HEALTH & BEAUTY

Having the right hiking attire can make your trek more enjoyable. Here’s what the experts want you to know about what to look for when purchasing the perfect pair of hiking shorts for women.Put on your best pair of hiking shortsHiking is more than a fun and exciting pastime, it is also an activity with serious health benefits.Research in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine suggests that hiking can reduce blood pressure, lower stress levels, restore attention, and enhance the immune system.With some gyms and workout rooms still closed, there’s never been a better time to get outdoors for some exercise.According to the American Hiking Society, there are some 1,244 National Recreation Trails within the National Trails System in the United States.But before you hit the trails, whether it’s for a brisk hike or an epic trek, it’s important to think about what you’re going to wear. And if it’s warm out, that means you’ll need a good pair of hiking shorts.While the experts say you don’t need anything more than basic workout clothes to get out there and hike, there are certain qualities and features in shorts designed for hiking specifically that can make your experience more comfortable and safe.We got ahold of experts who know exactly what to look for in your hunt for the right hiking shorts for women. Here’s what they had to say.What to look for when buying hiking shorts for womenFabric and fitThe experts say that your choice of fabric is one of the most important considerations when looking for hiking shorts. (The same goes for hiking socks, too.)They say to avoid cotton or other fabrics that tend to absorb moisture and don’t dry quickly. Synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester are a good choice for workout clothes because they wick moisture away from the skin and allow it to pass through the material so it can release into the air.Kathryn Van Waes, the executive director of the American Hiking Society, says most workout clothing from almost any brand nowadays has these properties. “Bonus points if the material has anti-stink properties, which a number of brands offer but with different names,” she adds.When it comes to fit, the experts say whatever feels comfortable is likely a good fit. Kelly Roberts Lane, with Fix It Physical Therapy, says your hiking shorts should have room to enough to move around in easily.WaistbandThe experts recommend picking shorts with a flat, wide waistband for even pressure distribution.“You also have to consider the button as it sits right under the waist belt of your backpack and soon will become a pain, literally,” says Dr. Lane.She recommends picking shorts with an elastic waist or a button that has cloth behind it for comfort.Water and wind resistance/proofingIf you’re planning on hiking in very wet or windy conditions, you may want to consider waterproof and windproof shorts. But the experts say in most cases, you’re better off with water-resistant and wind-resistant clothing.Van Waes says waterproof and windproof clothing that is also breathable usually come with a higher price tag and more inexpensive versions don’t allow airflow. She adds that in non-breathable waterproof hiking attire, you will likely become so sweaty you’ll end up just as wet as you would have hiking in the rain.ColorThe experts note that if you’re hiking in an area where you’re likely to come into contact with ticks, try wearing white or lighter colored clothes so you can spot ticks easily. Lighter clothing also tends to absorb less heat from the sun.PocketsVan Waes says pockets or no pockets is a personal preference. But pockets can be convenient when you need to stash different items you want close at hand, like cameras, maps, binoculars, or your phone.Some hiking shorts even have a waterproof lining in their pockets or zipper for added security. The experts say it’s especially great when hiking shorts have a zippered pouch in the waist or back of the shorts to store things like keys, cash, or cards.Skirts/skortsIf shorts aren’t your thing, many hiking gear companies make skirts, or skorts (skirts with built-in shorts), these days. Dr. Lane says she normally hikes in a skirt or skort.“I am enjoying the skirt experience,” she says. “It has plenty of room to move, drys quickly, and is breathable.”Top hiking shorts for womenNavigating the various features when buying hiking shorts for women can be tricky. So here are some of the best hiking shorts for women based on expert advice.Mountain Hardware Dynama 2 Bermudavia mountainhardwear.comShop NowMountain Hardware is a company the experts recommend for top hiking attire. The Dynama 2 Bermuda hiking shorts by Mountain Hardware contains all the expert-recommended features—and more.These shorts are a bit pricer than others, but they are quick-drying, and breathable, made of 94 percent nylon and 6 percent elastane, and are water-resistant.They also offer excellent protection from the sun with built-in UPF 50 protection and anti-stink properties.Despite having a minimal looking design, they come with two deep pockets in the front, a zip pocket on the left thigh, and a pocket on the back, right-hand side to stash extra gear, snacks, or as Van Waes points out, ‘treasures’ your kids may come across on the trek.To top things off, these shorts have a flat, wide, low-profile elastic waistband for extra comfort and do not contain an enclosure like a button or Velcro patch that can cause irritation or indentations in the skin.REI Co-op Active Pursuits 4.5″ Shorts – Women’svia rei.comShop NowIf you’re looking more for a cross between running or biking shorts and hiking shorts, look no further! These REI shorts sit higher and looser than some other hiking shorts for women, offering excellent air flow and reducing the risk of chaffing without being revealing.They are also super stretchy containing 14 percent sustainable spandex, quick-drying, have an inner moisture-wicking layer, and offer UPF 50 sun protection.For added comfort, these shorts have a wide, flat elastic waistband with a drawstring that allows you to get the perfect fit every time you wear them.Unfortunately, these shorts do not contain hand pockets, but they do come with one small pocket built into the inner lining to hold things.Columbia Women’s Sandy River Shortvia amazon.comShop NowThese mid-length hiking shorts for women from Columbia are designed for water sports and hiking in wet environments.They are 100 percent nylon, providing an excellent fit while also wicking away moisture and being breathable, and quick-drying. They also offer built-in UPF 30 for some sun protection.These shorts fit loose with a comfortable elastic waist and an inner drawstring to help fit better as swelling and sweating occur.These shorts have two side hand pockets and one back zippered pocket for stashing your stuff and any other hiking gear essentials you may want to carry.At this price point, you can also get a pair of these shorts for the same cost as shorts that are lower quality or from less reputable brands.Like many Columbia hiking shorts, these also come in plus sizes.Prana Arch Skortvia prana.comShop NowSkorts, or a skirt exterior with a short interior, offer a wide range of movement.This one from Prana is made of a blend of elastane, polyester, and nylon without the look or feel of other hiking shorts. These materials also make this skort breathable, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying.The Prana arch skort looks like a regular sport skirt from the outside, but offers the support of mesh-lined shorts inside, making it a versatile pick good for more strenuous or urban hiking. These shorts also provide a great fit for most women, having a stretchy elastic waistband, inner drawstring, and side-cinches that make the length of the short adjustable.As a bonus, this skort is made from sustainable materials in Fair Trade Certified Factories and built-in UPF 50 sun protection.(Here are the best exercise dresses.)Columbia Women’s Anytime Outdoor Long Shortvia amazon.comShop NowIf you’re looking for a longer hiking short with more protection and a longer fit, this option from Columbia might be your best bet. With two-way stretch, made out of a mix of nylon and elastane, these shorts provide comfort during movement and wick moisture away from the skin.They also come with built-in sun protection in the form of UPF 50 and protect more of the skin from the sun, being a longer fit. Unlike many hiking shorts, these also offer stain resistance.These hiking shorts conform closer to the body, offering a more tight fit.These shorts have two hand pockets in the front and one zippered pocket in the pack to hold valuable items and a comfortable elastic waistband with an external drawstring to help you get a customized fit.They also come in plus sizes to meet the needs of people with a variety of body sizes.Patagonia Baggiesvia patagonia.comShop NowFor the eco-conscious buyer looking for a lighter pair of hiking shorts, this may be the right fit for you.These 100 percent recycle nylon Patagonia shorts are breathable, moisture-wicking, and water repellent.They also contain two front hand pockets with a mesh lining that allows water through to make for drainage and quicker drying.The Patagonia baggies also offer a comfort, loose fit and an elastic waistband for added comfort and a drawstring for a more customized, versatile fit. Use these shorts for other activities like running, walking, or cycling.Travel Panty Skort Odyssey 12 from Sportive Plusvia sportiveplus.comShop NowFinding comfortable, plus-sized hiking shorts that come with important features like quick-drying or UV resistance can be tricky.Supportive Plus is one brand offering more variety of plus-sized outdoor attire than many other leading hiking brands and designed specifically for extra curves and sizes.This skort is moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and blocks UV rays.It also comes with two deep hand pockets in the front as well as two cargo pockets, one on each side, towards the bottom of the skort.The manufacturer of this product says the skort is a loose fit, so they recommend many people purchase one size smaller than they normally would.Prana Alanavia prana.comShop NowThese Prana shorts are more water-resistant than many other available hiking shorts for women, yet this advantage means they may be less breathable than other pairs.They also offer four pockets, two deep hand pockets in the front, an invisible zippered pocket in the back, and two back pockets with tabs for extra security and a more flattering fit. These shorts also offer good sun protection with built-in UPF 50.For the eco-conscious buyer, these shorts feature a recycled nylon blend.Unlike most of the other shorts on this list, these shorts have a firmer waistband with two snaps in the front and an inner drawstring to help get the right fit.REI Co-op Sahara Guide Skirtvia rei.comShop NowFor those who love the idea of a regular hiking skirt, this liner-free mid-thigh skirt may be a good fit for you.This REI skirt allows tons of breathability and movement, made of a mixture of sustainable nylon and spandex on the front and back and polyester and spandex on the sides. The skirt is also moisture-wicking and water and stain repellent, and comes with built-in UPF 50.Unlike some skirts, this one has with two deep hand pockets in the front and a zippered pocket in the back for valuables. Having a flat, wide, elastic waistband also makes this skirt comfortable for long periods of time, and it has an internal drawstring to help adjust the fit as needed.Plus, this skirt has a carabiner loop, similar to a bungee loop, for hanging items you want to quickly and easily reach during your hike, like sweat cloths or binoculars.REI also offers this skirt for sale in a gently used version, knocking major bucks of the price and allowing you to help reduce the environmentally-harmful cycle of wasted clothing.Athleta Trekkie North Shortvia athleta.gap.comShop NowThese shorts, which come in sizes 00-3X, tick off almost all the boxes when it comes to expert-recommend features of hiking shorts for women.They are extremely durable, made of ripstop fabric and a mix of recycled nylon and spandex that make these shorts stretchy, quick-drying, moisture-wicking, and breathable.They also contain four zippered pockets, two hand pockets in the front around the waist and two that contour to the arch of the bum in the back.These shorts come with built-in UPF 50 to block out most of the sun’s rays. 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Walking meditation is ideal for people who find it difficult to stay still, meditation beginners, and even highly decorated athletes. Here’s why it’s worth trying.An Olympic swimmer’s path to walking meditationWhile conquering the world’s swimming pools in the late 1990s and the 2000s, Amanda Beard had already included breathing exercises and visualization techniques in her training.She was not the type of person to practice meditation, though. She didn’t completely understand it, or she thought of it as something incompatible with her “anxious and fidgety character.”Several years after the end of her athletic career, she discovered walking meditation. “I put on my earbuds, turned up the music really loud, and just went out for a walk,” Beard says.Today, the seven-time Olympic medalist practices walking meditation in nature, around the house, on a plane, or while walking the dog. It’s a daily practice that contributes positively to every aspect of her life, she says.Here’s what you need to know about walking meditation, including how to do it, the potential benefits, and tips from meditation experts.What is walking meditation?Walking meditation is a mindfulness practice that weds the physical benefits of walking with the focused mindfulness of meditation.Instead of sitting cross-legged, you meditate on the stroll. Vietnamese meditation master Thich Nhat Hanh has poetically defined it as, “printing peace, serenity, and happiness on the ground”.UntitledImages/Getty ImagesHow do I start a walking meditation practice?You don’t need equipment or a designated space to start.“The idea of a walking meditation is to pay attention to the way your body feels, noticing things like the sky, trees, tuning into all of your senses, all with curiosity and without judgment,” says board-certified family physician and meditation teacher Rashmi Schramm, MD.This means you can meditate “on the go” in the countryside, in the city, in your yard, and virtually anywhere.A simple, 10-minute walking meditation for beginners requires that you just start walking, observing your body while “blending” into the world around you, per a 2018 report in Health Promotion Perspectives. Consider what you hear, smell, and see. Think about how your feet touch the ground.You should try to fully immerse in these sensations and not dwell on any thoughts (but don’t worry if they hit your mind), a simple act with the potential to gradually usher a new kind of awareness into your life.In case you want to do a more formal type of walking meditation, like watching your breath, you may try slowly inhaling through your nostrils, according to a study in Frontiers in Psychology. Then hold your breath, say, for 2 seconds, and slowly exhale through your mouth for 4 seconds, or simply observe the way you breathe while you walk.You can also use apps like Healthy Minds Program, UCLA Mindful, Smiling Mind, or Headspace. (Here are some other free meditation apps experts recommend.)The benefits of walking meditationThe 2018 report in Health Promotion Perspectives also found that walking meditation can improve your balance, make your legs stronger, adjust your heart rate, boost your mental focus and clarity, and help you battle anxiety, chronic illness, and depression.“The benefits of this brilliant and easy way of meditation are many, including improved memory, mood and our ability to focus,” Dr. Schramm says. “When we do this over and over again, we train the brain to focus on only one thing at a time and, over time, this increases both our blood flow and actual neuronal changes within our brains.”Even just two weeks of meditating can lead to improved moods, as feel-good hormones like dopamine and serotonin increase, Dr. Schramm says.(Here’s what a rain meditation is, and who should try it.)Meditating ‘on the go’ challengesIt is safe to assume walking meditation is a low-risk activity, but this does not mean to practice it recklessly.“It’s better that you do it somewhere where you don’t have to take care of anything else,” says Tara Stiles, a yoga, movement, and wellness expert as well as founder of Stråla Yoga.It should be a time for breathing, moving, noticing your breath, and noticing how you feel as you breathe, according to Stiles.“It is not advisable that you do it while crossing a busy street or taking care of a small child,” she adds.And you may find it harder to meditate on the go if you cannot fathom stepping out of the door without your mobile phone in hand. “The fewer distractions, the better,” Stiles says.Be kind to yourself“The magic of meditation is to be able to help you connect with yourself; meditation shouldn’t feel a certain way,” Stiles says.It’s a common mistake in meditation: People fear a wandering mind.“A wandering mind is completely normal,” Stiles says. “Even long-term meditators aren’t sitting there never having a thought, but when they have the thought, they choose to guide themselves back to their breath instead of getting frustrated.”Beard recommends starting with five or 10 minutes of walking meditation, and not worrying about distractions.Three years after practicing walking meditation almost daily, the highly decorated swimmer reports she has become kinder to herself, less judgmental of who she is and the things she does, and more focused.“And these have overflown into all the different aspects of my life,” she says. 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The hiker or outdoor lover in your life will surely adore one of these gifts for hikers that make hitting the trail even more enjoyable.The best gifts for hikersIf you’re looking for an activity that’s good for your mind, body, and spirit, you can’t get much better than hiking.Spending time out on the trail has been found to reduce stress, sharpen thinking, increase creativity and improve mood, according to research published in Landscape and Urban Planning, PloS One, and PNAS.Plus, it’s a great way to get both a cardio and resistance workout, thanks to the up-and-down nature of the trails and the stability and strength required to scramble over rocks and uneven terrain.Since so many people are hitting the trail these days, we rounded up some of the best gifts for hikers to give to the trekkers in your life.(And here are 16 hiking quotes to get you inspired.)Darn Tough Hiking Socksvia darntough.comShop Now“Darn Tough Socks makes the most comfortable, durable, best fitting socks,” says adventure photographer and avid hiker Kelly Shoul, owner of In Love and Adventure in Colorado.The seamless construction and moisture-wicking material can help your feet feel snug and remain blister-free.“They even guarantee them for life,” Shoul adds. “If you need to, you mail in your clean pair of socks, and they’ll send you a code you can use on their website for a free pair.”So although socks might seem like a silly present, they are one of the best gifts for hikers.(Here are the other best types of hiking socks for your feet.)Gregory Maya 10 Packvia gregorypacks.comShop Now“My husband and I both own Gregory daypacks, and we love them so much! They are super comfy and distribute the weight of your pack plus your items perfectly,” Shoul says.What sets these backpacks apart: “Gregory backpacks have the most sturdy, chunky, solid hip-belts of any backpack,” Shoul explains. “Because of the solid hip belts, the weight on your hips is super comfortable. You can hike for miles with these packs on and not even realize you’re wearing a backpack.”Rumpl Original Puffy Blanketvia rumpl.comShop Now“Any outdoor lover needs one of these,” says Shoul, of this weather-resistant, insulated blanket from Rumpl. “My husband and I had been eyeing up the Rumpl blanket for a few years, but the price tag always deterred us.”After purchasing it for her husband as a Christmas gift last year, she says it’s worth every penny. “The material is really soft and feels really nice against the skin. It’s super warm and lightweight but also breathes,” Shoul says.Opinel Colorama No. 7 Knifevia amazon.comShop NowFor a multi-use knife that’s stylish, small, and handy, go for this Opinel folding pocketknife.“It has a nice balance of size and weight,” says Emily Appelbaum, a contributing writer for the Family Destinations Guide. “You’re going to be able to cut food, build a cut rope, and perform most tasks that you need to do while on a hike. It’s a really light knife that’s good in every backpacking trip.”Mountain Hardwear Women’s Dynama Hiking Pantsvia amazon.comShop Now“For any woman who has curves, these pants are the most comfortable for a day on the trail,” says registered dietitian, certified personal trainer, and avid hiker Kayla Girgen, founder of Nutrition Untapped. “They have a stretch waistband, pockets, and are UV- and water-resistant.”Plus, the stylish ankle length of these pants from Mountain Hardwear means you can wear these pants to any casual outdoor get-together.If you prefer to let your legs breathe, check out these hiking shorts for women.Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Inflatable Travel Pillowvia amazon.comShop Now“For overnight hikes, I thought I could just use a sweatshirt for my pillow, but that was a quick regret—my sleep was terrible,” Girgen says.“Then I got this [Summit Aeros] pillow. It’s a lightweight option that takes up minimal space in your pack. It’s soft-touch and isn’t noisy if you toss and turn.”Jetboil Flash Camping and Backpacking Stovevia amazon.comShop Now“Whether you are pulling an over-nighter or just a day trip, you can make coffee, heat soup, boil water, and more with the Jetboil system. This is a must-have for any hiker,” Girgen says of the gas-powered stove, which boils water in less than two minutes.For an even more impressive gift, add one of the compatible accessories like the coffee press, hanging kit, skillet, or cooking pot.Explorer Cold Brew 4 Caffeine Samplervia explorercoldbrew.comShop NowThe hiker in your life who can’t go without a morning brew will love this cold brew sampler from Explorer. The two-ounce bottles of cold brew are small enough to stow more than one in a pack. Then to drink, you simply mix one small bottle with eight ounces of water to make a ten-ounce cup of coffee that will yield a delicious caffeine boost on the trail.RapidPure Scout Inline Water Purifier Systemvia amazon.comShop NowEven when hiking on a day trip, you might not be able to carry enough water.“My husband and I were once on a hike in Big Bend National Park in Texas when we realized we misread the trail map,” says Alex Davis, an ardent hiker and camper and co-founder of couples health and wellness site Ryan and Alex Duo Life.The hike wasn’t 8 miles; it was 16. With temperatures near 100°F, they hadn’t brought enough water.“Luckily, we had our RapidPure water filters in-line with our hydration packs and were able to top up on water at the next pond we found,” Davis says.This palm-sized filter connects to the tube of a hydration pack and cleans your water before it reaches your mouth. Adds Davis: “RapidPure is the only water filter we’ve come across that strains out viruses in addition to bacteria and parasites.”Yeti Rambler Vacuum Bottlevia rei.comShop NowFor personal trainer, nutritionist, and hiker Christine VanDoren, hydration is key, which is why she recommends this durable Yeti bottle.“Whether it is warm or chilly where your next adventure lies, the Yeti Rambler Vacuum Bottle will keep your drink at the right temperature, helping you stay hydrated,” she says. “It is leak-proof and made out of strong materials that will prevent it from being damaged whether you accidentally drop it on your hike or it gets tossed around in your pack.”Gentlemen’s Hardware Glow in the Dark Water Bottlevia gentlemenshardware.comShop NowThis Gentlemen’s Hardware glow-in-the-dark water bottle is perfect for the hiker who favors overnight trips, or hitting the trail after sundown or before sunrise.After exposure to light during the day, the mountain illustration glows at night for easy sipping.Night Running Gear Shoe Lightsvia amazon.comShop Now“There are quite a lot of hikers that actually enjoy night hiking. These night lights allow you to see what’s in front of you,” says hiking and camping guide Mark Evans, a camp consultant at Summer Camp Hub.“What I like the most about them is that you can either use them as a headlamp, shoe lights, or chest light. For hikers who enjoy some night hiking on their overnight trips, this is a great gift.”KUYOU Hydration Backpackvia amazon.comShop NowFor those who prefer to wear their water instead of carrying a bottle, Evans suggests this KUYOU hydration pack. “It comes equipped with a 2-liter hydration bladder and provides excellent comfort,” he says.“It does a great job of keeping your water cool for a decent amount of time, helping you stay refreshed throughout the hike,” Evans says.The hydration pack rests easily on the shoulders, he adds, making it a good choice for trips with tough hikes. It features a decent number of zipper compartments and two side pouches, so you can bring quite a few treats and just about anything you might need on your hike.REI Co-op Flash Hiking Bootsvia rei.comShop NowFor a versatile, comfortable, and approachable hiking boot, gear expert and lead editor at Backpackers.com Arthur McMahon recommends the REI Flash boots. Good footwear is one of the best gifts for hikers.“They’re the first boots ever made by the REI Co-op, and they’ve been designed with the input of thousands of avid hikers,” he says. “If you want to give someone a comfortable hiking shoe that can do it all, the REI Flash Hiking Boots should be at the top of your shopping list.”The North Face Thermoball Jacketvia amazon.comShop Now“One of my day-hiking essentials is my North Face Thermoball Jacket, which comes in styles for both men and women,” Davis says.“This jacket has been a mainstay as it packs down small and light, yet keeps you warm in a huge range of temperatures from 30 to 60°F.”Davis says this is one of her favorite gifts for hikers.“I have tried a variety of puff jackets but prefer the ones from North Face because they are slimmer and longer than others, which means they fit and cinch better under a backpack,” she adds.Peak Design Capture Clipvia peakdesign.comShop NowMany hikers take cameras along on trips, but constantly taking it out of your pack to snap photos can be a hassle. The solution: this Peak Design clip.“This is a unique camera clip that attaches right to your backpack strap so that your camera is right at hand to capture the beautiful surroundings on your hikes,” explains Megan McDuffie, owner of the outdoors site Fresh Off the Grid.“Personally, any time that I put my camera in my backpack, I tend to use it way less. As soon as I started using the Capture Clip, it made my camera so much more convenient to use on the trail!”(Here are 7 of America’s most spectacular hiking trails.)AGPTEK AO2 MP3 Playervia amazon.comShop NowSince every smartphone plays music now, the MP3 player is obsolete, right? Wrong, says certified personal trainer and founder of Fitness Minimalists Chad Alexander, a veteran of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail.“Many hikers rely on their phones for navigation, so battery life is extremely precious—especially for those who are out hiking for a week or more,” he explains. “If you are looking for an awesome gift to give a hiking enthusiast, look no further than a simple MP3 player.”Alexander recommends the AGPTEK MP3 Player as one of the best gifts for hikers. The battery life is incredible (over 60 hours), and you can stock up the removable memory card with hundreds of hours of motivating music and audiobooks.“This little player weighs far less than an ounce, is super affordable, and it lasted me the entire 2,650-mile hike of the Pacific Crest Trail,” he says. “This MP3 player can work wonders for preserving the life of a phone and camera while out on the trail.”Anker Astro E1 Portable Chargervia amazon.com”Shop Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with 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product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” 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content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /] Anker Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology” product_price=”29.99″ product_category=”Wireless” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /]“Another incredible gift for hikers is a lightweight rechargeable power pack,” Alexander says.“Whether they need to charge up a camera, headlamp, or phone, this lightweight gem comes in at 4.3 ounces and will get the job done at least 2 to 3 times. I always bring an extra power pack for group hikes, and my friends can’t thank me enough when they need a quick charge.”AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Pressvia aeropress.comShop NowFor hikers who prefer a hot cup of joe to start the day, hiker, backpacker and content manager at Coffee Affection Kate McDonnell recommends the AeroPress Go.“There’s nothing like a hot cup of coffee on a windy mountain peak or in a wildflower-filled meadow,” McDonnell says.“The AeroPress brews quickly, hardly weighs anything, and makes great coffee. It’s the perfect boost to get you back down the trail. And the whole thing packs into a handy travel cup with a lid.”Freefly Bamboo Lightweight Hoodyvia freeflyapparel.comShop NowLightweight sun shirts are a must for hikers who hit the trail during the warmer months. Julien Heron, co-founder of Outdoors Generations, favors this one from Freefly.“Freefly shirts are made from lightweight, soft-to-the-touch, and sustainable bamboo. Unlike traditional polyester-based sun shirts, bamboo-based shirts are smell-resistant. They’re also super breathable, and they have built-in UPF protection,” Heron says. “Plus, the company has dozens of styles that look just as good in town as they do in the mountains.”Sport Berkey Water Bottlevia berkeyfilters.comShop NowIf you don’t hike with a hydration pack, this Sport Berkey filtering water bottle will ensure you never go thirsty.“Water is essential for any hike, but can also add unwanted weight to your pack,” says registered dietitian nutritionist Maya Feller, founder of Maya Feller Nutrition, who recommends this water bottle.“It solves this problem by being a portable filtration system that can filter water from any source, on the go, including remote streams, lakes, stagnant ponds, and sub-standard water supplies.”It’s a lightweight bottle that holds 22 ounces of water, she adds, with the ability to filter more than 25 gallons.TrailBuddy Lightweight Trekking Polesvia amazon.comShop NowWith trekking or hiking poles for added stability, no trail is too difficult or too treacherous. This top-rated TrailBuddy pair features padded handles, adjustable heights, and four different tip options for any conditions, plus they break down small enough to tuck into a pack when you don’t need them.Chaco Women’s Z/Cloud 2 Hiking Sandalsvia chacos.comShop NowFor warm-weather hikes, hiking sandals provide support and stability while also allowing your feet to breathe, and this pair from Chaco is one of the best. The multiple layers of straps ensure stability, while the sturdy rubber outsole and cushy footbed mean you’ll be able to traverse any terrain comfortably.prAna Stretch Zion Pants Men’svia rei.comShop NowThese water-repellent, quick-drying, sun-protecting prAna pants are stylish enough to wear in and out of the wilderness. Reviewers rave about the degree of stretch the pants have while also remaining durable.SPOT Gen4via rei.comShop Now“A satellite communication device is a great gift, especially for those who hike with small children and are worried about any of them or the group as a whole getting lost,” Evans says.“At the touch of a button, [SPOT] sends out an SOS message so people can easily find you. You can even add a custom message to send to someone along with your location if you just want to give people updates on where you are.”Now that you know about these great gifts for hikers, check out the most stunning hiking trails in America. […]

Having a pair of good hiking pants can help you reap the physical and mental benefits of hiking. Here’s what experts want you to know to find the best hiking pants for women.Dedicated hiking pantsHiking is an incredibly healthy activity.There’s plenty of evidence that hiking can help improve heart health, balance, and build stronger bones and muscles. Hiking may also help reduce the risk of some respiratory conditions, diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.Research also suggests hiking is an excellent workout for your mental health. Hiking can reduce the risk of depression, anxiety, and stress. Being outdoors in nature can also help improve your mood, overall mental well-being, and sensory perception.For most people, if you make a solid effort to fit time to hike into your schedule, there’s no excuse not to hit the trail. There are thousands of miles of hiking trails spread across the United States.And other than some basic gear, hiking is normally a form of free exercise. But figuring out which hiking attire is the best fit for you and your needs isn’t always an easy process, with hundreds of offerings available online and in retail stores.To help make that process easier, we contacted people who knew exactly what to look for and avoid. Here’s what experts say are the most important things to consider when purchasing women’s hiking pants.YakobchukOlena/Getty ImagesThings to look for in women’s hiking pantsIf you’re just taking a quick trek on fairly even, consistent ground, a high-quality, comfortable pair of sweatpants, jogging pants, or even yoga pants or tights may do the trick.But if you’re planning on taking up hiking as a hobby, experts say you will likely benefit greatly from a pair of pants made specifically with hiking in mind.Here are some factors to consider when shopping for women’s hiking pants.Fit and fabricWhen it comes to fit, the experts say the advice is pretty simple.“You should wear comfortable, sturdy clothes when hiking that allow you to bend and climb with ease,” says Nailha Blades, founder of Color Outside, an organization that helps women of color harness the power of getting outdoors.So if a pair of hiking pants feels good and lets you move around easily, you’ve probably got the right fit.Picking hiking pants with the best fabric or materials is a bit more complex. While many people find cotton very comfortable and breathable, once cotton is wet, it tends to stay wet for a long time. Cotton can absorb and lock in sweat.“Cotton should be avoided,” Blades says. “Instead aim for comfortable clothes made from fabrics like polyester, nylon, or wool.”DurabilityIf you’re going to be hiking in rocky, uneven, or brush-filled areas, experts recommend pants with extra features that make them more durable and unlikely to rip, tear, or be pierced.If you’re climbing, having hiking pants made of durable material is also a good safety consideration.For extreme durability, experts say ripstop materials are best. For less intense environments, look to see if the manufacturer or seller says a pair of hiking pants are made with durable materials.Some hiking pants have patches of ripstop and other super durable materials built into areas most likely to come into contact with rocks, twigs, brush, or other potentially painful objects—the bum and knee regions.Suitability for warm or cool environmentsWhen it comes to picking a hiking pant, you have at least one major consideration that can change the price point and selection of pants available: the temperature range where you’ll be hiking.Pants for warmer months are typically one mixed layer of nylon, polyester, and elastane (also known as spandex). Hiking pants made for warmer months or environments also tend to be much cheaper, according to experts.“Where it gets a bit more technical, and thus pricy, is when it comes to winter hiking gear and rain protection,” says Kathryn Van Waes, the executive director of the American Hiking Society. “Breathable and waterproof/warm is a pricy combination. Add to that price if you want it to be lightweight to stash it in your backpack.”When purchasing hiking pants for cooler months or areas, experts suggest looking for slightly thicker, layered, or convertible pants.For hiking in cold months or in snow, they say to look for thick pants, fill or heat-insulated layers, and have external shells that keep snow out without bulking up the whole pant or making it block airflow internally. The experts add that good winter hiking pants also tend to have elastic cuffs or ways to bring in the cuffs so they sit snugly around your hiking boot, helping keep snow and other elements out of your boots.Van Waes says to get the same quality products without the original price tag, check Facebook to see if there are any gear-swap groups in your area or see if there are any secondhand shops that carry outdoor gear and clothing.(Here’s the essential hiking gear you need.)Water and wind resistanceExperts say unless you’re planning to hike in extremely cold, windy, wet, or snowy conditions, it’s best to have hiking pants for women that resist or repel the elements rather than those that are completely protective, such as pants that are waterproof or windproof.Materials that block out all water and wind also lock in moisture, which can leave you just as wet from sweat as you would be if you’d been caught in the rain, Van Waes says.PocketsHaving enough pockets to store important items like snacks, maps, binoculars, cameras, and other hiking gear can make your hike more enjoyable.Who wants to go for a hike with their hands full? And not everyone is a fan of taking a pack, especially if you’re not going to be hiking for too long or too strenuously.“I always look to make sure I have enough pockets in my hiking pants, especially pockets that are deep enough to hold my cell phone!” Blades says.Van Waes adds that if you’re a parent of young kids, you’re probably already clued in that you’re going to need pockets for all their “treasure” collecting along the way.Color and lengthWhen it comes to the color of your hiking pants, experts say light and bright is best. That’s because dark materials make it much harder to spot ticks or other insects on your clothing that could bite, sting, or transmit pathogens like fungus, bacteria, and viruses. Longer pants also cover more of the skin and reduce the risk of insects making contact with your skin.BrandFor the sake of quality control, Van Waes recommends avoiding pants on the internet from brands you’ve never heard of. Blades says you don’t have to spend a lot of money on gear when hiking, especially when you first start out.Blades says classic companies like Athleta and Eddie Bauer are brands she recommends.“There are also a lot of new up-and-coming outdoor brands like Alpine Parrot, which is a new hiking apparel brand that is made specifically for women sizes 14-24 and makes incredible hiking pants,” she adds.Also on the list of top-quality, reliable hiking pant brands on the list are Prana, North Face, LL Bean, Columbia, REI, Patagonia, and Mountain Hardwear.(Let these hiking quotes inspire you.)Top recommendations for women’s hiking pantsNo single pair of hiking pants will be the best match for every woman or every type of hiking. But here are some of the most loved, and recommended, hiking pants for women.Prana Women’s Halle Pantvia amazon.comShop NowIf you’re looking for reliable, high-quality trekking pants, these may be the right option for you. Consistently ranked high among customers and product-ranking groups alike, this Prana classic is a well-loved favorite. Why?Well, it covers all the major checkpoints for hiking pants: stretchy, moisture-wicking, quick-drying, lightweight, and UPF 50 sun protection.These pants also offer articulated knees, or special trim around the knees for easier movement, and snaps at the knees so you can transform the pants into capris in case they get too warm, or if you want to avoid drenching them while crossing rivers or streams. These pants also offer loads of pockets, with two deep hand pockets and snap-close pockets in the back.They also come with a stash pocket roughly the average cellphone’s size in the upper right leg. These pants fit a wide range of sizes, offering short, regular, and tall inseams and sizes from 0 to 18.Columbia Women’s Saturday Trail Stretch Pantvia amazon.comShop NowColumbia is a brand recommended almost across the board by experts. That’s because it has a well-deserved reputation for catering to hikers’ needs.These pants are made of fabric that’s moisture-wicking, quick-drying, stain-repellant, and made with UPF 50 sun protection. This pant comes with a good range of pockets, containing two deep hand pockets in the front and ample-sized pockets on both sides in the back, as well as a zippered pocket on the right front upper leg to store valuables.As a bonus, the waistband of these pants is very wide, flat, and partially made of elastic, offering all-day comfort. This pant also offers articulated knees for more ease of movement, and the pant legs can roll up to transform into capris.Alpine Parrot’s Ponderosa Pantsvia alpineparrot.comShop NowAlpine Parrot is paving the way for plus-sized hiking attire for women, offering pants made with women sized 14 to 24 in mind. Designed to flatter curvier figures, these pants were tweaked based on users’ recommendations to focus on real women, not just a specific size or shape.These pants offer a high-rise, curved waistband with an adjustable waistband and built-in belt to let you cinch the pants to accommodate your hips. Unlike many hiking pants, these pants come in two different styles to help woman of various shapes and sizes find the right fit for their own bodies.Like many hiking pants, these pants are also stretchy, durable, quick-drying, and moisture-wicking. They also can be converted from pants into capris thanks to adjustable cuffs. Unlike some plus-sized offerings, these pants come with five large hand pockets that can all comfortably fit most cell phones, as well as a secure, zippered pockets for valuables. They even have a ring loop for holding items like keys.It’s important to keep in mind that after ordering these hiking pants, you may not get them until the end of 2021 as Alpine Parrot tries to manage demand. The manufacturer says women who want a tighter, leggings-like fit should choose a size down, and for a roomier leg size, pick a size up. The perfect fit of these pants should feel like a great pair of stretch jeans.Columbia Women’s Modern Mountain 2.0 Pant (winter, snow)via amazon.comShop NowWinter hikers or those who like to hike in cold, extreme climates may want to consider these women’s hiking pants from Columbia. Unlike most hiking pants, they are waterproof to block all moisture and keep you warm and dry, even during long exposure times in harsh environments. They are also heavily insulated yet still made from quick-drying polyester.Unlike many heavier-duty hiking pants, these pants have an adjustable waist. The legs also contain an inner layer with elastic that grips around the ankle and an external, looser layer with two snap enclosures toward the bottom of the pant for a looser or tighter fit, allowing extra room to fit around boots and the keep elements out.BALEAF Women’s Hiking Cargo Pantsvia amazon.comShop NowThese BALEAF pants may not come from a top-recommended brand, but they are a favorite, low-cost option among Amazon customers.This hiking pant caters to comfort, offering an elastic waistband with a drawstring to reduce the risk of a snap or button enclosure chaffing or creating unnecessary pressure. They are also made from top-quality hiking fabrics that are lightweight, stretchy, breathable, quick-drying, and water-resistant, with UPF 50 sun protection.For people who love well-secured pockets, these pants also come with four zip-closure pockets, three in the front and one in the back. They also offer articulated knees to ease movement. As a bonus in buggy environments, these pants offer an adjustable cord-lock that cinches in the ankle area of the pants to keep out the creepy crawlies.These hiking pants might not have the most fashionable look, but they do come in a range of fun colors and offer sizing from X-small to 3X-large.Eddie Bauer Trail Tight Leggings – High Risevia eddibauer.comShop NowSome experts suggest looking into a good pair of hiking tights. Not everyone loves a baggy pant, and having a skin-tight fit can reduce the risk of chafing and extra friction. Tights can also be more flattering, fitting close to the leg and giving bigger bums or hips more of a showcase. Like many hiking pants for women, these Eddie Bauer tights feature moisture-wicking, quick-drying, super stretchy, and UPF 50 material.Plus, these pants are made with a material that helps control unpleasant odors and a special chemical-free fabric in the inner crotch that helps keep you cool in awkward places. These pants also offer a mesh and elastic waistband designed to stay in place even during vigorous activity. Unlike many hiking tights, these tights also come with two hand pockets and one zippered pocket to keep things secure.For the fashionistas out there, these pants come in a range of bold and neutral colors and come in regular, petite, tall, and plus sizes. “I often hike in leggings and my favorite are Eddie Bauer High Rise Trail Tight Leggings,” Blade says.Patagonia’s Women’s Pack Out Hike Tightsvia patagonia.comShop NowPeople who love the fit and flow of hiking tights but want some extra hiking features may want to check out Patagonia’s pack out hike tights for women. This tight contains moisture-wicking, quick-drying fabric that is also water-resistant and has four-way stretch.For comfort while backpacking or carrying a pack around the waist, the tights also have a ribbed elastic waistband and no waist enclosure—a major factor for people who hate the feel of buttons, snaps, or drawstrings. Don’t worry about tears and cuts when trekking through rocky or rough terrain, as these tights have extra-durable panels where it counts most, offering extra protection above and below the knees and lots of coverage on the bum.The tights come complete with two very deep and wide hand pockets on both hips and a secure vertical zippered pocket on the right thigh. As a bonus for the environmentally and socially minded, these pants are also made primarily of recycled polyester and nylon that is manufactured following fair trade guidelines.LL Bean Women’s Vista Camp Pantsvia llbean.comShop NowLL Bean is a tried and true company loved by experts. These ultra-loose-fitting pants offer a fit similar to sweatpants, like the Aphrodite 2.0 from the North Face, and a fully elastic waistband with a drawstring closure.If you are a pocket lover, these pants come complete with six pockets, including two buttoned pockets in the back and two in the front above the knee, as well as two fairly deep hand pockets just below the hips. These pants can also be cinched around the ankles for a snugger fit and to keep out bugs. Like most hiking pants, these pants are moisture-wicking, quick-drying, UPF 50, and made with ripstop material. To meet a variety of sizes and shapes, these pants also come in regular, petite, tall, and plus-sized inseams. They also sit a bit lower on the waistline than many other recommendations on this list.REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants – Women’svia rei.comShop NowREI is a master in creating hiking attire, according to the experts, and these pants put that mastery on full display. One of the best features of these pants is their removable zippered leg, which creates fairly short shorts for warmer weather or crossing bodies of water.Many other convertible hiking pants convert into longer shorts or capris, which may not provide the kind of airflow you are looking for. With these pants, the lower parts that can zip off are even color-coded so you can easily tell which belongs to which leg while on the trail. If you’re not in need of full-on shorts, try undoing the zipper that runs along the outside of both calves for a breath of fresh air.Like many hiking pants, these are made of moisture-wicking, quick-drying, stretchy, lightweight material that is also UPF 50. They are also water-repellant and have reinforcement on the back of the leg cuffs to handle friction and abrasion from hiking boots, along with heavily articulated knees for ease of movement.For the pocket-obsessed among us, these pants offer a whopping six pockets, including three zippered pockets in the front upper thigh, two deep hand pockets at the front hip, and two panel pockets in the back.These pants are the only on this list to come with a button waistband enclosure that is reinforced and made more flexible by a built-in, adjustable belt.Women’s Ferrosi Pants – Regularvia outdoorresearch.comShop NowIf you’re planning to do more extreme hiking, climbing, or rappelling, these pants may be the right pick for you. The Ferrosi women’s hiking pants from Outdoor Research are made from material that resists wind and water, is UPF 50, and yet remains breathable, quick-drying, lightweight, stretchy, and moisture-wicking.For extra durability, the pants are also made with ripstop material designed to withstand almost any tearing, ripping, or grinding. As a comfort element, they have an elastic waistband with a drawstring enclosure. They also have articulated knees and harness-compatible waistband features if you’re looking to climb or rappel.These pants also feature five pockets, including a zippered upper thigh pocket. They come with a lifetime warranty as long as they’re purchased through a licensed seller.Women’s Quandary Convertible Pantsvia patagonia.comShop NowThe best feature of these pants is clear from their name. Patagonia’s Quandary pants can be worn as regular full-length pants, rolled up with a large tab-and-button enclosure to become capris, or zip off to become shorts.Like most hiking pants, these are made from material that is stretchy, moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and UPF 50. As a bonus, these pants are also water-repellant.True to the brand, these pants are partially made from recycled fabrics and manufactured using methods and materials that aim to reduce the impact on the environment and people. The pants come with five pockets: two hand pockets in the front, two in the back, and a secure zippered pocket on the right thigh.Black Diamond Sharp End Pantsvia blackdiamondequipment.comShop NowIf money isn’t a constraining factor, and you’re looking for pants to hike in more extreme conditions, these hiking pants for women from Black Diamond may be the right pick for you.They come with high-mounted snow gaiters to keep snow out and a built-in, removable ski belt and belt-looped waist for winter activities or climbing. To keep you warm, these hiking pants also contain heat-insulating Gore-Tex materials.The winter hiking pants even have built-in patches to reduce painful contact with the edges of skis or crampons. For airflow even in the harshest environments, these pants also have a fully zippered side.As a bonus for the environmentally and socially inclined, these pants are made following guidelines that aim to reduce the impact of manufacturing on both people and the planet.Now that you know the best hiking pants for women, check out the best hiking poles. […]

Emotional labor is an extra, psychologically exhausting effort that people have to make at home, work, or in relationships.What is emotional labor?Emotional labor is what it sounds like—extra work. But in this case, it has to do with carrying a heavier load in terms of a psychological burden.The term was first defined in the early 1980s, and over the years, has often been used to mean the extra mental work a person—usually a woman—does in managing a household.For example, some people think it includes all of the forethought and planning that goes into everyday life, including coordinating schedules, remembering birthdays and doctor’s appointments, and coordinating children’s activities and schoolwork.However, that’s not exactly right. Emotional labor is actually more-so a process in which people have to regulate and manage their emotions to interact with other people, whether it’s on the job or in a relationship.“It is the mental activity required to maintain relationships and ensure smooth running,” says Canada-based sports and exercise psychologist Haley Perlus, PhD.When the term was first defined by sociologist Arlie Hochschild, it was all about the workplace.For example, emotional labor would include people who work in service industries who must consistently convey positive responses to the people they serve, says Paul Hokemeyer, PhD, a clinical and consulting psychotherapist in New York, and author of Fragile Power: Why Having Everything Is Never Enough.Hokemeyer cites the HBO show, White Lotus as a good example.“In it, Murray Bartlett plays a deeply troubled hotel manager who must constantly meet the insatiable demands of entitled guests with a veneer of grace, humility, and enthusiasm,” Hokemeyer says.Other examples include employees who work in Apple stores, customer service agents who work call centers, and front line restaurant employees.Essentially, emotional labor manifests daily in the lives of people who are paid to interface directly with customers or clients. It’s a pressure to always be “on.”Perlus adds that emotional labor can also happen in other work environments as well.“It can include hiding your inner emotions and flashing a fake smile, or pep-talking yourself, known as deep acting, to try and change your emotions to display positive emotions authentically,” she says.Today, however, the concept also refers to personal relationships and can include times when you have to regulate your own emotions to manage other people’s feelings. (Here’s how to spot a liar.)Here’s what you need to know about recognizing emotional labor at work and at home. Plus, how and why you should avoid it.How to recognize emotional laborTom Werner/Getty ImagesAlthough it doesn’t fall under the traditional definition, emotional labor in romantic relationships or friendships is also possible.This might include one partner that assigns or does all the chores, or one partner that makes plans, remembers special events, and runs the family’s schedule, while the other partner does not, Perlus says.Another example includes one partner or friend who compromises more than the other or one partner who always takes care of the children’s emotional needs, while the other does not.One of the best examples of emotional labor is when one person constantly vents, leaving the expectation that the other person always needs to be available to listen.“If one person or partner feels exhausted and ends up feeling their friend or partners feelings for them, this can be emotionally exhausting and a sign of emotional labor,” Perlus says.Here are some signs you are experiencing emotional labor on a job or in a relationship:You feel exhaustedYou feel burned outYou feel anxiousYou feel pressure to performYou catastrophize, which is when you think the absolute worst thing will happen, even if it’s highly unlikely or illogical(This is how to set boundaries.)How emotional labor harms mental healthTom Werner/Getty ImagesEmotional labor, like physical labor, is exhausting. It drains people of their energy since they are constantly under pressure to perform, according to Hokemeyer.“And similarly to injuries caused when we are physically exhausted, emotional labor causes injuries to our psyches when we are placed in a position of chronic performance,” he says.“These injuries manifest in various forms of addictive behaviors and of acting out in negative ways in our romantic and family relationships.”One study in the journal Personnel Psychology looked at how the daily effects of emotional labor spill over to life outside of work. The researchers examined the influence of day-to-day surface acting on emotional exhaustion, work-to-family conflict, and insomnia in a field study of 78 bus drivers. They found that this acting increased each of these experiences at home.Prolonged emotional labor may simply lead to all-around burnout, according to a 2018 review in the Yonesi Medical Journal.“There is a time and place to ‘show up’ emotionally for your team (at work and at home) to help the motivational climate, productivity, and overall peace and happiness,” Perlus says.“Still, we must create space to feel what it is we are truly feeling, positive or negative, high or low.”She says that’s the key to develop emotional resilience that can only work to improve relationships.How to combat the burden of emotional laborTo release the burden of emotional labor, Perlus recommends that you:Talk to your friend or partner about how you are feeling.Use “I” statements, so they don’t feel as if you are hurling insults at them, but rather that you are expressing what you need and how you feel. For example, you could say something like, “I feel like I put a lot of time into the housework, and I need more help with it,” or “I feel overwhelmed when I’m constantly needed for emotional support.”Set boundaries in your relationships in general. (Here are 13 easy phrases to help set boundaries.)Explain how the emotional labor is affecting you and tell your friend or partner the changes you would like to see.“This way, you can bring awareness to the challenges you are facing, and hopefully, your friend or partner will change their actions, and you will no longer feel the burden of emotional labor,” Perlus says.And when it comes to emotional labor at work, Hokemeyer recommends releasing tension through physical exertion.“So take a walk around the parking lot after work, go for a run, do 15 minute of stretching,” he says. “Talking to others is also important to discharge the negative energy you pick up from being overly burdened by emotional labor.”Check out these simple stretching exercises for stress relief. […]

Think you’re a perfectionist? Learn more about the types of perfectionism, how perfectionism can affect mental health, and how to avoid it.What is a perfectionist?Do you endlessly rewrite emails before hitting send? Or do you consider yourself a failure if a colleague or classmate performs better at a task?This intense need to avoid mistakes is called perfectionism—and it doesn’t just limit people in their daily lives.Although perfectionism isn’t a medical condition itself, these tendencies can have serious impacts on our mental and physical health, says Gail Saltz, MD, a clinical associate professor of psychiatry at New York Presbyterian Hospital and host of the How Can I Help? podcast from iHeartRadio.And it’s different from achievement-based traits like ambition.“Ambition works as an energizer, driving us toward success and inspiring us to do more,” explains Sarah Kaufman, LMSW and psychotherapist at Cobb Psychotherapy.However, sometimes our goalposts start to move—like if you reach a goal, but you’re immediately dissatisfied with your performance.“When your self-worth starts to become entangled with reaching your goals or getting everything just right, that’s when ambition could be entering a perfectionistic territory,” she explains.Here’s what you need to know if you identify with being a perfectionist.Can perfectionism be a good thing?Perfectionism can be healthy in the sense that it drives people to set and reach lofty goals, Dr. Saltz says. “They can be highly creative in trying to pursue those things—and that’s all a good thing.”But she says perfectionism becomes a problem when someone focuses on avoiding failure at all costs.“It makes them very self-castigating, leading to feelings of self-worthlessness if they do fail at something, if they do make a mistake, or if they don’t achieve certain levels of perfection,” Dr. Saltz says.“They can become very limited in their day-to-day life.”mother image/Getty ImagesAre there different types of perfectionists?“There’s a wide spectrum of perfectionism, and individuals can become perfectionists in one, a few, or many areas of their lives and for varied reasons,” says Alissa Jerud, licensed clinical psychologist, a clinical assistant professor of psychology in the department of psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania, and host of the Anxiety Savvy Podcast.The Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (MPS) is an assessment tool first developed in 1990, and measures tendencies like someone’s concern over making mistakes, sense of responsibility to parental expectations, and need for order and organization.This scale has since been re-evaluated and refined, now defining three distinct types of perfectionism:The socially prescribed perfectionistThis type of perfectionism comes from a belief that others demand flawlessness from you.Dr. Jerud says this trait can compel people to desperately aim for perfection, fearing anything less will result in others rejecting them or judging them negatively.A 2017 study published in the journal Psychological Bulletin found that rates of perfectionism of every form are on the rise, but increases are especially high for this variety—and particularly among young people. The study found that between 1989 and 2016, rates of socially prescribed perfectionism rose 33 percent.Research from Frontiers in Psychology also links socially prescribed perfectionism with serious conditions like disordered eating and depression.The other-oriented perfectionistDemanding this perfection from your peers—and becoming overly critical if they fall short of your expectations—is known as other-oriented perfectionism.This trait is often rooted in feelings of discontentment and insecurity, and research from the Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment shows that other-oriented perfectionism can limit someone’s ability to form nurturing bonds, develop intimacy with others, or meet social development goals.The self-oriented perfectionist“Some conscientious and goal-oriented people set the bar high for themselves and find joy in working hard and doing whatever they do well,” Dr. Jerud says.But this appetite for success might lead people to set impossibly high standards for themselves—a habit that can devolve into a cycle of self-oriented perfectionism.“It’s important to understand that perfection is rarely, if ever, attainable,” Dr. Jerud says.“If our goal is to do or be perfect in some way, shape, or form, we are likely to become frustrated with ourselves when we inevitably fall short of this goal.”This repeated sense of frustration can, in turn, fuel anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems, she says.Can you be afraid of imperfection?At the extreme end of the perfectionism spectrum lies atelophobia—a paralyzing fear of imperfection.This ingrained fear goes beyond setting high standards, says Natalie Capano, MHC-LP and psychotherapist at Cobb Psychotherapy.Fear of imperfection is a type of anxiety disorder, and according to research from BMC Psychiatry, living with a specific phobia like the fear of imperfection can:be a risk factor for developing mental disorders such as major depression or anxietyincrease someone’s risk for physical issues like chronic respiratory conditions, migraines, ulcers, vascular disease, and heart diseaseAtelophobia can also cause significant limitations and distress in day-to-day life. For example, someone may:completely avoid certain situations for fear of making a mistakedevelop severe anxiety at the prospect of disappointing their peersstruggle so much to attain perfection that procrastination makes them fall behind at work or schoolIs perfectionism harmful to our health?Perfectionism doesn’t have to be a full-blown phobia to negatively influence our health.“Perfectionism can make it hard to do daily tasks, such as getting dressed, cleaning the house, sending emails, doing work or schoolwork, or even interacting with friends and family,” Dr. Jerud says.It can slow people down and steal precious minutes, hours, days, and even weeks, months, and years away from them.“And given that there really is no such thing as perfect, this unrealistic striving for perfection can negatively impact one’s mental health.”Perfectionism and mental health problemsA meta-analysis of 284 studies published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology points to a laundry list of mental health concerns driven by high levels of perfectionism, including depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and eating disorders.Multiple studies, including a 2020 report in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, have also found a relationship between perfectionism and suicidal thoughts. This link is especially strong for people with socially prescribed perfectionism.Perfectionism’s toll on our physical healthThe state of our mental health is intrinsically linked to our physical well-being, Dr. Saltz explains.She says a need for perfection can cause issues like chronic pain syndrome, high blood pressure, gastric upset, and peptic ulcer disease—all symptoms of chronic stress.When we’re constantly worried about doing things perfectly, we’re likely to experience physical symptoms of anxiety as well, like muscle tension, heart palpitations, nausea, and headaches, Dr. Jerud adds.“We may also have difficulty falling or staying asleep, which can lead us to feel sluggish and fatigued during the day.”Going out of our way to be perfect can also interfere with proper self care. People might get less sleep, so they can endlessly finalize a task at work or push their body too hard to achieve the “perfect” workout or diet.While aiming for physical or career excellence isn’t necessarily a bad thing, Capano says this drive crosses the line when a mistake or a rest day feels catastrophic.“Any time we ignore our body and mind asking for a break and push ourselves beyond capacity, we enter a dangerous zone where we create unrealistically high expectations that are not likely to be met,” she says.“Perfectionism can be a vicious cycle of wanting to do your best, but then needing to be better than your best the next time.”What causes perfectionism?Kaufman explains that our beliefs, behaviors, and worldviews are shaped by everything in our lives:biological factors like our genetic makeup and neurochemistrypsychological factors such as our emotions, coping skills, and self-esteemsocial and environmental factors, including our family, religious community, school, work, and socioeconomic status“The same goes for perfectionism,” she says.While some people may be genetically predisposed to perfectionism (by way of OCD or anxiety, for example), a wide range of environmental factors also contribute to it.“For example, it’s long been talked about that people socialized as girls and women receive messages throughout their lives to be perfect, while those socialized as boys are taught to be brave,” Kaufman says.“We often see perfectionism stem from strained family dynamics,” Capano adds.“Like a parent giving conditional love to a child who receives only perfect grades or a victim of domestic abuse needing to be perfect to avoid further abuse.”These extrinsic motivators in early childhood can be reinforced repeatedly and develop into toxic perfectionistic tendencies.“For instance, when we praise or reward our children for their looks, their artwork, their school work, or their athletic achievements, we may inadvertently send the message that their worth is tied to their appearance and accomplishments,” Dr. Jerud says.She says this awareness has influenced her own approach to parenting.“I have moved away from praising my kids and instead try to focus on their process and internal experiences,” she explains. “Rather than say, ‘Wow, you did such a great job coloring that in. It’s beautiful!,’ I might say, ‘Wow, I can tell you worked really hard on that! I’d love to hear how you made it.’”Can perfectionism be treated?“The best way to treat or manage perfectionism is to gradually start doing the opposite of what your perfectionism wants you to do,” Dr. Jerud says. “In therapy, we call this exposure therapy, which is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).”For example, she says if you tend to re-read emails repeatedly before sending them to ensure they’re perfect, start by trying to scale back. See if you can press send right after drafting or just one round of editing.“Start by sending short emails to loved ones and then work your way up to writing longer emails to colleagues or even supervisors,” she says.Or suppose you struggle with having a perfect appearance. In that case, you can try to gradually eliminate some steps from your grooming routine, wear a shirt that doesn’t fit perfectly, and practice interacting with others when looking less than perfect.“Know that no matter what perfectionistic tendencies you are working to give up, the goal is not to get rid of your anxiety, but instead to help you learn that you can tolerate not coming across perfectly,” she says. “Even if this makes you feel anxious.”Another strategy is to practice mindfulness, Dr. Saltz says. She says evaluating negative self-talk can help you understand if your self-criticism is fair or even accurate—and make room to accept a certain amount of failure in your life.“Be compassionate with yourself about making mistakes, about failing at things, and challenge those negative self-judgments that you might repeatedly have,” she says.Now that you know about being a perfectionist and mental health, check out ways to be nicer to yourself. […]