Jane Jackson
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Articles by Jane Jackson
How to Choose Hiking Boots for Women
We understand the overwhelming task of shopping for a new pair of shoes online — especially a pair that you are going to wear deep into the backcountry, perhaps for days and days in a row. Comfort (including the fit!) and support go hand in hand and are the two most important factors to consider when buying a new pair of boots. If a boot doesn't fit the anatomy of your feet or provide proper support, it will be incredibly uncomfortable.
Being for Others Health & Wellness Foundation Releases Inaugural Annual Impact Report for 2025
The Being for Others Health & Wellness Foundation (BFO) is proud to announce the release of their first-ever Annual Impact Report, highlighting the work of organizations, communities, and partners across Southern Indiana who are improving health and well-being throughout the region.
Nominees Announced for Little Company of Mary Outstanding Physician Award
Deaconess Memorial Medical Center has announced the names of the physicians nominated for the 14th annual Little Company of Mary Outstanding Physician Award.
How to Choose A Water Bottle
Among the selection of water bottles in our review, we saw a lot of variation. We broke down our selection into four main categories: glass, collapsible, plastic, and stainless steel. Within these classifications, we found bottles designed for specific uses — bottles for one-handed drinking, integrated filter bottles, leak-proof bottles… the list goes on.
10 Best Hiking Boots
By Trish Matheny ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Updated October 21, 2025 Contributions From: Chris Maxcer, Ryan Huetter, Jane Jackson & Ben Applebaum-Bauch Ready to hit the trails but need something to keep your feet happy along the way? We're here to help. Our team has trail tested hundreds of boots through the years, with our favorites listed here so that you can focus on the views instead of aching feet.
Community Foundation Appoints New Board Members
Dubois County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of two new board members, Luke Bawel and Adam Hedinger. Luke Bawel is the Manager Jasper Production Systems at Jasper Engines & Transmissions and resides in Huntingburg. Luke is a member of Jasper Endows Today and Tomorrow (JETT), a Jasper Engine’s giving circle administered by the Community Foundation. Adam Hedinger, a Jasper resident, is the Vice President of Sales at The Dad’s Root Beer Company.
Vendors Wanted for Spring Rooted Art Market at Family Roots Nursery
Family Roots Nursery is now accepting vendor applications for the Spring Rooted Art Market, taking place Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m in Dale, Indiana. This popular spring event features a curated selection of handcrafted goods, kitchen items, and unique home and garden décor alongside a bustling nursery filled with spring plants, including annuals, perennials, herbs, hanging baskets, and vegetable plants.
Dubois County Museum Announces Festival of Trees Winners
Over fifty trees were decorated and displayed by museum volunteers, non-profit service clubs, and the communities of Dubois County throughout the exhibits of the Dubois County Museum for this year’s Festival of Trees. On December 18, the three winners of the festival were announced. For first place, Ferdinand Flower Shop and Ireland (decorated by Angie Rudolph) tied. Third place went to Celestine’s Salute to Volunteer Firemen (decorated by Ericka Verkamp).
Are Top Women Climbers Narrowing the "Gender Gap" for All?
Culture An op-ed on how despite a narrowing “gender gap," everyday female climber experiences remain unchanged Published September 15, 2025 04:00AM The number of impressive accomplishments in women’s climbing this year is inspiring. I feel lucky enough to call some of these women friends. Watching them achieve their goals has been so cool. In some ways, it feels like climbing is really changing. But something felt off as I read through the headlines.
Are Top Women Climbers Narrowing the "Gender Gap" for All?
World Class Academy Prepares Students for Life Beyond the Classroom What if high school included kayaking classic whitewater in Patagonia, climbing tufas in Greece, riding A-Line in Whistler, or kiting perfect wind in Brazil—while earning a diploma and applying to college? At World Class Academy (WCA), that’s just a typical semester. For 25 years, WCA has combined …
The 6 Best Climbing Harnesses for Women
By Trish Matheny ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Updated August 26, 2025 Contributions From: Jane Jackson & Whitney Clark No matter what kind of climbing you do, your harness will save your life at one point or another; however, even when it's not saving your life, you're still going to be wearing it, so it's important to find one that is comfortable and functional.
How to Choose a Climbing Harness for Women
Settling on the right harness takes some serious research and trial and error. This is likely one of the first purchases you'll make when getting into climbing and one that will have to be replaced fairly frequently throughout your climbing career. Whether you're sport climbing or multi-pitching, you'll be spending a lot of time in your harness, hanging, walking around at the crag, and climbing. It is essential to find a model that feels comfortable in all of these settings.
Best Climbing Gear of 2024
By Andy Wellman, Cam McKenzie Ring, Matt Bento, Jane Jackson ⋅ Nov 2, 2024 Welcome to the Holy Grail of climbing gear lists! Here you will find our top picks: the gear our climber-testers would recommend to their best friends. We buy every item at the store, just like you, then we test it… for months. Below, we recommend the top two items in each category. We start off with the best climbing shoes, arguably the most important item in your pack.
The 6 Best Ultralight Backpacks of 2024
Best Overall Ultralight Backpack Comfort 10.0 Ease of Use 10.0 Weight-to-Volume Ratio 8.0 Adjustability 8.0 Total Weight: 32.6 oz | Weight-to-Volume Ratio: 0.54 oz/L REASONS TO BUY Comfortable with both light and heavy loads Versatile Great feature set Well made Fits bear canister REASONS TO AVOID Heavier than some Once again, against relentless competition from other brands, the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 holds its place at the top of the fleet. This pack balances comfort with an unparalleled...
Ask a Ranger: Who was Thorp(e)? A part of Flagstaff's history
Many local streets, landforms and buildings are named for notable Flagstaff pioneers. But what about Thorpe Park? Who was Thorpe? My first surprise in researching this unfamiliar name in Flagstaff’s history was to discover that the park is named after Thomas Jones Thorp. No, that’s not a typo.
The 5 Best Soap Dishes
Materials: Stainless steel | Includes: 1 dish, mounting materials Those who prefer bar soap in the shower will appreciate the chrome-plated, wall-mounted HASKO Suction Soap Dish. This dish suctions onto bathroom surfaces (it works best on tile or plastic shower walls) and holds a single bar of soap, though the basket is rated to hold up to 22 pounds. It is easy to install, even if you aren't incredibly handy.
The 5 Best Hand Towels
Quick-Drying Option Material: 100% Cotton | Dimensions: 16 x 27 Inches Struggled with absorbency The plus side to the Utopia Salon set is that they are incredibly quick-drying. In our side-by-side air-drying tests, these towels were a few moments behind our fastest-drying towel. Additionally, even though these salon towels are thin, we found them very soft. Another thing to note is that they come in a massive pack of 24. Depending on your use, this can be both a pro and a con.
The 4 Best Loaf Pans
Materials: Aluminized steel with non-stick coating | Dimensions: 9 x 5 x 3 inches The OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro Loaf is a simple, lightweight option that releases loaves with ease due to its coating and textured bottom. The textured bottom is a personal choice - if you're planning on flipping the loaf, then the texture will be on top, but for most quick breads, the texture is hidden on the bottom.
The 5 Best Mixing Bowls
Number of Bowls: 6 | Materials: Stainless Steel The FineDine Stainless mixing set is a great option for those who need to prepare large quantities of food. The largest bowl in this set has an 8-quart capacity, which equates to a very large salad. The smaller bowls are very useful for the prep stages, and the large bowl is big enough to contain a side dish ready for dozens of dinner guests.
The 6 Best Salt and Pepper Shakers of 2023
A Nice, Labeled Shaker Set Materials: Stainless steel, glass | Fill Style: Srew-top lid Made from solid materials The Juvale Stainless Steel Set is simple and made from stainless steel, glass, and plastic. It is the only set we tested that has clear labels on each one and an "S" and "P" pattern on the top. It is easy to use and relatively easy to fill, in line with the other glass and stainless options out there. We liked how the clear bottom allows you to see when it needs to be refilled.
The 5 Best Laptop Sleeves of 2023
Material: Canvas | Number of Pockets: 2 The Canvaslife Marble 360 Protective sleeve is a stand-out product in the lineup. This sleeve features both an internal and an external zippered pocket, plus a lining that feels like a shag carpet. Also, the case comes with a strap across the bag which can attach to a rolling carry-on bag when traveling. If you value these types of features, this is a great case. On the downside, this sleeve is a bit bulky.
The 4 Best Cups of 2023
Materials: Ceramic and cork | Weight: 15.4 ounces The DOWAN Coffee Mug is for folks who drink their coffee slowly and often find themselves halfway finished with their first cup before heading out the door. The lid and reinforced cork bottom make it a reasonable to-go option. It looks good sitting on a desk at work but also fits in fine in a cupboard among other classy drinking vessels. The reinforced bottom is made from cork, which gives it a unique aesthetic.
The 6 Best iPhone 12 Cases of 2023
Best Low-Profile Leather Case Weight: 0.9 ounces | Dimensions: 5.8 x 2.9 x 0.4 inches If you want to add a bit of flair to your phone, the Apple Leather Case may be for you. This case is made from tanned and finished leather, offering a rustic and natural appearance that is particularly attractive. It is designed specifically to integrate with Apple MagSafe accessories. This modular system lets you magnetically attach a charger, a wallet, or an auxiliary battery without removing your case.
The 4 Best Bath Towels of 2023
Material: 100% Turkish Cotton | Included: 2 Wash Cloths, 2 Hand Towels, 2 Bath Towels Though it didn't receive any awards, this set deserves a notable mention due to its overall high scores across the board. The Cotton Paradise 6-piece Turkish Set is up there with the best Turkish cotton towels in this review. These towels' absorption rates, softness, and relatively fast drying time make them a great option, but their best attributes are, by and large, their comfort and softness.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Porter 55 Review
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Porter 55 is one of our favorite packs for light and fast missions in trying environments. It has beefy side straps, with external attachment options that adapt to what you want to do rather than the other way around. Made of sturdy Dyneema material that still manages to be lightweight, this is one of our favorite options for hiking through trying environments where durability matters.
How to Choose a Portable Solar Charger or Mini Solar Panel
There are tons of solar panels out there, from small, lightweight portable models to large-capacity options for van life and beyond. Each year, more and more companies pop up online, and it can be hard to separate the good products from ones that are simply okay. Nowadays, portable solar charging kits are by and large very affordable and are becoming more compact and powerful every year.
La Sportiva TX2 Evo - Women's Review
The La Sportiva TX2 Evo is a fabulous blend of a lightweight style and sleek climbing performance. It has a sock-like ankle cuff and a Vibram Idogrip outsole, which is designed to be easily re-soled once it wears out. Though not as cushioned or durable as some of its competitors, we found the balance of comfort, support, and weight to be unparalleled.
How We Tested Climbing Shoes for Women
By Jane Jackson ⋅ Senior Review Editor Friday November 11, 2022 To start this review off, we spent a lot of time researching the top models on the market. We chatted with other women at the crag to find out which shoes they were most excited about and why. Then we went climbing. We've broken our metric comparisons down into five categories and sought out the best style of climbing to test each one.
BEARTWO 10,000mAh Review
A compact battery pack with impressive charging speeds and a lightweight design. It should be noted that the device's solar charging abilities are fairly abysmal and that it should be treated as less of a solar panel and more as a strong charging battery pack. Performance Comparison Though it is the same capacity as many of the other small battery packs, the BEARTWO is an impressively fast-charging device. In fact, it charged our phone 28% over the course of our 30-minute test period.
How We Tested Climbing Harness for Women
By Jane Jackson & Cam McKenzie Ring Thursday July 7, 2022 We tested each of the climbing harnesses over a four-month period, taking input from several different testers with decades of climbing experience between them. We wore them while sport and trad climbing at the local crags around Las Vegas, Nevada, and also on some climbing trips to other locales. Here's how we specifically tested the various metrics that we used to evaluate the different models.
CamelBak Eddy+ Tritan Renew Review
In every metric, the Eddy+ Renew performed very well. From its simple features to its lightweight design, this recycled bottle is a high-value choice. The smaller sizes fit nicely into cup holders, though the 32-ounce that we tested this time around is less accommodating. In terms of durability, we had very few complaints with this bottle; in fact, it's one of the lighter hard-sided bottles in this review.
How We Tested Water Bottles
Finding the right water bottle for each activity requires lots of real-world testing. We tested these water bottles by using them daily, taking them on road trips, using them at the office, and bringing them on weekend adventures. They also accompanied us on more mundane outings where hydration is necessary, like days at work, trips to the gym, and yoga class. Through all of this traveling and use, we filled these bottles from faucets, fountains, and streams around the world.
Klean Kanteen TKWide Recycled Insulated Review
Klean Kanteen has really upped their water bottle game over the years. We were very excited to see a vacuum-insulated bottle that uses minimal plastic parts and is easy to clean. The TKWide accompanied us everywhere during this testing period, from the coffee shop to the gym, plus day hikes and around the house. With its 32-ounce capacity, this bottle is the ideal size — not too big, but large enough that we weren't refilling it all the time.
How We Tested Approach Shoes for Women
By Lauren DeLaunay and Jane Jackson Friday May 20, 2022 We began our testing process by finding the right testers. Lauren DeLaunay and Jane Jackson are California rock climbers who split their time between Yosemite and Bishop, with annual trips to Patagonia tossed in for good measure. Working for the Yosemite Valley Search & Rescue team, Lauren estimates that she spends at least 300 days per year in approach shoes.
How We Tested Hiking Boots for Women
By Jane Jackson and Trish Matheny Wednesday May 18, 2022 The majority of our testing occurs on the hiking trail. This is truly a hands-on review. The only way to honestly assess the performance of a hiking boot is by putting in the time on the trails. To help discover the best model for every hiker, we do the dirty work of breaking in all of these boots and putting them to work.
How We Tested Ultralight Backpacks
By Jane Jackson & Brandon Lampley Friday May 6, 2022 As always, we subjected the backpacks we tested to a battery of laboratory testing but also logged a lot of trail miles with each. Our unique testing process here at OutdoorGearLab means we purchase all the products we test, scrutinize them in the lab, and play hard in the backcountry to give you the straight scoop.
How We Tested Solar Chargers
Charge Interruption Recovery One of the biggest complaints of users is how small, portable models work on days that are less than "bluebird". If you spend a lot of time outside, you know that a perfect blue-sky day is elusive in a lot of places. Because of this, a solar contender that only performs in optimal conditions might not be the best option.
CamelBak MultiBev Review
Performance Comparison Ease of Use Whew. Lots to say here. The CamelBak MultiBev is unlike any bottle we have ever tested. This 2-in-1 beverage hauler consists of four separate parts: the bottle itself (22-ounce capacity), the detachable cup (16-ounce), the bottle lid, and the separate storage compartment for the cup lid. We like using this bottle for tea on hikes and picnics because it works like an old-school Thermos — pour a hot drink into the separate vessel to drink a slightly cooled hot drink.
Nalgene Wide-Mouth Review
A tried and tested classic, this model is versatile and reasonably priced Price: $12 List | Check Price at REI Compare prices at 2 resellers Pros: Light, durable, resists flavors, simple design, wide mouth makes for easy filling Cons: Diameter too big for cup holders, wide mouth makes it difficult to drink from when walking or driving Manufacturer: Nalgene By Jane Jackson ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ Mar 30, 2022 Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products.
Hydro Flask Standard Mouth Review
This hip bottle is a simple, easy to clean vacuum insulated bottle with a narrow mouth and a portable size Price: $35 List | $32.85 at Amazon Compare prices at 2 resellers Pros: Stylish, well-insulated, easy to clean, simple design, durable Cons: Heavy, expensive Manufacturer: Hydro Flask By Jane Jackson ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ Mar 30, 2022 Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products.
LifeStraw Go Review
This bottle provides filtered water on the go, but this also restricts its overall versatility Price: $40 List | $39.95 at REI Compare prices at 2 resellers Pros: Replaceable filter, unique purpose, well-made, durable Cons: Expensive, small capacity, can only be used with water (no other liquids) Manufacturer: LifeStraw By Jane Jackson ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ Mar 30, 2022 Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products.
Hydrapak Stow Review
Overall, we like this bottle's low weight, flexible body, and easy to use spout Price: $19 List | $18.00 at Amazon Compare prices at 2 resellers Pros: Durable, lightweight, leak-proof cap, nice feel Cons: Expensive, lacks versatility, tips over very easily Manufacturer: Hydrapak By Jane Jackson ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ Mar 30, 2022 Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products.
Hydro Flask Lightweight Wide Mouth Trail Series Review
A solid and straightforward vacuum insulated bottle that is easy to use and clean and weighs significantly less than similar options Price: $45 List | $44.95 at REI Compare prices at 2 resellers Pros: Simple, durable, easy to use Cons: Very expensive Manufacturer: Hydro Flask By Jane Jackson ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ Mar 30, 2022 Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products.
Topo Athletic Trailventure WP - Women's Review
These lightweight hikers are designed like a running shoe with extra ankle support and a stiff, foamy midsole Price: $160 List | Check Price at REI Compare prices at 3 resellers Pros: Well-padded, great for wide footed hikers, thick foam midsole provides comfort and stability Cons: Lacing system lacks durability Manufacturer: Topo Athletic By Jane Jackson ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ Mar 23, 2022 Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products.
Danner Mountain 600 - Women's Review
We had a few issues with the overall comfort of the Danner Mountain 600. In other metrics, like durability, the boot did well against its competitors. Performance Comparison Comfort These all-leather boots may look like a throwback, but underneath the aesthetic are all the features of a modern-day hiking boot. In general, we found these to be a comfortable hiking boot that was quick to break in.
Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof - Women's Review
The Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof is a well-made, aggressive all-leather hiking boot that will hold up to lots of trail miles with a large pack. It's available in regular and wide sizes, has a very durable leather upper, and a lacing system that pulls the heel in snug for a great fit. The waterproof/breathable membrane keeps water out of socks, and the Granite Peak carbon rubber outsole with aggressive lugs helps this boot gain traction of hard and loose surfaces alike.
Vasque Breeze LT GTX - Women's Review
Though we were excited about how lightweight these boots were at first, we were unsure they would make the cut in the rest of our metric comparisons. It turns out the Breeze LT nailed it in terms of comfort, support, and traction. Its lowest performances come in water resistance and durability. Performance Comparison Comfort For being the lightest hiking boot we tested, the Vasque Breeze LT is surprisingly comfortable.
Merrell Moab 2 Mid WP - Women's Review
The Merrell Moab 2 Mid scored highly across many of our hiking boot tests for their simple, supportive, and comfortable design. The Vibram soles provide decent traction, but it is in water resistance and durability that the Moab 2 falls a tad short. The mesh sides and lacing system are areas of weakness that were a concern when looking at the longevity of these boots. Performance Comparison Comfort Where the Moab 2 Mid shine is in the comfort they provide right out of the box.
The 6 Best Jeans for Women of 2023
By Jane Jackson & Emma Walker Tuesday May 16, 2023 Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Learn more Time to update that ragged pair of jeans you wear every day? Our testers have researched and purchased the top 9 women's jeans on the market and compiled the results of their findings in this hands-on, comprehensive review.
BEARTWO 10,000mAh Review
This little panel is one of the lightest in this review, but its charging abilities are impressive Price: $30 List Manufacturer: BEARTWO By Jane Jackson ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ October 31, 2021 Charging Speed - 30% 8.0 Charge Interruption Recovery - 20% 8.0 Multiple Device Charging Speed - 20% 5.0 Weight & Portability - 20% 10.0 Durability - 10% 8.0 Our Verdict By far the lightest panel in this review, the BEARTWO is a 10,000 mAh battery pack with a small solar charger on top.
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