Ridge Merino Solstice Sun Hoodie Review
Lightweight merino hoodie for women and men. Sun Protection I have not had Ridge Merino’s Solstice Sun Hoodie for very… Read More »Ridge Merino Solstice Sun Hoodie Review
Erika D
Writer, author of 10 books, UX researcher/designer, open water swimmer, tea lover, traveler, friend.
Lake Love
One of the things I love most about open water swimming, my favorite things to do in nature, is the… Read More »Lake Love
Outdoor Volunteer Gigs
You don’t always need a lot of money to have an adventure. One of my friends spent a summer observing… Read More »Outdoor Volunteer Gigs
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Over Short-12” Review
Lightweight, full-coverage active shorts. Freedom to Move I’ve been wearing the Outdoor Research Women’s Ferrosi Over Short-12” for urban hikes… Read More »Outdoor Research Ferrosi Over Short-12” Review
Appalachian Gear Company’s Women’s 8020 AG-TEE™ Review
An all-purpose, natural fiber tee. Just Right I’ve gone through many, many t-shirt phases in my life, and right now,… Read More »Appalachian Gear Company’s Women’s 8020 AG-TEE™ Review
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack Review
A colorful and well-organized travel pack. We originally featured this review a few years ago when the pack was called… Read More »Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack Review
Ursa Major Base Layer Deodorant Review
Effective natural deodorant stick Sensitive and Stink-Free I’m one of those sensitive people who can’t use most products sold at… Read More »Ursa Major Base Layer Deodorant Review
Vancouver Day Pack by North St Bags Review
A slim styled pack for commuting essentials. Smooth Sailing The Vancouver Day Pack by North St. Bags looks and feels… Read More »Vancouver Day Pack by North St Bags Review
North St. LTD Upcycled Pioneer 8 Hip Pack
A one-of-a-kind, sustainably produced, compact hip pack. Sustainably Stylish Made out of repurposed material originally used in special event tents… Read More »North St. LTD Upcycled Pioneer 8 Hip Pack
Eagle Creek Ranger XE 3L Waist Pack
A cavernous waist pack for long days…or for every day. Kitchen Sink One of the most obvious features of Eagle… Read More »Eagle Creek Ranger XE 3L Waist Pack
Chums Rover Cross-Body Bag
A compact every day bag that’s also great for travel and outdoor adventures. Back to Basics Whether I’m out for… Read More »Chums Rover Cross-Body Bag
Outdoor Research Aspire Trench
Lightweight, waterproof urban trench coat. Designed to Keep Me Dry I live in a temperate climate, having traded frigid cold… Read More »Outdoor Research Aspire Trench
Vim & Vigr Best Friend and Petite Dot Compression Socks
Colorful compression socks for men and women. Not Just for Travel I used to think of compression socks as fairly… Read More »Vim & Vigr Best Friend and Petite Dot Compression Socks
Chums Downstream 4L Bag
Watertight waist pack for rainy and wet outings. Simple, Handy I realized a couple of months ago that I didn’t… Read More »Chums Downstream 4L Bag
Chums Downriver Rolltop Backpack
A mid-sized waterproof backpack for water sports. I have never been the type of person who has to have all… Read More »Chums Downriver Rolltop Backpack
Outdoor Research Alpine Onset Merino 150 Hoodie
A merino wool/recycled polyester blend activewear top in women’s and men’s sizes. I’m not sure there are any two words… Read More »Outdoor Research Alpine Onset Merino 150 Hoodie
Outdoor Research SuperStrand LT Hoodie Insulation Jacket
Packable all-purpose insulation jacket. Available in men’s and women’s styles. Here in Seattle it doesn’t get too cold. Fall temperatures… Read More »Outdoor Research SuperStrand LT Hoodie Insulation Jacket
Princeton Tec Helix Li Lantern
A rechargeable, water-resistant, packable lantern. Big Light in a Small Package The Princeton Tec Helix Li Lantern just became my… Read More »Princeton Tec Helix Li Lantern
Deckers X Lab KO-Z EZ SCUFF Slipper Shoes
A cozy clog-style shoe/slipper you can walk a mile in. Urgently Apres It’s officially cold now, which means my open… Read More »Deckers X Lab KO-Z EZ SCUFF Slipper Shoes
Deckers X Lab KO-Z ANDES SPSK Boot
A cosy cold-weather boot Fancy and Functional The KO-Z ANDES SPSK boot has a thick shearling lining and wool topped… Read More »Deckers X Lab KO-Z ANDES SPSK Boot
Inova® T8R PowerSwitchTM Rechargeable Flashlight
Multi-mode rechargeable flashlight. Inova’s T8R PowerSwitchTM flashlight is exactly what I’ve been looking for: a powerful, durable, weatherproof, rechargeable light.… Read More »Inova® T8R PowerSwitchTM Rechargeable Flashlight
ALL-PACA™ PONCHO
A versatile, unisex poncho made out of alpaca wool from South America. The ALL-PACA™ PONCHO is the perfect outer garment… Read More »ALL-PACA™ PONCHO
Nite Ize Radiant® 300 Rechargeable Headlamp
Easy-to-use rechargeable headlamp. Nite Ize’s Radiant® 300 Rechargeable Headlamp is a water-resistant, 90 degree adjustable 300 lumen light with four… Read More »Nite Ize Radiant® 300 Rechargeable Headlamp
Royal Robbins Women’s ReadyDry Bikini and Boy Short Underwear
Lightweight, breathable underwear for travel and outdoor activities. I’ve been wearing the same brand and style of cotton underwear my… Read More »Royal Robbins Women’s ReadyDry Bikini and Boy Short Underwear
AquaVault Phone Case
Waterproof phone case. I swim in a nearby lake a few times a week, and I need to keep my… Read More »AquaVault Phone Case
Paka: The Traceable Hoodie
Soft, sustainable alpaca hoodie. I almost can’t believe I ever wore sweatshirts. In fact, I lived in them. The heavier… Read More »Paka: The Traceable Hoodie
National Park Service awards $3.4 million in grants to preserve and interpret World War II Japanese American confinement sites
Northwest Film Forum and Japanese American Memorial Pilgrimages will use one of this years’ grants to organize a pilgrimage to… Read More »National Park Service awards $3.4 million in grants to preserve and interpret World War II Japanese American confinement sites
Therm-a-Rest Argo™ Blanket
Ultra-soft outdoor/travel blanket. I’m a bit of a blanket hog, so it’s a good thing that the Therm-a-Rest ArgoTM Blanket… Read More »Therm-a-Rest Argo™ Blanket
Outdoor Research Moab Sun Hat
A medium-brim sun protection hat. Made out of breathe fabric with UPF 50+, Outdoor Research’s Moab Sun Hat has been… Read More »Outdoor Research Moab Sun Hat
Deckers X Lab Sneakers Wool
Comfy urban classic sneaker/slipper/runner with wool upper. I’m a big fan of classic-style sneakers. They look great with shorts, jeans,… Read More »Deckers X Lab Sneakers Wool
Smartwool Hike Classic Edition Full Cushion Crew Socks
I love how the Hike Classic Edition Full Cushion Crew Socks have thicker cushioning that surrounds my feet,…
Smartwool Run Targeted Cushion Low Ankle Socks
I’ve been wearing Smartwool Run Targeted Cushion Low Ankle Socks on long walks for a few weeks, and I’ve been very happy with both the level of cushioning and the moisture management.
Deckers X Lab KO-Z GLDTR 3 Sandal
The sole consists of several layers of different types of cushioning and support, including a memory foam layer that springs back with each step. So, I feel the cush while also benefiting from a very stable sole.
Nite Ize Doohickey Fishkey Tool
Cute fish-shaped stainless steel multi-tool. The Nite Ize Doohickey® Fishkey™ Tool is exactly the charm I need clipped to my… Read More »Nite Ize Doohickey Fishkey Tool
Smartwool Hike Lite Cushion Crew Sock and Hike Lite Mountain Range Crew Sock
Lightweight, durable hiking socks with lite cushioning. Smartwool makes their Hike Lite Cushion Crew Socks in several styles. I tested… Read More »Smartwool Hike Lite Cushion Crew Sock and Hike Lite Mountain Range Crew Sock
Keen NXIS EVO Waterproof Hiking Boot
A lightweight waterproof boot with serious treads for fast hikers. I tend to wear hiking shoes and boots as my… Read More »Keen NXIS EVO Waterproof Hiking Boot
Nite Ize Runoff® Waterproof Phone Pouch
Waterproof smartphone pouch for activities near and in water. Personally, I’m all for leaving my phone at home or in… Read More »Nite Ize Runoff® Waterproof Phone Pouch
blueseventy Thermal Swim Gloves
Lightweight 2mm swim gloves for cool and cold water swimming. Made out of ultra lightweight, thin Yamamoto neoprene, blueseventy’s Thermal… Read More »blueseventy Thermal Swim Gloves
ALPAKA Gear Modular Phone Sling
A lightweight, weatherproof cross-body pouch for mobile phones. I usually stash my phone and wallet in my jacket pockets when… Read More »ALPAKA Gear Modular Phone Sling
Nite Ize Runoff Waterproof Travel Pouch
Slim waterproof and dustproof pouch for phones and other valuables.
ALPAKA Gear Zip Pouch
A sleek, small zippered urban pouch that’s fashionable, tough enough for the outdoors, and designed for travel.
CHUMS Surfshorts Wallet
A lightweight pocket-sized zippered wallet with key chain for folks on the go.
Flowfold Wallet Essentialist: Mini Pouch, AirPods Case, ID Case Wallet
A versatile, small, lightweight pouch for use as a wallet or for carrying small items.
Fierce Hazel Ultra Fierce Weatherproof Cycling Wallet
A sleek black weatherproof plus-size pouch designed to fit into a cycling jersey pocket.
Deckers X Lab X-Scape Mid Shoe
Super cushy stable hightop sneakers for kicking around, long walks, and looking fabulous. I’ve never been a fan of cushiony… Read More »Deckers X Lab X-Scape Mid Shoe
Deckers X Lab X-Scape Knit Low Shoes
An ultra lightweight and surprisingly stable slip-on shoe for any time you need that footloose feeling. I’m not usually a… Read More »Deckers X Lab X-Scape Knit Low Shoes
OR Skytour AscentShell™ Ski Jacket and Bib Pants Kit
The Skytour AscentShell™ Kit ski jacket and bib pants ranks with the best technical clothing available for backcountry and resort skiing. Windproof. Snowproof. Waterproof. Breathable. Roomy.
Vibram FiveFingers V-Trail 2.0 Shoe
I love wearing my V-Trail shoes. Despite my “no shoes on in the house” rule, I find myself leaving them on when I come in after exercising because I love how grippy they are.
Blue Seventy Adjustable Thermal Skull Cap
I wouldn’t be able to swim in the cold water without adequate head protection, and so far, blueseventy’s Thermal Skull Cap is my favorite cap.
blueseventy Glide Wetsuit: For Women and Men
I was pretty proud of myself this fall when all the other swimmers at the lake started wearing wetsuits and… Read More »blueseventy Glide Wetsuit: For Women and Men
Rossignol Women’s & Men’s Covariant Rain Jacket
I’m tall, so I appreciate the Covariant Rain Jacket’s long length. I also like the soft, matte material.
Vibram Five Fingers V-Alpha Shoe: Super Grippy, Surprisingly Warm
I fell in love with lake swimming this summer, but I had a bit of trouble getting into and out… Read More »Vibram Five Fingers V-Alpha Shoe: Super Grippy, Surprisingly Warm
