Leah Balagopal

Leah Balagopal is a Brooklyn, NY-based climbing coach, surfer, art conservator, and Field Mag Contributor.
The 10 Best Board Shorts for Men, According to Actual Surfers
The 10 Best Board Shorts for Men, According to Actual Surfers

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
The 10 Best Women's Swimsuits Actually Designed for Surfing

Through trial and (a lot of) error, these are the best surf swimsuits that are comfortable, flattering, and actually stay on your body

The 10 Best Non-Toxic Clean Sunscreens for Adventure & Everyday Use
10 Clean Sunscreens That Are Sun-Safe & Environment-Friendly

Whether you're catching waves, beach lounging, or looking for daily protection, these non-toxic sunscreens will protect your skin and the environment

The 8 Best Double Sleeping Bags for Camping Couples
The 8 Best Double Sleeping Bags for More Comfy Couples Camping

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
The Best Winter Wetsuit Is From a Tiny Brand You've Never Heard Of

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

The 15 Best Rental Cabins in Texas for a Lone Star State Getaway
Where to Stay for a Luxe Lone Star State Getaway

From Hill Country to Big Bend, Austin to Marfa, there's no shortage of awesome areas to visit and places to stay in Texas

Inside Kings Glassing, New York City's Resident Surfboard Workshop
Inside the NYC Workshop Where Sought-After Surfboards Are Made

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
Vivian Kim's New Photo Book Captures Youth Culture & Island Living on Kaua'i

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
A Chat With the Artist Documenting the World's Strangest, Most Beautiful Apples

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)
Tips, Tricks, & Gear to Make Camping With Kids Fun and (Mostly) Stress Free

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
The 10 Best Ponchos for Surfing, Camping, and Other Outdoor Adventures

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
A Pro Outdoor Photographer's Tips & Gear Recs for Shoulder Season Adventures

Learn the do's and don'ts for staying comfortable, dry, and warm in shoulder season weather without carrying an overloaded pack

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