Dogs may be the the perfect running partners: They’re always ready to go, they eagerly keep pace, and they never complain about being tired. But not every dog is built for running. The ideal jogging companion is low-maintenance and obedient, with energy and endurance. These 20 breeds are a great place to start. Plus, check out our favorite hot weather dogs, and those who can keep up in the cold.

20. American Staffordshire Terrier

The stocky and squat American Staffordshire terrier doesn’t look like a running dog, but it has plenty of energy, agility, and muscle to join you on a quick, few-mile jog. Vigorous daily exercise will make this dog—and you—happier. The Am Staff, as it’s sometimes called, loves having a job to do, such as pushing you one more time around the block.

19. Australian Cattle Dog

A natural herder, the Australian cattle dog (also known as a Queensland, Blue, or Red Heeler) is an athletic, agile breed weighing in at around 35 pounds. Their instinctual hard work ethic means they love having a job or a task at hand, so they make perfect running partners to push you out the door and to the finish line.

18. Labrador Retriever

Labs are used to being on these types of lists (you’ll also find them in our Best Family DogsĚý˛ą˛Ô»ĺ Best Active Dogs galleries), so it’s no surprise that they’re included here, too. Labrador retrievers are lean but sturdy and have enough energy to keep pace with a sprint workout or go the distance on a 10K. Like all gun dog breeds, Labs can be extremely obedient and willing to work ’round the clock, making them the perfect adventure companion.

17. Boxer

Ever seen a “boxer burn” or a “Nascar Lap?” Often, boxers will get a burst of energy and zip around the yard or living room as fast as they can until they plop down, completely spent. This explosion of energy makes sense, as boxers have running in their blood—they were once used as couriers during wartimeĚý˛ą˛Ô»ĺ to chase down large game, such as wild boar and bison.

16. Brittany Spaniel

Get ready for that pleading look that just says, “I want to go outside!” Brittany spaniels are eager-to-please, very smart, and very energetic—they need lots of exercise, more than just a walk around the block. Leggy and light boned, these hunting dogs are quick and agile. “We had a Brittany for 12 years, and he was the greatest dog that I have ever had,” says one commenter on .

15. German Shorthaired Pointer

German shorthaired pointers are true endurance athletes; they require regular exercise every day. Thanks to a lean build and muscular hindquarters, this breed is great for long runs (more than ten miles) and even keeping up with cyclists. Bred as hunting dogs, GSPs are sure-footed and have good reaction time, making them just as good—if not better—on trails as on the road.

14. Siberian Husky

Huskies were bred as sled dogs, so it’s in their nature to run, and run some more. Their endurance is never-ending. And the colder the weather, the better, so if you’re one of those crazy people who ran through the Polar Vortex, this is the breed for you. Thick fur—a soft undercoat and a longer, coarse topcoat—keep huskies well insulated in the nastiest conditions for days at a time.

13. English Setter

English setters get feisty (read: ruin furniture) when not exercised enough, which is good incentive to get outside. Although this breed was bred as a gun dog for running in fields all day, their optimal distance for a road run is about four to six miles. And stay out of the woods; their long fur can easily gather brambles and twigs.

12. Belgian Shepherd

Not only does the Belgian Shepherd have an elegant, proud stature, but its gait follows suit with a smooth, tireless stride that is perfect for long, slow runs (this dog is so graceful, in fact, that you might look clumsy running alongside it). This strong and lean breed won’t tire. After all, these dogs have worked as herders, message carriers, ambulance dogs, and even machine gun pullers during WWI, according to the American Kennel Club.

11. Poodle

Although the breed might seem pretentious—and even prissy—the standard poodle shouldn’t be overlooked when it comes to being a running companion. The breed has plenty of energy, but isn’t short on intelligence or obedience, either. The poodle was bred as a gun dog and a water retriever, and the breed retains those athletic instincts, which will surely kick in on a long, slow run.

10. Jack Russell Terrier

Small but mighty, Jack Russell terriers have boundless energyĚý˛ą˛Ô»ĺ can run for surprisingly extended periods of time. If you’re looking for a more compact long-distance running mate, this adventurous breed should be just right.

9. Airedale Terrier

Live somewhere hot? The Airedale terrier has a short, wiry coat made for just such a place. Airedales love to run, but since they’re on the smaller side, you’ll probably get along best if you’re running 10K or less, according to .

8. Vizsla

Experienced runners will appreciate the vizsla’s super-athleticism. According to Runner’s World, this breed excels at speed, endurance, navigating obstacles, and even jumping. What further sets vizslas apart is their exceptional trainability, which could be a plus for those who live in busy areas or want to skip a leash.

7. Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan malamute has a thick coat and was bred to carry loads over long distances, so it is a great endurance runner and good for those who live in colder climates. With their hardy build and intelligence, malamutes will gladly tough out less-than-ideal conditions by your side.

6. Dalmatian

Dalmatians can keep pace with horses. Which means they can keep pace with you. These large and lean dogs were classically employed to run ahead of firefighting carriages and clear the way, but they’re just as happy running through the park. Great if you’re looking for a more protective breed to accompany your long-distance jogs.

5. German Shepherd Dog

German shepherd dogs are known for having many talents, and running is one of them. Strong and durably built, this breed can keep pace with the best of them. Even better, German shepherds are good with kids, protective and eager to please—sure to become much more than a running companion.

4. Australian Shepherd

The Australian shepherd is another busybody herding breed that sets itself apart with its people skills and protective nature. This breed would make a wonderful addition to an active family, and a good companion for anyone who likes to explore different kinds of terrain.

3. Border Collie

Herding dogs are agile runners, and the border collie is considered one of the most intelligent of the breeds. This dog loves having a job to do, says the American Kennel Club, so keep it busy as a faithful and sure-footed running mate.

2. Weimaraner

What makes the Weimaraner such a great choice for running companion is its endless adaptability. The graceful “grey ghost” breed is touted by Runner’s World as excelling at short, quick bursts and pacing for long distances, with a low-maintenance short coat for hot climates. The Weimaraner is also great at navigating rough terrain or trails, and it is fearless, easily trained, and a great family pet—a winner all around.

1. Rhodesian Ridgeback

Rhodesian Ridgebacks were originally bred to hunt lions in Africa, so they are extremely athletic, yet surprisingly good with people. This magnificent breed has an efficient stride and a short, low-maintenance coat that helps when running in the heat.

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Heading out on an adventure and knowing that you are solely in control of where you camp, when you stop, and what you eat can be a thrilling feeling. “Solitude is so rare in this day and age that it can be really powerful if you seek it out purposefully,” says Amy Rathke, Environmental Stewardship Coordinator for the National Outdoor Leadership School. “Gear preferences, food preferences—ultimately, the trip is yours. If you want to sit by an alpine lake and sit in the sun and read your book in the middle of the day, you don’t have to answer to anyone else. ” These ten perfect hikes, from a few miles to a few weeks long, are waiting for you.

John Muir Trail

Said to be the finest mountain scenery in the US, this 211-mile trail should definitely be on your bucket list. It runs mostly in conjunction with the Pacific Crest Trail, and often has mild, sunny weather. You will need a wilderness permit, but it’s worth it to venture through Yosemite, John Muir Wilderness, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Park.

Lost Lake Trail, Seward, Alaska

If you’re new to solo backpacking, opt for a one- or two-night stay at Lost Lake. The 14-mile roundtrip hike starts in a spruce forest that opens up into lush meadows, followed by hemlock groves and mountain views. There are off-trail hiking opportunities if you feel like exploring further, but use common sense: there may be no other hikers for miles, and snow can linger until July.

Fall Canyon, Death Valley, California

Don’t be scared off by the name. Instead, let Death Valley’s key features entice you—it’s the driest, hottest, and lowest place in North America. The trails are rough and unmanaged, so definitely take a GPS device and bring plenty of water. If you want true isolation, avoid the weekends, but target April and October for prime weather. Fall Canyon offers a wealth of exploration possibilities near Titus Canyon.

Teton Crest Trail, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

If you are ready for a longer solo adventure, the 37-mile, six-day Teton Crest Trail is one of Rathke’s favorites. It’s one of the park’s signature hikes and delivers alpine lakes, views of the famous craggy summits, and a trip over Hurricane Pass where you can see all three Tetons in perfection. This is a moderate backpacking trip, but can easily be done solo—park at the Leigh Lake Trailhead and take the tram to start at the Granite Canyon trailhead.

Timberline Trail, Mt. Hood National Forest, Oregon

For a multi-day solo backpacking trip, take the 36-mile trek around Mt. Hood. You start and end at Timberline Lodge trailhead, and do need a permit in the summer, though they are free. This is a more strenuous hike that will test your limits, but you’ll get a good variety of solo hiking as well as some populated areas and campsites, if you’re in need of some emergency socialization.

Lake Katherine, Pecos Wilderness, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Start at Ski Santa Fe, follow the Windsor Trail up to the well-marked path leading to Lake Katherine, and don’t forget your fishing pole. It’s the largest and deepest lake in the Pecos and sits just below Mount Baldy, which you can veer off and climb, too. There are plenty of trails to make this a loop hike as well, offering connections to the Windsor to Lake Peak, Deception Peak, and Raven’s Ridge.

Wilcox Pass, Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada

On some hikes, you just want to take in the beauty without being rushed by co-hikers. Wilcox Pass provides views of the Columbia icefields along with the Athabasca glacier, and the glaciated Mount Andromeda, Snow Dome, and Mount Kitchener. Take your time viewing the glaciers, then continue to the open meadows to spy bighorn sheep.

Delicate Arch, Arches National Park, Moab, Utah

Not only are all of the hikes in this area highly recommended, the small-town of Moab is friendly and welcome to all adventurers. Canyonlands National Park is nearby, but Arches is easier to navigate with better marked trails. Both are popular with hikers and mountain bikers, but you can still easily get away to appreciate the solitude. The Delicate Arch hike is only 3 miles roundtrip, but can take about two to three hours. There is no shade, so make sure you pack plenty of water and sunscreen.

Cabot Trail, Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia, Canada

The 185-mile Cabot Trail covers the northern tip of Cape Breton Island, consistently rated one of the top destinations in North America. With more than 25 trails to explore, you can easily do a variety of hikes and spot plenty of wildlife, too.

Springer Mountain to Three Forks, Appalachian Trial, Ellijay, Georgia

This southernmost, 8.6-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail covers a variety of terrain, like mossy creeks, pine, rhododendron, and plenty of wildflowers before heading to the summit of Springer Mountain. The out-and-back trail has parking lots on both ends and isn’t very strenuous—you can take the time to reflect and enjoy a lush hike by your lonesome.

How to Safely Hike Alone

A solo hike can also lead you into dangerous situations, so prepare for the worst. “The top thing when you are considering any trip, but especially when you are going out alone, is to have good first aid training because you are going to be handling any emergency situations by yourself,” says Rathke. Along with first aid, know the area that you are going to. Are there grizzlies? What’s the weather supposed to be like? Have a solid understanding of the place before you embark, Rathke says. Unfortunately, there’s a human factor, too. Rathke warns to be wary of any fellow hikers that are simply creeping you out. If your gut is telling to you to be cautious of someone, play it safe and pitch your tent among other campers or hike alongside new friends.

Before you head out, leave a detailed trip plan of where you are going, and when you will be back. “I like to set a freak out time,” Rathke says, “so if whatever that time is approaches, and whoever you left your plan with haven’t heard from you, they know specially what to do at that point, whether it is to contact search and rescue or drive to the trailhead and retrace your steps.”

Sometimes, getting over the mental hump of being alone for days at a time is a challenge of itself. Rathke recommends bringing a book or an iPod and savoring the uninterrupted hours to read or listen to music. You might also consider taking a few items you might normally take on a group hike, like a GPS device for any challenging situations.

Once you’ve taken appropriate precautions, the benefits of solitude and ultimate freedom will become apparent. In the end, you might like the alone time or you might not, but it’s well worth a try. “To realize that you can execute an adventure like that from start to finish on your own, can be its own reward,” Rathke says.

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The most important part of your snow kit this season? What you’re wearing underneath it. We took eight of the best women’s performance underwear options on the trail and slopes to see how they stacked up to their cotton counterparts. Here are our results. 

Lululemon Light as Air Hipster ($18)

Best For: Yoga, traveling, running
are extremely lightweight, stretchy, and breathable. Lululemon’s Nakedseam technology eliminates all seams, which reduces chafing and makes these a go-to for wearing under tight base-layer bottoms. 

Tasc Bikini Brief ($14) 

Best For: Hiking, traveling 
Made from an organic cotton-and-bamboo fabric, the are soft and stretchy. They’re also highly breathable and odor resistantĚý˛ą˛Ô»ĺ have a UPF rating 50+. (Swimsuit bottom, perhaps?) Bonus points: The briefs come in seven different colors and have a nonrestrictive waistband. 

Smartwool PhD Seamless Bikini ($32)

Best For: Backpacking, climbing, skiing, snowboarding 
Smartwool’s PhD line is made for serious athletes. On , the knit ventilation zones allow for air movement, while the merino wool feels soft against the skin and fights stink. The midrise cut and wide waistband keep the bottoms in place, but the seams do show under thin tights.  

Icebreaker Sprite Hot Pants ($35)

Best For: Backpacking, skiing, snowboarding, traveling
We like the full-coverage, boy-short cut, and low-rise waistband of the . Made from stretchy Lycra and merino, the bottoms are lightweight without being gauzy (like the Lululemon, above). 

ExOfficio Give-N-Go Sport Mesh Bikini Brief ($22)

Best For: Hiking, running  
The ultralight mesh places  among the silkiest bottoms we’ve ever worn. They wick well and dry quickly, while the active, skin-tight fit with a low-rise waistband meant these never slipped, crept, or bunched up. 

Bergans of Norway Akeleie Lady Boxer ($39)

Best For: Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing
The outer layer of  is made from 220-milligram-weight wool. The inner layer is cut from a polyester blend. Result: Air gets trapped between the two layers for better insulation. The shorts reach about midthigh, so you won’t want to wear them under a tight base layer. The flatlock seams prevented chafing. 

Patagonia Active Briefs ($22)

Best For: Running, hiking, backpacking
Made from a recycled-polyester blend, Patagonia’s are eco-friendly without sacrificing plushness or stretchiness. The briefs offer full coverage with a midrise, no-roll waistbandĚý˛ą˛Ô»ĺ seamless legs that won’t chafe or creep up. 

Under Armour Pure Stretch Cheeky ($12)

Best For: The gym, running
The cheapest option on our list, the is seamless and lightweight. Its cut offers the least coverage of any underwear we tried. Bonus points: They come in 25 colors.

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We’ve seen wood-burning hot tubs , but the HotTug takes that concept to a whole new level by adding an electric motor to the stern. Result: a rudimentary boat that lets you cruise down a river while soaking your bones. 

Created by a Dutch inventor a few years ago, the is now for sale in the U.S. It's made from chestnut wood and fitted with glass-fiber-reinforced polyester. The stainless steel, wood-burning stove can heat 480 gallons of water in less than three hours. 

There’s also a waterproof storage space, a swim ladder, a navigation light, and it'll accommodate up to eight people. 

Ěý$25,000,

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Behold the transformer you never knew you needed. The Kormaran combines a monohull, catamaran, trimaran, and sun-bathing platform in a single sleek, carbon-fiber package. It’ll even transform while moving thanks to its pair of hydraulic-operated hulls.

The 23-foot-long luxury yacht, powered by a 493-horsepower triple jet drive, can hit a top speed of 44 mph and has a range of 108 nautical miles at that top speed. The Kormaran’s foldout hydrofoils allegedly reduce water resistance up to 80 percent, making for a smooth, fast, gas-efficient ride.

The Austrian company didn’t skimp on high-quality materials either. The boat is comprised of carbon, titanium, and stainless steel. The interior is trimmed with leather while the handsome wood deck is made from teak. Alas, there’s no word when the Kormaran prototype will hit market. 

$TBD,

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Face it. This EarthRoamer Xpedition Vehicle is probably nicer than your actual home.

The are built around a  chassis, making them both brawny and beautiful. The vehicles feature hardwood cabinets, leather upholstery, granite countertops, solar power, and a king-size bed. Choose between regular, super, and crew cab versions that measure between 22 and 27 feet long.

EarthRoamer built the XV-LT to be used year round in weather ranging from a whiteout blizzard to 120-degree desert heat. It drives equally well on a forest road as it does on the highway, according to the company. 

Next year, look for the company to upgrade its fleet with a new Ford F-650-based EarthRoamer XV-HD.

From $282,000,

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Most watches look the same, but not the .

Instead of two hands rotating in a circle of numbers, the UR-105M has three orbiting satellites that show the hour. Minutes are displayed at the bottom of the device, while running seconds and a power reserve appear on the side of the watch. 

Made from titanium, steel, and sapphire crystals, this watch is ensconced in an armor-like case. “This shield protects the mechanism (the heart of the watch) from the outside world’s aggressions,” says co-founder Martin Frei. For a $66,000 price tag, we say the watch better be indestructible. 

The UR-105M comes in two color schemes, Dark Knight and Iron Knight. 

Starting at $66,000,

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Sure, the wetsuit looks like its designers took cues from a prisoner uniform, but don’t be fooled by the wacky stripes: this product could save your life. Maybe.

SAMS (or ) makes wetsuits designed to deter sharks by using patterns and colors that allegedly make the wearer look less like a tasty snack and more like a poisonous one. The folks at SAMS teamed up with the to figure out the best colors, shapes, dimensions, and contrast to keep sharks at bay.

They came up with two wetsuits, one intended for surfers and the other for divers. You can also buy a sticker with the same stripes to attach to the bottom of your surfboard for extra protection.

Now, scientists don't know exactly what repels sharks, a fact SAMS makes quite clear. (Its site warns “All sharks are dangerous and unpredictable creatures. It is impossible for SAMS to guarantee that 100% of sharks will be deterred under all circumstances with the SAMS technology.”) Current test are ongoing and still in their early stages, according to the company. 

The takeaway: if you’re in the water and you see a shark, you'd best still exit quickly, no matter what wetsuit you’re wearing.

$438,

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We’ve been using axes for thousands of years, but the basic concept hasn’t changed much. You have an axe head and a handle. Simple, right?

Well, yes, but that doesn’t mean the tried-and-true design can’t be improved. The folks at designed the original Leveraxe almost a decade ago. It uses leverage to make chopping wood easier and safer. As you swing down, the stainless steel axe both cuts the wood and pushes it apart thanks to the off-center shaft. Result: you expend less force to split the log. 

The first Leveraxe was so popular, the company just created its version 2.0, which is lighter than its predecessor, but just as powerful.

$251,

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Leave the spatula, fork, spoon, can opener, and knife at home next time you go camping. ’ TravelMate Kit is a do-it-all tool for wilderness chefs that fits in your pocket.

The 5.4-ounce kit comes with a knife, stainless steel fork, spatula, spreader, can and bottle opener, screwdriver, and grill scraper. The whole package, which is less than five inches long, is wrapped in an injection-molded antimicrobial sheath that’s dishwasher safe. 

$77,

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