I recently saw a Reddit thread that started with a deceptively simple question. On the subreddit r/bitcheswithtaste, : “Are we wearing Uggs this year? I wanted Uggs so badly in high school and never had them but after seeing them come back last year I am considering getting a pair for this fall. Are they back in style for good? Or was this just temporary?”

To understand this question—and all the weight it carries—we might need a short history lesson. In the early aughts, socialitesÌęParis Hilton and Nicole RichieÌęruled the small screenÌęon The Simple Life. The slender, flippable Motorola Razr phone reigned supreme (sorry, Nokia brick) and found its place in the back pockets of teenagers the nation over. Trucker hats, dresses over jeans, Juicy Couture tracksuits, hair scrunched with so much Aussie mousse that it continuously looked crunchy and wet: this was the aesthetic of many a millennial in their prime. I would know. I was there.

Circa 2007, Uggs were expensive and hard to get your hands on. I remember scouring the aisles of a Nordstrom Rack in the Cleveland suburb of Westlake, Ohio, until I finally foundÌęa pair of mint green, size 6 Uggs. I, too, could participate in the trend. And at a discount!

And then, like so many other artifacts of the increasingly fast-fast fashion cycles that we inhabit, Uggs were out and branded as “cheugy” by the late 2010s. The shoes remained relegated to the margins of fashion until 2023, when model in a pair of tiny white shorts that resembled men’s underwear and a pair of Ultra single-handedly reviving the aughts staple. .

But there’s another response to the Redditor’s question that flitted through my mind as I read the original post. Did Uggs really ever go away? Or were they always there, lurking unfashionably, stalwartly serving practical purposes for outdoor enthusiasts? I’d been happily packing Uggs for car camping trips for well over a decade by the time Bella Hadid performed the resurrection. And I knew from talking to other folks at șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű that they found all manner of uses for Uggs in the adventures they were having.

So, what gives? Did Uggs die? Or had they just been hiding in the woods?

The Original Departure of Uggs

To be fair, the initial rise and fall of the Ugg boot wasn’t solely driven by changing aesthetic preferences, although they played a big part. Delving into recent history suggests that concerns over the production of Uggs—along with some high-profile celebrity campaigns—brought legitimate skepticism to the animal welfare component of their production. One such highly memorable non-endorsement came from Pamela Anderson who, after wearing Uggs on the set of Baywatch and subsequently learning they were made of sheepskin, told in 2007: “I feel so guilty for that craze being started around Baywatch days—I used to wear them with my red swimsuit to keep warm—never realizing that they were SKIN! Do NOT buy UGGs!”

The animal welfare group PETA has long campaigned for that uses real hide, and they’ve taken Uggs to task over the years for their use of real sheep.

The Ugg brand states on their website that, for them, “it is essential that all animal-based materials we use are sourced from animals that have been raised humanely using sound animal husbandry.” To ensure this, they say they “use an internationally-accepted welfare standard for livestock” called the .

And, Uggs actually do come in vegan options now, which .

But What If They Never Really Went Away?

I never got rid of my Uggs despite being told by my much-hipper younger sister that they were no longer cool, because, well, I wasn’t wearing them to be cool anymore. My once-cutting-edge mint green Uggs had gone the way of the minivan: their functionality usurped their image. I didn’t don them for an early morning dog walk on a snowy day to impress my friends and neighbors with my sartorial sensibility. I wore themÌębecause they were warm, and I didn’t need to worry about socks. I could go directly from slippers to Uggs with little friction.

I asked my colleagues at șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű to share a little on their relationship with Uggs if they had one, and it seems I’m not the only person who has worn them regardless of the trend cycle.

Fellow millennial Abigail Wise, digital director of șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű, told me: “For years, my climbing partners have made fun of what we call my ‘approach Uggs.’ But even the relentless teasing couldn’t stop me from slipping on my favorite crag shoes. They’re easy to pull on between climbs, which gives my toes a break from restrictive climbing shoes, and they keep my feet warm on chilly mornings without having to bother with tying laces—or even socks.”

Mary Turner, senior brand director for șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű, has also been letting Uggs keep her feet toasty for adventure. “I live in my ankle-height Uggs all winter. No socks needed, just slide ’em on and head to yoga
 Makes life so easy!”

And, Teaghan Skulszki, social media editor and a card-carrying member of Gen Z, says that she first started wearing Uggs in elementary school.Ìę“As a little girl, I remember going to school with everyone matching their Uggs, instantly creating a connection and community. Today, that community has transitioned to my friends in the outdoor community. With all of the different styles that have come outÌęrecently, I’ve been able to accommodate my different pairs of Uggs to different versions of myself. I have my comfy slip-ons that I throw on after a long hike to relax or my thrifted knee-high leather UGG boots that have survived several Coachella festivals. Uggs are reflected in all different areas of my life and match all of my different personas and styles. They are timeless and adapt and grow as I have.”

So there you have it. We may not all be wearing platform Uggs with men’s underwear, but we’re wearing them. And we have been for some time.

Ryleigh Nucilli is a digital consultant and The Pulse columnist who started her love affair with Uggs in a steeply discounted pair of mint greens. Now, she owns some Baileys for outside and some Cozy Slippers for indoors. She’s writing this bio wearing said slippers. They are cozy.

The post An Ode to the Outdoorsy Ugg appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

We tested hundreds of products earlier this year to round up the best holiday gifts currently on the market—all explicitly curated for your outdoorsy loved ones. From travel gear to tech gifts to fitness products, from $20 to $1,600, we have something for everyone. Be sure to check out the rest of our favorite picks in our 2024 Holiday Gift Guide.

At a Glance

If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

Alpine Sea Medium Pocket Crossbody Bag

Crossbody bags are having a moment. After all, who doesn’t love functionality? They’re big enough for all your daily essentials, and they stay put when you’re walking. Nearly every fashion brand now seems to offer one, but we love Alpine Sea’s version the best because of its high-quality, 200D recycled polyester fabric and minimalist strap, which carries surprisingly well. The brand also gets bonus points because every bag is hand-sewn in Hood River, Oregon.

Flylow Wolfie Robe

Leave it to a ski apparel brand in love with aprĂ©s to design the best hot-tub-ready, post-shred robe. Most importantly, the Wolfie comes with an internal stretch pocket that’s big enough to carry a six-pack of beer (or La Croix) to ensure you can fully relax once you’re in the tub. It’s also made of an extra-thick, high-pile fleece and cut long, so the honey on your list will stay warm while trekking to and from the tub.

Vibae Roma Shoes

Sizing: 5-13 (women’s), 6-15 (men’s)

Handmade from vegetable-tanned leather in a family-run factory in Portugal, these slip-ons have a bespoke quality not only in appearance but also in feel. Wear them to the office with cuffed jeans all summer for a smart but casual look, or add a pair of socks for a more autumnal vibe. We loved the high-quality insole, which felt almost as good as a Birkenstock and kept our feet happy both while walking around the block and while standing for hours at a desk.

Patagonia Women’s Jackson Glacier Parka

Sizing: XS-XL

Mark our words: the fashion-filled streets of New York City will be people wearing this parka once winter arrives, thanks to the stylishly long cut and understated but on-trend color choices. New Yorkers—and the rest of us—will also appreciate the top-notch warmth retention, which comes courtesy of a 700-fill recycled duck-down insulation. Snow isn’t an issue for the Jackson Glacier Parka either: the jacket boasts a waterproof outer made from recycled plastic bottles.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT BY KEEN
KEEN Targhee IV ($170)

Meet the last hiking boot you’ll ever buy. ’s new and improved Targhee IV features durable, sustainable materials so you can literally go the distance—and reduce your impact on the planet at the same time. Made with glue-free, fused construction, the Targhee IV is the first KEEN shoe backed by a lifetime delamination-free guarantee. The KEEN.RUGGED outsole is twice as durable as rubber for longer-lasting, superior traction. And PFAS-Free waterproof protection keeps feet dry—KEEN removed PFAS, a.k.a. forever chemicals, from its entire supply chain in 2018 on its journey to make the . With ethically-sourced leather, 100% recycled plastic laces, and a comfortable fit, every detail has been thought through to make this the most durable Targhee yet.

Finisterre Basset Pant

Sizing: 28-39

Baggy 90s-era pants are back, and Finisterre’s version is our favorite by far. Cut from a soft organic cotton, these pants are easy to wear but also extra durable thanks to the thick material and triple-stitched seams. They’re too relaxed for the traditional workplace, but the Bassets are perfect for road trips, yard work, aprĂ©s, or working from home. We suggest the terracotta color, which hides dirt well and takes on a nice weathered patina over time.

Huckberry Weekenders Sunglasses

Huckberry launched the Weekenders for folks who are rough on their gear. The glasses have a classy Wayfarer design and polarized lenses so they look and feel like more expensive shades—but cost way less than top-tier glasses. So, if your giftee damages them, it’s not the end of the world. The Weekenders come in a host of colors and arrive packaged in a nice sleeve that doubles as a lens wipe.

Alpine Revival °ÂŽÇłŸ±đČÔ’s Granite Crew Sweater

Sizing: XS-XL (women’s)

The stylish skier in your life will live in Alpine Revival’s Granite Crew sweater this winter—from dawn patrol laps to evening aprĂ©s sessions back at the cabin. The 100-percent cashmere material is blended with lycra, making it ideal for both cozy hangouts and heavy use. Bonus: The bright colors and nostalgic vibe will make your loved one stand out in the best way at the ski lodge.

How We Tested Our 2024 Holiday Gift Guide

• Number of Testers: 6
• Number of Products Tested: 125
• Number of States Tested in: 7
• Tester Age Range: 30-75
• Highest Elevation Reached While Testing: 14,006 ft.

The best holiday gifts often fit in two main categories. The first category is: “A gift that makes my everyday routine that much better. “ The second goes something like: “This is a gift I’d never splurge on, so it’s amazing that I received it from someone else.” With those parameters in mind, we reached out far and wide to find gifts both big and small, expensive and affordable, and obvious and unexpected. A team of six testers put well over 100 products through their paces, and after weeks of testing and comparing, we came up with the final list.

For example, one of the products that made the cut under the “everyday routine” holiday gifts category was the Suunto Race S watch in our fitness category. Running tester Meg Healy loved how it was the perfect training watch that kept her motivated and updated all week long, no matter the length of her workout. Lead tester Jakob Schiller flew all over the country (Alaska, California, Seattle) with the Mystery Ranch Mission Rover 45 pack and was always impressed with how it was perfectly sized for a three-day trip, easily fit in an overhead compartment, and was comfortable to wear while schlepping through airports.

Presents that fell into the “I’d never buy this myself category” included things like Sonos Ace headphones and Howl propane campfire in the tech category. The headphones, which are as much as a car payment, seem excessive, but you understand the appeal once you hear how they truly enrich every piece of music, from John Coltrane to Taylor Swift to Cypress Hill. A $1,300 gas campfire seems absolutely ridiculous until you stand next to one on a chilly fall night and realize that this new piece of technology is actually as warm as a campfire (if not warmer) and does a great job setting the vibe after dark.

Meet Our Lead Tester

Jakob Schiller

Over the past decade as an șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű editor and then columnist, Jakob Schiller has gotten to know many UPS drivers by name thanks to the frequent stops at his house for gear drop-offs. He’s opened so many cardboard boxes he could start his own recycling facility, and his garage, as you might suspect, is a mess. But thanks to all that gear, Jakob and his family of six (plus two dogs) have been able to adventure around the world and visit many of the globe’s most beautiful spots. When he and his family are not on the road, they call Albuquerque, New Mexico home.

The post Stylish Outdoorsy People Are Tough to Shop For. This Guide Makes It Easy. appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

This story update is part of theÌęșÚÁÏłÔčÏÍűÌęClassics, a series highlighting the best writing we’ve ever published, along with author interviews and other exclusive bonus materials. Read “We Dressed a Modern Man Like an Outdoor Dude from the 1970s and Set Him Loose in the Wild,” by Eric Hansen here.

But we did anyway. For the magazine’s 30th anniversary, celebrated in 2007, șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű sent Eric Hansen on simulated time travel to 1976, the year the magazine was founded, by having him dress like a dorky outdoorsman from that era and do his wild and crazy things in the modern world of Boulder, Colorado. Hansen was the perfect choice for this embarrassing assignment. Having started as an intern in 1999, he’d proven his mettle with his inaugural feature story: poaching a first descent of Kilimanjaro on a pair of Big Feet, the short little skis you see on bunny hills. Sadly, Guinness did not recognize the achievement.

Starting in late 2006, Hansen became °żłÜłÙČőŸ±»ć±đ’s Out of Bounds columnist for more than three years, memorably writing in the gonzo adventure style of prior greats like Tim Cahill and Randy Wayne White. Among other feats, he ran a marathon above the Arctic Circle while smoking a pack a day and captained °żłÜłÙČőŸ±»ć±đ’s Partially Icelandic Quidditch World Cup Team, which ended with him getting carried off the field. He could be serious too, and in 2010 wrote “Amateurs Without Borders,” an account of delivering aid to Haiti by sailboat after that year’s catastrophic earthquake.

In time, Hansen’s humanitarian interests led to a career change: he now writes and runs PR for , the international organization founded by the late . Hansen’s former editor, Elizabeth Hightower Allen, talked to him at his home in New Mexico, where he wore business casual instead of the preferred style of That ’70s Guy: a star-spangled backpack and denim short-shorts.

OUTSIDE: So the concept was to dress you up like an outdoorsy 1970s love machine, send you out into the world, and watch people’s jaws drop, right?
HANSEN: Yes. The editors wanted to see if seventies style still had the power to frighten. And I think they looked around and were like, Do we have a goofball stuntman in the vicinity? Yes, we do. One thing I loved about this story is that there’s virtually no news value. So long as you really got into it, you couldn’t screw it up.

You had to round up some vintage gear, including a T-shirt that said: LOVE MEANS NOTHING TO A TENNIS PLAYER.

Unlike most stories I wrote, I actually did a lot of prep: going to thrift shops, calling gear companies, and rummaging through yard sales. It was a dissociative experience. On the one hand you’re like, This is so fun. On the other hand, it’s deeply humiliating. It’s one thing to paw through the racks, and another to go to a real club in Denver dressed like you just came out of the Hot Tub Time Machine.

How does one prepare to become an adult who does, well, things like this?
I was pretty adventurous, even as a teenager. Growing up in Seattle, there’s so much to do. When we were 15 years old, four buddies and I took the ferry to Vancouver Island and went sea-kayaking for six days. We had no business doing this. I can’t even believe my parents allowed it.

At șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű, a process of elimination came into play. I looked around, saw so many great literary writers, and quickly realized: I can’t write like that, so what’s left? Well, go do something the bookworms wouldn’t, and try to be a little bolder or less prepared or more naive.

Your assignments often required serious athleticism and involved similarly serious risk. In the ’70s Guy piece, you’re doing endoes in kayaks, and you complete a race on a very heavy bike. In other articles you wrote, you skied clear-cuts in southeastern Alaska’s Tongass National Forest and hitchhiked to a remote bar in Colombia. Did you ever worry about the danger?
At the time, I didn’t think there was anything weird about it. I don’t know what I was thinking. I mean, these days I wear a helmet to bike to the grocery store.

Tim Cahill pretty much invented the kind of șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű story that combines far-flung adventure with bad decision-making. What did you learn about writing from predecessors like him?
Tim gave me some great advice once. I had a column due, and I had nothing on the page. I just couldn’t get started. This happened to me every couple of years—once, I had Chris Solomon, my roommate at the time and a fellow șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű writer, literally duct-tape me to a chair.

Anyway, I was freaking out, so I drank two beers, thinking that would loosen me up to write. Instead it loosened me up to find Cahill’s phone number on the Web. I left him a message that went something like: “Tim, my name’s Eric. You probably don’t know me, but I write for șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű and I’m a huge fan. I have a story due tomorrow and I have nothing. Can you help?“

I woke up at probably 6:30 to a phone call. It was Tim, and he did help. He said to just start writing the part you like. Write that, and then write the next part you like. Sure enough, a week later I had a story.

One of my favorites is “Out of My Way, Pumpkin,” about an entirely made-up condition called Skills Deficit Syndrome (SDS) that affects mountain-town relationships. Your girlfriend dusts you at every sport and then dumps you because you can’t keep up.
Well, she dumped me because of other things too, I’m sure!

ÌęBut beneath all the high jinks, you often explored substantive issues. You worked for a week as a trekking porter in Nepal and outlined the indignities Western trekkers impose on porters. And you sailed to Haiti after the 2010 earthquake.

I certainly didn’t go into those stories with an agenda, but I always liked serious takes on comical subjects, and vice versa. One of the things șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű taught me is to meet the reader where they are, and then take them someplace new. I was very aware that it’s an absolute honor to have people read what you’re writing. And so you really are obliged to entertain while you maintain fidelity to what’s actually happening.

As for Haiti, I’d seen poverty like that before, but it blew my mind that it was so close—the fact that you could get in a little boat and sail to that place. The juxtaposition of Haiti’s deep poverty with its proximity to the U.S. really struck me. That and how disorganized the international aid apparatus was. It was like a crash course in global health. And it got me interested in it as a career.

What do you think ’70s Guy knew that 2020s Guy does not?
First, that you just have to get out there. Most of the gear in your bedroom is good enough for just about any adventure. The important thing is to find the time and go do it. Second, approach it all with love and curiosity.

The post That ’70s Guy appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

Today, I’m a 42-year-old dad with four kids. I work a 9-5 job, ski on the weekends, camp in the summer, drive a Tacoma
you get the picture. I’m essentially a cliched version of the middle-class outdoorsy American who’s floating along with the bunch.

But I promise I was much cooler when I was in my teens in the 1990s. I was a skater kid at school, a fearless ski bum on the weekends, knew about and listened to all the “best” music (hip hop, punk, techno), and thought of myself as someone who hadn’t bought in but instead was helping to drive culture forward.

Clothing was also a big part of my identity. I was the 16-year-old who wore oversized pants (I once got sent home from school l for the day because my history teacher thought my pants were too baggy). My friends and I sported outdoor brands as everyday gear (Columbia, The North Face, etc.), and we loved thrifting vintage t-shirts and shoes.

I’m telling you all this, because if you look around—at the kids in your local high school, on the streets of any big city, across social media—you’ll see that many of these trends are now back in, especially with Gen Z. Skinny jeans are dead and baggy pants are in. Throwback outdoor gear is on-trend, even for those who’ve never skied or camped a day in their life. And the shoes many people are wearing, and paying a lot for, first launched three decades ago.

Why are the 1990s, and sometimes even the 1980s, having a moment? Luckily it’s easy to find a wide variety of essays by smart style writers who’ve tried to answer that question.

My favorite theory is from Hillary Hoffower who writes for Business Insider. She that Gen Z is looking back to the 1990s—a time before the internet was so ubiquitous—because a pre-internet-obsessed world feels comforting. Gen Zers live so much of their lives online that they end up automatically feeling alienated from the real world, and fashion from the 1990s gives them something solid, not digital, to hold onto.

She also argues that a post-COVID world ripe with inflation and more expensive than ever is contributing to this alienation and making Gen Zers, along with the rest of us, feel especially afloat and vulnerable. Reviving old clothing styles creates a sense of nostalgia Hoffower argues. “The common thread in youth nostalgia is that it fosters a sense of belonging. Nostalgia helps us strengthen relationships through shared experiences,” she writes. In a world where the internet is great at making them feel alone, belonging is what they want most.

I’m barely a Millennial (more of a Xennial), much less a Gen Zer, but I can relate. I came out of graduate school in 2007, just as the Great Recession hit, and my entire career as a writer has been thanks to the internet. I’ve watched as journalism tried to evolve in ugly fits and starts alongside the digital world, and I feel like I’m very much on the rolling and crashing wave that is the digital economy. I have a family and plenty of friendships, but like the rest of you, feel a strong sense of alienation and am constantly looking for a nostalgic rail to hold onto.

So of course (as the Instagram trend goes) I’m glad to be a Xennial who is now trying to imitate the Gen Zers and bring back ‘90s gear. My pre-teen kids have already picked up on my style switch and pointed out that it’s uncharacteristic, or weird, to see me in baggier jeans—making me feel uncomfortable, for a heartbeat. But I got over it pretty quickly and focused on the fact that, weird or not, I like the feel of baggier clothing and, thanks to my new wardrobe, I get to relive happy memories of my childhood and celebrate a time when I wasn’t so digitally dependent.

Over the past couple weeks I’ve gone thrifting more times than I’ve thrifted in the past decade, coming home with slightly baggier jeans and old solid-color cotton shirts because it’s fun to find older stuff that I used to wear that’s not expensive. I’ve spent way too much time on the internet sifting through jackets that I remember wearing, or coveting, in the 90s. By no means am I dressing like a high school student, especially in the office, but at home and with friends I’m airing it out a bit, and enjoying every minute.

Find yourself missing the ‘90s? I recommend a visit to your local thrift shop and see what you can find. Spend a little time searching Instagram and I guarantee you’ll come across people wearing clothes that undoubtedly spark a little nostalgia and inspire you to revisit that era. Here are some of my favorite ‘80s and ‘90s products that are now widely available at stores, and of course, where else, but on the internet.

Classic New Balance Running Shoes

First launched in the 1980s as high-end running shoes, the now-famous gray New Balance 990s and early 2000s as they were adopted by the hip hop world, turned into street fashion, and even became standard wear for (alongside his black turtleneck). Thanks to quality manufacturing, a lot of which still happens in the United States, this line of shoes has never gone out of fashion but is once again en vogue. Walk into any mall in the United States and the shoe stores will have an entire display of classic New Balance running shoes that now come in a variety of models and colors. I’m a big fan of the gray and the blue .

Puffy Down Coats and Vests

I recently walked by The North Face store on Fifth Avenue in New York City and the top windows were lined with jackets. As I walked the streets it seemed like everyone, tourists and New Yorkers alike, were bundled in these jackets. First launched in 1992 as part of a premium expedition series designed for extreme cold weather, the Nuptse caught on pretty quickly with the street wear scene in the 2000s but is obviously seeing a strong resurgence as a fashion piece in cold places—and .

Not as popular, but equally iconic is L.L.Bean’s . Launched in ‘82 as the name suggests, this jacket is a popular seller for the company today because it’s full of nostalgia. The big baffles and button down front scream “wood cabin in Vermont” and give me the feeling that sporting this coat will automatically make my life simpler.

Down vests were popular before the 1990s, but thanks to the rise of hip hop in the middle of that decade, they became a staple fashion piece. The type of down puffy that would fit in on the streets of New York City in 1995 is still sold by The North Face and many . If you look around, you’ll see these throwback insulation pieces all over the streets of urban cities and ski towns alike.

Baggy Pants

Back in the 90s my baggy pants were from the thrift store and I made them baggier by buying pants that were WAY too big and then synching them down with a belt. I also, I’m ashamed to say, wore the absolutely too baggy JNCO jeans (and once pissed on myself because I didn’t realize part of the voluminous fabric of the jeans was in the way). Today the trend is a bit more muted, and, while the thrift store option still attracts me, makes some of the most durable and nicely tailored jeans that verge on baggy.

The post Why Outdoor Gear from the 1990s Is Coming Back into StyleÌę appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

This year I really want to soak up winter to the fullest—and not just on the slopes. I want to become an expert at aprùs-ski. What gear do I need? Is anything besides a beer necessary? —Social Anxiety

Dear Anxiety,

“Need” is a strong word in this context. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, aprùs-ski is defined as “the social activities and entertainment following a day’s skiing.” Technically, all you need to meet that definition is your friends and to have performed the act of skiing. But in my humble opinion, the very essence of aprùs is joyful exuberance, which our dictionary definition does not cover. To successfully execute an aprùs-ski session with gusto, there are three rules you should follow.

The first and most boring rule: you should be outside, which means you need to be warm. Though you can partake of aprùs indoors, a true aprùs affair takes place in the freezing temperatures of a parking lot or on the deck of a lodge—otherwise it’s just a run-of-the-mill bar night in technical garb. Let’s not forget the ski part of the term, which means that you’ll be standing around in a high-alpine environment, subject to harsh winter conditions. You’ll need clothing that’s somewhat waterproof and warm (down is best for cold and dry environments like the Colorado Front Range, whereas synthetic insulation is best for wetter climes like the Pacific Northwest). If you have access to a hot tub, forget clothing altogether.

Now, how you decide to stay warm comes down to personal preference, which leads to our next rule: you need to be stylish. I don’t mean high-fashion stylish; I mean you need a “look.” The appropriate aprùs apparel can be a $300 white fluffy turtleneck with the words SNOW BUNNY on it, or a raggy old Hawaiian shirt found at the bottom of a dollar bin worn over a puffy. It can be homemade jorts over long johns or Gucci fur-lined jeans. Technically, you can persist with what you had on while skiing, but a sweat-soaked black Smartwool base layer doesn’t scream “I’m a good time!” You—and everyone else— will have more fun if you lean in to the festivities.

What does say “Let’s party!” is having a beverage in your hand. And to be very clear: it does not need to be an alcoholic beverage. Crack an ice-cold can of LaCroix or pop open a bottle of Martinelli’s. Hell, you can pull out a and spark a riveting conversation about gut health. Regardless, holding a beverage is the essence of aprùs, and it’s rule number three. It automatically sets the tone that you’re here to be social and to relax. I won’t judge you if you have a few parking-lot beers—just don’t be that person who forgets about the effects of altitude and takes a casual Sunday afternoon to a level it probably shouldn’t go.

In short, you don’t need much when it comes to aprùs. But the more you commit to joyful celebration of an adrenaline-filled day sliding around on snow, the more you’ll hit upon the true meaning of the wonderful winter pastime. And who knows? You might be just as proficient at aprùs as you are on your skis.

Send your questions to deargear@outsideinc.com.

The post What Do You Really Need for a Proper AprĂšs-Ski Session? appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

I’m sure I’ve made dozens of New Year’s resolutions in my life. I just can’t remember most of them because they didn’t stick. But one did, and it changed my life.

Six years ago, I swore off all drinks in single-use plastic bottles and my lips have not touched one since. It wasn’t even that hard. I just committed to having my reusable bottle with me at all times or going thirsty until I found a drinking fountain or a joint that would serve me a glass of water. I have yet to perish from dehydration.

Before I knew it, my water bottle became a thing I never leave home without, just like my wallet, sunglasses, phone, and keys. (Pro tip: I also keep one filled in my car’s cup holder, so if I do forget my bottle, I have a backup.)

The following year, I added single-use coffee cups. That meant no Starbucks for me unless I had my refillable mug. (I use the same insulated bottle for both coffee and water, so I’m still only carrying one vessel.)

Great, you’re probably thinking, but how did it change your life?

This small habit blossomed into a greater awareness in my day-to-day life. I began to notice—and refuse—all of the single-use items that we only use for a few minutes and then toss, Ìęlike cutlery, bags, napkins, and packets of condiments. I stopped buying paper towels and plastic wrap. That led me to opt for package-free fruits and veggies, and to buy other grocery items in glass rather than plastic, so that I could reuse the jars. I started phasing out plastic containers all over my house–the shampoo bottles, the laundry soap, the dish soap, the milk jugs. Which led me to making my own non-toxic cleaning spray.

There’s more, too, like growing my own food, reducing food waste and composting, shopping second hand, and making presents rather than buying them. My journey is ongoing. None of this happened overnight, but slowly over time, as my eyes began to open about all the convenience items I’ve relied on that are junking up our planet. When we buy things like Ziploc bags and polyester t-shirts, we’re encouraging manufacturers to make more of them, which requires oil companies to keep drilling for those damn fossil fuels. It feels good to opt out of that cycle.

If you can’t tell already, I’m fired up about this lifestyle, andÌęwhen I find a solution, like soap nuts to replace laundry pods, I can’t wait to tell my family and friends, as if I’ve just discovered a new planet or found a cure for the sniffles.

“If you’re interested in helping curb global warming, that means becoming ,” says Washington Post Climate Advice columnist Michael J. Coren. (Sign up for his excellent newsletter .) “We can all take these individual actions, but the true impact we have is driven by the fact that we have the most profound influence on people around us. We act as billboards for taking climate action. The point is to move the transition that needs to happen from the abstract to the personal. And the best way to do that is to show people in your own life.”

What Coren describes has happened to me. My mom and son now always have their water bottles. My husband brings his own bags to the store. My brother is re-evaluating packaging at the restaurant and market he owns and operates. My sister-in-law started composting. My friend signed up for a milk delivery service with refillable glass bottles.

My plea to everyone: start with one small, simple, attainable thing. Hold yourself to it. Talk about it! And watch it spark beautiful actions and awareness all around you. I’ve compiled a list of easy eco-friendly New Year’s resolutions you can commit to come January 1st.

Bite-Size Eco-Friendly New Year’s Resolutions

• Switch to dairy-free milk. Cows are really bad for the environment because they burp copious amounts of methane when digesting grass and require a lot of land. Soy and oat are often considered the most environmentally friendly. Almond and rice both require lots of water, and coconut, which is often grown as a monocrop in tropical areas, can harm soil and biodiversity. Plus, it often needs to be shipped long distances. But any of these choices are better than cow’s milk. Try one in your coffee, smoothie, or cereal. In some cases, though, like in potato leek soup or bolognese sauce, it’s tough to find a satisfying replacement for dairy, so just try to use it sparingly.
• Swear off shopping bags, once and for all. If you slip up, suck it up and load groceries directly from the cart into your car.
• Pick one day a week to break bad habits. You don’t need to stop driving altogether or go all in on veganism. But you could make just Mondays meatless orÌęcar-free without cramping your style too much.
• Clean out your fridge once a weekÌęand you can drastically reduce your food waste. Before you head to the grocery store, use up what you’ve already paid for. My favorite, infinitely adaptable go-to clean-out dishes are frittatas, fried rice, and .
• Phase out one wasteful household item. Ziploc bags are a great place to start. Use up what you have, wash and re-use them till they’re gone, and then invest in reusable alternatives (like glass jars or silicone bags). You could kick the paper towel habit and start using rags. Or do away with plastic wrap and opt for or .
• Say no to clothes you don’t need, especially “fast fashion” which is cheap, trendy clothing. It’s on the environment. You don’t have to go cold turkey if you’re not ready. Pick just one category and commit to not buying any more unless they’re second hand.Ìę(T-shirts, jeans, or sweaters are all a good place to start.)
• Make 2024 the year of thoughtful, homemade gifting. For birthdays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Christmas, and Hanukkah, plan ahead and try one of these ideas.
• Cancel unwanted catalogs. They sure do pile up. The U.S. Postal Service says junk mail accounts for 62 percent of our snail mail. I recently signed up for , a nonprofitÌę that’s been successfully reducing unwanted mailings since 1971. It cost me $4 and claims to reduce promotional offers by 80 percent by scrubbing your name from direct marketing lists.Ìę I’ll delve into how it worked and how to do a purgeÌęof your mailbox in a future column. But for now, pick the 10 biggest intruders in your home (I love you, L.L.Bean, but please stop). Call the number on the back of the catalog and ask to be removed.

Doing right by the planet can make you happier, healthier, and—yes—wealthier. °żłÜłÙČőŸ±»ć±đ’s head of sustainability, Kristin Hostetter, explores small lifestyle tweaks that can make a big impact. Write to her at climateneutral-ish@outsideinc.com.

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Strafe Highlands Shirt Jacket ($319)

Though this shirt jacket is technically a mid-layer for the slopes, it’s stylish enough that you could wear it directly from the mountain to a nice restaurant afterward. Its combination of classy cut, Primaloft insulation, and soft fabrics make it super comfortable and one of the most versatile layers we tested.

Read the Full Review.

Cotopaxi Fuego Down Overalls ($285)

We loved these down overalls for almost every apres-ski scenario, and the skier or snowboarder in your life will love them, too. Thanks to the 800-fill down and a water-resistant DWR-finished shell, these bibs kept us toasty even when the apres session lasted late into the night. Plus, the fun colors are a joy to pick out of the crowd.

Read the Full Review.

Topo Designs Fleece Cap ($39)

Public service announcement: Fleece-brimmed hats are back. This Topo Designs cap is as cozy as they come, with a wrap-around ear flap and buttery-soft polyester. Your friend or family member who’s willing to take fashion risks won’t take it off.

Read the Full Review.

Crap Eyewear The Heavy Tropix Sunglasses ($89 for Non-polarized and $109 for Polarized)

Whoever you gift the Heavy Tropix shades this holiday season will be the coolest-looking person on the mountain ( our friends would literally steal these off our heads when we tested them last season). Plus, with C-39 plastic lenses, they’re less likely to shatter than glass, so they won’t have to worry about inevitably dropping these in the resort parking lot.

Read the Full Review.

Outerknown Blanket Shirt ($168)

There’s no reason the woman in your life can’t look good and feel good this season. She’ll love to get stuff done in the Outerknown Blanket shirt because it’s both super flattering and it’s durable enough for outdoor chores, like chopping wood.

Read the Full Review.

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Asheville, North Carolina, is surrounded by Pisgah National Forest and the Black Mountain Range—ripe terrain for adventure. These five locals provide the lowdown on one of the region’s most vibrant cultural and outdoor-recreation hubs.

Katie Button

Chef and TV host

Asheville punches well above its weight when it comes to the culinary scene; the city of just 94,000 boasts multiple James Beard nominees at the helms of various kitchens. Button is one of those standouts, captaining the tapas-heavy Curate and La Bodega, a Spanish-inspired market and bakery.

The four-time James Beard nominee, cookbook author, and TV show host (check out on the Magnolia Network) learned to cook as a child and did stints in restaurants in coastal Spain, Los Angeles, and New York before settling down in Asheville in 2011. “People have to make their own way here and create something for themselves,” she says.

To experience the local culinary scene, Button recommends starting with coffee and a vanilla glazed donut from , then making your way to the North Asheville farmers’ market (Saturdays only), where bread bakers, veggie growers, artists, and musicians gather on the town’s University of North Carolina campus. Take a field trip to , a farm that produces proteins for the best restaurants in town. You can shop the farm store for your own ingredients, take a tour, and even sign up for a butcher class.

For lunch stop at , which serves Latin American–inspired dishes in Asheville’s vibrant South Slope district, then grab a happy-hour negroni and a table on the sidewalk at , a casual Italian restaurant with a great bar. Save room for dinner at , where you should order the rossejat, a noodle-based take on paella with squid and shellfish stock that Button describes as “the essence of the ocean.” Cap off the night with a show at , a nearby outdoor venue that books an eclectic array of national acts, from Modest Mouse to Shakey Graves.

Erin McGrady

Trail runner and founder of Authentic Asheville

When McGrady moved to Asheville from Maryland in 2016, the people she met made it easy to call the town home. “It’s a place where you can find and create community,” McGrady says. “And being able to take that community outdoors is even better.”

McGrady is cofounder of , a blog that shares stories about the outdoors and the LGBTQ+ community and seeks to better represent the diversity that already exists outside. She also founded a running club to encourage non-white and queer individuals and their allies to explore Asheville’s trails and build relationships. “Running is a vehicle for change,” she says. “It can bridge the gap and unify people across different demographics.”

McGrady loves running on the 30-mile , which traverses 6,214-foot Black Balsam, an hour south of downtown off the Blue Ridge Parkway, but she’s quick to point out that you don’t have to leave the city to find a great run. Richmond Hill, a park on a bluff above the French Broad River, has several miles of singletrack, and the ever expanding French Broad River Greenway has a three-mile loop connecting parks, breweries, and restaurants. “You can run so many different kinds of surfaces and never leave town,” she says.

On Erin (left): Trailsmith overalls by REI Co-op (); Well Worn Short Sleeve shirt by Roark (); Everyday beanie by Patagonia ().

On Erin (right): Distance Short Sleeve shirt (), Carbonite 4-inch shorts (), and Catamount 2 sneakers () by Brooks; Trail Running hat by Merrell (); Adv Skin 5 W Set hydration vest by Salomon (). On Caroline: Sprint Free Short Sleeve shirt () and Moment 5-inch shorts () by Brooks.

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Pete Kennedy

Mapmaker

Pisgah National Forest envelops Asheville, offering quick escapes and epic backcountry destinations alike. Kennedy knows every inch of it. Hyperbole? Not really. As a mapmaker and owner of the , which produces recreational maps of the forests surrounding the city, it’s Kennedy’s job to transcribe the landscape he loves onto paper. A South Carolina native, Kennedy went to high school in Asheville, fell in love with the area on a backpacking trip through nearby Linville Gorge, and never looked back.

“There’s something comforting about these lush mountains,” he says. “I always wanted to make a better map of the forest using local knowledge.” Today bikers, hikers, and paddlers alike rely on Kennedy’s maps as they spend time roaming amid its nooks and crannies. “Just looking at a map gets me excited about exploring an area,” Kennedy says.

He recommends that you start your explorations by acquiring gear and beta at , a long-standing pillar of the local outdoor community. From there head to Bent Creek Experimental Forest to mountain-bike , a 1.2-mile cross-country trail with a mix of flow and old-school Pisgah rock gardens. For a killer view, hike Bearwallow Mountain, on the edge of Hickory Nut Gorge, east of town. Regardless of your adventure, Kennedy suggests ending the day sipping an Iron Rail IPA at the Wedge, one of many great craft breweries in town, before perusing the nearby graffiti murals in the River Arts District.

On Pete: Dirt Shirt by Topo Designs (); Well Worn Midweight Organic T-shirt by Roark (); Performance Denim pants by Duer (); TR1 Mesh shoes by Astral (). On Katie: Milani Henley by Prana (); Layover pants by Roark (); Webber W’s sandals by Astral ().

Katie Cahn

Jewelry maker and fishing guide

The sheer volume of rivers surrounding Asheville is staggering, as are the healthy populations of stocked and native trout that live in them. That’s a tantalizing prospect for Cahn, a former raft guide turned avid angler who loves to fish for elusive wild brook trout.

“When I’m on the river, I’m surrounded by everything that feeds my soul,” Cahn says, adding that you don’t need to trek for miles to find what you’re looking for in the southern Appalachians. “The streams are so accessible. You can pull off on the side of the road and fish.” When she’s not guiding, Cahn spends her days making jewelry inspired by the mountain trout she seeks, using recycled and reclaimed metals. She sells her pieces online under the name .

If you’d like to ply the local waters yourself, Cahn recommends gearing up at , a fly shop on the northern edge of downtown, before heading 25 minutes south to the North Mills River Recreation Area, which is both accessible and pristine, holding plenty of rainbow and brown trout. Back in town, spend the night at , where the A-frames overlook a mellow, flat stretch of the French Broad River, perfect for a sunset kayak or paddleboard excursion.

On Katie (left): Ahnya Full-Zip Fleece hoodie by Patagonia (); Holler Sunfish hat by Crooked Creek (); Delaware pack by Deli Fresh Design ().

On Katie (right): Dirt coveralls by Topo Designs (). All jewelry by Katie Cahn for .

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Meherwan Irani

Chef

Irani came to Asheville, like many others, in search of a quieter life. The Indian-born chef had been living in San Francisco with his wife and young daughter but moved to the southern town in 2005 for a change of pace. “This is where people come to figure out their lives,” he says. Irani, who never had any formal training as a chef, opened in 2009 to introduce Asheville to the Indian street food of his childhood.

More than a decade later, he’s a James Beard Award winner, and Chai Pani regularly has a line out the door. The small space is vibrant, with colorful portraits of people from Ahmednagar, Irani’s hometown, hanging on the walls. The menu blends southern ingredients such as okra with the dishes that Irani grew up loving, like puri, a stuffed flour crisp. The restaurant has helped define Asheville’s eclectic food scene.

“The quality of restaurants in Asheville is mind-boggling,” Irani says. “It’s easy to get excited about eating here.” At Chai Pani, Irani recommends ordering the Sloppy Jai, his take on the classic sloppy joe, with lamb hash simmered with tomatoes and ginger. His other favorite casual bites in town are the wood-fired pies at and the burgers at , which Irani describes as an “English gastropub with a southern accent.”

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Photographs by Cliford Mervil; photo assistance by Joe Shively; styling by Tyler Minor.

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Cheap Means Expendable, Which Also Means Less Stress

By Ariella Gintzler

I was five miles into an eight-mile run, cruising along a sandy, winding trail down a ridge high above Santa Fe, when I yard-saled. I don’t remember what I tripped over. But I do remember landing belly down in the dirt, with my hat and sunglasses ten feet away in opposite directions. I was fine; my sunglasses, however, were toast. Thankfully, they’d only cost me $25.

I have expensive taste when it comes to gear: My choice sports bra is over $70. My preferred winter puffy is $300. My favorite running shoes are nearly $200. But sunglasses are an exception. This has to do with the fact that I am both a klutz and can be a tad absentminded when enjoying my surroundings outdoors. Proper care and cleaning only get me so far, because inevitably I drop my sunglasses. Or I stuff them, caseless, into my pocket. I fall and launch them into the dirt. I forget they’re perched above my hat brim and then send them flying when I remove my cap. In an effort to be mindful, I carefully set them to the side during a trail break, only to sit on them or thwack them with the butt of my backpack while digging for trail mix.

Sure, when it comes to specialty eyewear for specific sports (like goggles for skiing or an endurance shield for road biking), I still rock the pricey stuff. But for everyday use on runs, hikes, and travel days, I’m perfectly happy with the cheap stuff. Actually, I’m happier, because I can enjoy myself without constantly worrying about ruining the most delicate and accident-prone part of my kit. Does a $25 pair of shades provide the sharp optics of a $100 or $150 pair? No. But I’m more than willing to make that sacrifice for some peace of mind.

Expensive Sunnies Offer Exceptional Protection, Optics, and Style

By Will Taylor

As a surfer, cyclist, river rafter, trail runner, and all-around gear tester, I’ve tried just about every variety of sunglasses out there, at the full run of price points. And while I’ve lost some to the bottom of the Pacific, broken others in bike wrecks, and scratched still others beyond any serviceable utility, I remain in favor of spending the money on shades. With apologies to ZZ Top, life’s too short for cheap sunglasses. Quality eyewear is essential outdoor equipment, protecting one of the most important parts of your body, and it makes life under the sun more enjoyable.

UV-blocking and shatter-resistance ratings are usually impressive with higher-end offerings, so you’re treating your eyes better. And because superior hardware is used on expensive models, they last longer than the convenience-store options. And I don’t baby them: I tend to use a single pair for everything I do outside, nor am I concerned about wiping them down with a T-shirt or dropping them in the dirt or the drink. I also admit that I’m vain; I like good-looking shades, and when you spend more, a bump in steez is generally part of the deal. But what you’re really after is excellent optics. Gazing across the ocean or a whitewater rapid through an outstanding pair of polarized specs is alone worth the investment. What’s that old saying? Oh yeah: you get what you pay for. That’s certainly true of eyewear.

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FjÀllrÀven Expedition Pack Down Anorak ($350)

A slightly relaxed fit and large kangaroo pocket give this ­vintage-inspired anorak some serious Scandinavian style. And the 700-fill down insulation and high neck will keep you warm in Swedish-level cold.

Toast Cashmere Scarf ($270)

Toast makes everything to withstand both the elements and the whims of fashion. This scarf is no exception: created from 50 percent cashmere, 50 percent sheep’s wool, it provides plenty of real estate to keep the luxury seeker on your list cozy this winter.

Tecovas The Doc Boots ($295)

You don’t need to attend a rodeo to wear western boots. These have double-stitched leather and were constructed with a process that involves over 200 steps. The flexible upper means they’re exceptionally comfortable and so durable you’ll want to put them in your will.

Hestra Nordic Mittens ($60)

Fewer than 100 people in the world are certified master glove cutters—a 400-year-old title earned after years of mentorship—and two of them work at Hestra. These Nordic mittens fit like they were custom-made for your hands. Plus, the soft, blended outer and wool liner are warm enough for 20-degree walks about town.

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Citizen Promaster Dive ($356.25)

Aquatic adventurers, this is your next watch. The Citizen Promaster Dive is the perfect device for expeditions on land or at sea. With a color scheme and shape to resemble the majestic features of an orca whale, you can dive up to 200 meters in impeccable style. The watch is powered by any light with Eco-Drive technology, and never needs a battery.

Sitka Ambary LS Shirt ($89)

The Ambary LS sports a classic look that will age well. That’s good news, since it’s made from hemp, recycled polyester, and elastane with four times the tensile strength of cotton. The material becomes more relaxed over time, so it will remain in rotation for decades.

Block Shop Textiles Parasol Robe ($155)

The fabric of this unisex, organic-cotton full-length robe is made by master printers in Jaipur, India. The fifth-generation ­artisans use hand-chiseled blocks to create unique designs, delivering an aesthetic that only care, earthy azo pigments, and a little elbow grease can produce.

DUER Performance Denim Tailored Jumpsuit ($159)

This Denim Jumpsuit from Vancouver, Canada based Duer is a true utility player. It’s built from cotton, polyester, and lycra, which means it moves like athleisure while delivering refined aesthetics that are respectable in the office and for drinks after. Testers found it just as comfortable during an eight mile day of touristing as it was for sitting at a desk for nine hours.

Sweaty Betty Mission Waterproof Parka ($258)

Sure, this insulated puffy’s oversized profile looks like something you’d see on a New York City fashion blog. But don’t let that fool you. The recycled polyester shell fabric boasts three-layer waterproof-breathable construction and sealed seams, so you’ll stay dry in snowstorms and in busy, slushy intersections.

Patagonia Down Sweater ($279)

The Down Sweater has been a staple in outdoorspeoples’ closets for decades, for good reason. Its handsome symmetrical baffles and light insulative layer make it a perfect standalone jacket on mild shoulder season nights but can also be layered with a shell to rip pow on a ten-degree ski day.

Astrid Wild Wool Fleece Jacket ($199)

The recycled Italian wool mix makes this fleece wear more like a sweater than a jacket—which means it can dress up for date night. The Astrid Wild Wool Fleece Jacket is light enough for a respectable adventure, while the oversized collar and soft touch are all about comfort.

Bombas Slipper ($45)

If a slipper and a sock had a lovechild, it would be these ridiculously comfortable footwear pieces from Bombas. A super supple interior brushed liner delivers all of the comforts of your most beloved sock, while the bottom is texturized with grippy silicone so you won’t find yourself sliding around your hardwood floors to get your morning coffee.

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