Christmas gift guide: 5 sustainable brands to shop for outdoor travel adventures
Packing for any type of vacation can be potentially stressful, but planning what you need for an outdoor adventure trip — especially in winter — can be especially difficult.
Here’s a packing list of some of the best brands to consider to put together what you need to enjoy and survive winter travel outdoors this year.
ether
Few outdoor clothing brands seamlessly blend function and fashion like Los Angeles-based Aether. The Southern California brand just launched a new limited edition line featuring Aspen Skiing Company’s innovation brand, AspenX. The nine-piece collection for men and women consists of mountain essentials inspired by high altitude, snow-capped peaks and a love of winter. Some of the most flexible options, which work from fall through winter to spring (and are designed for many more seasons beyond), are the Ute Insulated Shirt, made from wool with water-repellent contrast fabric on the yoke, collar and elbow patches, and the Ozone Jacket, a lightweight, insulated jacket Taffeta and polartec fleece jacket. Both can act as either a mid-layer or a top-layer.
Arc’teryx
Arc’teryx – which makes high-performance outdoor gear and apparel for men, women and children – says they use the best materials to create the most refined and durable products possible, with the intention that they will be reused and last for years. The Cerium Hoody is an example of a product that is optimal at multiple temperatures, either as a top layer or as a mid-layer. Designed for the changing seasons when you need warmth but can sacrifice bulk, the versatile down puffer hoodie, available in men’s and women’s sizes, is constructed from ultra-lightweight fabrics and designed for maximum performance and minimum bulk.
girlfriend collective
Just in time for Fall/Winter, Seattle-based Girlfriend Collective gave their outdoor collection an autumn-inspired refresh, designed for all genders and identities with a comprehensive range of sizes. Made from 50% GRS-certified recycled cotton and 50% organic cotton, the brand’s new sweatshirts have the feel of cozy sweatshirts while breathing new life into post-industrial fabric remnants. The Pacific Northwest brand has expanded its outerwear range with 16 styles in a variety of colourways, promising something for everyone, whether you’re heading to the Arctic or Arizona. The most travel-friendly items of the bunch would definitely be the packable puffers, like the Hoodie Lightweight Puffer Jacket and the Micro Fleece Full Zip Jacket.
Janji
Janji is a running apparel brand with gear that’s ready for every terrain and climate, and many of their products are designed with packing and travel in mind. A hat is an underrated (and often forgotten) travel accessory when you consider how much protection it can offer, from a light drizzle to harsh sunlight. Available in five different colors, the Transit all-weather tech cap offers wind, rain and sun protection – and it even has a side zip pocket that fits a key, ID or credit card and cash.
prana
The Ice Flow line accompanies the brand’s debut into the active cold-weather space, combining outdoor adventures with active lifestyle practices like yoga and Pilates. Many pieces in the line – like the Ice Flow Long Sleeve and Ice Flow Legging – make ideal second layers for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, walking, running and exploring in colder weather. Manufactured in a Fair Trade certified factory, the clothing features a peach colored upper with a brushed interior, making it warm while providing support, stretch and recovery. Tops also include secure zip pockets (it’s always good to have an extra spot to stash keys, cards or cash) and extended sleeves with thumbholes.
Xero
These are the most compact yet functional and comfortable running shoes you will find. They are perfect for travel because they are light and slim and they fit in any suitcase while taking up hardly any space, unless of course you prefer to use them when walking around the airport, which would also be recommended because we mentioned them are comfortable? Available in men’s and women’s sizing, the Prio is a performance shoe that’s suitable for virtually any athletic activity, including road and light trail running, walking, hiking, crossfit, cycling and even slacklining. (Note that they’re not waterproof, but the breathable mesh upper should dry quickly.)
Sign up for the Fortune Features Email list so you don’t miss our biggest features, exclusive interviews and investigations.
