Featured Image: Courtesy of Aspen Snowmass
At FREESKIER, we love gear. That’s no surprise. But that love doesn’t stop when the sun comes out and the snow melts away. We’re constantly on the lookout for the best products to help you get after it in the summer, and to kick things off this year, we thought we’d round up the most versatile head-to-toe kit around. Here you’ll find our Editor’s selections from the brands we fully back.
That means quality gear at a fair price. Whether you’re looking for new shoes for a high-alpine trek, the best lightweight running vest, or just a great pair of socks, you’ll find it below. Biking, hiking, fishing, you name it, something on this list is guaranteed to make your day. Let’s be honest, we’re all just trying to stay busy until we’re back on skis, but we might as well have fun while we wait! May this gear roundup kickstart your 2025 summer adventures in full force.
Vest
Rossignol Trail Running 10L
Trail running vests are a great option for those looking to embark on a day mission without the weight. If you want to carry the essentials plus a few extra items, The Trail Running 10L Vest from Rossi is a great option. Included are two water flasks in the front storage pockets, plus space for a larger H20 bladder, hydration tubes (fancy straws for on the go), dial-fit systems located on the side and additional hip storage. While we wouldn’t recommend this as a substitute for a traditional backpack, the Trail Running 10L Vest is ideal for hiking or biking strike missions.
Pack
Deuter Speed Lite Pro 25L
The Deuter Speed Lite Pro 25L Hydro backpack is our go-to this summer. With 25 liters of space plus the included H20 bladder, it’s the perfect size for long day trips of all kinds. There are a ton of other features that make this pack so great, like the back and shoulder cushion, Air Space mesh for ventilation, hiking pole and ice axe attachment tethers and climbing helmet hood, but our favorite thing about this pack has to be Deuter’s Lifetime Warranty Promise. They’ll repair any Deuter pack for free, regardless of its generation or cause of damage.
Jacket
Mountain Hardwear Dry Times
Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean the weather can’t swing for the worse in the mountains. The Dry Times jacket from Mountain Hardwear ensures that you’re not caught off guard. There are four key indicators of a great summer jacket: waterproof, breathable, lightweight and packable. Unsurprisingly, the MHW Dry Times shell meets each of these criteria. The signature 2-layer Pertex Shield construction is ideal. This is a relatively thin construction with two layers of material as the name implies, which is ideal for the warmer months.
The fleece-lined chin guard is a great touch for when the storm rolls in and you need to button up and throw on the draw-chord adjustable hood. We all know that storms roll in and out of the mountains in the summer, so when that 20 minute rain cloud has passed by, you can store this coat away and keep on heading up the trail by packing it down right into the hand pockets and securing with a built-in carabiner loop. The sleek retro design and dialed color options serve as the perfect finishing touches.
Long Sleeve
Peak Performance Trail Wool-Blend
Whether it’s for a chilly day hiking or you’re looking for some protection from the sun while you’re ripping hot laps on the bike, the Trail Wool-Blend Long Sleeve from Peak Performance is an excellent option. Peak has earned an outstanding reputation in the European market for creating durable, stylish gear. They’ve just begun to make a name for themselves in North America, so if this is the first time they’ve been on your radar, it’s your lucky day.
This long sleeve is a polyester and merino wool blend, which gives the shirt a soft texture, durability, as well as wrinkle-free and moisture-wicking properties. This comes in handy on long trips in the hot sun. Think Utah bike expedition or several-night camping trip. You’ll notice that Peak Performance keeps its branding to a minimum, letting the quality of the item speak for itself. Perhaps the most versatile item on this list, it’s an excellent pick for year-round use.
Tee Shirt
Flylow Jessi Shirt (W) and Nash Shirt (M)
Sticking with the theme of simplicity and quality, we’ve selected the Jessi and Nash Tee Shirts from Flylow. There’s far more to these than meets the eye. These are Flylow’s staple summer activity shirts, and for good reason. Each includes the brand’s proprietary Iconic+ tech, a mineral-based antimicrobial treatment that stops bacteria at its source, thus eliminating odors.
All that fancy language amounts to an efficient piece of clothing that doesn’t smell and requires less washing, thus saving both water and the lifespan of your shirt! That’s more bang for your buck in every regard. Plus, these shirts are rated UPF 50+, which repels 98% of harmful UVA and UVB rays. Each is composed of 94% polyester, 6% spandex blend that ensures a proper fit and comfortable feel on your skin. The devil is in the details with Flylow’s Jessi and Nash shirts, and we’re all here for it.
Shorts
Ortovox Pelmo Short
Ortovox makes highly respected avalanche beacons and backpacks, but did you know they turn out world-class outerwear, too? The Pelmo Short is one of their summer offerings we’re most excited about. With both a men’s and women’s edition and a plethora of colors to choose from, you can’t go wrong.
The lining is made of polyester and merino, with recycled polyamide making up the bulk of the shorts’ main composition. You could even take a dip in these and be ready rumble after a bask in the sun thanks to the quick-drying properties. The result is a breathable, movement-friendly, water-resistant garment. You’ll find roomy zippered pockets on either side to keep your phone and wallet secure during all summer activities, no matter how rowdy.
Pants
686 Anything Cargo Pant
Possibly the best pants on the market, we awarded the 686 Anything Cargo Pant this coveted spot on our list. A good pair of pants is essential for the summer to keep the bugs and sun away when it counts. They have to be well-fitting, but not too tight, quick drying and have a few pockets for gear on the go. This option checks all of those boxes, and then some.
These are no ordinary pair of pants. Here you’ll find 4-way stretch design with articulated knees, zippered side pockets with a leg venting mesh lining the inside, 686’s proprietary Durable Duracore Thread, 13 total pockets, a 40+ UPF rating and much more. Plus with extreme breathability, you won’t be instantly sweating out that Gatorade. Take them fishing and wade through the creek with confidence, give them a spin on the bike or just wear them around town. FREESKIER Editor Jordy Grant-Krenz has field tested these bad boys too many times to count, and they’ve never failed.
Shoes
Salomon XT-6
The XT-6 was an immediate favorite when it was first launched by Salomon in 2013. Now it’s back with new selections and improved material selection. The brand has been thrust into the street wear scene in recent years, but don’t be mistaken, Salomon still makes some of the highest quality outdoor gear around. Weighing just 365 grams, this unisex shoe is an easy choice for any day outside. Not only do these kicks look incredible and come in 11 different colors, but they also implement a few standout features from Salomon.
The Agile Chassis System stabilizes and dampens the impact, taking the pressure off your knees and back on long outings. A single mesh layer stretches around the top of the foot for breathability and a precise fit. You’ll notice the unique tread underfoot, and that’s not just for show. Salomon calls it their Mud Contagrip technology. Each protruding piece is meant to independently grip on a variety of surfaces, giving you proper grip and comfort without sacrificing lightweight properties. You’d be hard pressed to find a better bargain on a shoe that’s sure to last you many seasons to come.
Socks
Arc’teryx Merino Wool Mid
Anyone who’s had a blister on the trail knows the importance of the right socks. A proper pair can ease friction, repel moisture, add cushion and limit odor. Turns out the Merino Wool Mid sock from Arc’teryx does all that! Fine merino wool strands are blended with nylon to create a product that wraps your feet in comfort that performs. You’ll find targeted cushioning around the toes that is sure to make your journey that much smoother. Plain and simple, this is a durable, comfortable and breathable sock that doesn’t mess around.
