The Gear That Backpacker’s Editors Loved in November 2023

This article originally appeared on Backpacker

Gordini Craftsbury Hiking Socks ($26) and Winhall Ski Socks ($28)

I'm very particular about my winter socks. They need to be warm, they need to wick well, and, perhaps most importantly, they need to fit just right, with no bagging or sagging. As hiking season blends into ski season here in Colorado's Front Range, thesetwo pairs from Gordini have taken a prominent place in my rotation. Both are plush, with a thick shin panel (and in the Craftsbury, thicker knit all the way around the ankle) providing the cushioning I want whether I'm laying into a turn on the slopes or powering up an icy, rocky trail in the foothills near my home. A fitted heel pocket and compression around the instep have let me spend more time moving and less time tugging on my sock cuffs. And speaking of those cuffs, both pairs boast thinner, flatter ribbing around the top than comparable socks, a design feature Gordini calls OrbitKnit, boosting comfort and all but eliminating red marks around my calves when I peel them off. --Adam Roy, Executive Editor

Janji Zephyrunner Wind Shell ($138)

If I could sum my fashion sense up in three words, it'd be "power clashing patterns." For better or for worse, I was never afraid to pair plaid with chevron and corduroy, whether it comes to trail wear or street wear. When I saw the new line at Janji collaborating with Japanese illustrator Keiko Yanagisawa, her broad strokes of vibrance that mimic sea ice got me hooked. The Zephyrunner is wildly packable -- breaking down within the chest pocket to roughly the size of an iPhone 15 -- and only weighing 3.8 ounces in a women's small. It's not just fashionable, it's also functional: The buttery soft nylon is water- and wind-resistant, which kept me warm and dry during intermittent drizzles on a trip to Hawaii this month. There are also eight gill-like slots open on the back panel that let heat escape without letting water drip in. This feature prevented my arms and torso from becoming a damp, condensation-filled mess. With a cubic feet per minute (CFM) rating of 16, the Zephyrunner doesn't sacrifice breathability for wind-protection; it finds the perfect compromise between the two. --Emma Veidt, Assistant Editor

iGreely Premium Muscle Roller ($15)

Hiking season is fading into ski season, and I'm aiming to experience all my muscle soreness before I hit the slopes. The ski fitness classes on Outside Learn are whipping me into shape, and this muscle roller has played a big role in my recovery. I have perpetually tight calves, and have a hard time motivating to foam roll. This tool helps me get a deep massage, bringing much-needed relief to my legs so I can be ready to hit the Leg Blasters all over again the next day. Plus, it's super packable, so muscle recovery can go wherever I do. --Zoe Gates, Senior Editor

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