Steep, quad-thrashing hikes can leave you feeling trashed. A shot of caffeine can keep you chugging along. We love this nifty hand-pumped espresso machine from Wacaco. ($80, wacaco.com)
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Navigate your way back to the lodge for s’mores or a fire-side beer with this rugged smartwatch. It’s outfitted with GPS, offline maps, a compass, and pressure sensor. ($500, casio.com)
A waterlogged camera equals no memories. To keep gear dry, carry it in this light, durable pack. It has a waterproof OutDry main section. ($170, mountainhardwear.com)
It’s been a long day, dusk is upon you, and everybody’s exhausted. Get the gang down the mountain safely while blazing a path with this economical, eco-friendly 350-lumen headlamp powered by an eCore rechargeable battery. ($60, petzl.com)
Don’t let bulky, leaden boots slow you down. The Outpath PRO GTX is so fast and nimble you’ll float over rocky paths and moss-strewn trails with confidence. They’re constructed with GoreTex throughout, boast a seamless upper, and have rugged lugs underfoot for added traction. The integrated gaiter guard zips up and snaps at the ankle to protect your laces from dirt, water, and errant pebbles. ($190, salomon.com)
You can’t go wrong packing a do-it-all jacket like the Incubator. This mid-weight rip-stop nylon puffer features synthetic Primaloft Gold insulation that wears warm even when wet to protect you from chilly autumn drenchings. And with a fleece-lined collar and chin guard, freezing temps won’t make a cold zipper your nemesis when trekking before dawn. An integrated hood, shock-cord adjustment at the hem, and Lycra cuffs with stretch panels round out the sublime qualities that make this jacket a must. ($265, strafeouterwear.com)
Even when the mercury drops, you don’t need ski socks to keep your dogs warm. These quarter-height hiking socks from FITS keep your feet comfortable and supported on the trail. Made from merino wool and synthetics, the Performance Trail Quarter is medium-weight, snug-fitting, and breathable where you need it most: underfoot. They’ll keep you from overheating during any scramble. ($18.99, fitssock.com)
Bright mornings in the mountains demand stellar eye protection. Vuarnet just launched the newest iteration of its iconic Glacier glasses. They feature hard-wearing mineral glass lenses wrapped in tough nylon frames. There are removable side shields and a thick center bridge to tamp down on harsh reflections from water or snow. Dial in the fit with the customizable spring hinges and flexible rubber temple tips for comfortable wear for hours on end. ($270–$330, vuarnet.com)
Ditch the noisy, unstylish nylon pants. These performance-oriented pants from Icebreaker are constructed from merino wool, nylon, and Lycra, so they’re designed to stretch, breathe, and last for the long haul. Though they’re designed to look like a classic pair of jeans, these sharp dungarees will out-perform heavy, water-loving cotton pants any day. ($160, icebreaker.com)
Chilling around the lodge requires some mid-weight layers, and this 100% merino wool hoody is just what you need. The hoody has flat-lock seams to battle chafing and durable water-repellent polyester panels on the shoulders and waist to shield you from quick deluges. Zip pockets keep small items secure, and a full collar keeps you toasty even with the hood down. ($160, smartwool.com)
Colder days call for a substantial puffy to keep the chill away. Mountain Hardwear’s latest option has an outer shell made from a dynamic stretch knit, which allows for maximum movement. Welded channels keep air from seeping in, and an adjustable hem and generous hood work in tandem for extra toastiness. ($340, mountainhardwear.com)
Because the wool fibers are woven so densely in this shell, you get a garment that’s hydrophobic. A full front zipper with a storm flap and taped seams bolster the protection. ($350, ibex.com)
While most lodges will have plenty of thick wool blankets and toasty down comforters to keep the chill away, it’s always good to pack your own insulation. The Selk’bag wearable sleeping bag will certainly make an impression when you toddle out looking like the Michelin Man. You’ll be protected from cold gusts around the fire or excursions for more wood. This new model has a kangaroo pocket in front for storing goodies, zip-off booties for when you want to wear something more substantial, and leg vents to let off some heat. ($168.99, thinkgeek.com)
These handsome slippers from OluKai are made with durable, long-lasting Nubuck leather. Slide your feet onto the anatomical EVA foam rubber foot bed. It’s covered in a luxurious microfiber. The top of the shoe is lined with a soft, odor-resistant wool shearling that’s recyclable and biodegradable. And the outsole is studded with rubber and gum pods for superior traction. ($110, olukai.com)
