Spring is right around the proverbial corner: the bend in the river, the arête on the cliff, the switchback on the trail. Outdoor adventure soon turns from sliding on snow to playing on water, rock, and dirt. So, go ahead and daydream. Get out and get active, but don’t let your desires overlook the need to gear up smartly and...

　　People dream of boating or swimming with whales. But that’s based on the false assumption that they are gentle giants that don’t bother humans. But they’re not. And they do. Just ask Liz Cottriel and Julie McSorley, who found themselves kayaking off California’s Central Coast when a group of humpback whales began feeding all around them. Producer Aaron Scott reports...

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　　When it comes to bicycles and components, people tend to defend their preferences with what amounts to an almost-religious fervor. But ultimately our opinions about what’s “best” are often just that—opinions. The insufferable retrogrouch insists that steel is the only material worth considering, while the performance-obsessed racer maintains that, gram for gram, nothing beats carbon fiber, and ultimately they’re both...

　　You never know if your yoga practice will find you sweating during cat-cow or freezing from wintry drafts or overzealous AC blasts. But that unpredictability shouldn’t apply to your yoga gear. The best new tops, bottoms, mats, and accessories will help make sure your focus remains on your practice, not the distractions. 　　The Winners at a Glance Girlfriend Collective Float...

　　How do you make the best of a golf addiction? Add running. That’s the formula contributor Alex Ward tried to perfect a few months ago, when he started figuring out a way to turn his rounds of golf into real exercise. Would golf be an endurance sport if he played sunrise to sunset? What if he wore running gear, carried...

　　Rab Veil 12 Reviewed Price: $180 　　Weight: 10 ounces (without flasks) 　　Size: S-L (Unisex) 　　Capacity: 12 liters 　　Pole Storage: Yes 　　Hydration: Flasks and bladder 　　Running packs can often feel like a cumbersome-but-necessary evil: you’d rather not have to wear one, but you need to be able to carry essentials with you. Good packs will lessen this burden by doing a...

　　It is fairly terrifying to trust a strip of fuzzy fabric to keep you from careening backwards down a steep, snowy ski hill while trying to climb up it. That fuzz’s friction is all I could think about the first time I splitboarded up Steamboat, Colorado’s blue runs at seven a.m. while my family was still nestled in their beds...

　　There’s a running pack for everyone these days. Are you a trail aficionado, or more of a road-only type? Hungry for vert,  or like to go long?  From fast-and-light styles to options that hold everything you could possibly want, there’s a pack that will meet your needs. 　　The Winners at a Glance Best for All-Day Outings: Rab Veil 12 Best...

　　Owners of adventure dogs tend to be pretty adamant that their outdoorsy pooch is not just great, but the best adventure dog ever. A sweet and understandable sentiment, if an entirely subjective one. But now, the world’s biggest fitness app is making it possible for people to back up their talk with some cold hard numbers. That’s right: Strava for...

　　There’s a problem with a lot of waterproof garments—they contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Also known as forever chemicals, PFAS are linked to cancer, liver and kidney damage, and other health problems. 　　But forever chemicals’ time may be limited. A California law that will go into effect on January 1, 2025 bans the manufacture, sale, and distribution of textiles...

　　Sports bras are like brakes on a vehicle: no one gets excited about using them, but they’re absolutely necessary. We found a few that we actually enjoy wearing for their combination of comfort and versatile support. 　　The Winners at a Glance Best for Carrying a Phone on the Run: Oiselle Flyout Bra Best Adjustable Fit: Patagonia Maipo Low Impact Adjustable...