us.icebreaker.com
We love the outdoors—but we don’t always want to look like we’re in a constant state of camping, hiking, biking, or climbing. Sometimes it’s nice to be an incognito outdoor ninja. Femme testers in particular appreciate high-tech products that may nod to their active obsessions, but adapt to more casual environments.  The form-fitting V-neck Toi Toi hits that sweet spot. The shirt is constructed of Icebreaker’s thinnest, soft-to-the-touch merino wool, which affords the expected benefits (wicking, minimal odor retention, warm-when-wet) of the all-natural fabric, but the organic graphic growing out of the lower left hem, the bright colors, and the double seam at the neck aspire to a world beyond the trail.  Forward-side seams prevent chaffing, and machine-washing keeps it in near-constant rotation.

patagonia.com, 2.9 ounces
Every parent’s nightmare—their adolescent daughter insists on trading her serviceable one-piece for a daring bikini. The trouble is, most bikinis are built more for St. Tropez beauty queens than growing girls. Thankfully, Patagonia’s got you (and your loved ones) covered.  Everything they make has a purpose. While the Patagonia Girls’ Two-Piece counts as a bikini, it’s designed for sports. Whether your daughter is playing beach volleyball, surfing, or snorkeling, the suit is built to stay in place without awkward slipping, hiking, or sagging. Made of durable nylon and spandex, the suit is stretchy without being overly clingy. The fixed shoulder straps are wide, keeping the top in place during active movement. The front overlaps for modesty, and the shorts offer excellent coverage on the sides and lower bottom. While we can’t help with drama, mood swings, or power struggles, when they wear this suit, chances are your daughter will applaud your cool taste. At least until they leave the blanket behind to play soccer in the sand, paddle a kayak or stand-up board, or get closer to hanging ten off the next break. .

nau.com, 7.2 ounces
Ever want to wear shorts but feel they are too casual or sloppy looking? Look no further. Like a bespoke suit, these shorts fit as if they were tailored especially for you.  Nau’s president, Mark Galbraith, was arguably the leading sports-fashion designer of the past 20 years, as these shorts can attest. You might think that wool shorts are over-the-top, too Tyrolean Alps for every day wear. But these shorts are imminently capable—and have proven to be as comfortable on a summer business trip to Manhattan as hiking in the Canadian Rockies.  The fabric is a 98 percent heathered wool/spandex blend—the drape is perfect and there’s slight stretch to enhance mobility.  Whether you dress them up with heels, or wear them with hiking boots, the shorts deliver performance, comfort, and style. Wool’s natural temperature-regulating ability keeps you cool in warm weather and comfortable when the temps drop. How? By wicking moisture away from your skin while at the same time ensuring breathability so there’s no sweat. The shorts have a modest 11-inch inseam (they fall to just above the knee) and a flattering zip fly and snap closure. The two front pockets sit low on the pelvis, so they don’t add bulk around the hips; in the rear are two welted pockets. The shorts can be washed, and then line dried.
Available in Women’s size 2-14, and in a Men’s version, size 28-38

www.wileyx.com
We’re serious about eye protection. The essentials are lenses that block harmful rays and won’t shatter upon impact, frames that can take a beating, a fit that’s comfortable and secure, and fashion that means the glasses will spend more time on our face than in their case. We love Wiley X because of the high-quality lenses and frames; these are glasses you’ll be wearing for the next decade, rather than the next season. The ANSI HVP lenses have one of the highest velocity impact ratings in the world, while the proprietary lenses offer 100 percent UV protection for unequaled clarity and contrast. Frames can be fitted with a variety of lenses, from pale yellow that block out blue light waves and let in 86 percent of light to rose, silver, blue, and everything in between. To add to the equation, Wiley X makes high performance eyewear for tactical, motorcycle, auto racing, and fishing, as well as first-rate eyewear for hiking, biking, climbing, and travel.  The trick is determining which frame fits your face, and what lens will provide the right protection for your specific needs. The Outdoor line has both men- and women-specific frames, most prescription ready; all have secure non-slip rubberized fit and ANSI Z87 High Velocity Protection. Our current favorite is the new Chelsea for women and the XCESS with super cool Polarized Emerald Mirror lenses and a thick, glossy black frame for men.  Our testers recommend both models for everything from running, skate skiing, and hiking to international travel and al fresco lunches.

www.overlandequipment.com
Can you say “organized”? Whether you’re a busy mom or an Olympic athlete (or both), the Bidwell Bag is made for an active lifestyle. Inspired by Annie Bidwell, a general’s wife who donated thousands of acres of wild land for a namesake park in Chico, California (the home of OverLand Equipment), this bag does it all. Inside the zippered main compartment are two mesh bottle pouches, and enough room for an iPad and paperback, or, as in the case of one tester, climbing shoes, chalk bag, and harness. The outside pocket, with its secure magnetic closure, encloses a leather key fob, microfleece glasses sleeve, mesh zip security pouch, and an array of compartments for pens, cards, and notebooks. A hidden sleeve on the back is ideal for maps, plane tickets, or easily access your cell phone. The sleek yet roomy satchel has wide, soft, leather strap with bronze hardware that shrieks class.