Favourite Kit: Christine Outram

Christine Outram

VP, director of product and platform, Deutsch LA

North Face 40L backpack

I’m a fan of big cities. I’m into the architecture, the collision of cultures, the food, and the energy. But sometimes you need a break. For me that means going on 10+ mile hikes into the wilderness with my husband and our dog, Yogi. For two or three days we carry our entire lives on our backs. It’s a lesson in frugality, stamina and what’s important in life.

Copenhagen Wheel

While I was at MIT I led the team that created this electric bike wheel. Our goal was to get more people on bikes by creating a solution that could plug-and-play into any existing bike frame. When you ride, the electric motor gives you a push and it’s like you’re having your best cycling day ever! It was named one of TIME magazine’s top inventions in 2014 and is now on sale at Superpedestrian.com.

Prada shoes, size 38.5

These shoes were a gift from my husband. He knows I’m an oxymoron – I love high heels as much as I love hiking boots!

Yoga mat

This Yoga mat was part of a gift bag

I received when I went to see the Dalai Lama. I love it because it is so small and great for travelling. It’s also phthalate-, BPA-, and PVC-free so it’s better for you than the mass-produced mats that you usually see.

Sydney Opera House Lego set

This was a pretty perfect gift from my aunt-in-law – if that’s even a phrase! Not only is it a reminder of my Australian heritage (and my first career as an architect), the opera house is also the place where I got married.

Business Model Generation book

Anyone who has ever dreamed of starting a business should read this book. I bought it in an airport six years ago and it’s been a constant companion ever since. One of its best features is how it breaks down the building blocks of starting a business. It’s also a great resource for different business models and explaining what has made various companies successful over the years.

Headspace app

The Headspace app has been great for turning an interest in meditation into a practice. I now meditate for 20 minutes every morning and have been working on bringing the awareness I’m cultivating ‘on-the-mat’ into my life throughout the day. It has definitely helped me to be more clear in my intentions and reduced my tendency to have an over-active mind.

Yogi, 7-year-old Doxie-Pin

I never knew how special it was to own a dog until we rescued Yogi. At first he was so scared and would shake all over, but gradually he came out of his shell. Now, every day when I come home from work he is there, dancing in a circle and wagging his tail. It’s wonderful to bring such joy to an animal’s life and to get so much unconditional love in return.