Over the past few years, reviewing equipment for camping, hiking, biking, and other pursuits, a few products and a few ideas have stood out. These five innovations in gear have literally changed the way I do things outside.

1. Merino wool base layers.

The fine wool of the merino sheep happens to make a perfect performance fabric for base-layer clothing.

It doesn’t itch. It breathes. Merino is natural and durable, and it can be worn for days on end because the fabric has built-in antimicrobial properties. But the kicker for me is merino’s seemingly magical feature of regulating core body temperature no matter the weather outside. Wool base layers can keep you warm when it’s cold, and when you’re hot and sweaty, a merino shirt helps keep you cool.

Companies like Ibex, Icebreaker, and SmartWool are top brands and longtime adherents to merino. I applaud those companies — and other adopters now — for taking the leap with sheep.

2. Barefoot-style running shoes.

via Record-Searchlight

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