What better way to witness the change of the seasons than running down a country road, or spending the night in a grove of crimson-colored trees? Being prepared is an important part of enjoying either experience, especially when temperatures begin to drop. That’s why we’ve tested the most important pieces of gear for road runs and overnight trips – running shoes, compression tights, tents, and packs – to provide the female-friendliest advice about how to equip this fall.
Our testers took to the streets and trails to report back on these four major gear categories, and they helped us narrow down hundreds of contending products to 30 of our must-have recommendations. Whether you’re training for your next marathon, squeezing in a quick jog, backpacking just one night – or five – we’ve got you covered. In the following pages, you’ll find the advice you need to outfit your adventure and exceed your expectations for comfort and performance.
Edited by Kristy Holland, Photography by Ben Fullerton
Road Running…Cruise Control
Sumi is wearing: Moving Comfort Mobility Long Sleeve Tee ($54; www.movingcomfort.com); Lululemon Ta Ta Tamer High Impact Bra ($58; www.lululemon.com); Timex Ironman Road Trainer Heart Rate Monitor ($110; www.timex.com); CWX Women’s Stabilyx Tights ($98; www.cw-x.com); Teko Merino Women’s Light Minicrew Socks ($16; www.tekosocks.com); Saucony Women’s ProGrid Kinvara Shoes ($90; www.saucony.com).
The Essentials
Brooks Infiniti Jacket ($100; www.brooksrunning.com)
Protection from wind and water meet stretchy breathability in this lightweight running jacket with 360-degree reflectivity and a pocket for keeping electronics dry.
Lululemon Ta Ta Tamer ($58; www.lululemon.com)
Structured support with feminine detailing, wide shoulder straps that adjust for traditional or cross-back styling, and a handful of snappy color options make this a favorite sports bra for cup sizes from B to DD.
Nathan Sprint Nutrition Belt (www.nathansports.com)
Nathan’s newest addition, this belted hydration system holds eight ounces in a sport-top bottle and a couple of gel packs in a zippered pocket. The elastic belt includes an ID tag and removable race-number snaps.
Brooks Adapt Glove ($30; www.brooksrunning.com)
Perfect for crisp mornings, these gloves have a textured thumb pad that makes them touch-screen compatible and a water-resistant mitt that stays tucked away until you need it to protects hands against wind and water.
Ryders Drill ($40; www.ryderseyewear.com)
Non-skid padding at the nose and temple keeps these one-ounce shades in place as you run – and everything looks better through rose-colored glasses.
Clif Shot Energy Gel ($1.30 each; www.clifbar.com)
Reformulated to taste better and deliver more electrolytes, Clif’s shots are available in three different caffeine doses and eight delish flavors that are 90 percent organic.
Tested: Compression Tights
CW-X Stabilyx Tight ($98; www.cw-x.com) Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars
The go anywhere, do anything tight. CW-X’s Stabilyx supports both linear (think long runs and Nordic skiing) and lateral (i.e. yoga and downhill skiing) movement. These tights are also intended for use both during and after activity – which helped them win points from our testers for extra dollar value. Designed specifically to support the core and knees, the “Kinesio Support Web” is modeled after taping patterns used by sports medicine experts and helps support muscles prone to injury – and ensures that you have tights positioned for optimal performance. Testers loved the waistband, which didn’t dig in, and the feel of support in the lower abs, hips, and back. The material was breathable and lightweight allowing comfortable wear for all seasons and most temperatures, but it also comes in a ¾ length ($86) for warmer temps.
Zoot CompressRx Active Tights ($120; www.zootsports.com) “Spot-on Silver”
It’s a tight squeeze, but visible zoning helps ensure proper fit that stabilizes and reduces vibration – antimicrobial silver is an added, anti-stink perk.
SKINS SHE Long Tights ($115; www.skins.net) “Compressed Comfort”
Gradient compression works, and the wicking fabric make these full-length tights multi-sport comfortable in all weather conditions.
2XU Elite Compression Tights ($140; www.2xu.com) “Fabric Function”
Higher-density fabric means better support, less muscle vibration, and reduced fatigue in these triathlete favorites with fashion-forward styling.
Sugoi Piston 200 Tight ($90; www.sugoi.com) “Budget Buy”
Two purposes for a low price, these tights are constructed with zoned compression aimed to perform during and after activity.
Tested: Shoes
Saucony ProGrid Kinvara ($90; www.saucony.com) Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars
Leading the way for minimalist running shoes (which are a big trend for next year), the Kinvara is definitely a winner. Best suited for neutral runners, this lightweight shoe serves double-duty as a racer and trainer. One Women’s Adventure tester, who put 50 miles on her pair the first week, said, “It feels like a racing flat, but there’s more cushion so it’s a great fit for runners looking for a long-distance racer, too.” The difference between the heel height and the forefoot is smaller than a traditional shoe, so it feels quick to transition as you run. Our scales read 14 ounces for a pair of 8.5s and the light weight is due, in part, because of a reduction in outsole rubber. But, designers didn’t sacrifice comfort, as they inserted a new material that makes the heel softer and more responsive. The sock-like upper is also minimal, but internal webbing helps it hold your foot in place.
Asics Gel-Nimbus 12 ($125; www.asicsamerica.com) “Dialed-in Detail”
Cushiony and structured to add stability for mild pronators, this updated clas-sic features updated eyelet design and asymmetric lacing for a comfort fit.
New Balance 759 ($95; www.newbalance.com) “Narrow Neutrals”
Lightweight without sacrificing heel cushion, this mid-mileage trainer is well-suited for neutral heel-strikers. The reinforced arch offers exceptional support.
Brooks Ghost 3 ($100; www.brooksrunning.com) “Cushion Comfort”
Increased stability and fluid-based cushioning gives the new Brooks enhanced comfort for neutral runners – it’s also one of the comfiest uppers we tried.
Newton Running Gravity ($175; www.newtonrunning.com) “Funky Function”
With a gimmicky orange upper and Newton’s trademarked Action/Reaction Technology, this funky shoe actually propels you forward on the road.
Backpacking…Overnight excitement
Christine is camping in Nemo Espri 2P ($300; www.nemoequipment.com) and carrying Gregory Women’s Jade 60 Backpacking Backpack ($230; www.altrec.com/Gregory) and a Thermarest Women’s ProLite ($90; www.cascadedesigns.com). She’s hiking in: Outdoor Research Essence L/S Zip Tee ($55; www. outdoorresearch.com ); Rab Women’s Traverse Pant ($80; http://us.rab.uk.com); Bridgedale Women’s X-Hale Trail Diva ($17; www.bridgedale.com); Merrell Pandora Mid Omni-Fit Waterproof ($115; www.merrell.com).
The Essentials
Thermarest Women’s ProLite ($90; www.cascadedesigns.com)
With extra padding where women need it (in the torso and foot), this pad offers three-season sleeping comfort that weighs in at just one pound.
Sierra Designs Diamond Spring Women’s 15 ($250; www.sierradesigns.com)
Ergonomic shaping, 600-fill goose down, and flex baffling offer a cozy night’s sleep down to 15 degrees.
Princeton Tec Byte ($20; www.princetontec.com)
This tiny headlamp packs 30 lumens and 360 hours of burn time into a pocket-sized package that’s so light, if it weren’t so bright, you’d forget you were wearing it.
Bear Naked Cranberry Protein Trail Mix ($3; www.bearnaked.com)
Packed with protein, this trail-friendly snack blends crunchy granola clusters with sweet cranberries, raisins, and omega-rich almonds and walnuts.
Magellan eXplorist 610 ($450; www.magellangps.com)
Preloaded maps and a high-sensitivity GPS sensor help you navigate with 3–5 meters of accuracy. A built-in camera, microphone, and speakers help you document it all. Waterproof design, a 3-inch touch screen, and carabineer-friendly loop add take-anywhere appeal.
SteriPEN Adventurer Opti ($100; www.steripen.com)
Equipped with a water-sensing (battery saving) sensor, this water-purification system kills viruses and bacteria in 90 seconds, will last through 8,000 one-liter treatments, and doubles as a flashlight.
Tested: Backpacking Packs
Gregory Jade 60 ($229; www.gregorypacks.com) 5 stars out of 5
Perfect for weekend trips but also functional for long day hikes, the Gregory Jade 60 has enough room (3,600 cubic inches) to fit sleeping bags, camp kitchens, and enough clothes for a late fall trek. To keep you cool without sacrificing support, the waist belt adjusts to three different sizes and Gregory’s Jetstream™ LTS Suspension moves the pack away from the center of your back for superb ventilation. Read the full review.
Osprey Ariel 75 ($280; www.ospreypacks.com) “Pack-a-Mundo”
Space for 60-plus pounds of gear, but this pack’s airy suspension system and molded hip belt ensure a perfect fit and a reduction in sweaty discomfort. Read the full review.
Kelty Lakota 4000 ($145; www.kelty.com) “Most Versatile”
While big and supportive enough to take into the backcountry, this pack cinches tight for day-hikeable versatility with features belying its bargain price tag. Read the full review.
Mountain Hardwear Nalu 60 ($230; www.mountainhardwear.com) “Light Heavy Weight”
This full-sized pack is lightweight, but offers space (and bells-and-whistles) aplenty for a fall-weekend sleeping bag and fuel for late-season summit-bagging. Read the full review.
Deuter ACT Lite 60 + 10 SL ($189; www.deuterusa.com) “Tall Woman’s Pack”
A 10-liter lid pocket adds extra space to this narrow pack that’s well-suited for tall women, but is easily adjustable, too. Read the full review.
Tested: Tents
Nemo Espri 2P ($300; www.nemoequipment.com) 4.8 stars out of 5
This lightweight tent earns its three-season claim: it’s legit for rainy-season backpacking, but is lightweight and airy enough to pack along for warm-weather nights, too. The Espri 2P confirms Nemo’s spot among innovative tent makers with its high-sidewall construction that allows for a smaller, lighter fly that ventilates well, but adjusts to up protection. It’s also easy to attach – one tester timed herself at 30 seconds during an unexpected midnight shower. The roomy interior is wide enough for two, and it’s tall enough inside (40 inches) that even tall testers were able to comfortably change shirts and easily avoided dumping the contents of the gear loft (included). The tent comes with featherlight poles and with two modular/detachable vestibules that allow you to customize for expected conditions. Our favorite feature? The accessories. Standard footprints aren’t the end of it. Nemo’s got add-ons such as an interior liner, a headlamp-diffusing storage hanger, and a trekking-pole vestibule that nearly doubles the under-cover storage space of your tent.
REI Half Dome 2 PLUS ($199; www.rei.com) “Big and Ball”
Affordability reigns supreme, but this update to a tried-and-true classic adds length and spacious protection from wind and weather.
Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2 ($350; www.bigagnes.com) “Light and Tight”
Weighing just two lbs., 10 oz. this double-walled tent competes with ultralights in packability, but with traditional backpacking tents for comfort.
Sierra Designs LT Strike 2 ($380; www.sierradesigns.com) “Platonic Pairing”
Double side doors and oversized vestibules make this head-to-foot two-person perfect for friends who are close, but appreciate their own space, too.
Exped Aries Mesh ($319; www.exped.com) “Packable Protection”
A little added weight is sometimes worth it. This two-person tunnel-style is super sturdy in high-wind conditions, but versatile for heat and high-humidity.
