tear up the road or track.

I wear them on airplanes. I wear them to restaurants. And I run in them wherever I am: sandy Southern California beaches, neighborhood asphalt, hotel treadmills. I like how they’re not overly cushioned, making them more versatile—the moderate stack height gives me enough proprioception to wear them during weightlifting/gym workouts and on off-road terrain where I like to feel the ground (although I hesitate to take them on sloppy trails as they lack the necessary traction, and I don’t want them to get too dirty).

Wearing the Eliot Runners on a plane means one fewer pair of shoes in my luggage, but I also appreciate that they’re thin enough that I can fit them in a carry-on bag if I wear other footwear on travel day—unlike bulky max-cush shoes, trainers, or super shoes.

At $198, these shoes are $20 to $70 pricier than many neutral cushioned shoes on the market. But because of their versatility and their smooth performance, I think they’re a decent value.

My Eliot Runners aren’t the only crossover pieces in my running kit. Apparel that moves and breathes on the run and allows me to blend in as just another lady on a plane or a mom running errands, or, dare I say, a stylish human being at a restaurant table, ranks highest in my book as a gear tester. (Versatile gear saves money, space, and time.)

The following pieces look (and feel) good worn casually. And they deliver when I set out for a run. These items perform and let me go from Clark Kent to Super(wo)man and back, in an athletic sort of way. Which, to me, is gold.

Versatile Running Gear

Tracksmith Fells Waffle Midlayer

The brand that makes my favorite stealth running shoes also makes this wonderful base/midlayer. I fell in love with it while testing winter running gear a year ago, and I wasn’t alone. My test team and I reach for it when we want something that feels like a cozy sweatshirt but breathes great, wicks sweat, and dries quickly. I pull it over a sports bra for runs on cold days, wear it under a jacket or over a shirt for runs on frigid days, and have worn it as a midlayer snowboarding. I’ve also worn it out to a nice dinner, and my tablemates were shocked when I told them it was a running top.

Paka Everyday Baselayer

With its rich color and flattering cut, this longsleeve shirt is better looking than a lot of the tops I own as casual wear. It’s made out of 85 percent Tencel and 15 percent Alpaca wool, and is extremely soft and comfortable. One tester told me it was the perfect layer for a summer concert in the mountains, and for her run the next day. The longsleeve tee breathes well but shows sweat until it dries, which it does quickly. With zero branding on the exterior, this top blends in with non-athletic clothes in basically any situation.

LeBent Ultralight Short Sleeve Tee

This top also has minimal exterior branding—just a tiny patch on the hem—which I love. I also love that the tee isn’t skintight. While it started off semi-loose and relaxed, it shrank a tad with a wash, even in cold water. But because of its crewneck cut, heathered natural fabric, and clean lines (no mesh paneling, color-blocking, or large branding), it’s still a tee that I can wear out and around without screaming, “I’m going running!” The blend of rayon (from bamboo), merino wool, and nylon makes the fabric feel ridiculously soft and comfortable, and dry quickly from sweat. It’s a great all-around running shirt that just looks like a t-shirt.

Ibex Lizzi Tights

I see plenty of women—especially college-aged—traveling in tight yoga or athletic tights. I’m not one of those women; I find wearing most tights makes me feel too exposed. But since these wool, nylon, and elastane tights are thicker and more textured than regular tights, I’ve worn them on a plane (with a very long sweater). I then worked out in them later that day on a beach in San Diego during a chilly winter day. These tights feel so soft and warm against the skin that I pull them on at least once a week at home in Boulder to work, and end up running, lifting, or doing yoga in them, and I don’t feel weird if that day also includes running errands.

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In the foothills of Colorado, winter creates a wide range of (sometimes dangerous) running conditions. The one I like to avoid the most is the indoor treadmill. I’m an outdoor animal. Like my yellow lab, Lulu, I sleep and lounge indoors but need to breathe fresh air, run on a natural surface, and be among the trees to ensure consistent happiness.

Unlike my dog, I don’t have toenails sprouting from the bottoms of my feet, or my running shoes—handy sharp grips that can dig into just-about-frozen dirt, thin layers of snow, and icy surfaces.

But there’s an easy solution to my lack of claws. Traction devices that slip easily over any pair of running shoes or hiking boots give me access to the terrain I crave mid-winter: trails. Instead of heading to boring paved paths (thankfully cleared by the City of Boulder), the treadmill, or, worse, waiting until spring to run or hike on those wonderful ribbons that wind through the woods, I grab my traction—and my dog—and go.

Here’s a quick rundown of my four favorite slip-on spike traction devices for running shoes available today. You only need one pair of fun-enabling winter animal claws to access your regular trails. Note: They come in a range of sizes, which is important so as to not squeeze your foot or fall off on the run, so pay attention to size guides when buying. (And to really shore up your winter running arsenal, especially if you run in frigid temps or deep snow, check out our most recent guide to waterproof winter running shoes.)

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.

Black Diamond Distance Spikes

The softshell toe cap of the makes them the most comfortable of any slip-on spikes for running shoes I’ve tried. There’s no rubber or fabric straps pulling over the top of the foot—instead, a full toe cap made of breathable, water-resistant material, with a strap that loops the heel, keeps the chain-linked spikes secure. Underfoot, 14 eight-millimeter-long teeth made of stainless steel that’s been heat-treated for durability dig into and grip fresh snow and ice. These are also remarkably easy to take on and off, and pack down to the smallest size of the bunch (no bigger than an orange). They live in the small bag they came in inside my running pack all winter long, ready to be deployed when needed. Sizes S-XL; Weight: 8.2 oz (size medium pair); Packed size: Smaller than my fist

Kahtoola Microspikes

are the toothiest of all options, with 12 3/8-inch hardened stainless steel spikes protruding from a “harness” made of thermoplastic elastomer (said to retain its elasticity down to -22˚ Fahrenheit). The harness wraps around the toe and holds the spikes on securely. While mostly comfortable, I can, however, feel the straps through the tops of my running shoes more than the full toe cap of the Black Diamond Distance Spikes. A pull-tab at the heel helps with easy on-off when conditions change mid-trail. Microspikes work best on trails with at least an inch of fresh snow, especially when there are icy patches underneath. Sizes: S-XL; Weight: 11.9 oz (size medium pair); Packed size: 5 in x 3 in x 2 in

Kahtoola Exospikes

As opposed to their toothier counterparts that dig deep into snow and ice, the 12 small, flat spikes made of Tungsten carbide of the provide a low-profile surface grip. This makes them great for terrain that’s mostly ice or mixed dirt and ice, and removes the fear, with a larger spike underfoot, of breaking a metal tooth or landing awkwardly on a rock. A similar, thermoplastic elastomer harness system as found on the Microspikes wraps around the shoe. Sizes S-XL; Weight: 7.3 oz (size medium pair); Packed size: 5.75 in x 3 in x 2 in

YakTrax Run

Yaktrax have long been the “Kleenex” of traction devices, with many outdoors people referring to all traction as such since the brand was among the first to offer winter traction for runners. The original version had metal coils under both the heel and the forefoot. The now has more durable, three-millimeter-deep carbide spikes under the forefoot (similar to Kahtoola Exospikes), while retaining coils under the heel. The combination does a good job on packed snow and ice. These slide over and strap onto shoes via a Velcro closure that secures easily and effectively. The downsides are that they don’t come with a bag or pack down—they fold in half but remain large and awkward—and, while mine have not broken, some users report durability issues. Sizes S-XL; Weight: .74 oz (size medium pair); Packed size: Not given (but fold in half to about the size of a sandwich)

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Anyone who skis or snowboards knows: Everything outside of actually making turns is a massive pain in the ass. The exorbitant number of clothing and accessories items required to avoid frostbite and injury. The hardgoods—skis, snowboards, boots, poles—you have to load and unload without wrecking your car, your gear, or your body. The stuff necessary for a comfortable drive home or weekend away. And that’s all the gear you need even if you’re skiing or riding alone. Bring along less experienced skiers or riders who could use some help—whether friends or your children—and you may ask yourself if it’s all even worth it.

I’ve been the beginner friend who requires extra help. I’ve also been the parent shoving a child’s foot into a ski boot and swearing, not necessarily under my breath. And now I’m the parent of teenage boys and couldn’t love ski/snowboard weekends with my family any more than I do. (So if you’re wrestling with younger kids on the slopes, stick with it; the payoff is great.) I also love taking along family and friends who may need a little extra help. But all that adds up to an additional need to strategize—with the right gear—to make ski and snowboard outings as smooth as possible.

These three things rise to the top of my list of frustration-reducing gear and will be in regular rotation this winter as my family and the occasional friend head to the Colorado high country as often as possible.

Rigstrips SnoStrip

I don’t remember whose snowboard slid off my bumper last season in the ski hill parking lot, but it took off a chunk of my car’s paint. To keep it from happening again, I started using the SnoStrip,Ìę an ingeniously simple contraption. The 16” x 1.5” x .08” magnetic strip attaches to the side of my car or our family truck and acts as an impromptu ski rack when we’re unloading boards and skis from a rooftop gearbox or the back of the car. It also allows me to tackle this job solo by securing the gear within arm’s reach while I’m standing on the side of the truck with an open rooftop box. The soft rubber organizing slats hold snowboards, alpine skis, Nordic skis, or any combination of snow gear, making this contraption a great alternative to leaning gear against the car’s paint or laying it on a rocky, grimy parking lot surface. When not in use, the SnowStrip lives in the back of the car, barely taking up any space at all.

SMMT Outdoor 35L Powder Tote

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From December through March, I keep this bag loaded with what I need off the mountain during a weekend ski trip. (I also keep a ski bag packed with what I need on the mountain.) It’s always ready to go and my shit doesn’t get mixed up with teenage boys’ dirty socks in hastily packed shared bags. I love that this tote-style bag zips shut—my stuff stays safely shoved inside—and the shell and zippers are protectively water-resistant. Internal organizing features, like a laptop sleeve, zippered mesh pocket, water bottle pocket, and small, separate bag that’s ideal for charging cords help me keep necessities organized.

It’s lofted like a puffy jacket, which keeps the contents inside a little warmer so I don’t have to put on cold sweats, and just makes it look like a perfect ski weekender bag. A keychain clip even doubles as a bottle opener. The bag is made with a bluesign-certified manufacturing partner and constructed out of post-industrial, post-consumer recycled materials. And, through , a portion of sales goes to Park City-based Summit Land Conservancy.

Smartwool Hudson Trail Pattern Slippers

I love sharing hotel and lodge rooms with all three of my boys (sons and spouse) and my dog, but none of them wipe their feet enough or take off their snowy shoes when entering a room. That leaves f***ing puddles on the concrete or laminate floor of our most frequented hotels, and I step in those puddles in my socks all the f***ing time. But not anymore. The Smartwool Hudson Slippers have a slightly padded outsole made of nylon/polyurethane that keeps my feet dry so I don’t have to change my socks multiple times an hour. The Merino wool/nylon/polyester (some of it recycled) blend that makes up the main body of the slippers keeps my feet and lower legs warm and comfortable, to boot.

These three items may not guarantee great snow or make I-70 traffic and lift lines go away, but they have been helping me manage the hassles—and get to the fun—of skiing and snowboarding this winter.

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’Tis the season of excess. Of shopping. Of buying shiny new water bottles and cozy new fleeces for friends and family, and maybe sometimes for ourselves. It’s the season of consumerism in overload.

There’s an antidote to all the commercialism though, at least when it comes to outdoor gear. Take those shoes that have lost their midsole pop and that backpack that you never really liked anyway and find them a new home with someone who may love them. It’s a win-win. You’re clearing out clutter and doing good—putting quality shoes on someone else’s feet and maybe helping them discover a love for an outdoor sport or walking in the woods.

Sharing the Wealth

There are a lot of ways to donate gear—a good one being șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű’s—and you can find a lot of articles describing them with a quick search. Instead of repeating these lists, I’d like to tell you an inspiring, real-life story.

My friend, Kristen Mecca, has long made a habit of leaving behind her gear when visiting developing countries. After hiking Machu Picchu, she and her mom gave their boots and headlamps to their porters, which inspired others in their group to gift their sleeping bags. “The porters really valued our gear for themselves,” says Mecca, “and told us there was also a way to sell their gear and make money. So, they were either going to use the good quality gear or feed their families from selling it.”

Mecca always travels with an extra bag of gear, which she’s left behind on trips to the Dominican Republic and Jamaica, but she’s also packed out anything she couldn’t give away directly. “I never want to contribute to a trash problem,” she says. “So anything that doesn’t biodegrade, recycle, or add value gets packed back up and taken home with me.”

This fall, Mecca started volunteering as a coach for , a national nonprofit that encourages elementary school-aged girls to be active among a supportive community. Because she’s seen how appreciated lightly used, quality gear can be to people in developing countries, she felt compelled to share the practice with her Girls on the Run group.

Connecting Good Things

Based in Northern Virginia, Mecca says that she was aware of how much money goes into youth sports and activity in general in her area, and figured a lot of lightly used shoes were just lying around in peoples’ homes. She also had a lot of gear herself that she was looking to repurpose. After doing some research, Mecca landed on, an organization that collects shoes and reallocates them to people in developing countries. Sneakers4Good sends people like Mecca large bags to fill with shoes, and a prepaid shipping label. In addition to giving shoes new life with those in need, the company allows the organizer to choose a charity of their choice to receive a check for roughly $1 per pound of shoes donated.

With the help of two high school-aged volunteer coaches, Mecca collected 93 pairs of shoes and soccer cleats from her Girls on the Run training group this fall.

“It was really easy,” says Mecca. She gave the girls a week to gather shoes from within their networks. “The high school girls who volunteer as coaches also reached out to their own communities and helped out. Now I know the potential is there.”

Mecca worked with the local director of Girls on the Run to donate the money from Sneakers4Good to buying shoes for girls in the program who need them to participate in the program’s culmination, a community 5K. She also organized another shoe collection and donated the money to a charity that matters to her—Animal Rescues of the Rockies.

What may be most impactful in the long term is that Mecca is helping one of the high school-aged volunteer coaches conduct her own collections throughout the sports seasons and choose a nonprofit that’s meaningful to her—once she’s done taking the SATs (she’s tied up until then).

“It’s been fun having a creative way to give multiple beneficiaries—those in need of gear, the animal rescue organization dear to my heart, and I’m benefitting too–from all the feel-good hormones and the energy boost from doing something I’m excited about that helps others,” Mecca says. That’s as fitting an antidote to holiday commercialism as I can imagine.

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Gone are the days of looking high and low for a shoe that will let you get outside in winter cold and slop in comfort. Virtually every brand has introduced multiple snow-, cold-, and water-shedding running shoes this year.

The season’s top picks range from impressively comfortable, cushy neutral road runners lined with protective Gore-Tex, to super burly, toothy, waterproof snow hogs with built-in ankle gaiters. With so many options available, this guide no longer includes water-resistant models—just fully waterproof road and trail shoes.

Why Winter Running Shoes?

Winterized shoes help keep feet warm as they block wind and cold with their thicker, less-breathable uppers—a benefit even in dry cold-weather conditions. Despite improved, somewhat breathable materials, most runners find their feet overheat in winterized shoes in temperatures higher than about 30 degrees. But the best ones vent just enough to not get clammy inside, and they don’t feel stiff and buckle at the toe flexion point due to waterproof layers or treatments. (That’s the worst.)

Waterproof shoes also keep feet dry by blocking out snow, rain, splashes and slop. Besides reducing cold and wetness, winterized shoes are hydrophobic, meaning, they don’t hold water and add weight.

Granted, if you run in the rain, or through puddles or snow deep enough, waterproofing becomes rather moot due to that big hole in the top of the shoe—you know, where your foot steps into it. In these conditions, a high-top, built-in gaiter will make a world of difference in keeping you dry and comfortable.

How We Tested Winter Running Shoes

During the late months of fall, I vetted and tested this year’s offerings in a variety of Colorado terrains and winter conditions to find the best of the bunch and compared them to what I and a small fleet of testers landed on as the best of last season. I then made sure the good ones from last year are still available. (Sadly, some are not—I’m hanging on to my discontinued carbide-spiked La Sportiva Blizzards for life.) Here are our favorites in four categories. We also listed several other available models in each category that may work better for you, especially if you are a fan of the non-waterproof version of the shoe.

At a Glance

Winterized Road Running Shoes

• Other Winterized Road Running Shoes

Winterized Road to Trail Shoes

• Other Winterized Road to Trail Running Shoes

Winterized Trail Running Shoes

• Other Winterized Trail Running Shoes

Shoes for Deep Snow

• Other Winterized Trail Running Shoes for Deep Snow

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.

Winterized Road Running Shoes

Roadies who get after it no matter the weather have more options than ever to help keep their feet from turning into painful blocks of ice.

Saucony Triumph 22 GTX

Some Gore-Tex running shoes can feel stiff and uncomfortable, a sacrifice for warm, dry feet. Not these. The Triumph 22 GTX is the most plush, comfortable weatherproof shoe we’ve ever run in. The PWRRUN PB (engineered PEBA) midsole foam feels ample, smooth, and springy. The upper—weatherized via a Gore-Tex Invisible Fit construction that integrates the waterproof material directly into the upper—felt seamless. 10.6 ounces (men’s), 9.1 ounces (women’s); 10 mm drop

Hoka Clifton 9 GTX

This is the lightweight, smooth-running, highly cushioned Clifton you know and love—but with a fully waterproof upper constructed with comfortable Gore-Tex Invisible Fit and an outsole built for winter conditions. What Hoka is calling “Traction Pods” on the Durabrasion rubber outsole create more ground contact and extrude a tad (not as much as trail shoe lugs), doing a decent job of gripping on snow. This is a good choice for roadies needing a little extra traction through winter, without going the full trail running shoe route. 9.6 ounces (men’s), 8.3 ounces (women’s); 5 mm drop

Other Winterized Road Running Shoes Available this Season

Winterized Road To Trail Running Shoes

For messy roads or minimally technical trails, these shoes provide secure footing and smooth rides while keeping feet comfortable and protected from the elements.

Nike Trail Pegasus 5 Gore-Tex

This winterized version of the Trail Pegasus 5, with its lively ReactX foam midsole that delivers a versatile ride on road or trail, features a Gore-Tex-lined upper, high-ankle cuff, and reflective detailing. We wore this shoe on sloppy gravel roads four days after a snowstorm and loved it for its comfort both underfoot and around the foot. The waterproof upper flexes easily with the foot while protecting from cold, snow, and general muck. 10.5 ounces (men’s), 8.9 ounces (women’s); 9.5mm drop

Merrell Morphlite Gore-Tex

One hundred thirty dollars is a steal for a pair of Gore-Tex shoes, and the fact that the Morphlite Gore-Tex can transition between road and trail makes it even more of a value. We found that the wide outsole of this shoe paired with concave sections underfoot made us feel stable and successfully “morphed” over obstacles like small tree roots in the Maryland woods. The midsole foam felt a bit firm, especially under the forefoot, which made us lean more trail than road in this shoe. Still, it’s capable of both, well waterproofed, and lightweight, to boot. 9 ounces (men’s), 7.6 ounces (women’s); 6.5mm drop

On Cloudsurfer Trail Waterproof

On’s CloudTec Phase midsole technology runs soft and smooth on roads yet isn’t too mushy on light trails, making this a versatile shoe. The outsole’s rubber compound and tread design gripped a smooth gravel road with occasional patches of ice and provided sure footing on a road-to-trail route. The upper delivered enough support for rocky singletrack while flexing enough to run comfortably on roads, even with its waterproofing layer (seam sealed Cosmo Hydroguard). 11.3 ounces (men’s), 9.2 ounces (women’s); 7mm drop

Other Winterized Road to Trail Running Shoes Available this Season

Winterized Trail Running Shoes

These trail running shoes are designed for wet muck, packed snow, and sloppy terrain in general, with their traction adding necessary grip and rugged uppers protecting from punctures and penetrating cold and moisture.

Topo Athletic Terraventure 4 WP

The Terraventure 4 WP has stellar traction thanks to its entire outsole, made out of tacky, rock-grabbing Vibram Megagrip. The four-and-a-half-millimeter lugs take hold in snow, and the somewhat firm cushioning, low stack height (25mm/22mm), and wide forefoot base (a design feature of all Topos) add stability on all surfaces. A full bootie construction made out of eVent is meant to be both fully waterproof and breathable; I found the upper to effectively block out snow and moisture but my feet felt a little clammy at times. Still, I’ll be reaching for this versatile, protective shoe often this winter. 12 ounces (men’s) 10.1 ounces (women’s); 3 mm drop

Icebug Arcus 2 BUGrip GTX

With an outsole equipped with carbide spikes that provide solid grip on ice and retract on hard surfaces (like rocks), Icebug running shoes are in a class of their own. The grip on the Arcus 2 GTX allowed us to tackle the slickest of surfaces, like a north-facing, ice-covered singletrack that doesn’t see the sun all winter (a trail we happily had to ourselves), as well as riding nicely on the slippery road to and from the trail. This shoe’s Gore-Tex Invisible fit upper proved comfortable around the foot, and the cushioning is ample. One ding: Our 125-pound tester found it rode a bit stiff and wished it flexed more. Heavier runners may have more luck. 12.9 ounces (men’s), 10.3 ounces (women’s); 6mm drop

Other Winterized Trail Running Shoes Available this Season

Shoes for Deep Snow

With protective booties that seal out moisture and major traction that grips even in unstable terrain, these shoes are ready for winter fun.

Scarpa Ribelle Run Kalibra G

Underneath a winterized outer softshell hides a low-volume, mountain-capable Scarpa Ribelle Run trail shoe, letting this shoe handle all kinds of winter adventure. Testers appreciated the ability to secure the inner shoe without having to dig inside the shell, thanks to an external BOA dial that tightens and loosens with precise clicks, and found the water-resistant softshell gaiter cut cold, biting winds and shed moisture. The interior shoe is lined with a waterproof membrane to ensure nothing gets in to freeze your toes. The outsole’s sticky rubber grips rocky sections of trail for confident maneuvering, and a band of rubber-like TPU wraps the shoe’s perimeter both for durability and to allow you to “smear” (climber talk for pressing rubber against rock for traction) should the need arise. 13 ounces (unisex); 4 mm drop

La Sportiva Cyklon Cross GTX

Like the Scarpa Ribelle Run Kalibra G, the Cyklon Cross GTX features a stretchy, breathable softshell gaiter that extends past the ankle bone for charging through deep snow and slop. Underneath sits the La Sportiva Cyklon running shoe which was built for speedy mountain scrambles. The shoe’s BOA lacing, accessible from outside the shell, effectively secured our feet on off-camber terrain and slippery trails. The Cyklon Cross GTX has a 28-20mm offset for a slightly more cushioned ride, while the Ribelle Run GTX sits at a svelte 26.5-22.5. Another difference: The Scarpa’s gaiter has a Velcro-adjustable closure around the ankle above the angled zipper, while the La Sportiva’s zipper at the front of the ankle goes all the way to the top (and some find the fit too tight for their lower leg). Both shoes proved capable in burly winter running conditions. 12.5 ounces (men’s), 10.5 ounces (women’s); 8 mm drop

Other Winterized Trail Running Shoes for Deep Snow Available this Season

The post Brave Snow, Ice, and Slush with These Top Winter Running Shoes appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

Long-sleeved running shirts are underrated. Finding a good one—soft, wicking, breathable, comfortable—can be the difference between looking forward to a winter run and dreading it. The best kinds of long-sleeved shirts can be worn on their own in mild temps and shoulder seasons, and they serve as the final line of defense against bitter cold when worn underneath protective layers. We tested a host of this season’s women’s long-sleeved tops. Here are the ones we reached for the most.

At a Glance

• Best All-Around:
• Best Value:
• Best for Cold/Damp Conditions:
• Best for Beginners:
• Most Versatile:
• Other Long-Sleeved Running Shirts We Tested
• Best Women’s Running Jackets
• How to Choose Long-Sleeved Running Shirts
• 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.

Best All-Around

Janji Rover Merino Hoodie

Material: 37% 17.5Ό merino wool, 55% nylon, 8% spandex
Fit: Relaxed

Pros and Cons
⊕ Excellent warmth and breathability on its own or layered
⊕ Scuba hood provides added protection
⊗ $128 is a lot for a shirt

If you buy one running shirt this winter, this top is worth the splurge. Testers said the soft, brushed interior blend of merino wool, nylon, and spandex felt great against the skin and moved moisture to the smooth exterior surface. Extended sleeves and thumbholes kept our hands warm, especially when tucked into gloves (that gap between sleeve ends and gloves or mitts was eliminated). The scuba-fit hood provided extra warmth and protection for the neck and head when pulled up and was lightweight enough not to flop around annoyingly when not in use.

We appreciated thoughtful details like a small interior pocket at the bottom seam with a bungee to attach a key ring, and a ponytail port on the hood. Bonus: The subtle branding, relaxed fit, and overall style also made this a great crossover top for other winter sports or even around-town wear. Another bonus: This shirt, and all Janji apparel, is backed by a 5-year warranty.

Best Value

Oiselle Altitude Longsleeve

Material: 78% nylon, 22% spandex blend
Fit: Slightly relaxed, boxy

Pros and Cons
⊕ Seamless comfort
⊕ Can be worn across seasons
⊗ Boxy, slightly shorter cut let chill creep in when not tucked in

This is a comfortable, flattering shirt that can be worn on its own in mild temps (or during spring and fall, hence the value), or as a first layer in the cold. We love the bird graphics and the word “fly” knitted into the fabric. The nylon/spandex blend was soft against the skin and did a good job wicking sweat. Testers prone to chafing appreciated the lack of seams along the body of this shirt—the only stitching is on the shoulders/arms. The thin fabric proved comfortable layered under a jacket or midlayer, although the boxy fit works best with looser-fitting layers over it. Thumbholes and extended sleeves added warm wrist protection from winter chill.

Best for Cold and Damp Conditions

Tracksmith Fells Waffle Layer

Material: 54% Merino wool, 46% recycled polyester
Fit: Slightly relaxed

Pros and Cons
⊕ Regulates body temperature in cold conditions
⊕ Great sweat-wicking performance
⊗ Too warm for mild days

When it was so cold and wet outside that we just wanted to pull on a sweatshirt and curl up on the couch, we reached for this top and laced up our shoes. The shirt’s Merino wool and polyester blend wicked beautifully, whether worn on its own in temps in the teens to 30s, as a warm-up layer over a tank top in mild conditions, or underneath an outer layer in the most wintry of winter days. The waffle knit construction proved both insulating and breathable.

The overall vibe of this top is East Coast cross country/British fell running—and we found that it inspired us to charge up snowy hills like those hardy racers. Testers appreciated the no-scratch, no-irritation feel. One called it an “uncomplicated performer of warmth.” We also loved how this top doubles as a good-looking layer for casual wear, and we have worn it traveling and out to nice dinners.

Best for Beginners

Nike Swift Element

Material: Nike Dri-FIT: 88% polyester,12% spandex, with UVA and UVB sun protection
Fit: Relaxed

Pros and Cons
⊕ Works well layering over a tank, tee, or sports bra, or under a vest or jacket
⊕ Thumbholes and watch window help keep hands protected
⊗ When unzipped, collar can feel floppy

We like that the somewhat loose fit of this top makes it easy to throw on over a tank or short-sleeve shirt and also makes it beginner-friendly by accommodating a range of body types. The Nike Dri-FIT fabric, a polyester/spandex blend that wicks sweat, is nicely stretchy and super soft. The quarter-zip provided partial neck coverage to protect from cold, and allowed us to open up for ventilation when temps rose.

Testers loved this shirt’s extra features: handy thumbholes, a small zippered pocket on the left hip that one tester said was “ideal for a lightweight hotel-room key,” and watch holes on both sleeves. One tester raved that being able to check her watch without pulling the sleeves up was “awesome because when I pull back my sleeve, I bump my apple watch and it stops the tracking of the workout without me realizing it. [The watch window] leaves the button undisturbed.”

Most Versatile

Paka Everyday Baselayer

Material: 85% Tencel, 15% Royal Alpaca
Fit: Form-fitting

Pros and Cons
⊕ Extremely soft
⊕ Can be worn for other winter sports, or casually
⊗ Shows sweat

This is one ridiculously soft shirt; the Tencel/Alpaca wool blend feels fantastic against the skin. We found ourselves wearing this for running in cold temperatures and as a casual layer at summer mountain concerts. When running, we liked how the fit was trim without being constricting, allowing full, unencumbered mobility. Of all the shirts in this roundup, this one provides the most warmth for the weight. It’s thin, making it easy to wear under other layers. But it’s also warm and temperature-regulating on its own.

“My initial impression was love at first sight,” said a tester who appreciated the responsible packaging, Peruvian logo, and great fit and feel. One beef: The shirt loses a little of its initial shape after washing, and the stitching at the sleeve endings and hem doesn’t have any give to it, though the fabric has plenty. Notable: Paka teaches single mothers in Peru how to stitch.

Other Women’s Long-Sleeved Running Shirts We Tested

• . This is a great wool layer for winter running, but the $124 Janji hoodie beat it out on price.
• . A high-performing, thin wool crewneck that fit too snug for most.
• . Made from recycled materials, this top breathes remarkably well. The fit is very baggy, and the graphics large. Seems more of a shoulder-season piece.
• . This is more shirt than jacket, which is why we tested it in this category. Testers didn’t feel it held up great to washings, and didn’t love the chest pocket for running.
• . Performs well in cold by wicking sweat and regulating temperature. While this topped our list as an all-around winter piece, we found the Janji hoodie better suited to running.
• . A soft, thin, and breathable wool blend layer, though some thought the arms and torso were cut shorter than we’d like.
• . A great wicking piece made from 100% recycled polyester. Some testers thought it could be softer.
• Arc’Teryx Modus AR Hoodie ($N/A). We liked this sweat-wicking hoodie, but it was discontinued from the Arc’Teryx line.

How to Choose Women’s Long-Sleeved Running Shirts

Consider your needs: Are you looking for a baselayer type of fit and function, where next-to-skin comfort and wicking is paramount and a slim fit allows easy layering? Or, are you in the market for a shirt you can pull over a tank or short sleeve or even a slim-fit second shirt to act as a midlayer at times and work on its own when needed? From there, think about what added features matter, like thumb holes, hoods, watch windows, or zippered necks, and what materials you prefer against your skin, whether a synthetic fabric or a natural fiber blend. When possible, head into a specialty retail shop to try on running tops. The one that fits you well, suits your temperature and feature needs, and makes you excited to go running through winter is your winner.

How We Test

Head tester and writer Lisa Jhung researches each gear category and works with gear companies to narrow down which items to add to the test loop. She then orders samples for herself and her team of five testers, who live in Colorado, Virginia, and the San Francisco Bay Area. For this test, women’s long-sleeved running shirts were worn in a range of winter conditions, from cold, dry, sometimes snowy Colorado Front Range and high country, to cold, damp Virginia and cool, rainy, mild Northern California.

Meet Our Testers

Lisa Jhung has been running for 35 years, testing and writing about gear for 25-ish years, and manages a pool of testers out of her home in Boulder, Colorado. She runs in all conditions and loves heading out in a gnarly snowstorm.

Kristen Mecca moved to Virginia after running all over Colorado, including multiple podium finishes at the Pikes Peak Ascent and snowshoe races. She now tests gear through the East Coast winter and is a stickler for irritating seams and rough materials.

Beth Smith lives and runs in Burlingame, California, and runs roads and trails while trying to not get Prednisone-level poison oak rashes. She loves functional clothing with smart pocketing for her phone, which she always has with her.

Lindsay Clark trains around the roads and trails of Louisville, Colorado, while also heading to the Boulder foothills to hit rugged, rocky trails. After tragically losing her home in the Marshall Fire, she says she appreciates good running apparel on a new level.

The post Next-to-Skin Comfort in the Cold: The Best Women’s Long-Sleeved Running Shirts appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

Winter running is hard for everyone, whether you’re an every-day-come-what-may die-hard or just decided to start running in the New Year. But thanks to high-performance fabrics and smart designs, this season’s best women’s running tights and pants make getting outside accessible, whatever your tolerance for cold. So pull on a good pair of pants or tights and don’t let a little snowstorm or dip in temperature keep you from getting out there.

At a Glance

• Best All-Around:
• Best for Winter Trail Running:
• Best Value:
• Best for Beginners:
• Most Versatile:
• Other Products We Tested
• How to Choose Running Tights and Pants
• 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.

Best All-Around

Nike Universa Medium-Support High-Waisted Full-Length Leggings with Pockets

Material: 76% nylon, 24% spandex; Gusset lining: 84% nylon, 16% spandex
Fit: High-rise waist; tight fit

Pros and Cons
⊕ Comfortable, compressive fit
⊕ Deep side pockets comfortably hold phone and other items
⊗ The name. C’mon, Nike! Simplify!

We love the smooth, soft, irritation-free feel of these tights. The wide, flat, slightly compressive waistband hugged us ever-so-slightly (“No pressure on the belly!” raved a tester) and kept these tights from sagging, despite a lack of drawstring. The weight of the nylon/spandex blend proved versatile—not too thin or too thick, suitable for winter days in dry Colorado and humid Virginia alike—and the slick, quick-dry fabric shed snow and didn’t get bogged down in light rain.

Two deep pockets, one on each thigh, can carry a phone or other necessities comfortably. We appreciated being able to securely stash liner gloves or a thin beanie in them after warming up. These tights come in a range of color options, too, allowing an escape from the standard black.One tester said her bright green pair helped cheer her up on a dreary winter day. A comfortable run didn’t hurt, either.

Best for Winter Trail Running

Salomon Sense Aero Stow Tights

Material: 76% polyamide, 24% elastane blend
Fit: High-rise waist; tight fit

Pros and Cons
⊕ Allow comfortable carrying of multiple items
⊕ Targeted insulation: thicker around butt and thighs, thinner/more open weave from the knee down
⊗ Can feel thin and cold in frigid temps

These tights have a host of bells and whistles while feeling simple and dependable for everyday wear. Made out of stretchy, breathable polyamide/elastane, they’re soft against the skin and thin enough to allow full mobility, but provide adequate warmth in most winter temps. Ankle zippers allow easy on-and-off and the ability to hike the fabric above the calf if temperatures warm mid-run. Storage options include a large phone pocket on the leg, and a pocket at the low-back that’s roomy enough to hold a 250ml soft flask, with a small internal pocket and a key clip inside. Bungee loops at the low-back can hold a layer like a lightweight jacket or long sleeve shirt, should you need to shed it mid-run.

The Sense Aero Stow Tights were the utility tights of choice for testers in a range of wintry conditions around Boulder, Colorado. “I love how I can ball up and shove my jacket into the storage loops,” says one tester whose layer never stays tied around her waist. “These are just solid, all-around tights with good pocketing.”

Best Value

CEP Cold Weather Pants

Material: Main material: 100% recycled polyester; Backside: 86% recycled polyester, 14% spandex
Fit: Loose-fitting

Pros and Cons
⊕ Block wind and snow
⊕ Versatile for Nordic skiing and casual wear as well as running
⊗ Wind-blocking material isn’t completely breathable and can feel clammy against the skin

We’re not awarding these “Best Value” just because they’re the lowest-priced pants in our roundup (which they are). We also think there’s high value in versatility, and found ourselves not only wearing these for winter running but also for Nordic skiing, walking the dog, running errands, hiking, etc. They have a loose fit and casual look with two zippered hand warmer pockets that can carry car keys or a phone when out and about.

For running and other active pursuits, we also place high value on these pants’ ability to block a frigid headwind, sideways-blowing wind or rain, or a sudden squall delivering all three, thanks to the thin, water-repellent and windproof softshell fabric on the frontside. The backside interior is lined with a super-soft, stretchy, velour-like material that breathes while providing warmth. Testers noted the tapered, zippered ankles “don’t flare or catch wind,” and that the zippered back pocket was “perfect for a cell phone,” holding it without excessive bounce while running.

Best for Beginners

Smartwool Active Fleece Joggers

Material: Main Body: 47% Polyester, 38% Merino Wool, 15% Elastane
Fit: Loose-fitting

Pros and Cons
⊕ Super-soft and comfortable
⊕ Zippered hand pockets and jogger-style fit allow them to crossover to casualwear
⊗ Can be too warm for hard efforts or mild winter conditions

Motivation to run in the cold can be hard enough for die-hard, lifelong runners. But when you’re first starting out? Having a pair of pants that are a treat to pull on—super-soft against the skin and warm despite cold temperatures—can take away the excuse to not head out the door for fear of being too cold when you do.

The interior of these pants is a soft-brushed Merino wool blend that helps regulate body temperature, warming while wicking sweat to the pant’s smooth exterior. The fit is slightly loose with a tapered leg—they’re more jogger than running tight, which makes them versatile for wearing as good-looking sweatpants as well as on the run. In motion, we appreciated their stretch for ease of movement, and their insulation which kept us from freezing our butts off if we slowed to a walk. When we picked up the pace in these pants, they proved adequately breathable, albeit a little warm in mild temps. But boy, are they comfy, cozy, and capable.

Most Versatile

Oiselle Lux Life Full Tights

Material: 87% polyester, 13% spandex (bluesignÂź-approved materials)
Fit: High-rise waist, compressive

Pros and Cons
⊕ Extremely soft and breathable
⊕ Two-in-one pocket on small of the back works well for stashing
⊗ Can be too thin on cold days

Simply put: These are a great pair of leggings that work well for running, and can also be worn traveling, cross-training, hanging out, and even to work in a casual office—there are no side pockets on the legs that make them scream “workout pants!” The polyester/spandex blend is what Oiselle calls “Heavy Lux” and it’s so, so, so soft and luxurious against the skin. The wide, flat waistband extends higher than most other “high-rise” tights and provides extra protection from the elements, plus a soft hug around the midsection. “Love how high they come up without being constricting—instead the waist feels very supportive and even flattering,” said a tester. In action, these tights breathe great and stay put (no sagging). Because they’re so thin, they’re best suited for mild winter days on their own, but can be worn under wind pants as a great layer. One tester gushed: “LOVE these!! OMG! So comfortable!”

Other Women’s Running Tights and Pants We Tested

• Tracksmith Women’s Turnover Tights ($130): Generally love these but they fit a little snug at the waist for most.
• On Running Performance Tights ($120): These are sleek-feeling, but one tester experienced bunching behind the knees, and one noted the looser (colder) fit at the ankles.
• Patagonia Wind Shield Pants ($169): Great at shielding from wind and cold, but slightly swishy (noisy) and could be more breathable.
• Janji ⅞ Trail Tight ($98): Awesome tights with multiple pockets to carry fuel, etc. Their ⅞ length is versatile but leaves a tiny gap at ankle bone, requiring long socks to stay warm.
• Saucony Hurricane Tights ($95): Testers didn’t love the contrast fabric look, or compressive feeling around the waist (not as stretchy as some) but liked the feel of the soft brushed interior.
• Arc’Teryx Essent High Rise Utility Leggings ($140): Very thin for moving fast or mild temps, and no irritating seams, but some testers experienced sagging. Also, one reported, “Not very breathable in the privates!”
• Hoka Novafly Run TIght ($108): Good, staple tight that works in a range of conditions, just not as comfortable against the skin as some others. And testers didn’t love the logo placement.
• Icebreaker 200 ZoneKnit Thermal Leggings ($150): These are better as long underwear/baselayers than tights worn on their own, in both looks and function.
• Nike Zenvy Gentle-Support High Waisted Tights ($100): We like the look, feel, and simplicity of these but they’re better suited for gym workouts and yoga. Tend to sag.
• Brooks Hight Point Tights ($130): Well-functioning, fun-looking tights with multiple fabric panels, but we could feel the seams where the fabric changes.

How to Choose Women’s Running Tights and Pants

Consider the conditions you’ll most often be running in throughout winter to select how insulated, weather-resistant, or breathable tights or pants you need. Then think about what pocketing needs you may have–do you carry a phone in your tights? Want to carry an extra layer, or a car key securely without wearing a pack? Then try on tights made of the material that will work best for you with the ideal pocketing for your needs. If the tights feel at all uncomfortable in the store—the fabric against your skin, the seams, the fit, the feel around your waist—try on something else. If they feel good and make you want to run, even in cold, wind, snow, or rain, you found your pair.

How We Test

Head tester and writer Lisa Jhung researches each gear category and works with gear companies to narrow down which items to add to the test loop. She then orders samples for herself and her team of five testers, who live in Colorado, Virginia, and the San Francisco Bay Area. For this test, tights and pants were worn in a range of winter conditions, from cold, dry, sometimes snowy Colorado Front Range and high country, to cold, damp Virginia and cool, rainy, mild Northern California.

Meet Our Testers

Lisa Jhung has been running for 35 years, testing and writing about gear for 25-ish years, and manages a pool of testers out of her home in Boulder, Colorado. She runs in all conditions and loves heading out in a gnarly snowstorm.

Kristen Mecca moved to Virginia after running all over Colorado, including multiple podium finishes at the Pikes Peak Ascent and snowshoe races. She now tests gear through the East Coast winter and is a stickler for irritating seams and rough materials.

Beth Smith lives and runs in Burlingame, California, and runs roads and trails while trying to not get Prednisone-level poison oak rashes. She loves functional clothing with smart pocketing for her phone, which she always has with her.

Lindsay Clark trains around the roads and trails of Louisville, Colorado, while also heading to the Boulder foothills to hit rugged, rocky trails. After tragically losing her home in the Marshall Fire, she says she appreciates good running apparel on a new level.

The post Run șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű All Winter with These Favorite Women’s Tights and Pants appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

As a touring bluegrass musician, Tim Parr was passing through Malibu, California in 2017 when he decided to shop for reading glasses. At age 49, the outdoor industry veteran who’d worked at Patagonia and founded a bike company (Swobo) had never worn glasses before. But, Parr says, his younger band members had been giving him a hard time for having to print out a separate set list for him, one with a bigger font.

“It was always at least two pages, when the other guys had one,” Parr, who’s now 57,Ìę told me on a GoogleMeet from his home in Baja California, Mexico, last month, after a morning surf session. “That’s what started Caddis.”

Parr channeled his years working in the outdoor industry and recreating on bikes, rocks, and waves (he’s been surfing for 42 years, hence the house in Baja), combined them with rockstar (okay, bluegrass) sensibilities, and came out with super-cool readers.

“Ninety percent of people over 40 have what’s called presbyopia,” Parr said. I looked it up. The Mayo Clinic website defined presbyopia as “the gradual loss of your eyes’ ability to focus on nearby objects.” The Mayo Clinic adds: “It’s a natural, often annoying part of aging.”

I concur. As an active non-20-year-old, it’s annoying. But what’s more irritating is that, as someone who cares about quality products and lives a youthful, adventurous life, putting on cheap, drug-store reading glasses makes me feel older than I want to feel. I mean, we spend decades doing cool shit outdoors and valuing the gear that enables us to do so. I personally don’t want to rely on anything that makes me feel dorky, or worse, trapped in a slow decay of aging and everything that comes with it.

So I’m thankful that Parr started for people like me.

To Read the Menu, Play the Guitar, Work, or Just Not Feel Old

I was in a dimly lit restaurant a couple years ago when I realized I couldn’t read the small print on the menu. I did the old lady thing; I stretched out my arm, pulled back my head, and furrowed my brow in an attempt to refocus my eyes. It didn’t work. In the end, I had a friend confirm what I thought I saw and ordered.

Last winter, after obtaining a pair of at a media event, I was out with the same group of friends in another dimly lit restaurant. I pulled out my new readers to the tune of, “Ooh, what are those?!” My reading glasses were confirmed to be cool, at least by my girlfriends.

I’ve since used them—along with another pair, the which I kind of think are cooler than I am—to work on my computer when my eyes are tired first thing in the morning or in the evening. I use them to read music I print out on my crappy printer to fool around on my guitar, or to work on complicated (to me) picking patterns that benefit from, well, being able to see the strings and what my fingers are doing. Knowing that the glasses were born out of musical need makes this feel especially aligned.

Caddis eyewear’s scope and vibe, however, goes beyond aging musical surfers. While the company’s first ambassadors were surfer/musician Donovan Frankenreiter, legendary surfer Lisa Andersen, and surfer/filmmaker Taylor Steele, the brand has since added iconic Rolling Stone cover stylist Lysa Cooper, tattoo and airbrush artist, Mister Cartoon, custom motorcycle builder and ex-Nike executive Wil Thomas III and more. The thread holding these people together is that they’re all “living their best lives right now,” says one of six Caddis cofounders (and surfer) Enich Harris, who came from roles at Fox Racing, Billabong, and Arnette. And, they’re all over 40 years old.

We’re All in the Cool Club

Harris and Parr explain how potential early investors in the company advised shying away from the topic of aging. But the two realized age was exactly what they wanted to talk about. “We decided we wanted to lean in and make people feel good about getting older in this,” says Harris, 52. “So that became our ‘why.’ We’re really here to empower people in the next chapter of their lives.”

Caddis’ mantra, written out in large, all-cap type on the bottom of the box of every pair of glasses, reads:

THIS IS FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT IN THE LONG PROCESS OF GIVING UP. IT HAS EVERYTHING TO DO WITH AGE, BUT NOTHING TO DO WITH YOUR JOB, YOUR GENDER, OR WHETHER YOU LIVE IN ORANGE COUNTY OR HAZARD COUNTY. IT HAS TO DO WITH BEING WHO YOU ARE AND OWNING IT.

Harris acknowledges that other brands, like Look Optics, Warby Parker, and eyebobs are offering “cool” readers, but that none of them are “leaning in around age” like Caddis. He says that the brand further sets itself apart by offering a narrow selection of classic styles. “We feel like we have a point of view,” he says. [Note: The company launched a line of sunglasses in the summer of 2014 and now considers themselves “full-service optical.”]

The day I spoke to Harris via GoogleMeet from his backyard in Laguna Beach, California, he was gearing up to bring a sampling of readers to what he called a “midlife conference with 200 women” put on by Liberty Road, a membership-based resource hub dedicated to women embracing midlife. “It’s 200 women just there celebrating getting older, supporting each other, and getting new tools in the chest to feel good about this next stage of their lives,” Harris said, adding: “We end up at a lot of menopause conferences.”

The thing is, it isn’t uncool to age. It happens to all of us, if we’re lucky, and so what if we need a little help to read a menu. I’m personally thankful for Caddis’ refreshing point of view, and the fact that my reading glasses make me feel better, not worse, about myself.

Learning about the company—and the fact that founder Parr picked up the dobro guitar at age 50 (and the guitar at 45) and will be working on his third album over the next six months while running Caddis—is inspiring. So is the fact that Parr and five other founders, including Harris, all came together after years in various roles in the outdoor industry—and playing in the outdoors—to create gear for aging.

I’m ready for whatever comes next, wearing my cool readers.

The post Need Reading Glasses but Don’t Want to Look Old? You’re in Luck, Thanks to These Surfers. appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.