GEAR: Outdoor Necessities for the Active Student

School is back in session and just because you’re stuck in class doesn’t mean you have to look like a nerd. Lucky for you, we’re here to help. This compilation of accessories and back to school essentials will keep you stylin’ while anxiously awaiting the season’s first big snowfall.

Skida Nordic Headband

We all know how big of a deal ski racing is out on the East Coast. Over the last few years, this down-home Vermont brand has taken the ski world by storm. With fun patterns and a great Instagram presence, Skida is one to keep an eye on. Their Nordic Headband is lightweight and fun to wear in the fall on hikes or runs. The wideband is designed to fit nicely under a helmet in the winter too, adding an extra layer without the bulk. It wicks sweat, slicks back hair, and keeps you warm.

Gregory Daypack

You may have your favorite pack already locked and loaded for this school year, but if you’re still looking for something that can perform on campus and on the trail, Gregory’s Sigma and Anode models are go-tos. Both packs have a dedicated 15” laptop compartment, soft pockets for some more valuable accessories, front stretch shove-it pockets, and a side compartment for your water bottle. The Anode is a solid option for men, whereas the Sigma has shoulder suspension designed specifically with women in mind.

Ministry of Culture Camp Hat

Another Vermont-based brand, Ministry of Culture, specializes in bold patterned headwear so that you’ll stand out in the classroom. All of their hats are handmade from natural fibers (either canvas panels or recycled wool) and have moldable brims. So if you’re a flatbill kind of guy, or a baseball cap kind of gal, or you’re just a person who doesn’t know what they like, you can customize your style to suit your mood.

Rumpl Puffy Blanket

Rumpl Puffy Down Blankets compress into a travel-ready size, without sacrificing warmth, making them the perfect for your next adventure or day-trip. Whether you’re kicking back at a tailgate or cozied up around a campfire, these blankets are made to perform under the weather with durable, water/odor resistant fabric. If you’re looking for something a bit on the warmer size, Rumpl’s Puffy Sherpa model is lined with fleece, making it a nice cuddle buddy during late night study sessions.

Miir Food Canister + Wide Mouth Bottle

We tried and tested these bad boys all summer and can’t wait to use them this winter.The Miir Food canister keeps your food hot (or cold) for hours, so the snacks stay fresh. The wide mouth water bottle guarantees to keep your drinks cold for 24+ hours, and hot for 12, so you can go all day without lukewarm or watered down coffee. Even cooler? Miir sets aside 3% of their revenue to give to organizations that are working to make an impact in communities around the globe. Plug in your product code on their website and they’ll tell you what project your dollars supported.

Give’r Accessories

Give’r, a Jackson Hole-based brand known for its epic kickstarters and four-season leather work gloves is at it again. The SRM team had the chance to test their ¾ zip prototype, and we’re huge fans. The pullover is equipped with thumbholes, a spacious hood, and is thin enough to keep down bulk but warm enough to perform in cold conditions. The best part? The lining. Looks like velvet, feels like a fuzzy throw blanket, unlike most fleece ¾ zips on the market. Watch for this product’s launch in October, we guarantee you’ll want to grab one of your own.

Bonus – the Give’r Neck Coozie (which comes free when you spend over $100 bucks on their website) is an absolute must for the active apres enthusiast. Whether your brew is kombucha or a beer, the neck coozie keeps your drink accessible and cold while your hands stay free.