Hot temps and sunny weather have descended across the Front Range (finally!). Dive into your brand of summer fun, whether that means tackling new-to-you hiking trails or glamping in style at the new-to-everyone Arapaho Valley Ranch, with these styles from our favorite outdoor brands.
Helly Hansen Shine Solen Half-Zip Sun Hoodie
Hate slathering sunscreen over every square inch? We do too. That’s why we’re replacing the zinc oxide with a UPF 50 hooded sun shirt like this winner from Helly Hansen. Made with 80 percent recycled materials, the lightweight and breathable Shine Solen Half-Zip Sun Hoodie covers the bulk of your upper half (even your hands when its thumb holes are deployed) without feeling heavy or hampering movement. Both the men’s and women’s versions have a subtle stash pocket perfect for a credit card or license. $90
Stio Coburn Shorts
A good pair of comfortable, easy-wearing shorts is a hot-weather staple. And the Stio women’s Coburn Shorts, which feature a snap-closure adjustable waist and come in both a 5-inch and 3-inch inseam, check both boxes expertly. Add in their abrasion-resistance, rain-deterring PFAS-free water repellency finish, and hefty dose of style, and you’ll be reaching for these shorts all summer long. $89
Path Projects Lomond Hoodie
Any Coloradan knows that while summer temps soar during the day, our evenings often offer a delightful chill, especially up in the mountains. The Lomond Hoodie from technical apparel brand Path Projects is just the midlayer to have on hand. But it’s not just for snuggling up during campfire “kumbayas.” Made with a soft-to-the-touch grid-fleece that optimizes breathability and temperature regulation, it’s just as comfortable working up a sweat on the trail. $118
Ibex GOAT Short Sleeve Crew
T-shirts and chill summer afternoons go together like craft beer and Colorado. Our go-to this June is the GOAT Short Sleeve Crew, available for men and women, from Nederland-based Ibex. Made with the brand’s proprietary Weightless Wool, the GOAT’s fabric is made with a Beta Spun technology that wraps nylon around merino to ensure softness next to skin while boosting fabric longevity. The simple tee is lightweight and breathable, but those who run hot (literally and figuratively) should also check out Ibex’s Paradox Short Sleeve Tee, which is made from a cooling merino/Tencel blend. Starting at $80
KUHL Freeflex Joggr
With built-in moisture management and quick-dry functionality, along with move-any-way-you-want mechanical stretch and a surprisingly soft handfeel, the Freeflex Joggr from KUHL is a stand-out for summer fun of any variety. Pair these bottoms with a tank and hiking boots for your next trail adventure or don a simple tee (see above), jean jacket, and espadrilles and you’re ready for a chill evening out on Pearl Street. $89
Patagonia Women’s Capilene® Cool Merino Blend Tank Top
Sure, the Women’s Capilene Cool Merino Blend Tank Top from Patagonia looks like your standard sleeveless, but its 65% Responsible Wool Standard-certified wool and 35% recycled polyester jersey composition mean this understated top also boasts a laundry list of performance benefits like breathability, temperature regulation, stretch, and odor control (to name just a few). Wear it for mountain bike rides (the top’s slight drop tail ensures sufficient lower back coverage), hiking outings (wider shoulder straps work well under that backpack), or porch lounge sessions with a good book and glass of white. $59
OuterKnown APEX Evolution Trunk by Kelly Slater
Surfers know a thing or two about what makes a good pair of board shorts. A surfer icon crowned world champion a record 11 times–in other words, surfing’s GOAT Kelly Slater–knows a lot about what goes into the best board shorts. Find it all in the APEX Evolution Trunk from Slater’s sustainability-focused apparel brand OuterKnown. Made primarily from NetPlus Recycled Nylon with a touch Spandex for stretch, these performance-focused swim bottoms feature engineered side seam taping and vents for an easier fit on the surfboard (or paddleboard, if waves are hard to come by), a gusseted fly for range of movement, and rubberized drawstring for no-slip peace of mind. $168
Finisterre Firecrest Hooded Jacket
Have a fourteener or two on your summer bucket list? Make sure to have a versatile insulated layer like the Firecrest Hooded Jacket, available for both women and men, from UK-based Finisterre at the ready. Its recycled synthetic fill and raised neck and hood make it a great warmth-enhancing outer layer for chilly, pre-dawn starts, but when worn under a windproof coat, it’s a clutch bonus layer in the downright cold conditions up at the summit. Stash it in your pack during the sweaty incline, and you’ll barely notice its minimal 13.9 ounce bulk. $210
Royal Robbins Wilder Zip-Off Pants
There’s no denying the two-in-one practicality inherent in a pair of pants that–ziiiiiip–turn quickly and simply into a set of shorts. So for your next overnighter that demands packing light, bring along the Wilder Zip-Off Pants from the travel gurus at Royal Robbins. Wind- and water-resistant and boasting UPF 40 sun protection, these bottoms protect against the elements and keep the pests at bay thanks to the brand’s proprietary, permanent chemical-free mosquito protection. Cinch up the adjustable bungee at each cuff when the insects are at their worst. Then, in less buggy conditions, zip off the lower leg to reveal your hot-weather-ready shorts. Available in men’s and women’s. $140
Party Shirt International Stretch Tech
With Party Shirt International’s line-up of cheeky prints, fun is always on the menu. Browse their collection of stretch-tech button downs, Oxford cotton cabana shirts, jerseys, and sun hoodies, and you’re sure to find a pattern that moves you, whether it’s an 80s-inspired neon explosion, a slightly fishy design, or something more scholarly like the Dr. Alan Grant. Best of all, with fits catering to women, men, and kiddos, the Party Shirt International collection is party in the front, a party in the back, and a party for the whole family. Starting at $40
