Mountain Must-Haves for a Summer Getaway
Summer is upon us, and many of us are planning some trips to the Colorado high country. To help you prepare, we recently stopped by Aktiv at Stanley Marketplace to gather some “mountain must-haves” for your summer getaway from owner Nate Axvig. Here’s what he suggested.
- Wool T-shirts. Merino wool is an incredible first layer to wear year-round. Its wicking and breathability make it a fantastic choice for days that could see large temperature fluctuations (any summer day in Colorado). I’ve been living in the Agaton from Ivanhoe and the Primo Merino from Elevenate. My wife loves the Lucie Tee from Kari Traa and the Meja Tee for a fitted active baselayer t-shirt to wear on or off the mountain.
- Stretchy Shorts. For me, critical components for mountain shorts are stretchiness for ease of movement and good pockets for places to store your phone and snacks. The Sanne Trail Short by Kari Traa and Haglof’s L.I.M. Fuse Short are my top picks for women due to their lightweight, quick dry features. The Summit Shorts by Elevenate and the Boulder Shorts by Amundsen are my multipurpose picks, perfect for the mountains because of the breathable fabrics and unrestricted movement.
- A good jacket. Mornings on the mountain can bring a chill, so I like to pack a thin jacket just in case I find myself under a storm cloud. I love Haglofs L.I.M. Shield Hood for men and women as a lightweight layer that’s easy to store and use at a moment’s notice. For a weatherproof option, I like the highly technical Peak Jacket from Amundsen for women and men because of the wind and waterproof shells that ensure a comfortable, full-protection feel.
- Snug Socks. Keeping your feet warm and dry in the mountains is a must. I like socks that incorporate wool, like the Trekk socks by Ivanhoe, for a thicker wool sock that regulates heat when it’s cold and breaths when it’s hot, a great option that will take you from trekking the trail to lunch in town. When wearing a low-cut shoe, I like the Merino 10 Ultra Light No Show.
- Sturdy Backpack. When packing layers, you need a good place to store your extra gear. I like a pack that is lightweight with some weatherproofing, like the Forest Hike and the Bo by Sandqvist. Both backpacks are built for the trail with features like compression straps and ergonomic backplates to reflective details and plenty of pockets. There’s even room for a laptop when you need to drop by the in-town coffee shop after your morning on the mountain.
With temperatures in the mountains in flux during the summer, it’s always smart to be prepared with lots of layers and good-quality clothing and gear. Stop by Aktiv and say hello to owner Nate Axvig and his team, who can help you plan what you’ll pack for a summer mountain getaway.
