Apologies to anyone who encountered me on the Pacific Crest Trail in July 2021, rabidly racing in circles through the wondrous in the northernmost reaches of California. Indeed, had you been peering down from , which juts from the brilliant forest like some rough-hewn countertop slab, and watched me sprint around the meadow below, you would have worried 1,600 miles of the PCT had finally driven me mad. But you see, I was just trying to get back my hiking hat—from, that is, the diabolical deer who had stolen it. Not crazy at all, right?

To backtrack: Two years earlier, just days into my hike of the Appalachian Trail, a new friend had dubbed me “Gunner,” not because of my speed or because of some military past that does not exist. Instead, I looked like an athletic Elmer Fudd, with my zip-off cargo pants, yellow-tinted sunglasses, and blaze orange Filson hat. I wasn’t hunting wabbits, but I simply thought that’s how long-distance hikers moving across such ancient mountains and hollers were supposed to dress. Gunner became and remains my trail name, a badge of honor in spite of its embarrassing origins.

By the time I began the PCT, I understood trail fashion was much more flexible—tiny running shorts from France, toe socks in all colors, a lightweight sun shirt in whatever shade I fancied. I also spent an absurd amount of time considering the perfect hat, which I saw as the bumper sticker of hiking couture, a way to say a lot about your personality and interests with a single pithy statement. So when I came across , a Nashville-based manufacturer kennel manufacturer for folks who hunt alongside dogs, I knew I’d found my match. My forest-green Gunner hat, with waterfowl taking flight behind the name, was not only a nametag but a little joke. I knew very little about guns or hunting, but here I was, a Gunner walking through the woods.

And now, this deer—loitering near a PCT shelter in the Klamath National Forest, waiting for us worn-out hikers to drop crumbs of the precious calories we carried—had lifted it from a log, chewing on its sweat-stained rim for every bit of salty magic it could stand. I chased it around the woods for 15 minutes, at least long enough for the rest of my trail family to arrive, point, and laugh, less at the deer than my bad luck. It eventually disappeared with my hat clutched in its jaws, a victory swiped from the head of humanity. For the final 1,000 miles, I carried on in a series of hats I never really liked, occasionally grumbling about the Klamath deer that had replaced me as Gunner along the PCT.

These days, I take my pre-trail hat selection perhaps a little too seriously, considering not only how it feels on my head but also what I want it to say about me. You’ll likely find me in a blaze orange baseball cap—available at most any hardware store in any town in the United States for about $5—hand-stitched with some memento of a state I’ve already crossed. For the last few years, I’ve often sported a patch from Cypress Gardens, Florida, found in a Santa Fe thrift store, atop my hat; it’s an invitation to talk about the most fun National Scenic Trail, the Florida Trail. My alternate, another orange beauty from a California horse-and-hiking outpost called Kennedy Meadows Resort, is a kind of nod to other PCT alums, a chance to rhapsodize about the of nearby Sonora Pass.

You can express yourself in so many silent ways on trail, from your backpack brand to the food you eat. Everything you carry is often a direct reflection of a value. But there’s no simpler, cheaper, and more functional way to do this than with a good baseball cap with, perhaps, a few well-chosen accessories. Sure, there are other hats—the bucket hat, the sun hat, even the humble visor. I don’t think these comparatively lame pieces of headgear work better or say something that flattering about you. Here’s why the ballcap still rules.

You Can Wear a Sun Hat or a Bucket Hat, but…

I turn 41 in a week. I am a fair-skinned dude with thinning hair, and I’ve spent at least half of those years either going too hard at rock shows until late in the night or trekking for hours on end in the sun, rain, or snow. I don’t need any help looking older. But that is exactly what you get with a or a , pieces of anti-anti-aging technology so powerful I hear they are in with the kids again. Still, their appeal outdoors seems intuitive, right? A wider rim that encircles one’s head provides more shade on all sides. But have you ever worn a sopping wet bucket hat? How did that feel? And have you ever worn a wet bucket hat in rain that lasts three days or tried to strap that soggy mass to your backpack? Good luck with that. Both of these styles also serve as sails, so prone to being lifted by the wind that they include chinstraps that suggest a football helmet for the home gardener. I have no interest in strangling myself while I hike, and so I have no interest in bucket hats or sunhats.

You Can Wear a Sun Cap with a Neck Cape, but…

Sun caps are totally fine, especially if having or expressing a personality just isn’t that important to you. That’s OK! They’re lightweight, breathable, and totally bland, the hat equivalent of having a thankless 9-to-5 job that you settled into because your parents told you that your passion would never turn a profit. If you love suncaps and want to express yourself as, say, a furry who loves rabbits, add one of those capes that drape down like leporine ears. You’ll look great, and thanks in advance for the laughs.

You Could Wear a Visor, but…

Seriously, though, what is wrong with you? Do you want your scalp to be sunburnt? Are you so ultralight that you’ve forsaken the cap part of your cap, or do you just want to look like ? Look, visors are good if you’re playing golf, but I’m just saying that because I don’t know enough about that tax-shelters-as-sport to disagree. Seems debatable.

You Could Wear a Headwrap, but…

As previously mentioned, I’m a middle-aged white dude with thinning and (goddammit) graying hair but without, well, a god. There are religious, cultural, and phenotypic reasons for all kinds of head wraps that will never apply to me; if they apply to you, amazing. But during those hatless days after the deer swiped my gear, I did try to use a Buff and even a bandana on my dome. I hated it—hot, sticky, damp, dirty. It’s just not for me, but I respect the headwrap’s minimalism and versatility, no matter what form it takes.

Bottom Line: Nothing Beats a Baseball Hat

Just think about it: For hiking, the baseball cap takes the virtues of everything I’ve mentioned and eliminates their concomitant problems. It offers the front shade of the bucket or the sunhat while giving you a plastic band in the rear for looping a bandana or a Buff if you’re worried about the back of your neck. When it’s wet, it still acts as a little umbrella, keeping the rain out of your face, and a cheap cap with holes or a little webbing at the side is breathable enough. It’s not much heavier than a visor or a wrap, and if you don’t want it on, it’s small and collapsible enough to be stuffed into any empty corner of space you have when you switch to your cold-weather knit cap or your . If you need more sun protection, you should be always hiking with sunglasses, anyway.

And above all, it can say anything you want, from silly jokes that may help you find your friends on trail to the name of some favorite hang back home that reminds you of what awaits when the journey is done, like a daily postcard from the rest of your life. They’re cheap, ubiquitous, and totally easy to buy secondhand. If, say, a deer eats your prized selection because the salt on it was so good, you can find at least some sort of replacement at the next town you encounter. And by the way, if you ever see a dear wearing a Gunner hat near the Oregon border, thank it for the laughs.

Thanks to for the trail name and reminding me how important hats are as he begins his Continental Divide Trail hike.

The post How to Choose a Hiking Hat That Fits Your Personality appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

Once upon a time, hats had a pretty simple function. The objective: to block the sun by any means necessary, style be damned (to be fair, this is still the credo of many faithful hat users). But as needs, desires, and manufacturing processes evolved, this allowed for highly specific use cases involving cutting-edge fabrics. Now, you can find hats for fishing, tennis, even . And, of course, hats for running.

Hats these days are designed to block the sun, create air flow, wick moisture, and look good too. Enter the five-panel.

Throw a rock at a running event and it is likely you’ll hit someone in a five-panel (note: We do not condone throwing rocks at running events). Of course, trends come and go and runners often glom onto a particular look before the newest trend comes along (see: sweatbands). But the five-panel hat has enjoyed a relatively long run at the top atop the heads of runners. Is this pervasiveness a passing phase, or has the five-panel hit that hallowed sweet spot between functionality and style?

The Origins of the Five-Panel Craze

“Paneling” in a hat refers to the different pieces of fabric that are stitched together to comprise the crown of the hat. So a six-panel hat has six triangular pieces that all join at the very top of the hat. A one-panel hat is formed from a single piece of fabric. A five-panel hat typically has panels that are shaped to fit on specific regions of the head, often creating a closer fit.

Where did the five-panel hat come from? Admittedly, its origins are muddy at best, with several corners of various industries claiming responsibility for the trend. . who would wear something akin to five-panel hats during their shift in the early 20th century. Despite the opaque sourcing of the hat’s earliest days, it’s widely accepted that streetwear culture brought five-panels into vogue , with skate and hip-hop circles and companies beginning to offer five-panels.

RELATED: How the Outdoors Influence High Fashion

Patagonia’s 1990 Duckbill Cap was also an in the space for outdoorsy folks who appreciated the crushable design and breathable mesh. In 2004, the popular New York City-based brand Supreme introduced a store in Los Angeles, and , which sent waves through the fashion industry. In 2014, the Canadian brand popped onto the scene with bright, multi-colored, lightweight, durable, UPF protective five-panels made specifically for running.

“Ciele definitely had a huge impact on the industry,” explained Sean Van Horn, a PR professional for outdoor brands, former specialty run store manager, and experienced mountain athlete. He’s watched the five-panel explosion unfold in real time from all angles of the sport, and he credits Ciele with really modernizing the look for the performance-oriented. However nothing could have predicted the current ubiquity of the style in the running world.

Five-Panel Hat: Functionality

What is it about the five-panel that appeals to runners? The fit is surely a factor. A shallower depth results in the hat staying secure, whether it is from a strong gust of wind or an unseen branch. But the real innovation is in the modularity. Antonieta Fornino, the design manager at , a brand that specializes in neck and head accessories including the Ěýmentioned the mix-and-match ability of this style as a huge technical advantage.

“These caps make it really easy to make whatever version you want, whether it is a mono-material or multi-material,” noted Fornino. “You can include different panels easily, like mesh or fabrics that are a little bit more breathable. You can do many things with this shape.”

On a typical six-panel baseball cap with matching triangles, it would be strange to have some made of mesh and others made of nylon, for example. There would be no rhyme or reason to such a design, as the triangles are all equally spaced around the head from the top down. But a five-panel offers a front-to-back flow that can be reconfigured depending on what one wants to achieve. The front panel can be made of a moisture-wicking material while the side panels can be made of mesh or feature laser cut holes to promote airflow. The horizontal symmetry contributes to the functionality.

The brim, too, allows for creative design choices. As Fornino and her team worked on a new five-panel Speed Cap design to launch in the Spring of 2024, they opted to go with a stiffer and slightly curved brim based on feedback from runners. The balance between a packable brim and one that will remain secure at speed is a matter of preference. Patagonia’s Duckbill is fairly floppy, whereas operates at a happy medium, with modest pliability that tends to keep its shape.

The stretch nylon front panel on the Global Hat combined with the mesh paneling above and on the sides makes it a super breathable option for a wide variety of pursuits. I asked Jedd Rose, the cofounder and president of Topo Designs, about the thought process behind the brim design.

“We wanted to make sure that it was lightweight, breathable, and packable and could work for the outdoors as well as travel,” said Rose. “So we ended up combining a few fabrics and switched the more traditional bill material to a flexible yet sturdy foam that can be packed but still holds its shape well.”

Like Fornino, Rose appreciates the multifaceted nature of the five-panel. “It lends itself to be versatile and adapt to multiple fabrics and materials,” said Rose, “so it’s easy to mix and match, and go heavier or lighter depending on the model.”

Five-Panel Hat: Style

A hat is a public display of identity; it’s often the first thing you notice about someone. All of the technical advances in the world wouldn’t lead to a five-panel hat takeover unless they also happen to give off the vibe that the wearer intends. If you want to convey to the world that you love to run but your hat is telling people “I’m on safari,” that might not be the optimal style choice.

“We saw a lot of fashion-forward runners sporting Ciele hats at first, and then it spread out to the broader industry,” explained Van Horn. “These hats help to signify that you are a runner. If someone is wearing a Ciele hat you know that they pound the pavement.”

Ciele has also brought variety into its line-up so that runners don’t have to go with a one-size-fits-all approach. For my small noggin, the ALZcap, with a 56.5 centimeter circumference and extra low profile, is perfect, though one has to be willing to spend a pretty penny on headwear. The typical Ciele hat runs between $40 to $55, but race caps in the Elite line will run you up to $85.

For a cap intended for one activity, that is quite an investment, but it is no coincidence that the popularity of five-panels has also dovetailed with . It turns out running hats can also be used for every activity, and a steeper price point can be more palatable if, like me, you wear a hat every day.

“The outdoor sports space has never been more willing to blur the lines between traditional and trend and lifestyle, so it makes sense that the five-panel hat sits perfectly in that intersection,” said Rose. “The fact that it began as an outdoor silhouette and then became a go-to in the lifestyle and street space makes it a perfect trend right now.”

The Future Is Circularity

Of course, when something is a trend, that means the next iteration could be right around the corner. Bucket hats have increasingly shown up in the trail and ultra scene, though they haven’t quite disrupted the five-panel market. The visor has always been a steady presence on the running scene, too, with a temporary spike after #teamvisor U.S.A. won last year’s ĚýVisors certainly have performance chops, even though it can make the wearer look like a college football coach.

When I asked Fornino what she sees as next, she pointed not to design but to the production chain. “Something I am sure is going to happen is that sustainability is going to change headwear,” said Fornino. “It’s not only about having a recycled visor material, it’s about looking at how we can simplify the structure and the ingredients that are used in a cap so that they can be easily reusable and recyclable and have circularity at the heart.”

RELATED: The Best Summer Running Gear Made of Recycled Materials

For those seeking a recyclable running hat, Swedish brand Houdini has centered circularity in its production, and the and caps, though not five-panels, have technical chops and won’t end up in any landfills.

When I asked Rose about what is next, he hinted at some even lighter and more packable designs in Topo’s future, but also paused to appreciate the classics. “At the end of the day, it’s hard to beat that old bait shop cap that’s been floating in the trunk for ages, so those are always an inspiration to us as well,” said Rose. You heard it here first: the bait shop inspired, circularly-designed five-panel hat might just be the next big thing in performance headwear.

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Love şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř? Us too! And now you can show it with some of our official merchandise. With everything from ultra-soft tees and ball camps, to insulated drinkware and, yes, even cycling bibs, we have something for everyone in the . Check out some of our favorites, below.

şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Hydro Flask Cooler Cup ($25)

We love the . It’s been one of our personal go-tos for years, and now it comes in your favorite color with a clean şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř logo. Get yours now!

şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Giordana FR-C Pro Bib Short ($185)

If you’re a road cyclist, you’re in luck: We’re offering bibs from premium Italian maker Giordana in both and . “The leg compression and moisture wicking mean these bibs remain comfortable all day, and the thin suspenders help to keep them in place but remain unnoticed while riding,” Ěýour sibling publication, Triathlete. Ride on.

şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř 5-Panel Woven Label Hat ($20)

Everyone needs a five panel hat—or seven. Get your and take it where it belongs this season. See you out there.

şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř & Proud Tank ($25)

şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř & Proud is şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Inc.’s LGBTQ+ community, which is working to get more queer people involved in active outdoor pursuits and improve LGBTQ+ representation and sense of belonging through enhanced and inclusive queer content, services, and events. Not only do these look sharp and feel soft, but every purchase helps create perpetual funding for content and community grants—and 20% of net sales go to non-profit partners, such as The Trevor Projects, Venture Out, Outdoor Research, and Brave Trails. Check out şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř & Proud’s and accounts for more information and announcements.

Suit up in style with more awesome merch from the .

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Has any summer been as widely anticipated as this one? We would wager not. Now is the time for epic bike rides, leisurely picnics with friends, and long days on the river. Here’s the gear şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř editors are using to take full advantage of the season.

40-Ounce Wide-Mouth Hydro Flask ($50) and Half-Gallon Hydrojug ($20)

It was heinously hot here in Santa Fe during June, and it was also party time, thanks to the lifting of pandemic restrictions. Two things have gotten me through: my giant insulatedĚýand my even biggerĚý. The Hydroflask stays cool even in my hot car while I’m riding or hiking thanks to the vacuum insulation, and the ($10) means I can drink from bed when I wake up groggy and half-hungover in the middle of the night. The Hydrojug isn’t insulated, but it holds enough water to tide me over on long car rides and makes it easy toĚýdrink a gallon (or more) of water a day. —Abigail Barronian, associate editor

Ěý

Skida Bucket Hat ($54)

My stylish friends tell me that bucket hats are cool again. But I would wear Skida’s even if that weren’t the case. It’s made out of the same lightweight, DWR-coated polyester as the brand’s popular flat-brims, with an elastic band that hugs your head so you don’t have to worry about rogue wind gusts. In other words, it’s exactly what I want on scorching midsummer days, offering practical sun protection in a breathable, stylish design that I actually want to wear. Of course, the brand’s cute prints (I went with ) will have you dreaming up outfits just to give yourself an excuse to wear yours more often. In a true testament to this hat’s awesomeness, I wore mine for several hours of gardeningĚýand simply forgot to take it off for the rest of the day. I’ve already decided to buy another one. —Ariella Gintzler, senior editor

Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Backpack ($300)

Bringing a backpack fishing is always a tough call to make. More often than not, it ends up just getting in the way even though it carries essentials like a water bottle, lunch, and camera. Thankfully, with from Fishpond, you don’t have to decide between being unencumbered and having everything you need on the river. It’s lightweightĚýand features chest and sternum straps that make it very possible to fish with it on your back all day even if you’re actively chasing fish. If you’re like meĚýand don’t like the extra weight when casting, you can put this fully submersible and super rugged pack anywhere in the river you’d like—just make sure you secure it so it doesn’t float away. —Evan Grainger, assistant video producer

Allied Echo Bike ($10,665Ěýas tested)

If I could only own one bike for the next decade, it would be the . That’s because the brand found a way to squeeze two different bikes into one frame—and each configuration is damn nice. Thanks to flip chips in the front and rear dropouts, you can quickly (the brand claims under ten minutes) change the geometry to make it either a lively, long-haul road bike or a steady-but-fast gravel whip. On the road side, I’m running 28 millimeter tires and a shorter effective chainstay and fork length. The steeper headtube angle also creates a more sprightly ride. When I flip the chips to switch to a gravel setup, I swap my wheels and all of a sudden have space for 40 millimeter tires, I get a longer effective fork and a chainstay length, plus a slacker headtube angle for a more stable ride on the dirt. The top-shelf build I tested is more bike than most people need, though. If you’re going to purchase this ride, go for Allied’sĚý, which is significantly more affordable at $7,930, but just as much fun. —Jakob Schiller, contributing writer

Ciele GOCap SC Running Hat ($40)

The New Mexico sun will burn my face red if I don’t run with a hat. My new favorite is cap from Ciele built with wicking recycled fabric on the sides and backĚýand breathable mesh up top. I still sweat plenty during summer runsĚýbut never feel overheated. And I like that the big, curved brim stretches far enough out to cover my extra-large nose. Reflective hits on the front and back help keep me safe during night runs, and it’s machine-washable so I can keep it smelling relatively fresh. —J.S.

Club Ride New West Shirt ($80)

I want my mountain bike apparel to do two things: work well when I’m riding and look good once I’m done. Club Ride’s effortlessly checks both boxes. It features mesh underarm vents, five percent spandex for stretch, and UPF 50 fabric that keeps me cool and comfortable no matter how hot it gets. And despite the technical chops, it looks like some of my favorite thrift-store Western shirts with pearl-snap buttons, an oversized collar, and, on mine, . I often wear it to start the day, go for a ride at lunch, then rush back for a Zoom call without changing. I’ve found that Club Ride’s shirt sizing can vary, so pay attention to their product notes while ordering online, or better yet, try it on at your local dealer. —Will Taylor, gear director

Lemnos Riki Alarm Clock ($104)

This helps me sleep better. I’m a light and erratic snoozer, a fact not helped by the fact that I have two young children. As such, I do everything I can to make sure I get a good night’s sleep. One of the most helpful things has been keeping my phone out of the bedroom—even thinking I might hear the buzz from a text can keep me up in anticipation. This classically styled mechanical clock makes that a non-issue. It’s completely silent and super simple, with a light that’s activated by the same button you snooze the alarm with and two knobs on the back: one to set the alarm, and one to set the time. Its small size, flat bottom, and single AAA battery power source let you move it around the room if you need to keep it away from toddlers or don’t want to look at it all the time. —W.T.

Rollerblade Zetrablade W ($100)

June might be my favorite month. June meansĚýPride, my birthday, and the start of summer all rolled into one. And nothing brings me that summertime joy like pulling on myĚý, cranking up my tunes, and strapping on my . I originally got into inline skating during quarantine as a way to get out of the house andĚý—and maybe it had something to do with wanting to look cool. The experts at Rollerblade recommended these skates for those who are just starting out. They’re stiff enough to support beginners’ ankles but feel likeĚýsneakers on your feet, allowing you to focus on staying upright rather than on fit. Plus, you can upgrade the starter-level wheels as you improve. (Don’t worryĚý—there’s aĚý too.) —Maren Larsen, associate editor

Vuori Performance Jogger ($84)

In May I came across the softest, most comfortable workout pants I’ve ever owned in my life: by Vuori, a Southern California company that has perfected the laid-back look of casual sportswear (and offsets 100 percent of its carbon footprint through so you can feel good about your purchases). I was on the hunt for a pair of summer-weight bottoms that I could slip on to head to the pool in the cool mornings, wear for Pilates or yoga, and use on easy walks or for lounging around the house. These are perfect for all of those activities, and they’re so comfortable that they’ve replaced my PJs on many a night, too. I prefer their loose silhouette to skin-tight leggings, especially on crampy period days when I want to exercise but loatheĚýrestrictive elastic waistbands. Constructed of 89 percent recycled polyester and 11 percent elastane, these are eco-friendly, stretchy, and so, so buttery. They come in nearly a dozen colors and a longer inseam. I should have bought two. —Tasha Zemke, copy editor

Coral and Tusk Pillows ($91 and up)

This next pick isn’t so much functional as it is a beautiful, high-end gift any outdoor lover is going to appreciate: the of Coral and Tusk. Over the winter I saw them in a store and was immediately smitten withĚý—a group of animals tucked into their sleeping bags around a campfire—andĚý, with a rabbit, an owl, and a chipmunk seated in a canoe. Stuffed and stitched figures pop out of their bags and boat, respectively, a clever idea which takes me back to being a kid. This embroidery brand, which began in Brooklyn in 2007 and has since expanded to an office in Wyoming, creates designs that demonstrate a love of wildlife and outdoor fun. There are scenes of beastsĚý, downhill skiing, andĚý, among others, as well as a newĚýĚýthat features songbirds and flowers. While these aren’t inexpensive, and are too pretty to simply serve as a place to rest your head, theyĚýbring the outdoors inside in a cheery way, and you’ll undoubtedly have guests gushing over them the next time they visit. —T.Z.

The post The Gear Our Editors Loved in June appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

A little over a year ago, I went into my dermatologist’s office, laid down on a table, and watched out of the side of my eye as she stuck a needle in my right ear to numb it. Then she took a large scalpel and scooped a raisin-sized mole out of my ear. I bled everywhere, was cauterized immediately, and walked out of the office with my entire ear wrapped in white gauze like a character out of a bad comedy.

I’m not trying to gross you out, but I do want to get your attention. My ear went under the knifeĚýbecause the doctor had found an almost-cancerous mole and wanted it out immediately. She told me I was just days away from skin cancer and haranguedĚýme (nicely) about taking every precaution I could to prevent further problems.

The thought of getting cancer and possibly dying before my kids grow up scared the shit out of me. I now get a skin exam every six months, religiously apply sunscreen, and wear a sun hoody andĚýdorky hat every time I go outside for an extended period of time.

Truthfully, it’s been fun to track down the most absurd sun hats I can find. There are a lot to choose from, and I’ve amassed a small collection. My favorite and most-usedĚýis the ($50), which looks like a safari hat and should probably be matched with one of those tan, multi-pocket vests.

The Brimmer has become the first hat I reach forĚýbecause it’s big enough to cover my entire face and neck, breathes well even on sweltering days, and can also be folded up and stuffed in my bag before and after an adventure. Adjustable head and chin strapsĚýhave kept the hat on my head in 40-mile-per-hour winds. It also floats if I lose it in a river, and as you might expect from Patagonia gear,Ěýit’s made from 100 percent recycled nylon. I’ve sweated profusely into the Brimmer, scraped it against tree branches, and thrown it in the wash several times and the hat still looks fine. It doesn’t look new, but I like a used look when it comes to something like a sun hat because it ups the dorky dad cred.

MyĚýfavorite for casual wearĚýis the Ěý($20). It’s made of straw andĚýnearly twice the size of the Brimmer,Ěýso I use it for more stationary activities like beach days or backyard BBQs. IĚýlove the look of the Cowboy because it’s so damn big and silly.ĚýI also get a little chuckle out of wearing a summer hat that says “Ski Bum.” The straw is fragile and I’ve ruined a couple River Cowboys already from travel, but at just $20, they’re easy to replace if they get torn up.

If neither of these options get you excited about sun hats, here are two more I’ve tested and recommend:

($38)—By far the most ridiculous-lookingĚýoption on the market, the Sun Runner is great because it keeps you fully protected but can also be turned into a “normal”Ěýhat by removing the neck protector.

($55)—This sun hat from one of the world’s most famous hat makers wins all the style points and looks great when paired with a short-sleeve buttoned shirt andĚýkhaki shorts.

The post Why Every Dad Needs a Dorky Sun Hat appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

As a dogsledder, one of the biggest misconceptions I’ve encountered is that I must be made of sterner stuff than other people, or that I simply don’t mind being cold. In fact, I am a baby. I like soft and comfortable things, and my circulatory system is decidedly average. But staying warm in deep cold—or even, say, shallow cold—isn’t something that most people are born good at; it’s a skill that anyone can improve, and it opens up a whole season of outdoor possibilities.Ěý

Maybe you spend your winters pining for spring, dreaming of long weekends outside again. Maybe you’ve just moved to a colder place and you have no idea how the locals do it. Or maybe you’re looking for ways to get out of the house safely, without violating social-distancing guidelines. Have no fear! Here are ten principles to get you started on your warmest winter yet.Ěý

Embrace the Puff

A lot of staying-warm advice focuses on layering, but there’s nothing magical about layers of clothes; the real magic is the air that gets trapped inside them. That’s because the true goal of winter clothing is to create a layer of (warm) air that you carry around with you. Expensive cold-weather clothes? They’re just fancy ways to hold air. And any jacket you see advertised as “sleek” is more focused on making you look small than keeping you warm, which can defeat the whole purpose.Ěý

Whether you’re buying a new parka or layering the clothes you already have, focus on bulk. For outerwear, look for thick, lightweight insulation like down or primaloft—and steer clear of cinched waists or other details that make your personal air bubble smaller. When you’re layering sweaters or fleeces, add a windproof or wind-resistant outer layer (when in doubt, try breathing through the fabric) to keep the wind from blowingĚýyour air bubble away.

Go Long

Hot air rises, so the longer your coat, the more air you’ll be carrying around with you (and even if it’s loose at the bottom, the warm air won’t “fall out”). At the very least, look for coats that go past your hips, so warm air can surround yourĚýtorso. This is also why insulated skirts are so great—and the longer, the warmer. I like the kind you canĚýunzip fullyĚýto slip over the rest of your outfit.Ěý

Cover Up

It’s a myth that you lose 40 percent of your heat through your head, but that doesn’t mean hats aren’t important. In fact, people lose heat through whatever parts of their body are the least covered, which often happen to be heads. Other common offenders include the cracks at your wrists, ankles, neck, and waist, where cold air can slip under the edges of your clothing. Add a , tuck your pants into your boots (or socks), and wear wrist warmers under your mittens.

Stay Dry

Moisture can chill you quickly, so when you’re out in the cold, it’s important to minimize sweating. Your winter outfit should offer a way to cool down quickly, either by removing layers or unzipping; and if you’re going to be active (and thus generate heat), you should dress in such a way that you feel cold when standing still. Cotton doesn’t insulate well when damp, so if you wear a base layer (the layer against your skin) made of a non-cotton material like polyester, wool, or silk, you’ll feel more comfortable throughout the day. And don’t skip your antiperspirant! I have friends who even put antiperspirant on their feet to help keep their toes dry and warm.

Add Insoles

Shoes are tricky, because they’re in contact with the ground, and you lose heat more quickly through contact with liquids and solids than through contact with air. (See also: contact frostbite; see also: why 50 degree water feels colder than 50 degree air.) So your boots and shoesĚýneed to add bulk around your feet andĚýinsulate them from the cold ground.Ěý

When you’re sizing your winter boots, leave room for extra insoles (without pinching your feet, which makes them—you guessed it—colder). I like 13-millimeterĚýwool insoles. Then, whenever you come inside, pull the insoles from your boots so they can dry completely. And if you’re outdoors every day, a boot dryer can be a game changer. My husband swears that are the key to a happy marriage.Ěý

Try Hand and Toe Warmers

I know people who worry that they’ll be inauthentic if they use hand and toe warmers, or that it’s dangerous to rely on artificial warming because in a survival situation, you might not have access to it. Look: if you’re not into remote high-risk winter activities, you don’t need to overthink it. Hand and toe warmers are great. They are toasty. And you can be creative with them! I sew a little pocket into my hats, so I can tuck a hand warmer against the back of my neck, which feels super cozy. Slap a sticky toe warmer on the back of your phone and the battery won’t drain as quickly from the cold. And if you get chilled, stick a warmer in your crotchĚý(but not directly against your skin—burning yourself causes a whole other problem). It’ll warm the blood in your femoral artery, which, in turn, helps to warm your whole body.

Eat Snacks

Meals make you colder, because blood rushes to your digestive system. But snacks make you warmer, because they’re easier to digest, and hot drinks warm you from the inside. When you head out in winter, bring a thermos and a pocketful of chocolate, dried fruit, or other quick-energy snacks. If you want to be really fancy, you can use a trick I learned from legendary musher Martha Schouweiler: fill a Gatorade bottle (or other wide-mouth bottle) with trail mix, and you won’t even have to take off your mittens to “drink” it.Ěý

Stay Hydrated—and Keep Peeing

Go to the bathroom frequently, because aĚýfull bladder will make you significantly colder. But don’t avoid drinking so you don’t have to pee—ya gotta stay hydrated, too.Ěý

Warm Up Right

Once you get back inside, it may be tempting to keep your layers on while you warm up. After all, they make you warmer, right? Nope! Your coat and your boots will hold cold, just like they hold warmth. Strip down to your base layer and bare feet and you’ll warm up much more quickly.Ěý

Fat holds temperatures, too, so if you have more body fat, it may take you longer to get cold—but it can also take longer to get warm again. Hot drinks (and/or sharing a friend’s body heat) can warm you up nicely. If you’re still chilly, a bath or shower will usually cut straight through the lingering chill. (Note: When people are very cold, hot water can cause damage by warming them too quickly. You shouldn’t take a hot shower or bath after cold-water swimming—and if you might be hypothermic, seek medical help for proper re-warming.)

Get Cozy

Winter happens outside, but it happens inside, too—and if you want to embrace winter, embrace coziness! Drink toddies, build fires in the fireplace (or light candles), load up on blankets, get into knitting—it’s all part of the season, and there’s something special about coming inside and drinking hot chocolate by the fire as your ears warm up. It can take time to learn the intricacies of how your body responds to cold, but the process should be fun, not daunting, and you can go at your own pace. There’s no right or wrong way to enjoy winter—it’s all about embracing the possibilities and figuring out what’s right for you.Ěý

The post A Beginner’s Guide to Staying Warm şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

Patagonia Snowfarer CapĚý($39)

From backcountry laps to après beers, keep your cool in this brushed synthetic-linedĚýflat-brim. The low-profile back clip and flat seams make it comfy under a helmet, and the 100 percentĚýrecycled nylon material is DWR coated to shed all the pow you encounter.

Simms Dockwear Insulated CapĚý($40)

This classy five-panel protects from harsh winter sun and fends off flurries with burly waxed canvas. Its quilted polyester insulation and flannel-lined front panel lend warmth on chilly days.

Nathan Reflective Ponytail BeanieĚý($30)

On our first test run, we didn’t even notice this beanie’s ponytail hole, which, it turns out, accommodates even the thickest of manes. The light microfleece lining and snug fit were perfect for high-output activities, and the reflective detailing kept us visible.

Buff Merino Wool Fleece Hat ($35)

Two layers of Buff’s new merino fleece—a blend of 98 percent wool and 2 percent elastane that is stretchy, soft, and snug—make this lid special. It has all the warming, wicking, odor-resisting, quick-drying benefits of wool in a tight knitĚýthat keeps winter winds at bay.

Tentree Classic Rib BeanieĚý($35)Ěý

Tentree uses recycled plastic water bottles to craft its stretchy rib-knit merino and polyester beanie, which keeps you fashionably cozy whether you wear it slouchy or cuffed. Even better, if you register it online, Tentree will plant ten trees and give you a code to discover where they put down roots.

Flylow Barracuda Pom BeanieĚý($30)

When it comes to poms, we say: go big or go home. The Barracuda fits the bill, with an ample yarn topper that’s hard to ignore (a slouchy fit keeps things casual). We also love the super-soft, quick-drying acrylic that keeps you toasty no matter the conditions.

The post The Best Hats of 2021 appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

Trucker hats have been my headwear of choice for 25 years. From middle school through high school, a green-billed, white-topped trucker lived on my head nonstop. (I ditched it when my college girlfriend said she didn’t like it—huge mistake.) Since thenĚýI’ve worked, played, and lived in a shifting cast of netbacks.

But when I got serious about running, I had a problem: I found that my favorite lids wereĚýterrible for exercise. Just one jog would render a hatĚýforever dirtied, lined with grossĚýsalty marks. The non-breathable front panelsĚýturned my noggin into a sauna, and cheap liners mainlined sweat directly into my eyes. Thankfully, we now have performance truckers that offer all the shade and steeze of their predecessors but with workout-focused details that make them comfortable on the hottest, hardest runs. That said,Ěýthey’re not all created equal: we put these five to the test to determine which could take the heat.

The Test

Over the course of aĚýswelteringĚýspring and summer, I ran in each hat for a minimum of 60 miles. MyĚýroutes and conditions varied, but I wore every model on at least one run when the temperature was overĚý90 degrees, I gainedĚýmore than 1,300 vertical feet, or I was out for moreĚýthan three hours. I tookĚýnotes onĚýthe materials and fit systems, weighed the hats on my kitchen scale, and measured the brims to gauge coverage.

The Results

The Winner:ĚýSunday Afternoons Vantage Point ($32)

Fit: 5/5
Comfort: 5/5
Moisture Wicking: 5/5
Temperature Regulation:Ěý5/5
Weight: 2.2 ounces
Brim Coverage: 7 byĚý3 inches

Full disclosure: I already loved this hat going into the test. I gaveĚýthe others a fair shot, but when I compared notes, the was the clear winner in every category except coverage. The seven-by-three-inch bill did provide plenty of shade for my large beak, so I couldn’t even complain about that.

I tried to distill my love for this hat down to one attributeĚýbut couldn’t, so here are two:Ěýthe fit and moisture mitigation were far superior to any other athletic hat I have used and made for a more comfortable run every single time I wore it. To the side of the rear size adjuster, Sunday Afternoons attachedĚýabout an inch of stretchy plastic—so it’s notĚýentirely made ofĚýrigid plastic, like all of its competition except the Patagonia, below—which afforded a completely dialed fit without being restrictive. As aĚýresult, my head was noticeably more comfortableĚýat the end of a four-hour run from my house to the top of MountĚýAshland, Oregon, a climb withĚý5,764 feet of elevation, on a hot summer day. The amply holedĚýmesh front, plus the largest moisture-wickingĚýliner in the test, gave the hat a swamp-cooler feel on runs over 90 degrees. Sweat never dripped into my eyes, and I’m anĚýextremely sweaty person, so that is no small feat.

Runner-Up: Boco TrailĚý($30)

Fit: 4.5/5
Comfort: 4.5/5
Moisture Wicking: 4/5
Temperature Regulation: 4/5
Weight: 2Ěýounces
Brim Coverage: 7 by 3.5 inches

The soft foam front of didn’t look breathable, but it was surprisingly so.ĚýAt the end of the day, though, it didn’t vent as well as its all-mesh competition, landing it in second place. It was the lightest hatĚýin the test, and the malleable brim conformed to my forehead for a comfortable fit while still remainingĚýrigid enough to offer amazing coverage. All in all, itsĚýsimplicity makes thisĚýa great running hat, but it was outgunned by the feature-rich Vantage Point.

For Cooler Temps: Patagonia Duckbill ($35)

Fit: 4/5
Comfort: 4/5
Moisture Wicking: 3/5
Temperature Regulation: 2/5
Weight: 2.4 ounces
Brim Coverage: 6.75 by 3.25 inches

I liked the looks of the best—it offered the perfect balance of casual style but retainedĚýkey performance details, like a flexible fabric strap and a water-resistant front panel. This was not a style competition, though, and the Duckbill had one serious issue for this hot-headed runner: the front’s recycled nylon grabbed onto moisture and held it. This would probably be a plus for blocking rain in inclement conditions, but it made thingsĚýnotably hotter in sweltering ones. The adjustable rear buckle allowed for a dialed fit, and the design’s wide mesh in the back did breathe well. It’s a comfortable hat, but perhaps one just better suited for cooler temperatures.

For Small Noggins: The North Face Trail ($30)

Fit: 2.5/5
Comfort: 3.5/5
Moisture Wicking: 4/5
Temperature Regulation: 5/5
Weight: 2.7 ounces
Brim Coverage: 7.5 by 3.35 inches

This mesh-dominant trucker hat’s cooling powers were on a par with the first-place Vantage Point, and it offered the most coverage of the bunch. However, itĚýtook a solid hit for its fit—although, to be fair to the North Face, I have a pretty massive noggin. I wear most of my hats with the adjustment system maxed out, and the fit my dome more like a novelty hat than a functional one. It was outmatched on fit and moisture wickingĚýby the Vantage Point, but this could beĚýthe best hat on the list if you have a small or midsizeĚýhead.

For Casual Wear: Nathan Sports Runnable ($25)

Fit: 3/5
Comfort: 3/5
Moisture Wicking: 3/5
Temperature Regulation: 2.5/5
Weight: 2.5 ounces
Brim Coverage: 7.25 by 3 inches

On first sight, I thought the Ěýwouldn’t perform any differently than a normal hat. Nathan proved me wrong. Its looks are the most casual of the test, but it did a commendable job of wicking moisture, thanks to its internal mesh headband. AĚýstructured front panelĚýcreated space between it and my forehead, and the hat helped move heat, as did the netĚýsides. That rigid front did make the hat a little less comfortable and a bit hotter overall, though. Paired with a middling fit, those qualities put this otherwise awesome lidĚýat the bottom of a stacked test.

The post Tested: The Best Performance Trucker Hats appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

As gear editors, our job is to test products that are brand-spanking new and then tell you what we think about them. We do this with the full gamut of outdoor equipment—from Hoka’s newest running shoes to the latest advancements in ski bindings. Sometimes, though, our go-to gear isn’t the newest or flashiest. We go for the items that work the best and have gotten scraped up and spilled on after being used time and again. In short: our most-trusted gear looks like it’s seen some shit. Our emotional connection to these things isn’t so much about the price tag or technical specs, but the fact that it’s held up over the years and accompanied us on many adventures. We asked six editors what gear they’ve been testing for half a decade or more, and why they aren’t looking to upgrade anytime soon.

Osprey Exos 58 Pack ($220)

Ten years ago, I was an intern at şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř with virtually zero money in my bank account but the desire to be outdoors as much as possible. I’d just gotten into climbing and was looking for a crag pack when I came across the at an REI used gear sale. It was in like-new condition and cost a very steep (to me) $74. Gear lust being what it is, I bought it, figuring I could use it for climbing adventures as well as backpacking trips. And that’s just what happened. This pack, which was made for ultralight backpacking, took countless trips to Joshua Tree and Idyllwild to help me scale rocks. It accompanied me and my wife on our honeymoon backpacking in Yosemite. Squirrels gnawed on it in the Pacific Northwest, tape gloves gunked it up in Indian Creek, and sunscreen, bug spray, and garbage have stained it on occasions too numerous to count. There aren’t a lot of frills: it’s a simple top-loader with a brain compartment and hipbelt pockets, but the suspension system is highly adjustable and always feels great on my back, even though there’s minimal padding. And despite being made of mesh and relatively thin fabric, it’s held up to ten years of rock abrasion, hard drops after long hikes, and branch stabbings. I have better packs in my closet now, but this one is still in rotation for weekend adventures, even though the zippers are crusty and there are plenty of tears in the mesh. There’s just too much nostalgia here. —Will Taylor, gear director

Camp Chef Everest Stove ($148)

Until I went away to college, the only camping stove I’d used was my parents’ MSR WhisperLite from the 1980s. Even if we were just car camping, we cooked all our meals on that single burner. So, when I bought my boyfriend the for Christmas five years ago, I felt like I was investing in the outdoor equivalent of a luxury stainless-steel kitchen oven. Now I can’t imagine how we ever lived without it. Having two places to cook is a complete game changer when it comes to easy, efficient meal prep. The Everest in particular puts out an impressive 20,000 BTUs, which is enough to boil water in minutes and make light work of whipping up breakfast burritos for a crowd. It has endured years of desert windstorms and bacon grease and looks none the worse for the wear. —Ariella Gintzler, associate editor

This item is currently out of stock.

Ěý

Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoodie Jacket ($60)

Six years ago, I spotted a glistening on the used gear rack at the famed store—and it was only $60. Sure, it was a size too big, in a boring black color, and fit me like a loose old sock, but the jacket provides me with versatile warmth to this day. It’s been all over the world with me and remains my go-to midlayer when I’m unsure about the forecast. It packs easily and provides ample room for layering underneath, and the zippers glide as smoothly as the day I brought it home. I’ll be riding this horse until the day the zippers fall off. And then I’ll gladly pay Arc’teryx to fix it. —Emily Reed, video producer

Ěý

Herschel Supply Pop Quiz 22L Backpack ($60)

has been my everyday hauler for nearly seven years. It carried my essentials on flights to four continents, lugged my textbooks through high school and college, and accompanied me on car-camping trips. This backpack’s simple design is one of the reasons I have no intention of upgrading. Besides a padded laptop sleeve, there aren’t any spots in the main compartment for things to get lost in. The front pocket is easy to access and has pouches for organizing essentials. The other reason I’m loyal to this pack is its durability. The zippers have never gotten stuck or come off the tracks. And though the fabric has become more supple over the years, it hasn’t ripped once. The leather bottom doesn’t look as new as it did in 2014, but I prefer to think of the wear as a patina that gives the backpack character. —Claire Hyman, editorial assistant

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Nike Dri Fit Tennis Cap ($125)

In 2011, I took a trip with my family to Switzerland—the home country of my favorite tennis player, Roger Federer. As a high schooler obsessed with the sport, this trip felt very much like a mecca. I bought as a tribute to Federer at a sports store in Geneva and wore it as a lucky charm for every match I played thereafter. I continued to wear it years later in college, but it became my go-to cap for the years I was on a sailing team at William & MaryĚýin Virginia. If we were practicing, it was on my head. I capsized for the first time in it, too. But its supposed luck proved true: I got my first bullet (first place in a regatta) while sporting it. You can tell it’s been dunked in the James River dozens of times by its yellowish tint (it used to be white) and its subtle funk. It’s lasted so long because of its cotton-polyester blend that dries quickly, and because of the sturdy Velcro strap that’s kept it on my dome in the middle of surprise squalls. Now I wear it whenever Federer is playing in a contentious quarterfinal or when I’m in a situation that calls for an extra bit of luck. —Jeremy Rellosa, reviews editor

Ěý

Mysterious Patagonia Capilene Quarter-Zip Long-Sleeve

Sometime around 2009, my dad gave me this Patagonia zip-up. The tag is so bleached from washing that it can only be identified as an early iteration of . This shirt entered my life before I had braces or knew how to drive. It has outlasted every romantic relationship and questionable haircut. Over the years, it’s been my backcountry security blanket—the perfect weight to throw on as a midlayer when the air gets chilly, but thin enough to wear as a base layer. I’ve lent it to—and subsequently wrestled it back from—many underdressed friends. Despite more than a decade of heavy use, it’s in good enough shape to wear to the bar after a hike or ski run—it looks nearly new aside from one quarter-inch hole near the hem. The telltale baby blue of this layer can be spotted in most photos of my happiest memories over the past 11 years—learning to backcountry ski, camping and backpacking with friends and family, and climbing in epic places. When I’m ready for my next adventure, it’ll be the first thing on my packing list. —Maren Larsen, assistant editor

The post The Gear We’ve Tested for Half a Decade appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

Adding mileage to your runs is an incredible way to build more meditative time into your life, as well as force you into good shape. But putting in regular runs over tenĚýmiles does require a few tweaks to your running kit. Below are the suggestions I would give to a runner piecing together their first distance-running kit, based on the seven years of testing I’ve done for şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř. I’ve included my favorite personal gear and some less expensive options, because one of the great beauties of running is that it doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

Shoes: Embrace the Cush

Even if you are a youngin’ with knees of steel, I would highly suggest being kind to them and choosing a shoe with a soft, supportive sole. I find that my body endures less wear and recovers faster when I wear a thick pair.

My preference: I’m on my second pair of Hoka Challenger ATR 5’sĚý($130) and have yet to find a single thing wrong with them.

Inexpensive option: The shoes you already have. The best running shoes in the world are the ones that get you outside. If you can’t afford fancy trail shoes, don’t feel like you can’t run. I got absolutely smoked in a 50-miler by a guy wearingĚýgeneric big-store hiking boots and a JanSport backpack while I had onĚýhundreds of dollars’ worth of primoĚýgear.

Socks: Don’t Skimp

Don’t cut corners here if you can afford it. Years agoĚýI ran for two weeks with a fancy sport-specific sock on my right foot and a cotton sock on the left. My left foot was so chafed and blistered at the end of the experiment that I’ve never used cheap socks again.

My preference: As the brand name suggests, Fits Light Runner socksĚý($17) suit a wide variety of feet fantastically well. They hug your dogs like a glove, which reduces chafing and also helps remove moisture.

Inexpensive option: Some people buy synthetic dress socks from thrift stores, but I wouldn’t suggest it. Your feet are where your body meets the ground, and it’s critical to take care of them on longer runs.

Support: Don’t Underestimate Its Importance

Men can get away with running a mile or two in loose-fitting boxers, but the repeated jarring ourĚýprivates endure on runs longer than an hour requires supportive liners or underwear. The same goes for a sports bra, according to my wife, Sarah.

Our preferences: The Ěý($75) provides all the support menĚýneed, and it never chafes, even during 50-kilometer races. Nothing else is needed. Sarah describes Ěý($98) as “life changing” and says that wearing it is the difference between her enjoying running and not. (Find out more information about the sports-bra market and how to choose the right oneĚýfor you here.)

Inexpensive option: Ěý($25) offer fantastic support and odor-fighting capabilities. Couple those with any pair of synthetic gym shorts and you’ll have caviar support on a hamburger budget. As for women, according to an şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř survey of 632 respondents in January 2019, many reported working out or running in relatively affordable sports bras from Target.

Tops: Like How TheyĚýLook

While caring about the fit, color, and style of a running shirt might seem vain, the right running shirt can also be worn around town, for other exercise, or just at home.

My preference: The Patagonia Capilene Cool shirts ($39 and up, available for men and women) dressĚýup like cotton but wickĚýmoisture with the best of them.

Inexpensive option: Any shirt you own. If you’re running in nice weather, cotton is not going to kill you on your midday training sessions. On really hot days, I actually like that cotton retains sweat—just make sure to apply extra (see below), because a wet shirt will create more chafing.

Sun Protection: Cover Your Beak

A hat is nonnegotiable for me on long runs. Not only does it save my skin from getting hammered by the sun, but when I wear one, I have a little more energy and am in a better mood when I get off the trail.

And thoughĚýI personally don’t like to run in sunglasses, the Ěý($150)Ěýwon a versatility test I performed last spring.

My preference: The Sunday Afternoons Vantage Point trucker hatĚý($32) keeps sweat off my forehead and breathes remarkably well.

Inexpensive option: A hat from your closet. If you’reĚýwilling to deal with some crusty salt marks, you’re in luck. That cap might not be as comfortable or move moisture off your forehead as well as a fancy one made for running,Ěýbut you will be fine.

For sunglasses, find a pair that stays on your face even when you’re sweaty; look for something that’s relatively lightweight, plus rubber nose and arm patches.

Lubricant: Take Chafe Seriously

Bloody nipples are a really quick path to burn out on distance running. Thankfully, a little bit of lubricant placed in the right spots can keep you all but chafe-free.

My preference: I’veĚýbeen using the same stick of Body GlideĚý($10) for six years. It was a solid investment.

Inexpensive option: Vaseline works if you already have it under your sink and don’t want to buy new products. But it can stain your clothes and doesn’t have the staying power of chafe-specific products.

Calories: Don’t Starve

Figuring out the right number of calories, as well as a calorie-delivery system that works for you and your gut, is extremely tricky and takes time. I have made pretty much every mistake in the book, but my suggestion is to start with about 100 calories an hour (about half an energy bar or one energy gel), by any method you see fit (liquid or solid), and adjust things based on your performance and gastric comfort.

My preference: Ěýendurance fuelĚý($39) tastes delicious, delivers 100 calories per scoop, and provides a nice little buzz from 35 milligrams of caffeine. AfterĚýtwo-plus hours of running, I need something solid in my gut, so I bring a couple , which areĚýeasy to transport and digest.

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Inexpensive option: A few years ago, I ran a 50K that I didn’t really prepare for, fueled byĚýaid-station PB&J’s and water, and my gut felt great after the race. Many athletes swear by fueling with real food for long efforts.

Liquid Transport: Don’t Overdo It

It’s a mistake to carry massive amounts of liquid for relatively short runs, yet I’ve seen friends do it again and again. While I realize no one wants to go thirsty, excess water is more weight to carry that costs precious energy and calories. I suggest starting with a handheld water-bottle system, and if your hydration needs outgrow it, upgrade to a vest or pack.

My preference: I use the Ultimate Direction EDC because it’s extremely comfortable in hand, a great size, and the soft flask gets smaller as I drink. That specific model isn’t available anymore, but its closest relative is the Ěý($50).

Inexpensive option: MacGyver a handheld out of products you have lying around. I have an Ěýhandheld strap that IĚýlost the accompanying bottle to. I attach thatĚýVelcro strap to any cycling water bottle I have laying around. Or buy .

Pack: Don’t Overdo It, Part Two

If you have a ton of storage space, you’llĚýlikely fill it. But bringing extra items on a run just weighs you down. I suggest starting with the bare essentials, then adding gear if necessary. A simple waist belt provides what I need, even for runs overĚý20 miles.

My preference: I’veĚýbeen using the discontinuedĚýĚýsince 2013 and don’t foreseeĚýusing a different one until it’s been rendered unusable. The Ěý($55) is quite similar.

Inexpensive option: Any fanny pack will do. You might have some infuriating bouncing and a bit of chafe, but it’ll get what you need out on the trail with you.

The post How to Build Your First Trail-Running Kit appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.