1. WILSON AVP REPLICA BALL You might not be able to spike like Misty May-Treanor, but you won’t be able to blame the ball. This soft, composite-leather volleyball is a facsimile of what the pros use. $15;
Women’s Beach Gear Essentials
2. LOLË IBIZA TOP AND IXTAPA BOTTOM Well-endowed women will appreciate the supportive cut of the halter and the full-coverage bottoms. $38 (top), $32 (bottom);
3. ROXY EGG BEATER BOARD Lightweight yet durable, this 7’5″ epoxy women’s board feels nimble in everything from knee-high to head-high surf. $570;
4. REEF STASH BLUE FLIP-FLOPS Pull out the compartment and store your popsicle money before flopping down the boardwalk. $49;
5. CARVE DESIGNS SUNSET RAGLAN RASHGUARD Take the chafing edge off surf sessions with this silky, sun-blocking rashy. $48;
6. LOLË BEACH SHORTS Hang ten or just hang out in these quick-drying baggies. $48
7. PATAGONIA TEA GARDEN MAKEBA TOP AND TEA GARDEN ADOUR BOTTOMS This stretchy nylon-and-spandex bikini stays with you in the surf. $44 (top), $36 (bottom);
8. REEF MARY JANE DRESS The buttery cotton fabric makes this the perfect post-sun pullover. $40
Women’s Travel Gear Essentials
Women’s Travel Gear Essentials
1. AILIN INSULATED VEST The frilly shoulder details are feminine and the low-profile synthetic Primaloft insulation keeps you warm. $325;
2. SUUNTO LUMI WRISTOP COMPUTER Part compass, part altimeter, this sleek watch speaks four languages and even detaches to become a necklace. $389;
3. KAENON POLARIZED EDEN SUNGLASSES Don’t be fooled by the Jackie O style; the Eden’s lenses transmit good-as-it-gets clarity. $219;
4. ICEBREAKER SATURN DRESS A luxuriously soft merino-wool dress with a smart touch—a hidden back pocket keeps your money safe when you hit the town. $100;
5. PATAGONIA PINBACK TOP An empire waistband adds a touch of support to this 90 percent organic-cotton halter. $40;
6. NAU LITHE SHORT These mostly recycled, 10.5-inch-inseam shorts are flattering enough for a night of salsa dancing. $86;
7. TEVA DRISTI SHOES Even after 24 hours stuck in transit, your feet will stay comfortable. $70;
8. MOUNTAINSMITH ZIP-TOP CAMERA TOTE Set it down in the mud if you need to: Its burly rubber bottom is waterproof. $69;
9. DAKINE KELLY WALLET This oversize, soft vinyl wallet holds just enough cards and cash to double as a slim purse. $25;
10. ARC’TERYX ALPHA SL JACKET Wear this stylish and bomber Gore-Tex jacket biking or bar hopping. $299;
Women’s Cycling Gear Essentials
Women’s Cycling Gear Essentials
1. NOVARA STOWABLE BIKE JACKET A featherweight, polyurethane-coated ripstop windbreaker that’s silky soft, comes in great colors, and sheds weather. $54;
2. PEARL IZUMI SLICE GLOVES Low-profile gel pads under the knuckles and palms make these our favorite hand protection. $30;
3. TERRY ZERO X SADDLE If other saddles have rubbed you the wrong way, the Zero X will be a boon. Its interchangeable textured cover stops you from sliding and helps prevent chafing. 9 oz, $120;
4. SHEBEEST STRADA SEAMLESS BRA This one’s soft, stretchy, and supportive, plus the scoop neck looks good without being too risqué. $40;
5. DESCENTE SPIRIT SHORTS The polka-dotted side panels may be whimsical, but the chamois pad is bomber enough for even the most serious riders. $130;
6. SIDI GENIUS 5.5 CARBON COMPOSITE SHOES The ratcheting system snugs feet securely without creating pressure points. And thanks to ultrathin carbon composite in the soles, power transfer is off the charts. $320;
7. TWIN SIX SPEEDY JERSEY The Speedy is road-ready with a retro attitude. $70;
8. SPECIALIZED PROPERO HELMET Deep channeled vents direct air for maximum cooling, and the head harness is easily adjustable on the fly. $100;
Women’s Running Gear Essentials
Women’s Running Gear Essentials
1. SAUCONY ELITE SPEED TECH JACKET On chilly mornings, find comfort in this lightweight wind- and water-resistant jacket. Bonus: Reflective piping makes for safer night running. $80;
2. BROOKS INFINITI HAT The lightest-weight hat you’ll ever wear. $20;
3. PEARL IZUMI INFINITY SPLIT SHORTS Two pockets for the essentials—a zippered back one and an internal key pouch—and a 2.5-inch inseam that’s the perfect length: not too flouncy and not too short. $38;
4. BRIDGEDALE X-HALE SPEED DIVA SOCKS This nylon-and-wool-blend sock is cushioned underfoot, and thinner material everywhere else keeps it from bunching up. $16;
5. LUNA SPORT MOONS ENERGY CHEWS Most energy snacks are based on an active male’s dietary needs, but these tasty 100-calorie packs are made just for women, packed with electrolytes and vitamins. $1.20;
6. NIKE RACE DAY PRINTED AIRBORNE TOP Mesh paneling and thin, soft fabric help keep you cool on hot runs, while the encapsulated bra cups give you support. $45;
7. BEYOND COASTAL SUNCARE ACTIVE DAILY SPF 30 SUNSCREEN AND SPF 15 LIP BALM Finally, a sunscreen and lip moisturizer made with all-natural ingredients. $20;
8. MOVING COMFORT ENDURANCE TANK So light you’ll barely notice it. $30;
Women’s Hiking Gear Essentials
Women’s Hiking Gear Essentials
1. THE NORTH FACE DIAD JACKET The Diad weighs just seven ounces and scrunches down to the size of a burrito. $200;
2. PRINCETON TEC FUEL HEADLAMP With all of the same accoutrements as its manlier counterpart—water resistance, 160 hours of LED power—we wondered why anyone really needs a pink headlamp. But consider this: Your boyfriend will never swipe it. $25;
3. OUTDOOR RESEARCH SONNET CAP This cotton-canvas hat has a hidden zippered pocket just big enough for a Gu or post-hike beer cash. $25;
4. SIERRA DESIGNS SHAKA CAPRI Not only are these stretchy capris extremely flattering to your bum; they also have a soft lined waistband and a gusseted crotch for freedom of movement. $70;
5. BRIDGEDALE WOMEN’S ENDURANCE TRAIL LIGHT Socks are socks, right? Nope. These merino-wool-and-synthetic blends are cut narrower in the foot to avoid blister-making bunchy-sock syndrome. $15;
6. GOLITE VO24 PACK This hydration-bladder-ready, 1,200-cubic-inch pack is sturdy enough to hold 15 pounds of gear but malleable enough to roll up and stash. $90;
7. IBEX ECHO T Softer than polypro, supercute, and, because it’s 100 percent merino wool, able to go days before stinking. $65;
Women’s Climbing Gear Essentials
Women’s Climbing Gear Essentials
1. PATAGONIA STEFKA TOP With a built-in shelf bra and a nylon-and-spandex combination that wicks away moisture, this flexible tank keeps you cool on hot summer days. $40;
2. VAUDE CRYSTAL ROCK 30 This easy-to-adjust pack’s supportive frame handles heavy loads and is made with water- and abrasion-resistant Cordura fabric. 2,195 cu in, $115;
3. FIVE TEN ANASAZI LV SHOE Whether you’re roped up or bouldering, the Anasazi’s ultrasticky Stealth Onyxx rubber soles will grip even the smoothest granite slabs. Tip: They fit narrow feet best. $138;
4. ARC’TERYX R-280 HARNESS By trading padding for balanced weight distribution, Arc’teryx has crafted the lightest, comfiest harness you’ll ever wear. $125;
5. BLURR DONNA SHORTS The gusseted crotch on these organic-cotton knickers makes high-stepping a breeze, and the durable nylon ripstop keeps you tear-free on cheese-grater rocks. $72;
6. PRANA WOMEN’S CHALK BAG Avoid a whiteout with this fleece-lined bag. The drawstring keeps your chalk inside—not all over your backpack. $22;
7. VERVE SHAKANE The stretchy Lycra-and-rayon jersey slips easily on and off, and the wide-neck jersey is hand-made by a Boulder, Coloradobased seamstress. $46;