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For decades, outdoor brands gave little attention to women’s products. That’s changing fast. We asked a field of expert female athletes to nominate the best new performance tools in a range of sports—starting with running.

The XX Factor Issue

Our special issue highlights the athletes, activists, and icons who have shaped the outside world.

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Janji �´dz����’s Ombre Longsleeve Base Layer ($54)

With a pattern inspired by the Masai, this base layer conjures the spirit of the world’s most celebrated marathoners. The soft polyester-rayon weave is comfortable next to skin.

Stance Painted Low Socks ($15)

When the last thing you want to do is train, crazy-bright socks can make all the difference—especially when they’re anatomically designed and made of a wicking polyester-nylon blend.

Sunday Afternoons Northwest Trucker Hat ($28)

With a just-right brim—wide enough for adequate sun coverage, thin but never floppy—and vented mesh back, this lid fits the bill as a runner’s best friend. 

Rabbit Hopper Shorts ($52) 

I love the attention to detail in Rabbit’s well-curated apparel line. The slim-fitting Hoppers are perfect for hot days when you want as little fabric on skin as possible. 

Cotopaxi Veloz Hydration Belt ($35)

This svelte accessory has pockets for the included soft flask, a phone, and your keys. A compartment for the strap allows for belt tightening without that escaped-dog-on-a-leash look.

Brooks Sure Shot Racer Sports Bra ($38)

Only one in a hundred sports bras ever makes it past the first date. This lower­impact model is my match for life. The supportive bottom band and compression holds everything in place on long days.

Suunto Spartan Ultra All Black Titanium Watch ($799)

Plenty of fitness wear­ables boast GPS these days, but the Spartan Ultra stands out for its built-in barometer and water resistance down to 300 feet. The watch syncs with the Suunto Moves­count app, allowing you to see how much you’ve climbed or how many miles you’ve run, and the included chest-strap heart-rate monitor lets you dial in your training.

Saucony Type A8 Shoes ($100)

The A8 was made to go fast on roads, but I also dig it for mellower trails. It’s a light and responsive shoe that’s served me well on every­thing from short bursts to 50Ks.

The North Face Flight Series Warp Capris ($120)

Strategically engineered ventilation zones make these capris ideal for runs that start cold but warm up as soon as you’re rolling. I like them just as much for the flattering fit. 

Salomon S-Lab Hybrid Jacket ($250)

The S-Lab Hybrid excels in rough weather, achieving the tricky balance of keeping the elements out and letting sweaty, damp air escape. The body-mapped fit leaves no extra fabric to distract or chafe—whether I’m going long or sprinting an uphill mile.

The Expert: Crushing long­ distance trail races is ���ϳԹ��� correspondent Meaghen Brown’s favorite pastime.