Cai Rickards
Cai Rickards is a lifelong adventure athlete and enthusiast of gear and apparel. As the child of an outdoor education professor, time in nature has been an inevitable part of his life, and a passion that has continued into his career. Cai started his Engearment journey in his early teens, editing for his father (Wil Rickards),\ and was first published in 2020 at the ripe age of 15. He has since coached climbing teams, led youth outdoor groups, and helped his father with student expeditions, all while furthering his knowledge of the apparel and gear used for everyday adventures. Now, he works the desk and coaches at a local climbing gym to fill the time amid a busy schedule of outdoor journalism and playing in nature.
Having bounced around Colorado (and a 4-year stint in Alaska), Cai now predominantly spends his days in the Pikes Peak region climbing, hiking, running, skiing, lifting, generally goofing off outside, and spending time with his lovely adventure partner Alexandra. When he is not out on an adventure, he nerds out about sartorial fashion, Lego, and his next travel objectives. You can follow his adventures on Instagram @cairickards or keep an eye out on Engearment’s YouTube and socials for his latest projects.
Cai Rickards and Baggins
Articles by Cai Rickards
Cai writes about base layers, shorts, and packs from the perspective of a young outdoor athlete who cares as much about how gear looks as how it performs. Here are some of his articles and collaborations for Engearment.
Minus 33 Saratoga Bottoms
July 15, 2024 — Cai reviews a merino base layer bottom, making the case for good layering systems as the foundation of any outdoor gear kit.
SAXX Go To Town Casual 2N1 Sport Shorts
July 12, 2024 — A review of SAXX’s 2N1 sport shorts, evaluated through Cai’s lens of balancing comfort, function, and fashion for both work and play outside.
La Sportiva Avok Hoody – The Golden Ticket of Effective Layers
June 21, 2021 — Co-authored with Wil Rickards, a review of La Sportiva’s Avok Hoody as a versatile layer for winter temperatures from -20° to 40°F.
Cotopaxi Tarak 35: A Versatile Single Quiver Backpack
January 24, 2020 — Cai tackles the question “what do you want out of a pack?” in a review of Cotopaxi’s 35L do-it-all backpack.
Decathlon: Why a Brit in the US is Happy Buying French
August 30, 2020 — Co-authored with Wil Rickards, a case for Decathlon as affordable outdoor gear, especially for parents of fast-growing kids.