Merrell Mariposa
There are lighter, more technical waterproof jackets out there. The catch? They cost two or three times as much. Merrell鈥檚 has a decent hood and breathes nearly as well as fancier options (pit zips and mesh-backed hand pockets help let the air flow). The flattering, nonboxy fit seals the deal.
Komperdell C3 Carbon Power Lock Iraja
If you鈥檙e hiking steeps, you want to protect your knees鈥攅specially on the way down. Komperdell鈥檚 together weigh 16 unnoticeable ounces and have smaller grips designed specifically for women. Plus, the adjustment levers locked down without fail.
Oakley Underspin
The frames on Oakley鈥檚 sit close to your face so nothing can blow in, the big lenses optimize visibility, and the polarization (available in 5 colors) nixes glare on the water.
SmartWool Cortina
Small perforations in SmartWool’s mostly merino wool kept testers cool on a steep five-mile ascent to southern Colorado鈥檚 Ruybalid Lake in mid-July. We love the fit鈥攏arrow and long鈥攁nd a well-hidden pocket on the lower back with a media port means you can listen to tunes easily, too.
The North Face Arches
Normally, hiking pants are either techy and ill-fitting or cute but not very tough. The stretchy, mostly nylon are a nice compromise鈥攂reathable and highly water resistant, with a flattering waistband. Bonus: you can snap them into capris.
Arc’teryx Cita
Light-and-fast hikers will appreciate the tissue-thin nylon . The front panel is wind resistant, while the all-mesh back breathes to eliminate a sweaty back.
No-Show Active Light
Thick cushioning on Fits鈥 merino wool under the forefoot kept our arches happy, and they come in neutral colors or girly designs鈥攜our choice.
Patagonia P26
At 14 ounces, Patagonia鈥檚 feel as feathery as trail runners, thanks to ample air cushioning and a lighter (supposedly by 25 percent) version of EVA foam. But, with full toe bumpers, high arch structure, and over-the-ankle height, they鈥檙e beefy enough to wear backpacking.
ProBar Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip
Prefer earthy nuts-and-seed-style bars? Then you鈥檒l love Probars. They pack a serious punch (the flavor has 393 calories), which makes them ideal for throwing in your bag when you don鈥檛 have time to pack a proper lunch.