From spring skiing to muddy mountain biking to late summer rock climbing, living in a mountain town is as close to heaven as some of us will ever get. We were lucky enough to take a road trip to Jackson Hole with some of our friends from Skullcandy this spring, and it was soon evident that we needed to step up our gear game if we were going to keep up with the local ski bums and pro athletes. We’ve picked a few essentials for all-season use. Whether you’re a Jackson or Aspen local or just trying to avoid looking like a tourist, read on for the best mountain town gear.
Fjallraven Duffel No.6 ($250)
You don’t always have to carry an over built ski or climbing pack around to look like you’re a seasoned mountain man. We found the Duffel No. 6 from Fjallraven to be the perfect low-tech solution to gear hauling. With sizes at fifty, seventy, and over one hundred liters, this duffel can handle everything from quick trips to the climbing gym to long weekends up state. Go ahead and beat on it; the G-1000 heavy duty canvas will last for thousands of miles to come.
Westcomb Crest Hoody ($190)
Ditch the GORE-TEX. It’s great for extreme cold, but when you’re trail running, alpine climbing, and backpacking all year long you need something that is lightweight and ultra breathable. Westcomb’s Crest Hoody is built with Pertex Equilibrium fabric that is perfectly balanced for high output activities. It is windproof and water resistant, and dries faster than anything else we’ve worn. The athletic cut is perfect for long runs with your adventure dog or simply dashing to the nearest Whole Foods.
Keen Marshall ($110)
Keen’s Marshall hiking shoes are rugged enough to tackle any trail, but don’t look like you just walked off the Appalachian Trail after a few months without a shower. Burly 4mm lugs on the sole grip even the slickest rock, but won’t be out of place navigating sidewalks and paved paths. A breathable mesh upper and cushioning poly-urethane midsole will quickly make this your favorite shoe for every sport.
Arc’teryx Psiphon SL Pant ($139)
Geared for serious granite, but just as at home on the post-climb bar crawl, the Psiphon SL Pant is Arc’Teryx’s answer to all mountain adventures. Proprietary Cresta fabric is a nylon-elastane blend that is extremely abrasion resisant and provides a four-way stretch. It’s finished off with a DWR coating, articulated knees, and gusseted crotch for performance both on the wall on your bike commute.
Sunski Lime Headlands ($48)
The original Sunskis were a Australian surfer classic. In 2012, two friends revived the brand as a cost effective, stylish alternative brand, and had incredible growth ever since. The Head Lands sunglasses keep up the surf-bum aesthetic, but pack in a lot of performance in a small package. Polarized optics and a laid back fit make these glasses the perfect addition for an early morning fly-fishing session or late afternoon paddle board adventure. At less than fifty dollars a pair, you can outfit all your roommates for less than the cost of those new carbon fiber cycling shoes you’ve had your eye on.
Related: What To Wear: Hiking | Pack It In: Trail Running
