Articles by Leah Balagopal

Leah Balagopal is a Brooklyn, NY-based climbing coach, surfer, art conservator, and Field Mag Contributor.
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

Rumpl x NASA Artemis Puffy Blankets Celebrate a Return to the Moon
Rumpl's New NASA-Approved Puffy Blankets Celebrate Man's Upcoming Return to the Moon

With the upcoming first manned moon mission in over 50 years, new space-inspired blankets will have you dreaming of other orbits

Artist Travis Weller on Trail Running, Finding Flow & New Roark Collab
Artist Travis Weller on Trail Running, Finding Balance & His New Roark Collab

A conversation with the acclaimed California transplant on the release of a new apparel collaboration with Roark's Run Amok line

Adidas Honors Breast Cancer Fighters & Survivors with Trail Footwear
These New Trail Shoes Are Supporting the Fight Against Breast Cancer

Adidas and Five Ten revamped their most popular shoes for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking to support the battle against breast cancer

The 10 Best Sports Bras for Athletic Women: Tested & Approved
Tested & Approved: The 10 Best Sports Bras for Climbing, Yoga, Hiking, and More

Because it's not easy to find a sports bra that's comfortable, supportive, and fits well (especially when you have muscles)

Matador's Beast28 Helium Is a Superlight Daypack for Hiking & Climbing
Matador's Beast28 Helium Is One of the Lightest Frame Backpacks for Hiking & Climbing

This Colorado gear maker continues to push the boundaries of sleek design and adventure gear with a new pack that's super-light and super-durable

Q&A: Francois Lebeau on Becoming One of Climbing's Top Photographers
Francois Lebeau Talks Rigging Fixed Lines & Photographing Climbers Around the World

The celebrated French Canadian discusses his early days in Montreal, tricks to getting good images outdoors, documenting climbs in iconic destinations

The 10 Best Gym Bags for However & Wherever You Get Fit
The 10 Best Gym Bags for However & Wherever You Get Fit

Whether you're hitting the climbing gym, headed to the track, doing chin-ups on a tree branch or going to Gold's, these bags will get your gear there

Laru Beya Collective Is Breaking Barriers for Black Surfers in NYC
The Laru Beya Collective Is Paving the Way for a Diverse New Generation of Surfers

With love, gratitude, and respect for the ocean and community, Laru Beya Collective is helping young Brown and Black surfers reclaim the waves

10 Unique Glamping Destinations in Mexico for an Outdoors Escape
Explore the Rich Landscapes of Mexico with These Unique Glamping Sites

If you're looking for a unique experience that isn't your average hotel, resort or run of the mill airbnb—we've got just the thing for you

The Best Camping Cookware for Tasty Campsite Meals
14 Camping Cookware Essentials You Didn't Know You Needed

Less isn't always more—elevate your next outdoor meal with these useful, sometimes unnecessary but always cool camp cookware essentials and upgrades

onX Backcountry App Review: Off-Trail Navigating in Big Sky Wilderness
onX Backcountry GPS App Review: Off-Trail Navigating in Big Sky Wilderness

Testing the new navigational tool in Montana for an intimate look at its 3D mapping and wayfinding features, info on trails and public lands, and more