What an extreme-weather reporter always packs
Cowboy boots?
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The Recommendation

May 15, 2026

Today: A style-conscious meteorologist’s packing list. Plus …

How to pack for any climate, according to The New York Times’ extreme weather reporter

Illustration of Judson Jones centered among panels of a tornado, topographic maps, a backpack, and boots.
Blake Cale for NYT Wirecutter; source photos by Nick Oxford, Earl Wilson, Judson Jones

Throughout his decade working as an extreme-weather reporter, Judson Jones has had to prepare for wading through blizzards and hurricanes, chasing tornadoes, and enduring sweltering heat waves. We asked him how he packs for all of that — not to mention last-minute flights and long car rides — without sacrificing style.

One surprising essential in his bag? Cowboy boots.

Plus, pants that “look good in an office but also work fording a creek”→

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The perfect travel uniform, according to Anne Hathaway’s stylist

A collage of style-themed images with a picture of the stylist, Erin Walsh, in the middle.
Klawe Rzeczy for NYT Wirecutter; source photos by iStock, Unsplash+, Christian Högstedt

Celebrity stylist Erin Walsh spends a lot of time packing suitcases for her clients’ red carpets, award shows, and multi-city press tours. And she uses many of the same strategies and essentials when packing for herself. Her go-tos include a not-so-basic white tee, jeans that feel like sweatpants, and a cotton shirt that looks good for both work and play.

What to pack, according to a fashion stylist→

More travel-friendly style essentials

Three people wearing raincoats standing next to each other.

Rain jackets we love

After testing more than 50 coats, three standouts emerged, including a classic fisherman-style slicker→

A photo of the GoRuck GR1 against a peach backdrop.

A buy-it-for-life backpack

It isn’t just tough, it’s nearly indestructible — with a minimalist look for every situation→

An individual wearing cuffed navy blue pants and textured socks stands in profile. They wear dark brown leather Clarks Desert Boots with white crepe soles and matching brown laces.

The all-season boots our expert has been rebuying for 16 years

These iconic desert boots are polished yet easygoing, presentable but never stuffy→

Two people wearing the Marmot PreCip Eco Pants, our pick for the best rain pants, together with rain jackets.

The best rain pants

Lightweight, comfortable pants that will keep you dry through rainy hikes→

Your daily deal: A very comfortable bra (yes, really)

The Uplift Plunge Bra from Thirdlove in the color Mocha
Thirdlove

This everyday bra has a light, comfortable build and a versatile silhouette. As one Wirecutter editor puts it: “It’s the only bra I’ve ever worn that I don’t fling across the room as soon as I get home.”

It’s $30 off today→

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