Sara has been traveling internationally for over 30 years, first following her tri-lingual parents and later with a white water kayak in tow. She has competed in numerous international white water kayaking events and is proud to say she has lost to some of the world’s best kayakers. After finishing a Masters in Teaching Special Education, Sara moved to the Sierra Foothills to teach at an Expeditionary Learning high school. She enjoys sharing her passion for the outdoors with students, whilst supporting them with a rigorous interdisciplinary college-prep curriculum.
An avid learner herself, Sara continues to take classes for fun and is currently working on a Certificate in Wilderness Education through Lake Tahoe Community College. She has learned to skate, downhill mountain bike, backcountry ski, and climb in the last 6 years and looks forward to learning much more. Sara doesn’t believe in the mantra that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. She teaches for California Women’s Kayak Collective during her summer breaks.
Author Profile
Sara James
Review Editor
Showing 1-15 of 72 by Sara James

Best Water Gear
Enjoy a day on the water. Our ultimate list of the best water gear is adventure worthy. We considered everything you...
The Best Water Shoes for Women
Our testers took these models rafting down the Grand Canyon, boating on the San Juan River in Colorado, canoeing...
The Best Paddle Boards
Looking for the best paddle board of them all? We extensively tested all the top-rated SUPs side by side to help you...
The Best Winter Boots for Women
Our expert winter testers took to the trails, streets, and snowbanks to test the market's top-rated winter boots...
10 Best Winter Boots
Over the last decade, we have tested over 100 pairs of winter boots. We trekked through icy river crossings, did...
Editors' Choice
Baffin Chloe Review
If ultimate warmth is what you're searching for, this boot has you covered. As a bonus, the well-engineered membrane...
Top Pick
Baffin Escalate X for Women Review
One of the lightest and warmest boots in the lineup, this boot is like a giant slipper. If you know you're going to be...
Top Pick
Muck Boot Arctic Ice Tall AGAT for Women Review
This full coverage boot has maximum snow and water protection and is highly insulating. However, at times, it is a bit...
The Best Down Jacket for Women
As you venture into the mountains or around town, a good down jacket can do wonders to make your adventures more...
10 Best Down Jackets
We're constantly testing the best down jackets on all our adventures. We tested down jackets for women and men, and...
Editors' Choice
Rab Neutrino Pro for Women Review
This is an impressively warm lightweight sewn-through down jacket that is appropriate for both high alpine and...
Best Buy
REI Co-op 650 for Women Review
This light jacket is a solid choice for those needing a down layer on a budget, for casual or infrequent use. It's a...
Top Pick
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Hoody for Women Review
This down jacket is ultralight, a solidly warm layer, comfortable, and a great choice for milder conditions when...
The Best Kayaks
In the market for a new kayak this season? We're here to help you make the most educated choice to suit your needs and...
10 Best Water Shoes
Sick of wrinkled toes or stubs on sharp rocks while playing in the water? We've tested the best water shoes that will...
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