Julia Clarke
Julia Clarke is a staff writer for Advnture.com and the author of the book Restorative Yoga for Beginners. She loves to explore mountains on foot, bike, skis and belay and then recover on the the yoga mat. Julia graduated with a degree in journalism in 2004 and spent eight years working as a radio presenter in Kansas City, Vermont, Boston and New York City before discovering the joys of the Rocky Mountains. She then detoured west to Colorado and enjoyed 11 years teaching yoga in Vail before returning to her hometown of Glasgow, Scotland in 2020 to focus on family and writing.
Latest articles by Julia Clarke
![Close up of Columbia Omni-Wick fabric](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/WGr3uEhuFDoLkEH7X632jc-320-80.jpg)
What is Columbia's Omni-Wick technology? And does it actually work?
By Julia Clarke published
We all want our performance gear to handle sweat but is Omni-Wick up to the task, or just another gimmick?
![waterproof a jacket: hiker smiling in the rain](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/tb2JfsSuWqiEF8QEKmUHgF-320-80.jpg)
Meet "The Comparator" – revolutionary machine can finally test waterproof gear in real-life conditions
By Julia Clarke published
The new machine launches this summer and will allow test labs the ability to test waterproof gear for condensation build up under true-to-life conditions for the first time
![Young man watching sunset at Badlands National Park](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/UcmkVvNFcq8zww76EikMVJ-320-80.jpg)
"Can you bake cookies in your car on a hot summer day?" – National Park rangers show just how extreme current conditions are
By Julia Clarke published
The lighthearted experiment sends a serious message to anyone heading to a National Park in the western US right now
![what is a gilet?: Alex in a Gilet](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/TfYoQ8o38AqVfXPok9vek5-320-80.jpg)
What is a gilet? And do you even need one?
By Julia Clarke last updated
We look at this sartorially divisive but functionally inclusive gilet and consider why it’s the perfect garment for the shoulder seasons
![The best winter hiking boots](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/3eLJ2jNv4JX7gFdaAdLXvR-320-80.jpg)
Snow boots vs hiking boots: what's best for winter?
By Julia Clarke last updated
We weigh up the advantages and disadvantages when it comes to snow boots vs hiking boots to help you choose the best footwear for your wild winter adventures
![A hiker's foot in the foliage with a bruised toenail](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/v8gGkANcERgHYJinD6Ymc3-320-80.jpg)
Getting bruised toenails from hiking? Try these four hacks
By Julia Clarke last updated
Getting bruised toenails from hiking is more common than you might think, but there are measures you can take to protect them
![Jack Wolfskin Highest Peak jacket deal](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/W4WxihdRXMmGJEDFhsS3yk-320-80.jpg)
You can save up to 73% on this top-rated Jack Wolfskin waterproof jacket for Amazon Prime Day – but only if you hurry
By Julia Clarke published
There are only a few hours left to make amazing savings on rain protection
![how to attach a sleeping bag to a backpack: Fjällräven pack with sleeping bag](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/u2C5GYcfo2yHTafTR3NEKh-320-80.jpg)
How to attach a sleeping bag to a backpack: our expert guide
By Julia Clarke last updated
We explain how to attach a sleeping bag to a backpack, and help you work out why you may not be able to fit it inside your pack
![Therm-A-Rest deal](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/gT3pJugVMBkVeoP5bJWFtJ-320-80.jpg)
Good news, side sleepers: this Therm-a-Rest sleeping pad is 30% off for Amazon Prime Day
By Julia Clarke published
The big discount on this plush pad is on for a limited time only
![windbreaker vs rain jacket: Paramo windbreaker](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KmbBAubeN9jEkPyAa2Vmi9-320-80.jpg)
Windbreaker vs rain jacket: what's best for hiking and running?
By Julia Clarke last updated
Should you fend off a driving rain with a stiffer, protective hard shell, or go free and breezier with a windbreaker?
![Lifestraw deals](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/47musEn6uni4NqrsYGupzb-320-80.jpg)
I never go hiking or camping without this lightweight piece of survival gear, and it's less than $10 for Amazon Prime Day
By Julia Clarke published
A water filter is one of the most important tools you can own
![Arc'teryx Rho Hybrid Half Zip base layer](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/gbBjHsvAonwC6aNJ6fYKJQ-320-80.jpeg)
What is a breathable fabric? And why is this quality so important?
By Julia Clarke last updated
What is a breathable fabric? We explain how this common feature in outdoor clothing works, why you need it and what types of fabric offer the best protection
![Timber rattlesnake](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dBT6RRA2WkUVBPdtVjd3iL-320-80.jpg)
Colorado has a "mega-den" of rattlesnakes – now you can watch them live on this webcam
By Julia Clarke published
Historically difficult to study, scientists can now observe hundreds – possibly thousands – of rattlesnakes
![rock cairns: cairn in the Lake District](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Q6b39NFasRwRRu5NzpzsGX-320-80.jpg)
Rock cairns: the purpose and history of the ubiquitous trail feature
By Julia Clarke last updated
Navigational feature or work of art? We look at rock cairns, their purpose and history to illuminate this fixture on our trails, parks and beaches
![woman embracing the base of the trunk of a giant tree, Sequoiadendron giganteum, at Calaveras Big Trees State Park](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/83F9tT3rwkw4HcLPb8AThb-320-80.jpg)
Where to see giant sequoias: the 5 best sites in the world
By Julia Clarke last updated
Wondering where to see giant sequoias? Here's our list of of the five best places to wander among groves of the enormous evergreens
![A bobcat stalking its prey in the snow](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/DPguaM3or8AyCqhW4HGutk-320-80.jpg)
What to do if you see a bobcat while hiking: our expert safety guide
By Julia Clarke last updated
We guide you on what to do if you see a bobcat while hiking, while also considering the traits of this elusive creature
![Boreal Ballet climbing shoes](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5cYRkLzb9ZV5uGn7vGcfn5-320-80.jpg)
How to clean rock climbing shoes to maintain maximum grip
By Julia Clarke last updated
Knowing how to clean rock climbing shoes will optimize their performance on the rock, and your climbing partner will thank you for it too...
![A variety of different colored vegetables](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ftzQ8PtZZUspwfkfqoGxCd-320-80.jpg)
“I’ve made the podium dozens of times as a vegan ultra runner – here’s why I think plants and performance go hand in hand”
By Julia Clarke published
We speak to vegan ultra runner Harry Jones about how he fuels his long distance races on plants
![Sandals in the grass](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qbPJC6FryhmYtqt5We7E9Q-320-80.jpg)
I've changed my mind about hiking in sandals – here’s the shoe that convinced me
By Julia Clarke published
Who knew I’d be tackling tough trails in beachy sandals in 2024?
![Low section of man standing with hiking and fishing gear arranged on table at home](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5xc7k57NDqRrPxb9EdqEZe-320-80.jpg)
I write about adventure travel for a living – I never leave home without these 7 pieces of must-have outdoor gear
By Julia Clarke published
The season, destination and activities might change but these 7 items are always in my pack
![Bo Welden](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sqHU7zKUkuMAutmFBDrpVc-320-80.jpg)
“I’m a wildlife guide in Yellowstone – here’s why I think it’s important for people to see these wild places”
By Julia Clarke published
We speak to Yellowstone wildlife guide Bo Welden and discover 5 things he’s learned about the park’s famous wildlife population
![tent and mountains](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/MfthuPZgFLUs9mHodGqhea-320-80.jpg)
This is the hardest-to-book campsite in the entire US (and here's where you can camp instead)
By Julia Clarke published
We did some digging to find out which campsites nearby offer similar amenities, but easier odds for a reservation
![Hoka Kaha 2 low deals](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Eaud5t6gpzDUgxEvcBT5tJ-320-80.jpg)
Why wait for Prime Day? Right now you can save up to 45% off these Hoka hiking shoes rated for unbeatable "comfort and support"
By Julia Clarke published
With a remarkable weight-to-cushion ratio, the Kaha 2 Low GTX delivers peak performance with peak plushness