Alpenglow Sports Staff Picks
Shop staff picks by the Alpenglow Sports team. We test new gear each season, looking for exceptional products and brands that deliver the best quality. These picks are trusted products that we stand behind.
How to shop staff picks:
Shop the collections
Every staff member has their own collection of staff picks. We've also compiled picks by category: Climb Picks, Run Picks, Hike & Camp Picks, Footwear Picks, and Nutrition Picks.
Read the articles
Every Alpenglow Educator has written a full-length article detailing each of their picks. Get to know the staff and explore deep-dives into their top picks.
Come chat with us
These staff picks are the online equivalent of our favorite customer question, "What would you recommend?" Come to Alpenglow Sports or give us a call at (530)583-6917 and ask!
Meet our Educators
Ready to dive in?
Shop the collections:
Curated by Mike, Jeff, and Bryce
Climbing Gear Staff Picks
Aether Alpine Quickdraw Turquoise 60cm
Why it's a top pick:
"The grams add up quickly on your trad rack, so the lightweight Aether Alpine Quickdraw is what I reach for. The rope radius of the Aether carabiner is slightly larger than most other carabiners in its weight class, which helps keep the rope running smoothly. Its clean nose makes clipping a breeze."
- Alpenglow Educator Mike
Pickup available at 415 North Lake Boulevard
Usually ready in 24 hours
Aether Alpine Quickdraw Turquoise 60cm
415 North Lake Boulevard
415 North Lake Boulevard
Tahoe City CA 96145
United States
Curated by Stef, Jeff, Cooper, Marlo, Janice, Lou, and Luke
Running Gear Staff Picks
W Mafate Speed 4
Why it's a top pick:
"In my opinion, this trail runner offers the perfect blend of cushion and sensitivity. The lightweight foam provides both protection and responsiveness, as it is distributed evenly throughout the midsole. This culminates in a shoe that is less rockered, while still responsive, and allows you to feel the trail underfoot. Combine that with a Vibram sole and you have got a shoe that meets your needs on any given terrain. This has been the trail running shoe for me for 4+ years and I don’t see it changing anytime soon."
- Alpenglow Educator Stef
Pickup available at 415 North Lake Boulevard
Usually ready in 24 hours
W Mafate Speed 4
Deep Lake/Ceramic / US 5.5
415 North Lake Boulevard
415 North Lake Boulevard
Tahoe City CA 96145
United States
Curated by Molly, Max, Janice, and Jeff
Hike & Camp Staff Picks
SummerLite
Why it's a top pick:
"I love long days and nights in the mountains but I don’t love carrying a heavy pack. So I try to make my big three (shelter, sleep and pack) as light as possible. Western Mountaineering makes exceptional bags with their attention to detail and high quality 850+ ethically sourced (gathered from nests) goose down. The Summerlite Mummy Bag is rated as comfortable to 32F and with a well insulated sleeping pad and a liner or down jacket I have slept comfortably down to 25F. I use a lightweight compression sack to squish the bag down to the size of a grapefruit - I am 5’7” and I use the 6 ft bag — the weight is only 1 lb 3 oz! This bag has been perfect for summer and fall trips in the Sierras."
- Alpenglow Educator Janice
Pickup available at 415 North Lake Boulevard
Usually ready in 24 hours
SummerLite
LZ / 5'6
415 North Lake Boulevard
415 North Lake Boulevard
Tahoe City CA 96145
United States
Curated by, well... everyone!
Footwear Staff Picks
Cairn EVO 3D Pro
Why it's a top pick:
"I have been living in these sandals for a few years now (yes, 365). The support, protection and secure foothold is unmatched in the sandal world. Throw in light weight and superior durability and there is no reason to look further."
- Phacilitator of Phun Jeff
Pickup available at 415 North Lake Boulevard
Usually ready in 24 hours
Cairn EVO 3D Pro
Yellow Ochre / M5/W6
415 North Lake Boulevard
415 North Lake Boulevard
Tahoe City CA 96145
United States
Curated by Marlo, Max, Cooper, Jeff, Janice, Luke, and Lou.
Nutrition Staff Picks
Drink Mix 160 Single
Why it's a top pick:
"I never used to drink my calories. I didn't think I had any problem eating and I rarely had stomach issues on big days. Then I started using Maurten and realized that I could feel even better and fuel myself even easier.
Maurten is the ultimate drink mix because it uses their patented hydrogel technology. The hydrogel encapsulates the carbs and calories in what my body believes is a water molecule. Water is processed in the small intestine, so your stomach will send the hydrogel directly to the small intestine for processing. The small intestine breaks down the hydrogel and processes the carbs and calories.
The small intestine is much more resilient and causes far fewer GI issues than the stomach. While it's kinda crazy, I like that Maurten "tricks" my body into better outcomes."
- Alpenglow Educator Max
Pickup available at 415 North Lake Boulevard
Usually ready in 24 hours
Drink Mix 160 Single
415 North Lake Boulevard
415 North Lake Boulevard
Tahoe City CA 96145
United States
What about winter picks?
You're in luck! We have complete collections of ski and snowboard picks from every staff member.