In this day and age style often edges out comfort, but when you’re living the mountain life, surrounded by the elements, style and comfort must coexist. As you’re definitely entitled to make your own decisions and subsequently, pull from the closet as you please, there still may occasionally be times of self-doubt. Fear not. Whether you’re just looking to add something new to the quiver or anticipating a rope drop (orange or velvet red), there are a few items out there that will help define your mountain style.
Jacket: Orage, Chinook
Blurring the lines between streetwear and skiwear, the Orage Chinook delivers style, comfort, and performance. Its versatility reigns supreme as it transitions from variable mountain terrain to snow-covered concrete. The seams are taped, there is a powder skirt for the deep days, and the elongated backside adds a unique and one of a kind look. Aspen or Tahoe, Jackson or Stowe, and even NYC or Chicago, the Chinook is a true showstopper. It’s built to impress, shredding all day and partying all night.
Shirt: Filson, Jac-Shirt Extra Long
Life in the mountains delivers a bit of a curveball for daily attire, and it’s challenging to dress the part for the 24hr span. Sometimes a jacket is too much, and a shirt is simply not enough. Thankfully Filson’s Jac-Shirt is built to fight off any season you may encounter. Comprised of 100% virgin wool, it’s soft enough to wear with a tee shirt, rugged enough to battle the elements and cut for layering, in case Ullr comes knocking. It’s the perfect shirt to keep in your daypack, sitting shotgun in your car and always within an arm’s reach as style and comfort have synchronized in a multipurpose button down.
Pants: Aether, Sleeker
The intent is in the name, as the Aether Seeker is on the hunt to lay first tracks. The pants are as functional as they are stylish, with a fully seam taped 3-layer construction, sleek pockets in all the right places and inner thigh vents to keep you cool when you’re in full “send it” mode. Aether stems from moto protection wear, so when they built the Seeker, they created a pant that can handle anything you throw at it. And if things get a little hairier than expected, the pants have a built-in RECCO reflector to help assist in any search and rescue. The Seeker truly is a beautiful marriage of style and smarts.
Sunnies: Salt Optics, Aether Voyage
Only once in a blue moon is it okay to wear sunglasses while ripping down the mountain, but to not have them for a deckside Colorado Kool-Aid or post-ski tailgate, well, you just don’t come back from that. Salt Optics Aether Voyage is just as important around the base area as it is rallying around town, depicting the adventure of the glacier glass in a modernized, sleek design. As any eye-shade should be, the Voyage’s polarized lens will keep those baby blues protected while fighting off glare from the white fluff. And maybe not as technical, but they’ll undoubtedly provide just enough security behind the lens for an unnoticed second glance at the girl/guy across the way while simultaneously hiding your stories of the previous night.
Gloves: Flylow, John Henry
It’s hard to find anything that is the one and done—do it all, but Flylow’s John Henry embodies the tall tale of adventure with functionality and steeze. They serve as more than the single purpose of warmth. With a hand baked pig skin palm, they are ready to be put through the wringer and transcend through all the seasons. They’re perfect for a fall mountain bike ride or spring ascent, have the dexterity of a winter driving glove and provide the extra layer for the B-Double E- R, Beer Run. The John Henrys are subtly versatile and lay the hammer of style.
Pack: Ogden Made, Two Bit Klettersack
Looking for a pack with the option of urban and mountain exploration with the same two shoulder straps? The Ogden Made Two Bit Klettersack is that pack. Handcrafted in the U.S.A, in the foothills of Ogden, Utah, the Two Bit delivers a retro design ready for modern day adventures. Deriving from the German word klettern, meaning to scramble or climb, this pack adds a padded laptop sleeve, duty cordora construction, and multiple tension straps to lock down any and all of your toys. The Two Bit bag thrives on the “work hard, play harder” mentality and looks just at home in the pines as it does hanging from the bar rung.
Boots – Danner, Jag
Back from a 30-year hiatus, the Danner Jag is reintroduced with more versatility and style than the OG. It’s built on the premise of handling the slop of mud-season while harmoniously demanding street style. The 100%, yes, 100% waterproof barrier will keep your feet dry through all the elements your mountain lifestyle will throw at it. The innovative waffle outsole is adaptive to the step on a crack, fall and break your back philosophy while keeping Jerry at bay. Clean or dirty, the Jag warrants the respect of a seasoned local and the out of town philly—roll the cuff and lace ‘em up.
Socks: Darn Tough, Dashes
They might be considered the sleeper of mountain themed wardrobe, but if your sock game is not on point, it’s the couch potato life for you. Made in the U.S.A and hailing from Vermont, the Darn Tough Dashes are simply, darn tough. They’re stitched with a blend of merino wool, nylon, and lycra, backing a guaranteed fit for life. They check the box on everything you should expect from a quality sock – antimicrobial, fast action wicking, no slipping, no bunching, and no blisters. And when 99% of your body is covered to fight off the elements, this is your chance to add a little unexpected flair.
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In the end, style is a personal endeavor as unique as each mountain town. There is no right or wrong, there are simply pieces that will help you reach the top of the peak, navigate the streets and embark on an untold story. Comfort and style can coexist and the perspectives of an outdoor tailored lifestyle, are no longer be confined by mother nature. Let your mountain style propel the adventure for the weathered concrete and all things untamed.
