Leah Balagopal is a Brooklyn, NY-based climbing coach, surfer, art conservator, and Field Mag Contributor.
![The 9 Best Packable Down Jackets for Men & Women](http://images.ctfassets.net/r7p9m4b1iqbp/656jPSVok0yWYmGQEwI4GO/a1755cefa507e46d4754991147c0c3d6/MH-Ghost-Whisperer-Jckt-thumb.jpg?w=600&q=85&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
From alpine summits to frigid cities and everything in between, these down jackets are guaranteed to keep you toasty (and to pack away later)
![The 20 Best Rental Cabins in Texas for a Lone Star State Getaway](http://images.ctfassets.net/r7p9m4b1iqbp/61PhskkmlEhPqbDCHBhhnk/23ecbf45736df4dd06f160d8a5b4a234/texas-cabins-moonshiner-cabin.jpg?w=600&q=85&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
From Hill Country to Big Bend, Austin to Marfa, there's no shortage of awesome areas to visit and places to stay in Texas
![The 10 Best Board Shorts for Men, According to Actual Surfers](http://images.ctfassets.net/r7p9m4b1iqbp/7zZJUH0ud0wW8T0g3KrCL/557de7b33a3fdc70cb4dda64c1815b5f/board-shorts-outerknown-hero.jpg?w=600&q=85&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
Ideal for surfing, beaching, and transitioning through town, these board shorts will earn you chafe-free style points in and out of the water
![The 10 Best Surf Bikinis & Swimsuits for Women, Tested](http://images.ctfassets.net/r7p9m4b1iqbp/3Eq9VXcDGXJeWGl0dMLPbw/6990b7302dcb97d28b0a585622024353/surfing-swimsuits-seea-hero.jpg?w=600&q=85&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
Through trial and (a lot of) error, these are the best surf swimsuits that are comfortable, flattering, and actually stay on your body
![The 8 Best Double Sleeping Bags for Camping Couples](http://images.ctfassets.net/r7p9m4b1iqbp/3KOvfA6f4jt0vX3FJJcgnh/4adc234cb796d21c471b03fd998cadbc/doubles-sleeping-bag-hero.jpg?w=600&q=85&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
These full-featured, two-person sleeping bags make spending the night in nature as comfortable—and cuddle friendly—as at home
![FERAL Wetsuit Review: I've Finally Fallen in Love With Winter Surfing](http://images.ctfassets.net/r7p9m4b1iqbp/NaElBhBcDeYmwpu8bWcYx/a220f6f5d4136798be2e2cb906e630ca/Feral-wetsuit-review-Catherine-Mao-NJ.jpg?w=600&q=85&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
The small San Francisco brand uses Japanese Yamamoto neoprene to cut weight & improve warmth—here's how their 5/4/3 suit tested in icy waters near NYC
![Inside Kings Glassing, New York City's Resident Surfboard Workshop](http://images.ctfassets.net/r7p9m4b1iqbp/2BXQKMNpovvUQlKHSjECqR/7488789ea4ec72a6be78b0c06896c256/Kings-Glassing-NYC-Surf-Thumb.jpg?w=600&q=85&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
Maui-raised and Brooklyn-based, brothers Aaron and Drew Austin are hand building some of the East Coast's most creative surfboards
!["Island Time" by Vivian Kim Reveals the Raw Natural Beauty of Kaua'i](http://images.ctfassets.net/r7p9m4b1iqbp/19nW5FABJiYg6eGFZf4EJj/350dd5cbae91d5aeb16e6e93c9928871/island-time-vivian-kim-cover.jpg?w=600&q=85&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
Comprised of 230+ film photographs, this limited edition hardcover offers a unique snapshot of Hawaii's Garden Isle and the people that call it home
![Artist William Mullan Is Documenting the World's Strangest Apples](http://images.ctfassets.net/r7p9m4b1iqbp/2mI7tagBUvSeunVPOP8wxP/ca104e4648b9bd37e5061be3673881cc/Odd-Apples-William-Mullan-QA-Hero.jpg?w=600&q=85&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
These rare looking and unique tasting apples will change everything you know about the image of an apple
![Pro Tips & Gear to Make Camping With Kids Fun & Easy(ish)](http://images.ctfassets.net/r7p9m4b1iqbp/1NymZoCvuDuMUTpNx1edSs/5489355312c12ad0dac04c1f04931d09/camping-with-kids-francois-lebeau-enzo.jpg?w=600&q=85&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
Getting outside with young kids isn't always easy, but these parents have some advice for whatever outdoor adventurer you may be planning
![The 10 Best Ponchos for Surfing, Camping, and Other Outdoor Adventures](http://images.ctfassets.net/r7p9m4b1iqbp/zBkt0BkgSSUNm2PXmOHeO/9f52485992ba4970a11031d7e4cc8568/best-ponchos-lead.jpg?w=600&q=85&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
One of the most slept on articles of gear/clothing, the poncho is an essential item for staying warm, dry, and cozy, at the campsite, beach, and home
![5 Rules for Shoulder Season Layering from a Pro Outdoor Photographer](http://images.ctfassets.net/r7p9m4b1iqbp/4kWnv8Nz1Z4GnNG4psfPbF/3b9130f26a6ed29eff7c857d6a66dda2/shoulderseason-clayton--herrmann--mountain-hardwear-north-carolina-hike.jpg?w=600&q=85&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
Learn the do's and don'ts for staying comfortable, dry, and warm in shoulder season weather without carrying an overloaded pack