CATEGORIES
CATEGORIESFrost-coated windshields. Early sunsets and snow-capped mountains. Bluebird powder days and hot toddies. Winter’s here in full effect, but that doesn’t mean we’re rocking Gore-Tex shells and ski pants every day. Guys need casual duds that stay warm and look good in all sorts of scenarios, not to mention accessories that stand up to the elements. After months of testing – from Valle Nevado Ski Resort in Chile to the Colorado high country – our discerning team of gear testers handpicked this selection of men’s casual winter apparel and accessories.
Whether you’re looking for a gift for a friend, a family member or simply out to upgrade your own wardrobe, you won’t go wrong with these top picks from Merell, Nau, Carhartt, Basin and Range, Adidas, Shwood, Cotopaxi and Mountain Khakis.
Why buy two shirts when one will do? Merell’s Highgate Reversible Shirt quickly became a tester favorite, thanks to the overwhelming comfort of the velveteen fabric, the reversible style and the snap front closure. On road trips to the mountains, casual nights out on the town and even mellow hikes, this piece from Merrell is sure to garner compliments.
Tester Quote: “This shirt is truly versatile, and not just because it’s reversible. The cotton fabric is comfortable with or without an under shirt, which isn’t always the case with your run-of-the-mill flannel.”
Best For: Casual living, mountain town chilling
Nau’s taken their fashion-forward design and laced it effortlessly into our guilty pleasure apparel: the hoodie. No longer reserved strictly for lazy Sundays on the couch, the Nau hoodie looks sharp, with linear seams, two front pockets and a subtle chest zip pocket accentuating the tailored fit. And you thought that old ratty hoodie of yours was comfortable? Try the merino wool Randy Goat from Nau, lined with a poly fleece that testers compared to bear skin rugs, Dionysus’ own toga and a king’s regal bathrobe—among other heavenly materials.
Tester Quote: “Honestly the most comfortable hoodie I’ve ever worn. Period.”
Best For: Layering on casual to moderate adventures, everyday wear
We’ve been eager to check out Backcountry.com’s exclusive new Basin and Range line, and the Summit Park Polartec Hoodie is one of the first pieces we got our hands on. From the office to the crag, this hoodie’s earned top marks due to its obvious style, fleecy comfort and breathability during moderate activity. Comfortable enough for travel days and bringing forth a touch more style than most hoodies (note the asymmetrical arching lines across the chest), the Summit Park is going to be seeing a lot of action from the Active Junky team this winter.
Tester Quote: “Climbing 5.11s or going out to happy hour, this hoodie gets the job done.”
Best For: everyday wear, staying warm in the mountains
Sunglasses rarely blow us away anymore, having seen, well, everything under the sun. However, Shwood’s Eugene Selects are just about the most striking shades we’ve ever worn. A metallic gold wire rim flashes in juxtaposition against the soft and unmistakable luster of Redwood burl. A gold Shwood logo is embedded into the left arm for an added kick of style. Elegant as it may be, the Eugene comes with polarized lenses and, most importantly, a sustainable story: the Redwood burls are sustainably harvested after they naturally drop from the tree trunk. Now that blows us away.
Tester Quote: “I’m not sure what’s better, the shades or the story behind them.”
Best For: gentlemen of the stylish and sustainable variety
It doesn’t get more stylish than the Boost Urban Hiker. Riffing off of popular urban styles, the Hiker throws outdoor-ready features into the mix like the Continental Rubber Outsole, BOOST energy-return cushioning in the midsole and Primaloft insulation throughout the build. Though we’re hesitant to encourage any serious trekking – we wouldn’t want you scuffing up the indubitable style of the synthetic outer – the traction of the Continental Sole is perfect for snowy sidewalks and icy ski resort parking lots.
Tester Quote: “I have an overwhelming collection of boots, but none has received as many compliments and questions as the Hiker. So sweet.”
Classic Carhartt styling is as easy to notice as it is to appreciate. Few hoodies stay warm in near-freezing temperatures, but Carhartt’s insulated workman’s jacket gets the job done. From nights around the bonfire to walking the dog after a day of mid-winter skiing, this piece has a welcome heft (thanks to the Thinsulate insulation) but is still comfortable and moves well. One gear tester, encouraged by the comfortable mobility of this hooded jacket, went on an impromptu midnight bike ride around Denver while temps hovered near freezing. Random? Sure. But spontaneity is yours with Carhartt.
Tester Quote: “I can wear this for hours. Driving, hiking, gathering wood, biking around town—you name it.”
Though obviously on the light side for a winter shell, this compact rain jacket is an excellent emergency layer and perfect way to waterproof you favorite winter hoodies, puffies, etc. Stash it in your backpack or the trunk of your car, then venture out into winter knowing that 4-way stretch, waterproof breathability has your back. Active Junky testers have loved the Tikal all summer and fall, from kayaking trips on the California coast to paddleboarding missions in the Rocky Mountains. A 4-season essential.
Tester Quote: “Impressively lightweight. Officially in my gear arsenal. 5 stars!”
Best For: A 4-season emergency rain layer
No one does mountain town casual like Mountain Khakis. Inspired by and designed for the mountain mecca of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, the Alpha Switch combines off-the-cuff style with high-altitude winter necessities like a DWR coating and Polartec’s breathable Alpha insulation. Testers noted that while the Alpha Switch can certainly be used on moderate adventures, it’s best suited as an around town/travel piece. The lofty insulation (originally designed for the military) kept testers warm in wintery conditions, and the feel of the blended fabric itself is beyond comfortable.
Tester Quote: “A versatile mid/outer layer that looks good, feels good and keeps me warm. What more do you want?”
Best For: Snowshoeing, hiking, strolling around town and winter travel
A welcome dose of street style from Merrell, the Fraxion Mid Boots earned top marks from testers and an unsurprising amount of compliments from friends and strangers alike. Triangular lugs lock onto slick pavement and trails while the mid-height provides comfy ankle support. Though hyped as an all-around adventure boot, testers agreed that the warmth of the waterproof fabric, daylong comfort and obvious style make these boots prime for city dwellers and casual adventurers.
Tester Quote: “I’m extremely familiar with Merrell’s line, so the comfort was expected. The street style flavor, however, was delightfully unexpected.
Best For: An everyday winter boot, use around town and in the mountains
There’s a reason why so many outdoor enthusiasts rely on Carhartt’s workwear: it’s as rugged as it is affordable. Don’t break the bank on several pairs of pants that won’t stand up to the job; instead, go with the Quick Duck and be prepared for the unpredictable. From throwing on chains in the middle of a storm to chopping wood at the cabin or just making the break from your car to the coffee shop, the Quick Duck’s thick fabric (8-ounce, 59% cotton/39% polyester/2% spandex canvas), water-repellent finish and articulated knees make these perfect year-round trousers that won’t be intimidated by winter’s frosty arrival. Plus, the trim waist and relaxed fit give off classic Carhartt vibes.
Tester Quote: “My go-to pair of pants in cold winter weather.”
Best For: Everyday casual use in winter, taking care of outdoor chores
Trust the Swedes when it comes to prepping for winter. Fjallraven lined the classic Ovik style with high loft mesh for warmth in mid-winter conditions. A handsome, simple profile and a rugged build combine for a cold weather pair of pants that doesn’t look like it’s designed for a polar expedition. While we’re big fans of Fjallraven’s entire line of trousers, some of them are distinctively designed for camping and hiking with flashy fabrics, reinforced pockets and off-color patches. The Ovik, on the other hand, is one of the most inconspicuous pants in the Fjallraven collection. Not to mention, the brand’s beloved, waxed G-1000 fabric is resistant to abrasion and water, allowing the Ovik to handle a multitude of winter scenarios.
Tester Quote: “From the office to the trailhead, these winter pants are stylish and rugged.”
Best For: Adapting to winter weather without looking like a polar explorer (not that that’s a bad thing)
