When we’ve spent all day hammering the slopes, all we want to do is put on something comfortable and enjoy a favorite drink. These are the best items we found for being cozy and looking good.
Aether Japanese Merino Henley ($225)
If we had just one shirt to wear all winter, this would be it. Made of 80 percent Japanese merino and 20 percent nylon, it’s thick, cozy, soft, and naturally odor repellent. Fine touches like the black metal snap buttons at the neck and a slim cut mean you’ll look as good on the couch as you do getting coffee. (–Xݳ)
Mack Weldon Tech Cashmere Hat ($68)
One tester called this “the most comfortable beanie I’ve ever worn,” thanks to its blend of merino, cashmere, and nylon that’s super soft and never made our heads itch. It also keeps you warm, even when it’s wet with sweat, and naturally resists odors once it dries. The weave was tight enough to have some wind resistance but breathed during hard, long runs.
Allbirds Wool Dasher Mizzle Mid Shoes ($145)
The Mizzle Mid is like your most comfortable pair of running shoes, but warmer, more sustainable, and better looking. The knit collar keeps snow out, while the water-repellent merino-wool body keeps your feet warm and cozy. Testers found the horizontal lugs in the natural rubber outsole provided solid grip in slushy snow. Bonus: the pair is carbon neutral.
Smartwool Hudson Trail Fleece Hoody ($160)
Wear the versatile Hudson Trail on a winter hike or at your favorite lift-side bar. It’s made of a blend of 45 percent recycled wool, polyester, and nylon. We liked the loose weave, which kept us from sweating out but trapped heat nicely. (–Xݳ)
Finch Knife Co. Runtly Knife ($139)
This knife quickly became our favorite for everyday carry. The high-carbon steel (154CM) retains its edge admirably—we used it to open boxes, cut cheese, and whittle for months, and it’s still sharp. The epoxy handle and titanium clip are both tough as nails, too.
Coalatree Evolution Joggers ($89)
Each pair of these joggers is made of three cups of coffee grounds, 10 plastic bottles, and Bluesign-approved polyester. They’re also insanely comfortable and can scrunch down into a hip pocket to about the size of a Nalgene. The pockets are zippered, so your phone or wallet won’t slip out when you sit. (ݳ–Xݳ)
Evergoods Mountain 3.5L Hip Pack ($119)
This hip pack fits five 12-ounce cans of your choice, but we like it for more than its large size. Its pockets feature an array of organizational slots for sundries. Plus, smart details like padded buckles, a key keeper, and burly luggage zippers make it easy and reliable to use every day. It works just as well over your shoulder as on your hip.
Fjällräven Ovik Wool Padded Jacket ($375)
This tough, stylish jacket is made of a polyester-cotton outer that you can rewax to improve durability and water resistance (it’s also burly enough for chores like chopping wood). The insulation is a biodegradable mix of recovered wool and cornstarch fiber. Layer a Nordic sweater underneath and you’ll look sharp and feel warm. (ݳ–Xݳ)
BN3TH Full Length Classic Baselayer Bottoms ($55)
The Tencel Modal fabric on these long johns is insanely soft against skin—like wearing your most comfortable t-shirt against your legs. A patented pouch and flat seams keep sensitive bits supported and chafe-free while you’re out and about. (XXS–XXL)