Perfect pieces to keep you cozy in the great outdoors
For those early morning hikes, overnight camping trips or weeklong treks, when the temperatures can dip, especially in the mountains, layering is the way to keep you snug and cozy. Here are some favorite pieces, which are all lightweight and take up next to no space in your suitcase or backpack—and also work well in the city. They are responsibly sourced, made from recycled or sustainable materials, and functionally fashionable, too!
Responsibly Sourced Down
I’ve been wearing the Outdoor Research Women’s Plaza down vest all winter, and there’s no reason to stop now. Except that I won’t need to pile all those other layers on top, so this stylish piece, with stretchy side panels and thumb loops will be on display! Lightweight, with a great fit, it also features responsibly sourced down, as do all of the Outdoor Research down jackets and gloves. Kudos! outdoorresearch.com
Traceable Down
Patagonia, a top innovator in sustainability, has hitthe mark with its Down Sweater Jacket. This 800-fill-power lightweight jacket is made with 100 percent traceable down, which means it has been sourced from geese that are independently verified to have been treated humanely. Warm and seasonless, this classic piece is also windproof, with a 100 percent recycled polyester ripstop shell. And, it’s pretty. patagonia.com
Merino Wool Base Layer
As a female Olympic freestyle ski champion in a male-dominated sport, Kari Traa, who hails from Norway, decided to create stylish pieces (like these beautiful merino base layers) that are not only colorful, soft and toasty, but feature great technical performance. And there’s more: As a member of Ethical Trading Initiative Norway (IEH), the company adheres to ethical business practices, with a focus on a transparent supply chain and sustainability. karitraa.com
Hi-Tech Cooling Base Layer
The IBKUL Top with mesh insets is not only sexy, but its patented IceFil high-tech fabric cools the body up to five degrees, repels against harmful UV rays, and features moisture-wicking and antimicrobial properties. A great layering piece for golf, tennis, hiking, biking and more. ibkul.com
Bamboo Racerback Tank
This bamboo Boody Racerback Tank is not only supersoft and stylish, it is certified by Confidence in Textiles, and conserves water in the production process, using significantly less compared to other traditional activewear materials. Hip-length, with a relaxed fit, it is also thermo-regulating, odor-resistant, sweat-wicking and breathable. Boody has also recently come out with a Racerback Sports Bra (in two styles) and Full-Length Leggings. boodywear.com
Smart & Stylish
Best Boots
The Lowa Renegade GTX MID WS Hiking Boots are my all-time favorite trekking boots, and I have gone through my share. The bold red color is what originally caught my attention, but the comfort, fit and performance is what holds it. Made in Europe with leather and Gore-Tex, these boots are sturdy, they offer great ankle support and excellent traction, and it seems like they will last forever. You will never want to take them off! lowaboots.com
Warm & Wooly
These adorable boiled wool shoes are made in Austria by Giesswein, with a natural latex bottom, vegetable dyes and whimsical hand-stitched appliques. The many styles—from slip-on clogs to booties—are soft, cozy, breathable and moisture-wicking, fun and fabulous for indoors and out. wooliscool.com
Socks For Life
Some women crack off heels, others wear through sneakers, I have a gift for making holes in my socks—which is why I was so intrigued by Darn Tough Socks. Made in Vermont by a company owned by the same family for three generations, they are not only designed for an active lifestyle, they come with an unconditional lifetime guarantee. That, and they’re so sturdy I haven’t worn through mine yet—and it’s been almost a month! darntough.com