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Welcome to How I Pick My Picks — a kind-of-regular newsletter series in which we check in with the Strategist staff on the stuff they’re using day-to-day, the products they’re testing for stories, and the things their friends and family won’t stop asking them about. Consider it a peek into the always-whirring brain of a Strategist writer. Now, meet our travel and outdoors writer Katherine Gillespie.
Let it be known that I have broken down what feels like thousands of cardboard boxes in the name of journalism. In order to test out products before recommending them, I receive packages full of raincoats and yoga pants and surface cleaners on a near-daily basis — whereas my UPS guy greets me as an old friend, my building’s super regards me as his truest enemy. Sorry again about our giant recycling pile, Chico. I am trying to become the world’s leading expert on wool socks, and this requires that I wear a lot of them.
I genuinely enjoy hands-on testing, even with the entryway inconvenience. But my favorite aspect of this job is getting to interview passionate experts with incredibly niche fields of knowledge. I’ve called up caterers in Florida and asked them which coolers keep ice frozen longest and Alaska park rangers about the insulated rain boots they wear when knee-deep in snow. I’ve gotten the scoop from camp counselors about which outdoor games are popular with kids these days and asked professional picnic planners about their preferred blankets. For our holiday-gift issue, I found myself interviewing a series of married couples about how they buy presents for each other; some of their anecdotes were so touching that I teared up. It all makes for a highly unusual Google Calendar: blast feet with space heaters between 10 and 11 a.m., meeting with Maine oyster farmer at 2 p.m., start believing in love again at 4 p.m. Then finish the day by ferrying an insulated pint of ice cream from midtown to Flatbush.
What’s the product that friends and family always ask for your advice on?
I am heavily called upon for cheap-flight advice and travel itinerary ideas in general. I will make the case for a train ride to Montreal as the best, cheapest, and most convenient long-weekend trip to take with a group of carless friends from New York City — just don’t try and work remotely on the Amtrak Wi-Fi. And I’m always telling people to travel with a backpack rather than wheeled luggage if they’re an overpacker looking to avoid extra fees at the gate. Backpack wearers can get away with a lot.
Do you have any strongly held opinions that have changed after testing?
I was initially suspicious of the ultralight hiking-gear trend, but have come to see its merits. People get really nerdy and obsessive about cutting pack weight on the trail, and there’s an undertone of exclusivity there that annoys me. However: It is so worth buying an ultralight backpack if you intend on doing any sort of overnight hike. I replaced my cool-looking but heavy canvas backpack with this Gregory Facet 45 a while ago, and it is a pleasure to wear. It’s so light that I can go on multiday hikes without training beforehand or even being particularly fit. Unlike other ultralight pack options out there, it still has an internal frame, which I think my back appreciates.
What’s the least amount of money you should spend on, for example, a winter parka?
I spoke to a number of professional outerwear designers when putting together our women’s parka guide, and when they broke down the features of higher-end coats, it was clear to me that spending about $400 is totally worth it. That’s especially the case if you live in a place where it’s both rainy and freezing cold during the winter — goose down loses its insulating properties when wet, so you’ll want to protect it with good waterproofing materials, which are unfortunately rather expensive. Parkas always go on sale off-season, though, so even Arcteryx is within reach if you play the long game. And Uniqlo also has eternally reliable budget options.
What are you currently testing and researching?
I am currently on a quest to find the very best “personal item”–size bag to take on a plane. The way we travel now is so minimal and lightweight (thank you, post-COVID airline fees) that it necessitates an entirely new way of packing. This means I have been spending many hours lurking within Reddit’s astoundingly passionate r/onebag community.
What’s the last thing you bought?
I purchased a Hay PC portable lamp during the MoMA Design Store’s Friends and Family sale. My apartment is a little cavelike, especially in winter, so I’m basically always looking for more lighting.
What’s the most expensive product that you own?
I own a hulking Pro Max iPhone because I enjoy reading e-books on it while commuting and am also an enthusiastic if untalented daily photographer. I also sometimes type on it using this keyboard. Do friends bully me relentlessly for my Big Phone? Yes, as is their right, but I’ll never go back to pocket-size. Also a Molly Goddard dress … you only live once.
If you had to spend $1,000 at REI, what would you buy?
I sometimes just wander around the Soho REI while listening to podcasts as a form of stress relief. It is my church. I would allow myself one status-y Snow Peak item, and a lightweight down-filled sleeping bag or quilt because it will last forever and keep me warm wherever. And I really like the nostalgic aesthetics of REI’s in-house line too, so maybe this picnic blanket, if there are a few dollars left over.
What are some open tabs on your computer right now? What’s on your list, but you can’t bring yourself to buy it just yet?
Two years after moving into my current apartment, I’ve yet to install the wall bookshelves of my dreams. A custom set of white Container Store Elfa shelves is my ideal — I also dream of Vitsoe. Unfortunately, the whole setup costs just enough to make me think twice each time I’m close to checking out. Not to mention the fact I will definitely procrastinate installing said shelves for six to eight months once purchased.
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
