Featured image: Courtesy of Boulder Denim
Ladies, summer is the season to flaunt what you got–both on the trails and around town. And if you’re as practical a shopper as I am, you like your outerwear and accessories to function in a multitude of scenarios. So, I rounded up this summer’s best products to take you from your favorite high alpine walk in the woods to your go-to brunch spot–sans outfit change.
Women’s High-Rise Skinny Fit, Boulder Denim 2.0 – $110
If you rock a solid set of skier thighs, jeans can often be your biggest enemy. Boulder Denim is answering the call with its brand-new Boulder 2.0 women’s high-rise skinny fit. Made with 360-degree diagonal stretch, reinforced stitching and a no-gap waistband, these pants can handle the highest demands on your mountain adventures while maintaining all-day comfort. Deep pockets–plus a hidden zipper trap pocket large enough to fit an iPhone–means you’ll never worry about losing your valuables, whether you’re bouldering or at the bar. The Boulder 2.0 is stain- and water-resistant and sustainably made. Added bonus: these run big so boost your ego and order these bad boys down one size.
Beyond the Wall Free Motion Bra, The North Face – $75
Designed with female climbers in mind, The North Face’s Beyond the Wall Free Motion Bra gives your girls the support they need and your upper body unrestricted range of motion. Designed using FlashDry technology, this bra removes moisture from the skin quickly–enabling you to stay drier, more comfortable and outside longer doing what you love. The medium neck keeps your chest protected from the elements and the backless design makes this ultra-functional bra ultra-fashionable, too.
Short Sleeve Merino Tech Tee, Voormi – $70
Seize every summer day in the women’s short sleeve Merino Tech Tee from Colorado-based apparel company Voormi. Made right here in the U.S. of A. using only Rocky Mountain High Country merino wool, this lightweight basic tee is everything but basic. Using Dual Surface Precision Blended Wool technology, this summer staple is both durable and breathable, provides natural UV protection and keeps you moisture- and stink-free thanks to the anti-microbial fibers woven into the wool. No matter the weather this summer, you can bet the Voormi short sleeve Merino Tech Tee has you covered.
Kaya Knit Dress Jules, Dakine – €45
Slip into something more comfortable–and stylish–this summer with the Kaya Knit Dress Jules from Dakine. Made of 95 percent rayon and 5 percent spandex, this jersey dress is soft to the touch yet ultra-durable, super stretchy and the queen of moisture-wicking. So the next time you’re hitting the trails, hopping on your bike or just running around town on a hot day, leave your pants at home and sport the Kaya Knit Dress Jules.
Performance Joggers, Vuori – $84
Sometimes all a girl needs is a pair of pants comfier than a California King bed. Well ladies, I’m here to tell you Vuori did it with the Women’s Performance Joggers. Buyers be warned: once you step into these plush-as-a-down-pillow pants you’re never going to take them off. From bed to the coffee shop to the trail, these 89 percent polyester, 11 percent spandex joggers boast moisture-wicking technology to keep you dryer longer doing whatever it is you feel like doing in these versatile leg blankets.
Retro Hoodie, Orage – $70
If you’ve ever ventured into the mountains, you know the weather can shift at the drop of a hat and evenings are guaranteed to cool off quick. Having an extra layer on-hand ensures you can enjoy the outdoors long after the sun sets and the Retro Hoodie from Orage is your secret weapon against a summertime chill. Made from French Terry fabric, this hoodie is unbelievably soft and will keep your core nice ‘n toasty. The Retro Hoodie comes in two color combos: black with green drawstrings or grey with red drawstrings.
Le Sock Run Light Micro, Le Bent – AUD $30
Having the right kind of sock is just as important as having the right kind of shoe for your activity and the brand I can always count on for quality socks is Le Bent. The Le Sock Run Light Micro, pictured above, is the epitome of comfort, quality and durability. Le Bent’s signature blend of bamboo rayon, merino wool and nylon keeps your feet feeling dry and fresh while Le Bent’s Definitive Fit System provides a precise fit with targeted light cushioning on the forefoot and heel for shock absorption. Give your feet what they deserve, go blister- and stink-free with the Le Sock Run Light Micro.
Alpine Pro Women, Dynafit – €165
Never lose your footing in the Dynafit Alpine Pro Women shoes. These light-as-a-feather trail runners will keep you moving through high-alpine terrain and grooving into town post-run. New, diagonally-placed rubber reinforcement across the heel provides a precise hold; an alpine rolling midsole increases running dynamics; and a Vibram Megagrip sole gives you the best grip on any terrain, wet or dry. But with multiple eye-catching color options, these sneaks are more than just ultra-functional. Whether you’re running around town or running straight up a mountain, the Alpine Pro Women from Dynafit will give you the function, comfort and style you demand out of your running shoes.
Women’s Patch, Forsake – $150
Start your next high-alpine excursion on the right foot with the Women’s Patch from Forsake. A beautiful hybrid between a boot and a shoe, the Patch is equipped with full-grain leather sealed with HydroGuard for incredible waterproofing and breathability while the Peak-to-Pavement outsole make this sneakerboot just as appropriate for the streets as it is for the summit. The Patch comes in four different color-ways and every pair comes with an extra set of nylon laces. So go ahead, walk hard.
Vívoactive 3, Garmin – $270
The Garmin Vívoactive 3 is my go-to smart watch; it never leaves my wrist. Preloaded with over 15 sports apps, including swimming, biking, yoga and skiing (obviously), you can track your favorite acitivities precisely with built-in GPS, monitoring things like steps taken, floors climbed and calories burned. This waterproof smartwatch can also monitor and estimate your oxygen intake thanks to wrist-based heart rate technology and track your heart rate variability–aka stress levels–to help you identify inconsistencies. The best thing about this watch is that it’s what you make of it. You can create your own workouts and download them to your Vívoactive 3 as well as customize your watch face, widgets and apps that make it completely your watch.
Trucker Cap, Buff – $28
Throw your face some shade (the good kind) with a Trucker Cap from Buff’s collection. Perfect for summer days, the Trucker Cap is lined with a low-profile, moisture-wicking sweatband to keep you dry and cool while the visor has a dark underbill to prevent water glare. A wide variety of nature-inspired designs means there’s a cap for every woman.
Portola sunglasses, Sunski – $68
The Portola shades from Sunski are made for the every day Wander Woman. Polarized, polycarbonate lenses provide ultimate protection and durability for our mountain-crushing mavens. Multiple frame and lens colors make them stylish enough for the fashionistas and the recycled plastic frames will have our environmentally-conscious friends feeling good about this purchase. Backed by a lifetime warranty, never worry about breaking or losing these specs on your next adventure.
Glow On Hair Ties, Lululemon – $14
I don’t know about you, but I absolutely cannot do any sort of physical activity without tying my hair back, whether that be a pony tail, braids or a messy bun. And having thick, wavy hair, I know that not all hair ties are created equal. Luckily, the Glow On Hair Ties from Lululemon work as well as they look. The elastic band is adorned with reflective material as well as a Lululemon charm and come in 12 different color combinations, making these ties equally as fashionable on your wrist as in your hair.
Nordic Headband, Skida – $18
Coming in hot from Burlington, VT, Skida offers locally-produced products with a multitude of designs sure to catch every eye. The Nordic Headband is one of Skida’s most versatile pieces, ready to rock in any season. The wide-band design can be worn scrunched, folded or flat to keep stray hairs and sweat off your face and out of your eyes so you can focus on the task in front of you. Whether you’re finding your zen on the mat or hiking through Rocky Mountain National Park, the Nordic Headband will stay right where you need it to be.
Mineral SPF 50 Sport Sunscreen Stick, Bare Republic – $10
Mineral SPF 50 Sport Sunscreen Stick from Bare Republic should be part of everyone’s daily routine–no matter your skin tone. Small enough to fit in your pocket, this little stick is chemical-free, ocean- and reef-friendly yet tough enough for all-day, high-elevation sun exposure. Packed with zinc oxide and a natural vanilla coconut scent, this easy-to-apply ‘screen absorbs quickly, doesn’t leave a greasy residue and is gentle on even the most sensitive skin. Headed to the beach? The mountains? Happy hour? Throw the Mineral SPF 50 Sport Sunscreen Stick from Bare Republic in your bag to avoid any embarrassing burn lines.
