Articles by Leah Balagopal

Leah Balagopal is a Brooklyn, NY-based climbing coach, surfer, art conservator, and Field Mag Contributor.
13 Great Day Hikes Near Portland, Oregon for a Quick Escape
13 Great Day Hikes for a Quick Escape Near Portland, Oregon

Waterfalls, scrambles, leisurely hikes, and more, explore the rich nature that surrounds Oregon's largest city

Girlfriend Collective BioCompressive Is New Planet-Friendly Activewear
This New Activewear Collection Proves Trendiness & Sustainability Can Coexist

With a new sustainable fabric tech, Girlfriend Collective is applying "leave no trace" concepts to its line of trendy, size-inclusive activewear

An Australian National Park Just Got Architect-Designed Camp Shelters
Architect-Designed Shelters Protect Hikers in Australia's Grampians National Park

In the province of Victoria, an architecture firm known for complex urban projects created thru-hiking shelters that match the rugged landscape

The 9 Best Convertible Zip-Off Pants for Men & Women
Find Your Perfect Pant, Short, or Something In-between with These Zip-Off Pants

Zip-off pants are coming back into fashion...and we're not mad about it. From chilly mornings to hot mid day hikes, convertible pants fit the bill

11 Influential Techwear Brands Still Informing Fashion in 2022
A Design-Driven Guide to the Genre of Techwear—and 11 Key Brands to Know

Welcome to the techwear universe, where functionally, craftsmanship, quality, and innovation go beyond traditional clothing design

Opinel's Classic Knife Gets an Upgrade With New Picnic+ Cutlery Set
Turn Your Old Opinel Knife Into a Full Fork & Spoon Set With New Modular Cutlery Kit

On-the-go meals just got a little less wasteful with new modular fork and spoon inserts designed to work with the iconic French-made No.08 knife

Hands-on With Lululemon Hike, the Athleisure Giant's New Outdoor Line
A Hands-on Look at Lululemon Hike, the Athleisure Giant's New Outdoor Line

A healthy dose of GORP makes the yoga brand's dedicated foray into hiking gear and apparel a surprising success

"It Was Good" Photo Book Celebrates Type Two Fun in the High Sierra
Photo Book "It Was Good" Celebrates Type Two Fun in California's High Sierra Range

New 352-page hardcover by self-taught photographer & mountaineer Josh Endres documents 10 years worth of high alpine adventure

Full Circle Everest Photographer Evan Green on Gear, Fear & Summiting
Q&A: Full Circle Everest Photographer Evan Green on Gear, Fear & Summiting

Days after summiting the world's highest peak, photographer Evan Green discuss his camera gear, the expedition, and its significance

REI Generation e E-Bikes Make Around Town Travel Easy (and Affordable)
REI’s Affordable New E-Bikes Make Around Town Travel Easy and Fun

Built primarily for use around town, the new commuter friendly e-bikes come in two frames and cruise at speeds up to 20 mph

Norway's Flokehyttene Cabins Are Small in Scale But Have Big Views
These Coastal Cabins in Norway Are LNT-Approved & Ready for You to Rent

Commissioned by the Norwegian Trekking Association, these five small dwellings show how architecture can contribute to the land without harming it

Eddie Bauer x Cabana Rental Vans Make PNW Exploration More Accessible
Rent Outdoor Gear and an Adventure Van With New Eddie Bauer Initiative

Two Seattle brands come together to make outdoor activities and luxe camper van travel more accessible