Kate Agathon
Dr. Of Stoke
Freelance writer, bicyclist, outdoor recreation enthusiast, and mom to her furbabies, Sansa and Benjen.
A Colorado native, Kate considers the outdoors her mother ship. She brings her passion for bicycling, the environment to her writing.
Her primary outdoor recreation activities are mountain biking, road biking, nordic skiing, alpine skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, and peak bagging Colorado’s 14ers. She and her husband, Paul, live in Summit County with their dogs, Benjen and Sansa.
Kate earned a BA in History from Colorado State University and later an MSEd and Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Purdue University. In addition to her education, Kate’s background serving two terms on the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Committee and experience working for non-profits and bicycle sales well position her to bring depth and understanding to the complex changes currently taking place in the outdoor recreation industry.
The Dr. of Stoke has been part of the Engearment team since 2016.
Articles by Kate Agathon
Kate has contributed over 240 gear reviews to Engearment, covering everything from apparel and footwear to cycling, skiing, and outdoor lifestyle gear. Here are her most recent articles:
Stio Skycrest Insulated Snap Shirt Review
April 10, 2026 — The Stio Skycrest Insulated Snap Shirt strikes just the right vibe of outdoorsy and elevated mountain chic. Kate’s must-have shoulder season item for travel.
Sherpa Adventure Gear Tarcho Fleece Review
April 6, 2026 — In an outdoor apparel world dominated by beige and lavender, the brightly colored Sherpa Adventure Gear Tarcho fleeces absolutely pop.
Stellar Equipment Primaloft Hood 2.0 Review
April 1, 2026 — One of Kate’s favorite jackets for high-output activities like nordic skiing or mountain biking, thanks to its lightweight PrimaLoft synthetic insulation.
Dale of Norway 140th Anniversary Women’s Wool Jacket Review
March 30, 2026 — A versatile wool jacket built for shoulder season in Summit County — designed to handle unpredictable mountain weather all day long.
Stio Eddy Coast Shirt LS Review
March 25, 2026 — A Western-inspired seersucker shirt with a unique weave that makes it Kate’s go-to under hot conditions.
Stio Pinion Down Pullover Review
March 23, 2026 — A welcome four-season alternative to the traditional puffy jacket, with a roomy kangaroo pocket and all-conditions versatility.
Fjallraven Kaitum Fleece Zippered Hoody Review
March 19, 2026 — Hands down Kate’s favorite comfort item this season — practical length, superior softness, and a refreshing departure from boxy cropped trends.
HOKA Skyward Laceless Shoe Review
March 17, 2026 — A recovery shoe review sparked by Kate’s PT journey treating an old ski injury.
Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 55 Review
December 23, 2025 — The perfect weekend ski trip bag when a suitcase is too bulky and an open tote won’t suffice.
Nite Ize Dog Visibility Product Review
December 18, 2025 — Essential gear for living in a Dark Sky mountain community — keeping dogs visible on late afternoon walks.
The North Face Nuptse Traction Boots Review
December 15, 2025 — Kate’s favorite footwear of the season for warmth, ease of use, and apres-ski performance.
Dale of Norway Peace Women’s Knit Sweater Review
December 10, 2025 — Kate’s favorite sweater this season (and perhaps of all time) for its unbeatable construction, fit, and heritage.
The North Face Fleeski ¼ Zip Pull Over Review
December 8, 2025 — A retro-influenced stylish fleece in this season’s boxy cropped shape — runs large, size down.
Mammut Taiss Light ML Hoody Review
November 25, 2025 — Kate continues her long loyalty to Mammut midlayers with this latest addition to her collection.
Mammut Arctic IV ML Hoodie Review
October 31, 2025 — A performance sweater fleece jacket that balances warmth, fashion, and function — aesthetically stunning.
Outdoor Research Vesper Insulated Hoodie Review
October 28, 2025 — Outdoor Research’s most versatile lightweight insulation, offering multi-season warmth, stretch, and breathability.
The North Face Aconcagua 3 Hoodie Review
October 24, 2025 — A refreshing fitted departure from the boxy, cropped styles prevalent this season.
Outdoor Research Super Strand XT Hoodie Review
October 20, 2025 — Surprising warmth, layerability, and packability in a lightweight insulated jacket built for Colorado shoulder season.
Stio Slipstone Midweight Flannel Shirt Review
October 16, 2025 — It’s flannel season. A comfortable button-down that will get you through fall and shoulder season in style.
Limited Edition Black Stone YETI 14 Oz Stackable Mug Review
October 14, 2025 — Functional and beautiful — one of Kate’s favorite YETI drinkware pieces to come out in recent years.