Brooks Ghost Trail (women’s) review: road-shoe comfort for the trail
Cushioned Ghost comfort with a TrailTack Green outsole. A gentle first trail runner for maintained trail and mixed walking, with no rock plate and inconsistent sizing to check.
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KEEN Targhee 4 Mid (women’s) review: room across the forefoot
A waterproof three-season boot cut generously through the forefoot and sold in regular and wide, for a foot that is short and wide rather than slim.
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Columbia Watertight II (men’s) review: an inexpensive first rain jacket
A genuinely waterproof, seam-sealed rain shell that packs into its own pocket for the price of a dinner — the best-value first rain jacket. Our field review of the Columbia Watertight II.
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Carhartt Quilts Insulated Glove (women’s) review: warm, dry, and a size small
A warm, waterproof, affordable women’s winter glove with a quilted shell. A good first winter glove for casual cold-weather outings, once you size up.
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Frelaxy Leg Gaiters Review: the budget pair worth owning
Heavy 900D coated Oxford, full-length hook-and-loop front and a rubber instep strap on a metal buckle. Keeps snow and brush out for a fraction of a name-brand pair. Runs small, so size up.
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Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2 (unisex) review: the ultralight emergency rain suit
A full waterproof jacket-and-pants suit that weighs about 13 ounces (360 g) and packs to nothing — the ultralight emergency backup for every pack. Our field review of the Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2.
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Columbia Arcadia II (women’s) review: an inexpensive everyday rain jacket
The best-value first women’s rain jacket — waterproof, breathable, packable, with a proper adjustable hood, for everyday and casual-hike rain.
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La Sportiva TX4 Evo (women’s) review: sure-footed on rock, if the fit suits you
A precise, sticky, supportive approach shoe for scrambles and rock approaches. Excellent if it fits, but it runs narrow and small, so try it on first.
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La Sportiva TX4 Evo (men’s) review: a technical approach shoe with a fit you must check
Vibram Megagrip, a climbing zone and a resoleable leather build for scrambles and talus. Superb on rock, but narrower and shorter than the original TX4, so fit it before you trust it.
