Top Picks from Colorado’s Year-Round Hiking Season
From insulated boots to self-flying cameras, these gear picks will keep multi-season hikers happy through the winter.
By Joshua Berman
After 225 days without measurable snow in Denver and the Front Range—a record-breaking drought that left ski areas scrambling and trails bizarrely brown through Thanksgiving—the white stuff finally arrived. But Colorado hikers don’t stop when the snow flies. We just adapt—with the right gear. I’ve tested most of this gear across Colorado’s diverse terrain—from multi-day river trips in Ruby-Horsethief Canyon to leading middle school students through Indian Peaks Wilderness to my own solo missions when I need to clear my head. Happy Shoppin’ and Good Hikin’!
On the Trail
Merrell Thermo Snow Grip Mid Waterproof ($180, pictured above): Not only are these shoes lined with PrimaLoft Gold Eco insulation, their “Vibram Arctic Grip All Terrain” soles are designed to grab onto the ice, but of course they can also take a strap-on traction device when necessary. The upper is made of waterproof suede leather, and each boot is lined with . The 100% recycled breathable mesh lining prevents swamp-foot on uphill grinds, while the bellows tongue keeps out slush and debris. A uniquely firm but bouncy midsole absorbs shock on rocky descents, and at 1 pound 3 ounces per boot, they’re light enough for all-day wear without traditional winter boot clunk. For Colorado’s unpredictable shoulder seasons and occasional icy surprises on otherwise bare trails, these boots deliver warmth and traction without overkill. These just arrived and I’m planning to test them (and break them in) on Twin Sisters in a couple days, a 7.4-mile out and back climb in Rocky Mountain National Park—perfect timing with fresh snow finally on the ground (I know, I know, I’ll take all avalanche precautions).
CONCURVE WINDSTOPPER® Insulated Hooded Jacket Mens ($260; on sale for $195 at time of post): Winter hiking is all about layers. The CONCURVE uses “GORE-TEX WINDSTOPPER ePE membrane and PrimaLoft Active insulation” in a somewhat counterintuitive design: windproof layer against skin, insulation as middle layer behind air-permeable outer material. Generating heat while slogging uphill? Moisture escapes without overheating. Snack break on windy ridge? Windproof layer prevents instant chill. I’ve worn the hooded version on starts that began below freezing and finished in afternoon sun, and it regulated better than traditional insulated shells. For hikers who hate carrying multiple layers and want one piece that adapts, here you go. Also comes in hooded, non-hooded, or vest versions.
5.11 Braddock DP Knife ($50): A solid trail knife needs a reliable lock, a blade that holds an edge, and functional Goldilocks size—not too big or heavy to carry, not too small to be useless. The Braddock DP delivers with a 3.5-inch D2 steel drop-point blade, G10 handle for grip even when wet, and liner-locking folder that’s secure for hard use. At 4.875 inches closed, it’s pocket-friendly but substantial for camp tasks—cutting cordage, prepping kindling, slicing lunch. I keep one clipped in my pack’s hip belt pocket for everything from moleskin to frayed strap repairs.
Knockaround Flight Paths Full Focus Sunglasses ($65): These water- and oil-resistant Knockterra lenses offer UV400 protection, wraparound coverage that blocks side glare on exposed ridges, and lightweight construction that doesn’t bounce when scrambling over talus. I’ve worn these from peak pushes to dog park forays; the enhanced clarity makes a difference when reading terrain or spotting trail markers (or dog turds) in tricky light. Bonus: at this price point, you won’t panic if they tumble off a cliff.
Arcade Treeple Belt ($29.95): Performance stretch webbing belt is comfortably nonrestrictive—this belt kind of moves with you as you high-step over logs, add layers that change waist size, or have to answer nature’s urgent trailside calls. The A2 buckle feeds and releases effortlessly with one hand, and the webbing handles daily abuse without fraying. I’ve worn Arcade belts on multi-day trips with constant layering changes, and it’s easy to adjust and manage. It’s also a less expensive item if you’re getting this as a gift—stocking stuffer?
Capture the Adventure
HOVERAir X1 Pro Max Self-Flying Camera ($599): Time to level up your storytelling game. This pocket-sized, feather-weight drone requires no FAA registration, no piloting skills, no controller fumbling, and it is designed to follow you up and down that trail, whether you are on foot or wheels. This thing is wild: You unfold it, place it in your extended hand or toss it in the air, then watch as it tracks you using vision-based sensors. Ideal for ridgeline hikes where the scale is impossible to capture with a phone, and if you need it, capture up to 8K resolution, bringing cinematic quality to weekend trail missions. The 4K slow-motion at 120fps captures those sketchy scrambles or summit moments, and you can control it from your phone, from the beacon (which has a screen that shows you the drone’s eye view at all times), or from an adaptible joystick device that can fit onto phone or beacon in various ways.
At 192 grams and 6″x4″ folded, it fits easily in a jacket pocket (but also comes with a compact, protective charging case). It cruises at 26 mph and bursts to 36 mph for trail runners or cyclists. Major limitation: don’t fly over water (vision sensors need ground reference). But for open terrain, alpine country, or desert landscapes, the HOVERAir X1 Pro Max captures perspectives that used to require thousands of dollars in production equipment and training. Sample footage (8K!) to show what the HOVERAir X1 Pro Max Self-Flying Camera can do. I’m still figuring it out, but it’s a quick learning curve.
Navigation & Safety
Suunto Vertical All Black GPS Adventure Watch ($379, regularly $499): The Suunto Vertical delivers 60 hours(!) of GPS tracking on a single charge—and up to 60 days of daily wear without plugging in. That’s quite a leap in technology from the old days of having to charge up constantly. The dual-band GPS/GNSS accuracy rivals anything I’ve seen and it even can provide contour lines, though I still use my phone or paper map for the bigger picture and the watch more for tracking. I’ve worn this on everything from casual Front Range loops to backcountry trips where my phone stayed buried in my pack for days. At 86 grams with military-tested durability and integration with Strava and TrainingPeaks, this watch punches well above its weight class, and it has proven waterproof in both sauna and cold plunge.
Rocky Talkie Expedition Radio ($180 each): I first tested these radios (formerly the 5 Watt Radio) on back-to-back Colorado River trips, where keeping tabs on scattered boats and students wasn’t optional. The Expedition delivers up to 4 miles of GMRS range with waterproof, shatterproof housing that survives drops, dunks, and overpacked dry bags. Six-day battery life means you’re not rationing communication on multi-day trips, and built-in NOAA weather alerts have saved more than one group from sudden storms. The new Hi-Vis Orange colorway (launched November 1st) makes it easy to spot in low-visibility conditions. If your favorite hiker leads group trips or just wants reliable comms beyond cell service, a matched pair keeps everyone connected.
Luggage & Storage
RUX Packing System Bundle ($126): These three modular storage bags—20L Packing Bag, 10L Packing Cube, and 2L Packing Pocket—are designed to stack and secure inside the RUX 70L unit (sold separately), but I’ve been using them as three separate “bins.” Made from PFAS-free, water-resistant gridstop fabric with bright white interiors for visibility, these bags collapse flat for storage but maintain their shape when loaded. Smart rolltops, rugged webbing handles, and hypalon lashpoints work with the complete RUX system or stand alone. The easy-to-clean interiors handle inevitable sand, mud, or silt. They work equally well for car camping, home gear storage, or staging bins for longer expeditions.
Adventurist Carry On Duffel/Backpack 45L ($125): This hybrid nails the sweet spot between weekend hauler and airline carry-on. Made from 1000D water-resistant polyester with vegan leather straps, it converts from duffel to backpack depending on need. The 21.5″ x 14″ x 9.5″ dimensions max out carry-on limits without gate agent flags, and dual padding protects electronics and fragile gear. Can serve as a gear mule to and from the trailhead, but also has a backpack mode for traveling. Adventurist’s entire lineup—including the compact Nomad Sling Bag ($45) for day hikes—comes in a gorgeous color palette of earthy tones (Pine, Clay, Amber, Adobe, Charcoal) that stand out from the sea of black tactical gear. I’m giving the duffel to my college-bound, travel-thirsty daughter. Bonus: Adventurist partners with Feeding America to donate 25 meals to families in need for every bag purchased (since their launch they’ve provided over 500,000 meals nationwide).
At Camp
Titan PRO 36 Can Welded Cooler ($225): The Titan PRO is waterproof, puncture resistant, and triple-layer SuperFoam insulated with a radiant heat barrier that keeps ice frozen for days. The leak-proof HardBody liner includes a SmartShelf with bottle stabilizers to separate hard and soft contents, and Microban antimicrobial protection reduces bacteria by 99% while making cleanup easier. The Air Lock Latch seals like a vault—you’ll hear air escape when you release it. Use it for river trips and car camping, and next summer, I’m going to see if it straps onto the paddleboard. There are two side mesh pockets, adjustable shoulder strap that converts to tie-down, daisy chain loops, and built-in bottle opener. Comes in gray or “Mossy Oak Bottomland” camo.
High Camp Flasks Sundown Series ($125): Be the hero. Warm yours and your friends’ bellies at the top of the hill with pre-made hot coffee and cocoa in one of these beautiful 750ml vacuum-insulated flasks; or throw in something a little stronger like fine wine or whiskey. The Sundown Series comes in colors Créma, Amalfi Blue, and Rosso, finished with gold accents. This flask keeps beverages at temperature for hours with two magnetic tumblers that snap to the flask body. For a Colorado-made spirit, Golden’s Hoot + Howl Colorado Craft Spirits revives historical distilling techniques like tranchage (a rare mellowing process) to craft exceptional gin, bourbon, and liqueurs that pair perfectly with backcountry sunsets. The all-in-one High Camp design means no juggling loose cups or broken glass, and it packs smaller than a Nalgene.
Rumpl Customized Performance Blanket ($99.95 + $15 customization): A blanket might seem like an odd hiking gift until you’ve shivered through a summit lunch break or tried to warm up at a breezy trailhead after a long day. Rumpl’s performance blankets use the same technical insulation and water-resistant materials found in premium sleeping bags and puffy jackets, but in a packable, versatile format that works for everything from alpine picnics to car camping to backyard stargazing. I recently made a customized one for my 15-year-old’s birthday with “Born to Explore” stitched across it—a detail that transformed a functional piece of gear into something personal and meaningful. The custom option ($15) lets you add names, dates, coordinates, or motivational phrases that make the gift genuinely special. The blankets are machine washable, stuff down small, and handle wet conditions without turning into soggy wool. These blankets bridge the gap between technical gear and cozy comfort—equally at home on windswept ridgelines or around the fire pit.
BOGS Classic Seamless Mid Boots ($140) are must-haves for uber-cold days, or mud-season approach footwear. BOGS redesigned their Classic boot using one-piece seamless rubber construction, eliminating failure points where seams typically fail. The result? Lighter, more durable, 100% waterproof boots with Rebound cushioning and comfort rating to -40°F. Self-cleaning lugs shed mud as you move—crucial on wet trails. I’ve worn BOGS for rainy trailhead approaches, snowy dog walks, and pre/post ski boots. They slip on easily, handle abuse without complaint, and keep feet dry in conditions that soak traditional hiking boots.
Joshua Berman is the author of Moon Colorado Hiking: Best Hikes Plus Beer, Bites, and Campgrounds Nearby; he is also Director of Middle School Outdoor Education at Shining Mountain Waldorf School and an Airbnb Experiences Host who leads sunrise hikes. He writes about tacos and yoga for Inside Longmont magazine. His website is joshuaberman.net.
