Bundle Up With Our November Must Haves

At a recent trip to Sun Valley, ID (courtesy of Smith Optics), I was able to try my hand at mountain biking on some of the best trails the ski resort town had to offer. It didn't go so well. Within minutes, I was thrown off my bike and onto the rocky trail from a particularly nasty embankment turn. But while I may not be single-tracking my way down a mountain again anytime soon, I was happy to have been able to test out what has become my new favorite bike helmet: the Smith Forefront ($220), a streamlined mountain biking and racing helmet that fits snugly and low on my head and feels as light as air. Whether I was bumping my way down gravely tracks or clumsily falling off my bike, my helmet stayed securely in place. It also has an adjustable visor and groove to hold your sunglasses when you don't need them. I can't wait to get back on the trails with this helmet again — but this time, it'll be on less steep (read: less terrifying) routes around the Bay Area.

— Leta Shy, associate editor

Lightweight and warm, the Emily Jacket ($120) from Lolë is the perfect hiking jacket. At home on woodsy trails and city streets, the coat is reversible too. It's stuffed with down, but the outer fabric is water repellant so you can wear it on those misty days. And it comes with it's own eight-inch stuff sack for easy transport. Did I mention it also has a hood, zip pockets, and a cinch waist to keep the cold from blowing up your jacket? Another plus — it has a slight drop tail in back so it's bike friendly too.

— Susi May, content director

With a not-so-gentle nudge from my physical therapist, running has been placed on hold for a bit while an injury I am dealing with gets time to heal. My fitness routine has since turned to low-impact cardio, and during my search for a studio that could replace the hole that Barry’s Bootcamp left, I’ve fallen for Pilates Pro Works.

While the studio offers a variety of classes that include TRX and barre, for me, it’s all about the signature class: Pilates Pro Method. The small group class takes place around the studio’s specially designed FitFormer — think of it like the classic Pilates Reformer but tricked out to make for a much more challenging workout. Besides the work on the machine, the class also incorporates the use of small hand weights and minibursts of cardio on the mat. By the end of the 55-minute class, I am always sweating and completely energized by the upbeat soundtrack the teachers always put together. There are studios located in major cities like San Francisco, New York, and Chicago, with more on the way — definitely make your way to one if you have the chance!

— Michele Foley, editor

I love a good pair of running socks. I especially love wool running socks. And these days, the Tab No Show Ultralight Socks ($14) from Darn Tough are all I want to wear. Made from fine merino wool, the socks are naturally wicking, seamless, and are designed to keep hot spots cool. I've worn them on runs both short and long, in hot and cool temperatures, and have never gotten a blister. I also dig the low profile. The tab is just high enough for the heels of my running shoes, but the color doesn't pop to compete with my bright sneakers.

— SM

When it comes to racerback workout tanks, my motto is that you can never have enough. The style is perfect for whatever workout I'm doing and always a go-to base when layering for a cold-weather run. The newest addition to my ever-growing workout tank wardrobe: the Nike Elastika Stripe Tank ($35). I love the open armhole design, mesh shoulder straps, and skinny neon elastic racerback — great for not only keeping cool during indoor cycling class or swinging kettlebells at the gym, but also just right for contrasting with a cute sports bra underneath. I loved this tank so much that I wore it during a half marathon the day after I scooped it up at the Nike store (no time to test it out on a training run) and felt comfortable, cool, and dry for all 13.1 miles.

— LS