We've all been there: it's a fresh powder day, your adrenaline is pumping, skis are propped up against the car and then...the dreaded gear shuffle. Leaning your trusty skis against your car and hoping they stay put is never a good option. They are more likely to become rogue paint-scratching missiles than continue to stand upright. Enter SnoStrips by RigStrips, the brainchild of two ski bums tired of the post-shred scratch blues.
Forget blankets and bungee cords, SnoStrips is an innovative magnetic (or adhesive) strip that sticks to your car, creating a safe haven for your skis and snowboards. No more cringing every time the wind whistles or a careless passerby bumps your board. However, SnoStrips isn't just about saving your paint job (though let's be honest, that's reason enough to celebrate). It's about peace of mind, convenience, and keeping your ride looking as fresh as that untouched powder line.
In this interview, we caught up with the founders Zhach Pham and Steven Graf of SnoStrips, who'll tell us the inside story of their invention, from concept to snow-covered streets. We'll dig into the science behind the strip's magic, explore its sleek design and functionality, and discover why it's becoming a must-have for winter sports enthusiasts everywhere. So, buckle up (metaphorically, of course) and get ready to learn how these savvy skiers revolutionized car-side gear storage and saved countless paint jobs in the process.
Living in the Rocky Mountains definitely shaped our entrepreneurial journey. We knew that we wanted to start a company someday, and our best memories revolved around time spent outdoors, so a venture in the outdoor space just made sense.
When the concept of SnoStrip came up, we were fired up about the idea of launching a product that was different. We had tried (and failed) before at a few other product launches in the past, so the gears started turning around how we could fix this problem. This excitement fueled our drive to take action and bring RigStrips to life.
It was a spring day, and we were gearing up in the lot. After taking my skis out of the car, the ground was muddy so I didn’t want to put them on the ground. I didn’t think twice when I leaned them against my Honda Element since I’d done it so many times before, but when Steven (the co-founder) sat on the tailgate to put on his boots, it nudged the car enough to have my skis slide down the side, taking a chunk of paint with it.
After that happened, It was crazy to look around and see a bunch of other skis and boards leaning against cars in the same lot…
Later that year, we were at a bar in Denver talking about what the solution to this problem could look like. A rough draft was drawn on the back of a receipt that we originally had called the “Ski-Strip”. We imagined a thick bumper sticker with grooves and slots that you could use to lean your gear to prevent it from falling over.
Our current SnoStrip model is the result of 4 years and 4 iterations, with an improvement made each year based on customer feedback and field testing on our end. Our 23/24 Magnetic SnoStrip season design has come a long way from the first bumper sticker version, and we’re confident that this design is finally perfect.
Our patents span across multiple products, since each product is made for a certain type of outdoor gear. The patents ensure secure fits for any and all gear that our products are built for, as well as quality and performance that allows the strips to stay on full time when not in use (even when driving on the highway in a snow storm).
Our first version was the adhesive bumper sticker. If we’re being honest, it wasn’t even close to perfect. Some people loved it, but others weren’t too happy with the idea of putting a sticker on their car.
Early on, the biggest piece of feedback was that people wanted a magnetic version, so that’s what we did! Some additional feedback came later:
- We heard users wanted stronger magnets, so we made them military grade.
- We heard people wanted longer grooves for certain skis, so we updated the design to accommodate all skis.
- We heard people say they wanted more support for snowboards, so we perfected the “snowboard hook” design for boards this year.
Every piece of feedback was an opportunity to improve and allow someone to be a part of our journey. We were sure to listen and hook up with everyone who provided constructive feedback once we came out with the new and improved models.
We’ve stayed true to our brand identity by only launching products that people like us would want.
For example, we kept receiving comments on our SnoStrip ads that people wanted a similar product for leaning their fishing gear, hunting gear, and biking gear on their car. This feedback helped us develop our second product, the SunStrip, a magnetic mount for fishing rods, hunting rifles, and mountain bikes.
This year we launched a “Lot Mat” for changing into boots/waders in the lot, a “TrunkGuard” for wet and dirty gear, and a massive 100L tote bag (known as the “BFT - Big F***ing Tote”) that can carry more ski/snowboard boots than any other bag we’ve seen on the market. All of these products are built to “enhance lot life”.
We’re also always sending out emails to our existing customers with deals and packages that include our newer products and bundles.
We have a million ideas, and the biggest question is just where to start next. We recently expanded into Canada and that’s going very well. We’re also in talks with some partners in Japan and Europe for next season. Our long term goal is to build a globally recognized brand that builds the best products at the intersection of the outdoor and automotive space.
We’ve heard stories of cars running over gear placed on the ground in a parking lot, and even one story of someone’s dog needing to get stitches after a snowboard fell over. The moments hanging in the lot before, during and after your time spent in the outdoors are some of the best, so our goal is for RigStrips products to keep those moments as stress-free as possible.
Without the digital solutions out there today for ecommerce brands, it would have been incredibly hard, if not impossible, for just the two of us to get to where we are today with RigStrips. That being said, there is still a ton of opportunity for improvement in the ecommerce tech space.
Aside from RigStrips, we're also working on a tool called Flowcart. It's a tech solution that lets anyone team up with brands to sell outdoor products online, wherever they want. Flowcart allows any blog, article or website to sell a product through a native checkout experience. This has many benefits over traditional affiliate links, such as keeping traffic on the site and instant payouts/kickbacks to the publisher.
It’s been a game-changer for RigStrips, opening up new sales channels and helping us build long-term relationships with blogs, publications, and influencers who sell our products using the platform, and we look forward to growing with other brands who join us.
You can see Flowcart in action here:[Button to buy a SnoStrip now]
]]>Grip strength is crucial for most daily activities, from opening jars to carrying groceries, from writing to buttoning your shirt, and from cooking to driving. Other than day-to-day activities, grip strength plays a key role in sports. Of course, it is more important for some sports than others.
Grip strength contributes to the improvement of overall hand functionality and endurance, which makes it vital for many physical pursuits. Grip strength does more than just help you improve at activities and sports. According to experts, grip strength can be an important indicator of overall health. Weak grip strength indicates a loss of muscle strength throughout the body. If you work on maintaining and improving your grip strength, you will age more slowly and stay healthier and stronger throughout your body for longer.
Although all sports are great for physical and mental health, few others come even close to providing as much thrill and exhilaration as skiing does. Skiing is a power-packed sport; it requires considerable core strength for stability, leg strength for maneuvers and turns, and overall fitness for not only enduring challenges but excelling despite them. However, an often overlooked aspect while training for skiing is grip strength.
Anyone with even a little skiing experience will be able to tell you how important grip strength is for this sport. You need a good grip to hold those ski poles. Good grip strength will help you maintain control of the ski poles and yourself, especially while navigating uneven terrain or icy slopes. It will improve the precision of your skiing movements. If you fall, you can regain control faster by grasping onto something.
Strong hands and improved grip will affect your responsiveness as a skier. You will be able to adapt more easily to challenging skiing conditions. In a nutshell, a good grip will help improve your skiing abilities considerably. You won’t even feel as fatigued and will be able to enjoy your après more.
Source: BarBend
This piece of exercise equipment is exclusively designed for improving grip strength, by strengthening the muscles of the hands and forearms. There are different types of grip strengtheners, and most of them have some form of resistance mechanism. Most grip strengtheners are pocket-friendly, which means, you can carry them around with you and work on your grip anywhere and everywhere.
Grip strengtheners are also probably the most inexpensive piece of exercise equipment that you will ever purchase, and they last for years if not a lifetime. If the return is in the form of improved grip strength, it’s a worthwhile investment, don’t you think?
Use grip strengtheners to train the muscles in your fingers, wrists, and forearms. Do this on your commute to work, while scrolling through social media, or even while you make phone calls. You’ll be surprised at how many opportunities you get throughout the day for grip training with this handy piece of equipment.
Apart from using the grip strengtheners, several other exercises (that use more muscles and involve compound movements) can help you develop impressive grip strength. Here are 5 effective and simple exercises that you can use to boost your grip strength:
This is a primal type of exercise, which means the exercise involves moving in a way our ancestors did (typically hunter-gatherers, but in this particular case farmers). Primal exercises mimic the basic human movement pattern.
So what do you need to do for this exercise? Just find some heavy objects that you can lift with your hands, pick up, and walk around. It’s as simple as that. Walk for as long as you can, then put the objects down when you get tired. Rest for a couple of minutes and repeat. You can use dumbbells, kettlebells, sandbags, a hex bar, any objects around the house or the specially designed farmer walk handles for this exercise. Just remember to maintain proper form while walking.
This is yet another primal exercise. It seems that our ancestors knew what they were doing. All you have to do is hang from a bar with outstretched arms. If you’re a beginner, hold for 20 seconds to half a minute at a time, release, and repeat. This exercise is specifically about the grip, but it also engages your core, shoulders, and back. It helps to decompress the spine and improve shoulder mobility along with enhancing grip strength.
Many skiers swear by the effectiveness of dumbbell curls. Some skiers exclusively use this exercise for improving grip strength. Grip the dumbbells in your hands, and start by standing hip-width apart. Your arms should be relaxed at the sides of your body with the palms facing forward. One at a time, you need to lift the dumbbell, either to your shoulder level, your eyes, or your forehead. Ensure that your elbows are close to your body every time you curl. Lower the dumbbell to the starting position and exhale while you do so. After a few reps with the same hand, switch the hand and repeat the exercise with the other hand.
This dynamic exercise engages multiple muscle groups, and it might just be the perfect one for skiers. It not only helps develop grip strength, but it also works the core, hips, and hamstrings. It will help you build power and improve your cardiovascular strength. All of this is going to help you endure and thrive on the icy slopes.
Source: Pexels
To perform this exercise, start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart. Hold the kettlebell in front of you with both hands. Keep your back straight, hinge at the hips, bend your knees, and swing the kettlebell between your legs. Then, thrust your hips forward explosively to swing the ‘bell up to the chest level. The weight of the ‘bell and gravity will make it descend for the next rep, so all you need to do is get your body ready to allow it to swing between the legs again. Master the technique with a lighter kettlebell before increasing the weight.
For this barbell, you’ll need the barbell in a landmine setup or securely in a corner. Stand perpendicular to the bar. Bend your knees slightly, ensuring that your back is straight. Lean forward with your torso. Grip the barbell and pull it toward your hip while retracting the shoulder blade. When your elbow is level with your torso, lower the barbell in a controlled movement. This is one rep. For beginners, a moderate rep range (8-12 reps a set) is best. Use a weight that challenges you but allows you to maintain proper form and technique while completing the reps. In this exercise, you will use the thick part of the barbell not designed for lifting, and this will help enhance your grip strength further. The movements involved in this exercise will work the muscles in your upper as well as lower body.
* An interesting tidbit about this exercise: This fantastic row variation is named after John Meadows, the bodybuilder who came up with it. *
Amazingly, these exercises can not only help improve your grip strength and your skiing performance but also your overall fitness. Grip strength is not to be taken lightly, whether it is for skiing or your general health. Include grip-strengthening exercises into your skiing training for a well-rounded routine, which will ensure that you’ll be able to conquer the slopes with confidence and resilience.
* This article is written as a collaborative post.
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Costa Sunglasses, is turning 40! Whether lounging on the sand or fishing on a boat, Costa sunglasses have done right by our eyes for four decades. Now it's time to celebrate.
To commemorate its success, the brand has launched its most advanced frame to date, the King Tide. The sunglasses are named after the impressive high tide that occurs during the ideal alignment of the Earth and moon. With the King Tide frames, the brand is helping water enthusiasts gain the ultimate advantage on the water, thanks to its innovative design that combines performance and style.
Costa's King Tide frame utilizes the research and innovation from every frame that came before it, making it the ultimate performance-enhancing accessory for activities on and off the water. Offering two styles, the King Tide 6 and the King Tide 8 frames are built to meet the distinct needs of different types of water activities.
“King Tide is a historical launch moment for Costa, it’s the culmination of every innovation and lesson we’ve learned in our 40 year history,” says John Sanchez, VP of Global Product Strategy.
The King Tide 6 is a medium-wrap, six-base frame that caters to those who require performance in all of their watery pursuits. Every detail, from the removable side shields for optimal use on and off the water to the shark-inspired venting system for a zero-fog effect, is designed to enhance comfort and performance.
For elite anglers who demand the most from every cast, the King Tide 8 full-wrap, eight-base version is the way to go. It offers a range of technical chops, including top-of-the-line sweat management and non-skid hooding to keep your frames secure when the water gets rough.
What makes this launch special is its three-phase release. In recognition and appreciation of Costa's origins in brick and mortar stores, select VIP specialty retailers gained access to the King Tide 6 & 8 on July 7. On July 11, Costa released a 40th Anniversary Limited Edition collectors frame with a never-before-seen 580G gold lens. Finally, a worldwide launch will take place on September 15, when the frames will be widely available both online and in retail locations.
Whether you are an angler or a general water enthusiast, Costa's King Tide frames are a game-changer. The non-skid hooding ensures that the frames stay put whenever you make the biggest catch or tackle the biggest wave. Additionally, the sweat management system works to keep your vision clear, while the venting system minimizes fogging for an uninterrupted view.
Ultimately, Costa Sunglasses' King Tide frames are the perfect accessory for those who demand sustained peak performance on and off the water. They offer the ultimate in comfort, functionality, and durability, making them the perfect investment for anyone looking to level up their aquatic adventures.
Do you enjoy reading our après everything gear review blog? You may or may not know, but it was just featured as one of Feedspot's top gear blogs, for thorough gear reviews like the one we did on the Costa Riconcito.
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]]>* Blog Post Updated on July 14, 2023
Get ready for the ultimate adventure companion! The Stanley French Press is not only rugged and durable but also a must-have for coffee lovers seeking the perfect cup of coffee while embracing the great outdoors. Its gunmetal green exterior paint exudes toughness, while its weightiness ensures it can endure any outdoor activity. Whether you're hitting the surf early in the morning or tailgating on the mountain before skiing fresh powder, this travel-sized Stanley French Press is the ideal gear for your next adventure. Read on for my review of this amazing coffee maker.
Tailgating on the mountain prior to getting first tracks? Having a few cups of hot coffee is nothing short of a necessity. No matter what activity you choose, Stanley has made the best French press for your next adventure.
The Stanley French Press boasts a generous pot volume of 48 ounces, which equates to about eight cups of rich, flavorful coffee. In designing the handle for this coffee maker, Stanley has clearly prioritized user comfort. The handle features a soft, plastic-rubbery texture that creates an ergonomic grip. This ensures that your experience of holding the press is nothing short of pleasurable while allowing you to enjoy your coffee with ease.
The durable design of the Stanley French Press extends to its interior as well. Whether you're preparing a cup of coffee before an early morning surf session or keeping it ready for après surf moments, the double-wall vacuum insulated stainless steel interior of the French Press ensures that your coffee remains piping hot for up to four hours, maintaining its rich, bold flavor.
On the flip side, if you like your coffee chilled, you’re in luck! The Stanley French press can keep your coffee cold for up to nine hours, add some ice and you are set for a full 24.
The Stanley Coffee French Press features a well-designed press component that boasts subtle yet significant details. Take, for example, the beveled angle on the press component, a testament to the brand's commitment to quality. But Stanley doesn't stop there - look closely at the top of the lid, and you'll notice a cleverly placed arrow on the spout that is designed to line up perfectly with the slant of the spout, allowing for a seamless and precise pour.
Once you're done, twist the lid to seal your French Press and keep your coffee hot for longer periods. And, when it comes to cleaning, the easy-clean filter within the dishwasher-safe lid ensures that you always get a smooth and delicious sip of coffee with every pour.
To be honest with you I've never actually made French press coffee in my life. I've drank it plenty of times but I've never actually made it myself. So doing so for the purpose of this video was quite adventurous. For that purpose, I enlisted my good friends over at Coffee Surf Co. to give me some of their new Dawn Patrol roast. Their tagline is, “Putting an adventure in every cup” or in this case, putting adventure in this French press.
I was surprised at how easy the Stanley French Press was to operate. For the sake of the video, I used pre-ground coffee and put roughly two tablespoons for every eight ounce cup. At 48 ounces that equates to about 12 tablespoons, but you can adjust accordingly if you want it a little bit stronger or a little bit tame. I started with 10 scoops that I put right on the bottom of the French Press. This being the first time I've ever made it, I don't want it to come out like diesel gas.
Once you have added your coffee grounds to the Stanley French Press, pour hot water directly into the pot, covering the grounds. Give the mixture a gentle stir to ensure a homogenous blend of water and coffee grounds. It is crucial to mix the grounds and water thoroughly for a flavorful and robust cup of coffee.
The next step is straightforward- replace the top and start pressing the plunger downward. I recommend going a little slower. If you go too fast, the grounds are all going to shoot to the top of the pot and end up in the coffee. So go pretty slowly and take our time. This will yield the perfect pot of coffee.
Overall, I think this a great product and the best French Press you can buy. There is a reason Stanley has been in business for a long time and this is just this is just one more example of that. Enjoy the coffee apres surf with your dawn patrol buddies rocking our signature Adirondack Chair t-shirt and New School Trucker Hat as seen in the video.
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]]>Video Highlights:
00:20 All About Après Report Introduction
00:33 Introduces the Yeti Camino Carryall Tote Bag
01:00 Talking about its durability
01:30 The strength of the straps
01:50 The wide opening and bag's interior
02:12 The internal zipper pouch
02:20 Closing the bag with the clasp
02:55 Carrying a major haul of craft beer (Heady Topper)
03:22 Wrapping it up with the key points
Are you an outdoor enthusiast searching for a reliable and versatile tote bag to carry your gear? If so, you may have encountered the popular Yeti Camino 35 Carryall Tote. Does this Yeti tote bag live up to the hype? I'm here to help you find out. In this comprehensive Yeti Camino 35 review, I share my experience with the Yeti tote bag and determine if it's the real deal.
My first impression of this Yeti tote is that you can tell they've made a very very durable tote bag just by looking at it.
Read any Yeti Camino Carryall reviews online and you will find that the material is waterproof and puncture-proof. That makes the Yeti Camino Carryall pretty darn good for whatever type of adventure you're going on.
I know for a fact that my wife loves our Yeti tote as our beach bag. Honestly, she stole it from me pretty much the minute I got it and has been using it as her beach bag ever since.
Beyond the tough exterior, the Yeti Camino bag has some pretty awesome straps. As you can see in the gear review video, they're kind of thick. They are also well-sewn into the bag itself. This only adds to the tote bag's durability.
The Yeti Camino Carryall straps also have a second tier to them. This comes in handy if you have something that's just a little bit heavier because the metal dowel inside of the handles adds to their structure.
On top of the Yeti Camino Carryall 35 tote bag's durability, I love the fact that the opening is very wide. Having a wide opening allows me to get a lot of different items in the tote bag very easily. As previously mentioned, my wife uses it regularly as our Yeti beach tote bag. Its width makes it easy to carry our towels, sunscreen and our Yeti Day Trip Lunch Bag with all of our food.
Inside, it's basically no frills, but it's very deep and equally as wide all the way down. The Yeti Camino Carryall 35 tote bag also maintains its structure really well. This is a huge plus when getting your gear in and out of the bag.
There is also a little zipper pouch inside which is a great size for your cell phone, wallet and keys. Throw them in there and zip it up and they stay hidden from plain view.
Another cool feature of the Yeti tote bag that helps to protect your valuables from being in plain site is the little clasp directly inside at the top of the bag. Just slide one side into the other and it closes the bag up a little bit. This ultimately makes it less appealing to would-be creepers that are walking by to try and take your gear.
Yeti has done a nice job venturing outside their comfort zone here away from coolers into the beach tote bag realm. The Yeti Camino Carryall 35 Tote bag is great for a day at the beach or any adventure you can think of.
For someone like me who's All About Après, I know exactly what I would use this Yeti tote bag for...carrying beer. For example, when I'm coming back from Vermont I usually have a major haul of tasty craft beer like Heady Topper say from The Alchemist, or some awesome beers from the Burlington Beer Company. Instead of letting them fly all around my car, I can put those in my bag and keep them organized. This way when I get home I'm ready to just walk it right into the house in one trip.
In this Yeti Camino Carryall 35 review, I broke down the key features and determined that I really like what Yeti has made an excellent beach tote bag. The Yeti Camino Carryall is durable, rugged and has multiple uses. Whether it's a major haul of craft beer or carrying beach toys with your kids to the beach, the Yeti Camino Carryall tote bag is well worth the investment.
When you are carrying a Yeti tote bag that's as cool as the Yeti Camino Carryall, you'll want a ski t-shirt its equal. That's why I suggest our Brews With a View Après Ski T-Shirt. This is the one that I'm rocking in the video and pictures above.
Can't you just see, rolling up to that lakefront location with your Yeti tote bag in hand carrying all the gear you will need to take in the view?
Me too!
So what are you waiting for? Get yours today!
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]]>In this ski gear review, we'll be sharing our top picks of the skiing gear brands that stood out to us after thorough testing. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, our review will provide useful insights to help you make an informed decision when selecting the best ski gear for your next ski trip to Park City or elsewhere.
If you are going to be skiing for a few days, you're going to need more than one pair of ski socks. That would be pretty gross otherwise. Darn Tough Ski Socks are an excellent choice for any skier looking for warm, durable, and comfortable socks for on the slopes. The socks are made from a blend of merino wool, nylon, and lycra spandex, providing a perfect mix of warmth, durability, and stretch. Their cushioning is just right, providing support where it's needed without being too bulky. The socks are also a perfect fit for skiers, with an over-the-calf length that stays in place and never bunches up or slips down. In addition, the merino wool material is incredibly soft and long lasting, making them a worthwhile investment.
This was my daughters' first prolonged ski trip out west so similar to the ski socks, they needed a couple of baselayers to get them through. Hot Chilly's kids' base layers are an excellent choice for keeping warm and comfortable in cold weather. Designed with a blend of soft and warm materials, these base layers provide excellent insulation and moisture management. They are lightweight and flexible, making them perfect for active kids who need free range of motion. My youngest daughter loved hers so much that she refused to wear any other baselayer other than her Hot Chilly's that week. Good thing we had a washer and dryer in the unit. Ultimately, this defeated the original purpose but that's about the best endorsement I can give this product.
When DPS offers to drop skis off at your hotel for you to try, you jump on it. So was the case as I walked into the Westgate and saw those pretty blue skis waiting there for me. The DPS Kaizen 105 turned out to be a fantastic ski for all the powder we received on this trip. They blew through the deep snow with ease, offering confidence-inspiring performance in the deep conditions. A longer turn radius, longer effective edge, and less tip taper, provided stability and held an edge at higher speeds on the groomers. I found the Kaizen 105 nimble enough to make quick adjustments in trees and steep spots as well. This ultimately makes it a great option for those who like to explore the whole mountain. The ski is well-balanced, delivering a smooth ride with plenty of power to tackle challenging terrain. Overall, the DPS Kaizen 105 is an excellent option for anyone in search of an all-around ski that can perform in a variety of situations.
With my wife, a snowboarder, traveling out west for the first time, we were in need of a reliable snowboard bag for the trip. The Dakine Low Roller Snowboard Bag proved to be just that, a convenient and well-protected travel option. The bag is well-padded, durable and has smooth-rolling wheels. Its compact design makes it easy to travel with and attach to other luggage bags. The interior and exterior pockets were also a nice addition, helping to maximize the storage space while keeping her gear organized. Overall, the Dakine Low Roller Snowboard Bag is a reliable, lightweight and convenient option for any snowboarder who's traveling on a long trip.
The High Camp Torch Flask is an exceptional product with a unique design, making it stand out from other flasks. I brought my custom All About Apres one along for the trip and it certainly came in handy that first night we got there.
The magnetic top doubles as a 3 oz shot glass, and the wide-mouth opening on the bottom makes it easy to pour in your favorite spirits without the need for a funnel. The double-wall insulation of the flask ensures that your drinks are always at their desired temperature, making it perfect for outdoor activities like skiing and snowboarding. I highly recommend the High Camp Torch Flask for anyone looking for a stylish and practical flask. It is durable, compact, and is perfect for taking your favorite spirits on the go.
Even though our unit was equipped with a washer and dryer it was inevitable that we'd end up traveling home with some dirty clothes. To keep those clothes separated in our bags we used the Eagle Creek Pack-It Essentials Set.
The set includes 3 packing cubes that come in different sizes and fit perfectly into our luggage no matter what type of bag we were using. The packing cubes are made from high-quality, durable materials that are also lightweight and easy to clean. This ultimately made them the perfect travel companion for our adventure.
I always ski with a hydration pack in my backpack. It makes me feel a little better knowing that I've hydrated all day prior to drinking a few beers apres ski. The HydraPak Contour 2L with the Arctic Fusion Tube is an excellent hydration bladder that provides a reliable and convenient way to stay hydrated during any outdoor activity.
I am thoroughly impressed with the redesigned Hydrapak. It is incredibly easy to clean since it can be turned inside out effortlessly. Additionally, I find the inclusion of a loop that allows me to hang it up to dry after cleaning to be an excellent feature. Furthermore, the valve to connect to the tube located on the side of the HydraPak is a game-changer as it ensures that the tube doesn't get in the way of other items in my smaller pack.
Meanwhile, the Arctic Fusion Tube is an absolute must in the winter. The insulated tube ensures the water doesn't freeze in cold temperatures. The high-flow bite valve with dust cover makes it easy to drink. Overall, the redesign has numerous convenient features that when combined with the Fusion Tube make it an exceptional and effortless hydration solution for my skiing adventures.
Tailwind Nutrition Active Hydration is an exceptional product that has helped me stay hydrated during my ski days in Park City, Utah. The inclusion of electrolytes and collagen in the formula helps support my body during our long days on the mountain.
I appreciate that the drink mix is free from artificial flavorings and sweeteners, making it a healthier alternative to other sports drinks. The Tangerine Grapefruit flavor is definitely my favorite but to be honest, none of the flavors are bad. I also love the convenience of the individual drink packets. This is a total game-changer as I can easily pack them for my trips and avoid messy spills when putting them in my HydrPak.
Overall, I highly recommend Tailwind Nutrition Active Hydration to anyone looking for a reliable and refreshing drink mix that provides essential nutrients and hydration while skiing and snowboarding.
]]>Let's be honest, skiing and snowboarding is a lot of fun. So much fun that no one ever really wants the day to end when the lifts stop spinning. That's why the French created apres ski...to keep the ski day going just a little bit longer.
Après ski certainly comes with its fair share of shenanigans. From boot dancing on tabletops to shotskis and everything in between, there is never a dull moment. I have certainly participated in my fair share of all of these activities but when push comes to shove, I am a huge fan of sharing stories of your perfect ski day over beers with friends.
Whether it's the big air you got or the number of lift beers you drank the stories you tell at après ski are a huge part of skiing. They also happen to be the very premise behind the new Après card game designed to keep the fun going while players create their perfect ski day.
It's interesting what big ideas can come out of a car ride to and from the mountains. My brand All About Après was spawned over conversations on car rides to and from Vermont. These car rides are also where many of the sayings that adorn our merch came to fruition.
Similarly, the Après card was also born in a car just not in Vermont but rather on the heavily trafficked I-70 Colorado. According to the owner and creator Vic Rasgaitis, "I was just naming as many ski jargon terms as I could think of to keep from going stir crazy while inching along the snowy highway. But pretty soon all the brainstorming led to another thought: It’s pretty fun how all of these different pieces add up to make a great ski day. And on the best ski days, a snowy Après hot tub soak is always followed by late-night board games."
I couldn't agree more. My crew is a huge fan of drinking Jenga and we've definitely played Cards Against Humanity and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza a time or two but they don't necessarily have anything to do with skiing. That's where Vic's game separates itself from the others by ultimately challenging participants to create their perfect ski day.
Like any other deck of cards, the game of Après includes 72 cards. The cards range from run cards, special cards, bonus cards and even off-piste cards. The run cards are exactly what they sound like. They are modeled after the runs you would take while skiing or snowboarding with greens, blues, black diamonds or double diamonds being worth a specific number of points based on difficulty.
The Special Cards are unique because they allow players to mix things up based on what card is played. For example, a Pow card offers 3 times the amount of points of your most recent run card which depending on what type of run you last did could result in a decent amount of points.
Finally, there are bonus cards. These cards prompt players to be creative when assembling their best ski day. Convincing another player to do a shotski with you will earn you points (we give a bonus if you actually do one). Play a Lift Beer card or five and you'll rack up anywhere from one to 15 points. Just be careful not to play too many or you can actually lose points. After all, nobody likes a drunk idiot skiing down the mountain. Save the bulk of your drinking for the day's end, which brings me to the Après cards. These cards can earn you an extra seven points if you have the most of them at the end of the game.
There's obviously more to it than this but rather than bore you with more details, I'll let you check out the how-to-play video that Vic made here. Bottom line is that this card game is fun and worth getting for a variety of reasons.
Just like the end to any good day on the mountain should be, Après the game is always a good time and will only enhance the overall experience. The fast-paced nature of playing your cards quickly adds an element of quick-thinking excitement that will have people smiling and laughing throughout.
Furthermore, as you lay out your fictitious card-based ski day, it is sure to spark conversation amongst your group about your actual ski day and how great it was.
However, what really sets this après ski game apart is its ability to travel with ease. It's sort of tough to carry Jenga with you to the mountain and play at the bar but a deck of cards, now that's easy to carry. Toss the deck in your jacket pocket or your backpack and pull it out at the end of the day, much to the delight of your friends.
Après the game is easy to play (once you get the hang of it) and is sure to add to the excitement of an already good time.
Sitting on the deck, sipping beers and playing the Après card game amidst mountain views deserves the best ski clothing. Nothing is more perfect for the occasion than our Raised on Après Ski Hoodie. This soft and comfortable ski hoodie will keep you warm while raising a pint with your friends to commemorate your perfect ski day.
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]]>Talk about withstanding the test of time.
Beyond this obvious mayhem, people in the last 125 years would have also experienced many major technological advances. Televisions, computers and cell phones all came to fruition and have completely changed our lives.
With innovations such as these causing constant change, one thing that would have remained constant is people's need for consistently reliable outdoor apparel and their love of tasty beer.
Filson, masters of outdoor apparel and bags, is currently celebrating its 125 year anniversary, and to commemorate its success they have announced a partnership with Stillwater, nomadic brewing venture.
All About Après doesn't have the longevity of Filson or, even Stillwater. I'm not even sure we have the cache either. But, our après ski clothing is good quality, comfortable and a whole lot of fun. Like our Après Ski Team Ski Hoodie. Filson and Stillwater are a great team. So too is the après ski team. No boundaries, just good times with good people. Who doesn't love that?
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]]>Lindsey Vonn also knows a thing or two about the Olympics. In her illustrious career, she has won an Olympic gold while notching two bronze medals as well. Now Lindsey Vonn and Head Sportswear are mastering the slopes and après ski together in their newest iteration of the Head Legacy collection.
Après ski literally means "after ski" and is characteristically defined by the social activities that take place after a day on the mountain. However, for many (ourselves included), the phrase has become a lifestyle, one where people work hard to play hard. The new Legacy Collection collaboration between Lindsey Vonn and Head Sportswear executes this transition perfectly helping you seamlessly carve your path from the slopes to the bar in style.
Make no mistake about it, the Legacy Collection is very fashion forward. If you have seen images of Vonn, you know she has an elegant sense of style. From metallics to luscious cashmere and faux fur, Vonn's elegance is on display throughout the collection.
"What I love about the new Legacy Collection is that no matter if you are spending time on the slopes or just relaxing with your friends at après ski you are going to look and feel amazing," says Vonn.
In other words, whether you are pairing the slim jet bib pants with a puffy down jacket while ripping GS turns or with a nice sweater while sipping cocktails at après ski, you can channel your inner Lindsey and look like a champion.
Don't confuse the Legacy Collection's fashion-forward look with a lack of function. Vonn and Head, both ski industry icons and would never allow it.
"We created this collection using premium materials and cutting edge technology
to make sure you are supported while skiing but at the same time we have made the designs chic and fun so you look amazing at the same time," elaborates Vonn.
The Legacy Collection was developed in Austria and Zurich, engineered in Italy, and manufactured in Europe. In doing so, Head used high-tech/eco-friendly fabrics, that are as trailblazing as their metal pressed skis were 70 years ago. By using PFC-free materials, along with premium materials, such as merino tecnowool and ethical down they created a line that performs as great as it looks.
When two ski industry icons join forces you know only good can come from it. This is certainly the case when it comes to the new Legacy Collection collaboration between Head Sportswear and Lindsey Vonn. Vonn's sense of fashion and knowledge of the sport is unparalleled. Similarly, Head Sportwear brings decades of experience being at the forefront of technical ski apparel. Together, they have created a line of ski clothing that is fashionable, functional and will have you performing your best on and off the mountain.
Is the Legacy Collection too chic for you? I get it. Not everyone can pull off Lindsey Vonn's look. However, you can still channel your inner Snow Bunny with our Certified Snow Bunny Ski Hoodie and t-shirt. Both are super soft, comfy and perfect for sitting in the lodge sipping hot chocolate by the fire.
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]]>Sorry. That's totally on me.
Nonetheless, with the winter and the holiday season fast approaching, I figured I was due to review outdoor gear.
People are always looking for good gift ideas, right?
This week's outdoor gear review features the BTR Stool from Hillsound. Sometimes the best gear comes in the simplest and smallest packages. Made with lightweight materials and an easy-to-use telescoping folding design the BTR Stool will help you take a seat wherever you go.
There is no question that this little stool is "better than a rock." And, a lot lighter too. So light, in fact, you can take it anywhere and probably forget it's there.
For the BTR stool, it all begins with the materials it's made of. The aluminum alloy legs and nylon seat combine to weigh next to nothing. In fact, the BTR comes in two sizes, 14'' and 17" weighing in at 12.02 oz and 14.01 oz respectively.
Yup, you read that right. They each weigh less than a pint of beer.
But what is even more impressive is that despite the stool's minimal weight and small stature, it can still hold up to 240 pounds.
Not too shabby, for a stool that can fold up and fit right in your backpack.
Yes!
The setup is as simple as it gets. Pull out the telescoping legs to their fullest extension, twist the legs at the middle, then push the seat down and sit. It probably takes less than 10 seconds to set up and it's pretty comfortable despite its minimalistic nature.
To be honest, the BTR is far more comfortable than a rock or log or any other hard surface you might sit on in nature. This is not only due to the soft mesh seat but also the stool's height. As a taller guy, I much prefer the 17" version which allows me to sit normally when compared to the 14" version.
The BTR stool is also easy to take with you on the go. In fact, the ability to carry the stool with ease is actually one of its greatest benefits. When folded up the BTR takes up very little space and can fit comfortably into the primary compartment of your backpack or even a side pocket. I even tuck mine under the bench seat in the back of my pickup with little care given to how much space it takes up.
As mentioned earlier, the BTR is ideal for multiple situations including tailgating, hiking, bike-packing and more. One slight drawback though is that you are going to need a stable surface to set up on. Although the plastic feet have a good grip and can adjust slightly to the surface when leaning the stool could tip over.
Overall the BTR stool from Hillsound is an excellent product. It's lightweight, easy to transport and set up and then quite comfortable despite its minimalism. The BTR can be used for a variety of activities including our favorite pastime, après ski tailgating. Then, once you finish your beers, fold the BTR up with ease and toss it back in the truck for your next adventure.
Whether you are out on a hike or hanging by the tailgate on your new BTR stool with friends, you will want the best après ski hat for the occasion. We have a wide variety of ski hats to choose from but our Techie Moisture Wicking Ski Hat screams adventure. Made completely from moisture-wicking material it's the hat you need to take you right from your adventure to your après ski tailgate party.
]]>Blog Post Updated on July 25, 2022
It's been a minute since we last put up a gear review on our All About Apres gear blog. In fact, the last time we did an outdoor gear review was this winter when we gave you an in-depth look at the Hangtime Koala. If you haven't read that blog post yet, I encourage you to. It's a piece of gear that I or my family just cannot live without and makes having a cell phone out while skiing so much safer.
Speaking of gear that I can't live without, it's time to take a deep look into one item that I am totally digging this summer, the Rinconcito Polarized Sunglasses by Costa.
With the warm weather in full swing, I have switched our outdoor gear review coverage over from winter necessities to summer ones. In other words, we're looking at gear that makes my life better when I'm chilling out with my chilling with family and friends après surf. The sun, sand and an ocean breeze bring about a whole new set of requirements and nothing is more important than a good pair of polarized sunglasses.
A good pair of sunglasses are a must at any time of the year, but especially in the summer months. With the sun being hotter, brighter and longer lasting you'll need to protect your peepers all day long. That's where the Costa Rinconcito Polarized Sunglasses come into play. Previously known mostly for their boating sunglasses the Rinconcito and its older brother the Rincon have ushered Costa into a new, more global, lifestyle market. This has ultimately been a game changer for Costa.
By combining lifestyle looks with all the important performance components the Costa Rinconcito makes living on the water just a bit easier (as if it weren't already) and have become my go-to pair of polarized sunglasses this summer.
Named after the iconic southern California right point break The Rinconcito has all the features you would want out of a pair of performance sunglasses. Made from durable bio-based nylon, they can stack up to whatever punishment ocean life throws at them. However, their limitations go far beyond the sea. I've worn them hiking, biking and even on the golf course and the Rinconcito perform equally as well in each of these environments.
Simply stated, they are made to perform. The anti-slip hydrolite strips on the nose and and temple tips are true to their name. They actually get stickier the sweatier you get. That means that the summer heat only helps keep the Rinconcito on your face. Brilliant!
I also really dig the spring hinges on the arms of the sunglasses. The added level of flexibility gives the Rinconcito the comfort you'd expect without compromising the security of these sporty sunglasses.
Most importantly the Rinconcito is equipped with 580 polarized lenses. These lenses are as good as they get. Plus Costa takes it to another level by giving you so many options to choose from including: polycarbonate, glass, prescription and a variety of different shades.
Their variety is really quite impressive.
The Costa Rinconcito have become my go to shades for this summer thanks to their killer combination of looks and performance. With a name that has origins in California, Costa designed the Rinconcito with a little West Coast flare. The lifestyle look has less of a wrap to them then some of their previous seafaring designs.
I don't do a ton of boating. I'm more of a beach to the bar guy, so this kind of style is appealing to me. As is the Rinconcito's medium fit which works perfectly with my head shape. Combine this kind of style with the aforementioned performance features and the Rinconcito are the perfect polarized sunglasses for my active après surf lifestyle.
Living the après surf life requires not only the perfect pair of polarized sunglasses. You'll need a shirt to match. That's where our Après Surf T-Shirt comes into play. Designed with post surf bonfires and beers on the beach in mind, it is the ultimate complement to the Costa Rinconcito Polarized Sunglasses.
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]]>There is nothing like a good cooler for your patio. When packed correctly, they can keep your beverages cold for days at a time. However, taking a 64 L hard cooler everywhere you go is not always ideal. That's why companies are starting to make coolers designed to go anywhere.
Enter the Hydro Flask Cooler Backpack. As part of Hydro Flask's Unbound Series, they're designed to go anywhere. These Hydro Flask coolers include backpacks and tote bags designed to travel to places like the beach, a hike and the golf course with ease.
The purpose of the Unbound Series is for you to be able to take this Hydro Flask cooler backpack anywhere. Whether you are going to the beach, mountains, hike or the golf course you will want a cooler that is convenient and comfortable.
The straps of the backpack itself, are quite comfortable. All are pretty well padded and can be adjusted to fit perfectly over your shoulders. There is also a little padding on the cooler that rests nicely against your back. Ultimately, this adds to the comfortable fit of the cooler and prevents it from slamming up against your back.
Continuing with the need to be able to go anywhere is the way the bottom of the cooler is constructed. Built with reinforcements, it is a little harder when compared to the middle. Done purposefully, the harder bottom allows the Hydro Flask cooler backpack to stand vertically wherever you put it down.
The reinforced bottom also adds a degree of durability and will prevent the bottom from getting all jacked up and leaking any water. Furthermore there is more insulated down at the bottom. That's going to keep the temperature cold and your stuff cooler longer.
Beyond the durability and comfort, the Hydro Flask cooler backpack is quite resourceful with what it can carry. With multiple little pockets including a side pocket with a zipper, a mesh pocket and then another one on top.
The side pocketing is great. The zip pocket is perfect for your wallet, keys, knife or whatever you want to fit in there. Up top, is a dry pocket. This is perfect for your cell phone or anything that is going to get ruined if it gets wet.
The side mesh pocket is also a neat little feature. Originally it was designed to hold at least one of Hydro Flask's 32 ounce bottles. Staying hydrated is important and all but we're All About Après. With a little experimentation, I found out that the mesh pocket actually holds a full wine bottle. Slide in a bottle of Townie Rosè from Old Town Cellars and hit the trails.
Their Townie Rosè is a great summer drinking wine and since they're The Official Wine of Après this works perfectly post hike, post ride, post beach when you want to share some good times with friends.
The main compartment of the Hydro Flask cooler bag is deeper than it appears. Initially, you'll notice that the zipper that opens up the entire mouth of the cooler. This feature should not go overlooked as it allows you to load and unload with ease.
When completely zipped the Hydro Flask cooler is watertight. This is going to keep water in, keep water out and prevent anything else from getting into the compartment.
The zipper itself works pretty smoothly and as previously mentioned, when open is wide enough that you can get stuff in there and out rather easily. For 22 litres it's deceptively deep. This leaves you enough space to throw in some Narragansett Fresh Catch tallboys. Nice, light and refreshing, they are perfect for day drinking on the beach.
But, the depth of what you can fit in the main compartment doesn't end there.
Add a six pack of Ten Barrel's Out of Office Hoppy Pilsner. Another great day drinking beer, your friends are sure to thank you when you crack them open post activity.
Say drinking all day isn't your thing. That's perfectly fine. I get it we all have our problems. Just replace one of the six packs with a Tupperware container filled with food. The food will actually help you soak up the booze and the container size even leaves a little room for one of Hydra Flask's ice packs on top to keep everything cool.
Hydro Flask's backpack cooler, part of their Unbound Series and designed to go anywhere. A soft cooler, they are light, comfortable and pretty durable, especially the bottom. The Hydro Flask backpack cooler is designed with multiple pockets to carry everything you need. You can even fit a full bottle of wine in the side mesh pocket and at least two six packs in the primary compartment. Overall for 22 liters Hydro Flask has built a pretty awesome soft cooler designed for your next adventure.
Just like the Hydro Flask cooler backpack, our après ski clothing is designed with adventure in mind especially the Brews with a View T-shirt. Slide into this shirt, toss some beers in your cooler and head off on your next journey. Then when you reach a destination like the one on the shirt, crack open a old one and celebrate your accomplishment.
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]]>
* blog post updated on June 13, 2022
Memorial Day has come and gone. That means summer is unofficially, officially here on the Jersey Shore. Time to break out the board shorts, rock your coolest Hawaiian shirt and start sipping lighter beers.
Whether I'm chilling at one of my favorite après surf bars or a little place that I like to call Stoner's Palace (my back patio) I'm usually wearing my California Cowboy High Water Shirt.
It's the ultimate in après surf clothing for kicking back with friends and sipping on cocktails.
Why?
It's simple. The California Cowboy High Water shirt is not only comfortable but it looks good and has everything you need and more in a Hawaiian shirt.
The first thing you notice when you pull the California Cowboy High Water Shirt out of the packaging is its stunning good looks. No matter what pattern you choose, you will not be disappointed in how the colors pop right off the shirt.
Remarkable as these good looks may be, I'm reminded of what my mom always used to tell me.
It's what's on the inside that really counts.
In the case of the California Cowboy High Water shirt, she was correct.
Unbutton this Hawaiian shirt and you'll find that the inside is actually lined with terry cloth. How retro surf scene of them. It's like having a towel built right into your shirt. This way, when you emerge from the ocean like Halle Berry in James Bond, you can slide right into your High Water shirt without toweling off.
Talk about true après surf clothing.
However, great looks and a terry cloth interior is only the beginning of what the High Water has to offer.
Ever since I got the California Cowboy High Water Shirt it has become the new go-to shirt in my sartorial arsenal. I've never seen anything like it.
It is truly the Swiss Army knife of Hawaiian shirts.
The people at California Cowboy have thought of everything.
Say the sun is going down and you want to take your sunglasses off. Normally people have a hard time figuring out what to do with them.
Do you put them up on your hat?
Do you lay them on the table and run the risk of losing them?
Do you tuck them in your shirt pocket?
No! No! No! California Cowboy has you covered. They have built a little loop into where the buttons are. Slide the arm of the sunglasses right in and they hang perfectly without being a hindrance.
The next great feature of this shirt is all the pockets.
Yes...ALL the pockets.
There is not just one breast pocket as you'd expect. There's actually one pocket inside. There is a large pocket on the lower back right. There is also a smaller one on the lower back right. They are everywhere and, believe it or not, they all serve a purpose.
This smaller one actually serves to carry your very personal California Cowboy bottle opener.
Excuse, I meant a gold-plated bottle opener. That's some gangsta shit right there. Okay we'll keep that there.
The High Water also comes with your very own California Cowboy koozie. This is obviously an excellent accessory for keeping your beer cold. That being said, every once in a while I get into a situation where I'm like, "what do I do with my beer?"
Maybe I'm playing cornhole, do I want to hold this beer?
Is that going to throw my balance off?
When it comes to the California Cowboy High Water, these problems are all taken care of. That aforementioned larger pocket on the back right...that's there to store your beer.
Look mom, no hands. I can play polish horseshoes. I could throw the frisbee around. I can play some cornhole. It's all deadly.
The next great pocket is the other large one on the lower back left. This one is waterproof and sealed nicely with a zipper. This is a great place throw your wallet, your keys, hell I'd probably even throw my cellphone there.
Finally, the last pocket, is the one up at the top. I saved for last because its purpose ties in with one of the best things about California Cowboy as a company. When I first connected with Drew, the founder and owner, I learned that he's an old-school surfer and skier from California. He's also all about the après surf, après ski scene.
Drew loves bringing people together. That's what après ski and après surf is all about. So with every piece of clothing that you get from California Cowboy they send these really fancy California Cowboy talking cards.
The talking cards are designed to spark some conversation. So when you're sitting around on the back patio drinking beers, you can just pull a card from the pile and get to talking.
One of my favorites is the card that reads, "I'm just saying you could do better." I mean how many times have I used that line in my life? I finally actually got somebody to buy into it...she's my wife now.
Another good one, is "hit me up when you lower your standards." Yeah, I definitely have a few friends in low places, so I can relate.
Nonetheless, these conversation cards are super unique and very necessary. In a time where we always seem to be connected to a device, they give us a break from that reality and make for some fun conversation.
Overall, I love the California Cowboy High Water. It is the ultimate in après surf clothing. California Cowboy has really thought of everything when it comes to the features of this Hawaiian shirt. More importantly, I love California Cowboy as a brand. Their mantra of bringing people together post-ski and surf aligns perfectly with what we try to do here at All About Après. So if you are looking for a new shirt this summer that will go above and beyond I highly recommend the High Water from California Cowboy.
When it comes to pairing your California Cowboy shirt with the perfect hat, I highly recommend our Distressed Dad Hat. Its classic faded worn-out look matches the retro après surf clothing vibe of the high water and its already broken-in feel makes it an excellent hat for the beach.
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]]>For over 57 years Smith Optics has been bringing quality protection to your eyes and head to keep you safe while you embark on your mountain adventures.
On the other hand, (although not for quite as long) North Drinkware brings that adventure right to your table. Their hand-blown glassware features many of the iconic mountains we play on for you to enjoy while drinking an iced cold beverage.
In their own right, Smith Optics and North Drinkware are the best of the best.
Now those two worlds collide as Smith Optics and North Drinkware have partnered up to give you the ultimate après-ski collaboration with their limited edition Obsidian Glass Collection.
The limited-edition collection debuts Smith’s first Lowdown 2 sunglasses with ChromaPop™ polarized glass lenses alongside North’s black tinted topographic Mt. Hood Pint pint glass, made exclusively for the project of blown obsidian glass.
That's right, a tinted pint glass.
Now your eyes and your beer will be protected from those harmful UV rays.
In all honesty, I'm not sure if UV rays hurt your beer (at the least, they warm it) or if the tinted glass will even do anything to protect it. However, what the obsidian glass does do is honor the majestic features and formation of Mt. Hood – the iconic volcanic peak located in Oregon’s Cascade Range.
The Pacific Northwest is known for its stunning elevated landscape. Amidst this legendary topography, Mt. Hood stands as a pinnacle feature within the state of Oregon. The active volcano produces obsidian, a hard, dark glasslike rock formed by the rapid solidification of lava without crystallization.
SMITH optics and North Drinkware are both headquartered in the shadows of this iconic volcano. The two brands drew upon their unique geographic connection to Mt. Hood as inspiration for their new collection.
While the bottom of the North Drinkware Mt. Hood Glass features an accurate USGS 3D Data of Mt. Hood blown into its base, it is not the only part of the collaboration to feature the volcano. The temples of the Lowdown 2 also include a representation of the majestic terrain. That, along with the black glass tints of both the sunglass lenses and pint glass bring the magic and beauty of obsidian and its Oregon roots to life.
Sold as a set in ready-to-gift packaging, the SMITH x North Obsidian Glass Collection ($299) is available exclusively on Smith Optics and select Pacific-Northwest retailers.
What's a good pair of sunglasses and a pint glass without the right après ski clothes?
Ummmmm, nothing.
That's why you need to pick up your Raised on Après Ski T-shirt. While SMITH and North Drinkware pay tribute to the iconic Mt. Hood, we salute those who grew up with après ski in their blood. Slightly less awe-inspiring their dedication to their craft is worth noting.
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]]>
Person 1: How many layers are you going to wear today?
Person 2: I don't know, how many layers are you going to wear today?
Person 3: Well, the high is only going to be about 26 today and cloudy maybe you should go with three.
Person 1: Do you think that's enough?
Enough of that, you get my drift. This is a regular debate in the mornings with the crew that I travel with on ski weekends.
Me? Not so much.
I'm focused on how I can seamlessly blend being warm and comfortable enough in my ski gear with looking good in my après ski clothing. It's a skill that requires thought and planning but for those of you who love their post-ski shenanigans, as much as I do, great après-ski attire is an absolute must.
Generally speaking, the post-shred scene kicks off right after the lifts stop spinning. At least it does for most people. There are the select few après all-day types who like to get their party on significantly earlier. Either way, it is not uncommon to rock the insulated layers that you wore all day skiing and snowboarding right to the bar. With this in mind, consider wearing apres ski clothing that serves a dual purpose.
Our brand focuses on apres ski fashion that can take you right from the trail to the town. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that my après ski outfit usually consists of one of our All About Après t-shirts worn over my base layer. If I'm still a little chilly from the mountain, I will throw one of our 1/2 Zip Performance Skiing Midlayer or ski hoodies over it.
This combination gives me just the right amount of warmth while on the mountain and the ability to shed some gear when the bar heats up and the boot dancing begins.
When it comes to your après ski wear, you obviously want to look good too. However, looking good is nothing if your clothing is not comfortable. There is nothing worse than spending what could be the most fun hours of your ski day in agony.
If you are worried about carrying too many items to the lodge, most resorts offer free bag checks these days. Be sure to take advantage of this. Pack your ski bag with a few key items and store them for the day. Then when the time comes you'll have your après ski gear ready to keep you comfortable when your time on the mountain ends.
In the long run, planning ahead is guaranteed to optimize the fun of your after-hours experience. Here are 5 essential après ski clothes that will take you from the trails to the bar without missing a step.
Ski Sweater: A ski sweater is an ideal clothing item to transition from the slopes to the bar. A lot of ski clothing brands like Dale of Norway, Obermeyer and Tipsy Elves make excellent technical sweaters that also look really good and are very comfortable.
Technical Flannel: Flannels are like the tuxedos of the mountain fashion landscape and technical flannels are the BMW of this category. With the ability to wick away water and keep you warm they serve as an excellent mid-layer substitute.
With buttery soft comfort and awesome looks, the High Sierra from California Cowboy is an excellent choice to transition from shredding pow to drinking beers. It even has a pocket to hold your beer while you do say, I don't know...a shotski.
Fleece or Ski Hoodie: A good ski hoodie or fleece is both casual and effective. Either of the two can serve as your mid-layer while skiing and riding. They are also an invaluable part of your après ski outfit.
A good ski hoodie or fleece like the ones we offer from our après ski brand are comfortable and stylish. Plus if you get too warm you can shed this layer pretty easily to unveil one of our après ski t-shirts.
T-Shirt Over Base Layer: This is my go-to look. It works really well under the aforementioned fleece or hoodie. Our après ski clothing brand offers a wide array of graphic après ski t-shirts that are super soft and designed to spark a conversation. That is what après ski is all about, meeting people and sharing your stories of the day.
Après Ski Hat: Ski beanies and baseball hats are a vital component of your après ski clothes. Wearing a helmet all day can take its toll on your hair. It can seriously have it going in directions you did not think were possible. Don't let this helmet hair mayhem ruin your après ski look though. Tuck it into a ski beanie and the bedlam that is your helmet hair will no longer be a problem.
Après Ski Boots: Ski boots suck! So why would you spend any more time in them than you have to? As I mentioned earlier, most resorts have free baggage checks these days. Use it to store a bag with a comfortable pair of boots for when your ski day ends.
Companies like Forsake are taking a deep dive into this category. They produce an array of stylish, comfortable and functional boots to take you from trail to town.
Don't get me wrong, I love a good boot dancing session. However, I'll leave that up to others and keep my feet comfy and warm in my après ski boots.
Did we miss anything? If you have a clothing item that you absolutely love, let us know about it in the comments below. If not, it's time you jumped in on the trend. Our après ski clothing brand offers a wide variety of options for you to up your post-ski day sartorial game.
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Citations:
Doyle, Katie. "Apres-Ski Attire Do's and Don'ts." ThoughtCo, Dec. 3, 2019, thoughtco.com/apres-ski-attire-3008718.
]]>Blog Post Updated on May 4, 2022
It's the middle of September. Places like Utah and Jackson Hole are getting their first snow of the season. Meanwhile, it still feels like summer here in New Jersey and I'm sitting in my air-conditioned house trying to cool off. By setting my AC really low, I've been able to channel my own first snowfall. Time to start thinking about ski season and some of the new ski gear that's coming out.
Today we're going to give you a first look gear review at the new 686 Toolbelts. If you guys are looking for the best belt for ski pants then this is it. The original Toolbelt has been one of 686's signature items for about 25-plus years. It has screwdrivers and wrenches and bottle openers all situated right in the belt.
Why would want a screwdriver on your belt? When will you ever need a bottle opener on the mountain?
Truth is, you just never know. But if this ski pant belt is going to get you beers and then you will definitely want to open them.
Let me explain.
How is this ski pant belt going to give you beers? Let's just say you're skiing with your buddy and he's a snowboarder. You take the lift up, he gets off the lift and he feels something a little loose in his binding. Now he's probably thinking to himself, "oh yeah I have to go back down the mountain, find a snowboard shop and take 30-45 minutes out of my day to fix the binding.
That's where you come into play.
With the 686 Toolbelt you can be the hero of the day. Take your belt off and use the screwdriver or one of the wrenches to tighten that binding back up for him.
Now he's happy, so happy that he will definitely buy you a beer or two. Good thing you have a bottle opener. Talk about the best belt for your snowboard pants...hands down.
Let's take a further look at these two new snow pant belts. This is the first update that 686 has made to the Toolbelt in probably about the last decade. The Hook Toolbelt is made for minimalism. Constructed of nylon it is extremely lightweight. The Hook Toolbelt also has about two inches of stretch. You may not think this is a big deal but, trust me, it is. The weight of two nights of boozing and nachos can start to set in on Sunday morning. The Hook Toolbelt's stretchiness will still allow it to fit.
As far as the tool components go, there are only a couple to speak of on this snow pant belt. The Hook Toolbelt has a screwdriver and a bottle opener. That's about it. Put it on the hook just slides into the notch of your choice and boom, you're good to go.
686's other new ski pant belt is called the Premier Toolbelt. It has anything and everything you could ever possibly want. It may even have too much, but better to be safe than sorry. You never know what can happen on the mountain.
The Premier Toolbelt is really simple to use.
Unbutton it, take the belt buckle off and it opens up to become a flat head screwdriver and a Phillips screwdriver. There is even an Allen wrench.
This is just the tip of the iceberg though. Hiding behind the belt buckle, on the belt is another tool that comes out. This component has a ruler, a box cutter and six different wrench sizes.
Like I said this is a maximalist's dream and why it ranks right up there as the best belt for ski and snowboard pants.
I've been wearing my original 686 Toolbelt for years. Now that I have these new ones, I'm definitely going to start rocking the Premiere this winter. It's always good to have, just in case, your buddy's snowboard breaks and you need to tune it up.
Even if nothing ever happens, at the end of the day when you're All About Après, like us, at least you'll have a bottle opener to open your beers. That alone makes the Toolbelt the best belt for ski pants on the market.
When it comes to après-ski function and fashion, don't stop with your ski pants belt. Get yourself some après ski clothes to go with it. Our Signature Ski T-Shirt is the epitome of good times with good people. Pull up two Adirondack Chairs, pop the tops on a couple of cold beers with your 686 Toolbelt and relax. It's definitely the way to go.
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Let's face it, today's ski movies are great. In the fall, watching them is an annual right of passage that sends us into the ski season. Throughout the winter, it is not uncommon to hit up an apres-ski bar with a ski movie or two set to loop on the big screen. Those ski porn-esque movies are mesmerizing. The steepest steeps, the deepest pow, the sickest lines...it is hard to find yourself not staring at the screen.
Skiing prowess like this is the stuff of legends, but what about the ski movies of old?
Ski Patrol, Ski School, Out Cold, Hot Dog, Better off Dead; those are legendary in their own right and unless you count Will Ferrell's silly attempt at a ski movie called Downhill, we haven't had a good one in a long time.
That is until now.
Look Bindings, creators of the high performing Look Pivot Bindings and the widely popular Pit Viper Sunglasses company have joined forces to create a short film reminiscent of the ski movies of the past.
Photo Credit: Look Bindings
Look Bindings and Pit Viper are back with a new movie, The International Pro Skier Tryouts. This isn't just any movie though. It's a competition where those who ski the fastest, jump the highest and send the most extreme lines on the mountain become, not only, local legends, but enter the hallowed ranks of "Pro Skier."
The best part is that it has all that you would expect from an epic ski movie from the past: retro outfits, a good-old Rocky-esque training montage, jumps, flips, twists, skinny skis, and a MAJOR plot twist!
It has your villains. It has your washed-up heroes. It even has a scene oddly similar to The Chinese Downhill from Hot Dog. This movie is as good as it gets and is certain to have you wanting to rock that onesie from the 80s, put on a pair of Pit Viper sunglasses and try out for yourself.
If you plan to compete in the International Pro Skier Tryouts, I imagine the après ski party will be as legendary as the race itself. Be prepared with the right après ski clothes, like out Straight Outta Après Hoodie. Comfortable, warm and full of instant street cred you're certain to be the talk of the party.
Do you enjoy reading our après everything ski gear review blog? If so, don't miss another outdoor gear review. Sign up today and stay in tune with all of the freshest new gear on the market.
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Skiing as a family fosters a lifetime of happiness. Although my kids are still relatively young, some of our fondest memories are from our ski vacations. There is just nothing better than skiing with them. I love it. There is, however, one exception. Children hate to carry their own ski gear nor do they want to.
So who has two thumbs and ends up carrying his kids ski gear and his own?
You guessed it. This guy!
Any parent who has skied or snowboarded with their children has probably had the experience of schlepping multiple pairs of skis, boots and poles through the parking lot. It's an absolute nightmare. It's also something that will make you regret having kids or even teaching them to ski or ride.
However, what if I told you that there was a solution to all of your ski gear for kids carrying issues?
You may not believe me, but there is. It's called The Ski Pack and in this ski gear review, I'm going to tell you how it's simplicity and ease of use has been a total game changer and solved all of my kids ski gear carrying woes.
The Ski Pack, made by Pure Mountain Fun was inspired by two 10 year olds that just wanted to get to the mountain quicker to enjoy more time with the family.
It sounds like their parents made them carry their own gear, (something my wife and I should have done) if you ask me.
Nonetheless, whatever the reason, the end result was the INGENIOUS Ski Pack.
Designed with the goal of getting from the parking lot to the lifts without much hassle, The Ski Pack accomplishes its goals through a simple design and ease of use.
Photo Credit: Pure Mountain Fun Instagram
The Ski Pack is the ultimate piece of ski gear for kids. Made with lightweight, tear-resistant material, it offers extremely durability without any of the added weight.
Weighing in at an astounding 3 oz, this piece of kids ski gear is almost airy in nature. Being this light comes with certain advantages. First and foremost, there is very little added weight to the kids' already heavier skis. Second, although lightweight, the durable material can easily carry up to 100 pounds. Most adult skis don't even come close to weighing that amount so that is more than enough for your kids' skis.
The real key to The Ski Pack is that this material, although strong, is also quite malleable. Once done carrying the skis, the pack can easily be folded and stashed in a jacket pocket or even a backpack that a parent might be wearing for the day.
Design accommodations like this are crucial to the success of the children using them and the parents having to carry The Ski Pack for the remainder of the day.
Photo Credit: Pure Mountain Fun Instagram
Beyond the added benefits of the lightweight durable material, The Ski Pack is also easy to use. Much like any other backpack, there is a wide opening in the top of the pack that closes with a cinch string.
Slide the skis through the opening in the top then through the reinforced opening in the bottom and pull the cinch tight. The skis are then held vertically in place by the bindings which are anchored against the smaller opening in the bottom.
When wearing The Ski Pack, slip it on like a regular ski backpack and pull the adjustable shoulder straps tight so the bag itself does not sag. Sitting snugly against your child's back, they can then take off on their merry way with no more complaints of their skis being too heavy or awkward to carry.
Check out this video I put up on Instagram showing how easy it is to use.
Let's face it, skiing together as a family can produce a lifetime of positive memories. This, of course, excludes the memory of you as a parent having to carry all of your children's ski gear, plus your own.
That's not a memory. That's a nightmare!
The Ski Pack solves this awful conundrum. The lightweight durable material can hold up to 100 lbs of weight while still being able to fold up and be stored conveniently in your pocket.
It is also really easy to use. Slide your child's skis right in the top and out the bottom and cinch the top tight. Put it on like a regular backpack, tighten the shoulder straps and it's off to the races. With a design this good and such ease of use, The Ski Pack in the one piece of ski gear all parents should invest in.
Après ski for kids? Of course! My girls are not only advocates of The Ski Pack but they are also junior champions of après ski. They love a good hot chocolate to warm themselves up after a day of skiing in the cold.
Speaking of warming up, they also know the benefits of a great après ski beanie, like our Après All Day Ski Beanie. Thick, but not too thick, this comfortable and warm beanie is the perfect complement to a warm fire and a nice cup of hot cocoa.
Do you enjoy reading our après everything ski gear review blog? If so, don't miss another outdoor gear review. Sign up today and stay in tune with all of the freshest new gear on the market.
]]>Transitioning from your ski boots to your après ski boots is easy but choosing the right ones can be a challenge. Not all winter boots are created equal. When choosing the perfect après ski boot, you will certainly want a pair that is both fashion and function. Nobody is interested in stomping around the bar like they are wearing cinder blocks on their feet. That said, here are our five best après ski boots guaranteed to take you from trail to town with purpose, grace and style.
Photo Credit: Forsake Instagram @forsakeco
When it comes to "Sneakerboots" (yes, that's a thing) nobody does it better than Forsake. The new Banks are a perfect example. They are a redesigned model of their original low-top sneaker boot. Well crafted the new Banks has an old-school look to it with plenty of modern upgrades.
Waterproof grade full grain leather combined with canvas/mesh makes for a comfortable, lightweight, and breathable shoe. While Forsake's trademark Peak to Pavement outsole gives you the grip you need whether you're trudging to and from the car or dancing around at the bar. If low tops are your jam the The Banks is at the top of its class.
Photo Credit: Senger Co. Instagram @senger_co
The people at Senger Co. set out to create the perfect après ski boot. Drawing inspiration from the après ski boots of the 70s and 80s they designed a shoe that is both function and fashion.
The all-leather upper is water-resistant while the toe and heel caps are reinforced to, not only, withstand water but prevent the wear and tear that the mountains bring with them. The fur-lined interior is warm and crazy comfortable too and the Velcro lacing system gives the Scout a retro Kangaroos look and is easy to secure with gloves on.
What really sets the Scout apart is their look. With a Uggs meets Vans meets KangaROOS style, their is just nothing on the market like them. That said, there is no doubt that by rocking these you are sure to stand out wherever you may roam.
Use Code "allaboutapres" and get $5 off your purchase of any Senger Co. product.
Photo Credit: Danner Instagram @dannerboots
Old school looks with new school technology define the Danner Free Spirit. Back in the '80s, going from trail to town was commonplace. So the boots they made boots were a bit more fashion over function. Then, for a good period, hiking boots became quite the opposite. Bulky, rugged, and not too aesthetically pleasing.
The new Free Spirit is the best of both worlds. Featuring what can only be considered the gold standard when it comes to waterproofing, Gore-Tex, your feet are guaranteed to stay warm and dry no matter what the conditions. Danner's custom-made Vibram outsole will give you traction on almost any surface. This will come in handy when walking through, what could be, sloppy mountain town conditions to the bar where these beauties' good looks are sure to stand out.
Photo Credit: Bogs Instagram @bogsfootwear
Bogs originated in Oregon. If you don't already know, it can be pretty cold and wet there. Bogs, however, wanted to make sure that, despite these conditions, your feet stayed dry and warm. They have, therefore, dedicated themselves to crafting the ultimate boot for the outdoors.
The Arcata Urban Lace is a step away from their farming and lumberjack roots and into the world of chic winter boots. Keeping with Bogs tradition, these bad boys are 100% waterproof and will keep your feet as dry as the Sahara. Their plush insulated lining is cozy and warm while taking the element of comfort to another level.
Where the Urban Lace really breaks from Bogs tradition, in a good way, is their appearance. Their military meets a waterproof Doc Martens style elevates them from just any old outdoor winter boots to a formidable après ski boot.
Photo Credit: Deckers Instagram @deckersxlab
Après Ski boots don't always have to be rugged and waterproof. Sometimes you just need a comfortable slipper to slide into. Deckers X-Lab KO-Z SNPR offers a unique perspective on your après ski footwear. By incorporating elements of your coziest slippers into your favorite pair of sneakers, they have created an unrivaled level of relaxation for your feet.
With no laces to speak of, slide right into the comfort of the soft looped wool interior that keeps your feet at the perfect temperature no matter what the weather. Comfort like this ultimately enables your feet to recover from their tough day in the bricks we call ski boots. They also happen to look really cool thanks to the brushed sheepskin cow suede exterior.
Are they for trudging to the bar in the snow? Nah! But, if you are looking for comfort, recovery and a little bit of performance the Ko-Z SNPR is an excellent choice.
Shoes may make the outfit, but you can't go running around a mountain town with nothing on up top. Not only will you get a few weird looks, but you also might get a little chilly. Top off your mountain chic look with our Après Ski Fleece Sweatshirt. The soft fleece interior is comfortable and warm while the crewneck cut is the classic style you are looking for to match whatever après ski boot you choose.
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In today's episode of the All About Apres Report I'm giving you an in-depth look at the Yeti Day Trip lunch bag.
I know where you're thinking...Rich, seriously, a freaking lunch bag?
Yup, I'm actually doing a Yeti Day Tip lunch bag review.
Why? Because it's a lunch bag by Yeti.
If you know anything about Yeti and you've ever had any of their products, you know they're legit. You know they're gonna keep your stuff as cold as you possibly want it for as long as you possibly want it. Just like my Yeti 65 cooler here that I'm sitting on. It keeps my beers cold for four or five, maybe even six days at a time.
My first impression of the Yeti Day Trip Lunch Box is how durable it is. The feel of it, is just rugged. It feels like you could toss it around a worksite with little to no wear and tear.
You know what I mean, rub it on some concrete and it would still look as good as new.
Okay, maybe that's an exaggeration but you get my point.
Beyond my initial impression of the durability of the Yeti Day Tip Lunch bag's durability, I really like the clasp it has. It slides in an out of these little little rungs on the side, making the Yeti Day Trip easy to open a close.
When you open it up and it's full height it's about 8 and 3/4 by 13 3/4 I think 5 and 3/4 across the bottom.
So I'm thinking you could probably fit a soda, some chips and a sub pretty easily. Remember, this isn't really your regular brown lunch bag. They Yeti Day Trip lunch bag will have your food as cold at lunch time as it was when you put it in there in the morning.
Another cool feature about the Yeti Day Trip Lunch bag is that it folds up and breaks down into a nice flat little package. Having feature like this is key because the smaller size makes the Yeti Day Trip easy to carry after you've eaten your lunch.
When folded, the Day Trip not longer looks like a lunch bag. It is actually flat like an envelope, ultimately making it easier to throw in your backpack without taking up a ton of room.
The handle on the top is also a nice feature. Having a handle gives the Yeti Day Trip the look and feel of a traditional lunch box and makes it very easy to carry.
One of the the best things that I heard about the Yeti Day Trip is that there's the potential it can hold at least a six-pack of craft beer.
This is HUGE if you're into liquid lunches.
Good news! If you watched the video above, you know that the rumors have been confirmed. I was able to fit a six pack of, one of my favorite beers on the planet, Bell's Brewing Oberon in the lunch bag with ease.
Having the ability to fit an entire 6-pack in the Yeti Day Trip makes this lunch box even better.
You know we're All About Apres.
We're all about celebrating the good life.
We can pack our beers in our little Day Trip. Go to the beach. Go for a hike. Throw it in our backpack if we're going biking. Then, when we're done and it's time for après we can hang out with our friends and crack open a few cold beers.
As you can tell based on my Yeti Day Trip Lunch Bag Review, I'm really digging it. The size is perfect for what you need. Its super durable. And because it's made by Yeti, the Day Trip is going to keep your lunch super cold for as long as you need it to.
The Day Trip is no brown bag, this is a real Yeti lunchbox. It is equally as good when you're working on the job as it is while hanging at the beach. You can even just throw some beers in it and enjoy après after your next adventure.
Bottom line is if you are looking for a durable lunch bag to fill multiple needs, then the Yeti Day Trip is the way to go.
When it comes to a day on the mountain, a day at the beach or even a nice hike, you will want a comfortable ski t-shirt. Our Adirondack Chair Logo Ski T-Shirt that I'm wearing in the video and pictures above is an excellent choice. The All About Après logo is designed to remind you of the good times shared with friends post adventure.
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You know, kind of like when Hans Gruber fell to his death in Die Hard.
The horror!
Good news. This catastrophic lift dropping crisis can all be avoided with a funky little gadget by Hangtime Gear that essentially turns your phone into a bungee cord called the Koala.
The beauty of this practical little gadget is in its simplicity. The Koala is constructed with three key components that when combined work together to protect your phone from, well...you. The industrial grade silicone harness stretches to fit over your phone without comprising the camera lenses.
Phew! You wouldn't want anything obstructing your photos and ruining the moment (enter sarcasm).
The harness is then attached to a urethane tether that can stretch up to four feet and hold up to 45 pounds. This is all well and good but what really brings the whole contraption together is the polycarbonate clip on the other end. This element's grippy little teeth actually get tighter the harder you pull on them. It really is a brilliant little contraption.
Like I said, the Hangtime Koala is oh so simple, oh so effective and a must for anyone who has this overwhelming fear of dropping their phone on their next adventure. It's why I featured in on Unofficial Networks as a hot new item for this ski season and why I'm giving a more thorough review here. Having personally tested it along with my wife and oldest daughter, here are the five key benefits that we have come up with.
If you like this nifty piece of ski gear be sure to subscribe to our après-ski gear blog. We regularly review the hottest new gear to enhance your ski and snowboard experience. You won't want to miss another post!
We also offer our own après-ski clothes, hats and accessories that are guaranteed to up your lodge game. Like our All About Après Ladies Microfleece. Whether you are a looking for an extra layer under your jacket or just trying to look good in the lodge, this is the fleece for you.
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Choosing a solid pair of jeans is always a bit of a challenge. There are just so many factors to consider. Fit, durability, style and price...they are all important. After all, if you are going to rock them all weekend, you'll need to choose the perfect pair. This is where Revtown comes into play. With a fit that is perfect for skiers and snowboarders, unrivaled style and a price that is very budget friendly Revtown jeans are the only pair you'll need to crush that mountain chic look.
Photo Credit: Revtown
What happens when you combine 20 years of experience producing technical apparel with high Italian fashion? You get what Revtown refers to as The Holy Grail of Jeans. Revtown's founders cut their teeth working for Under Armour. Doing so provided them with an innate knowledge of clothing within the fitness industry.
This ultimately sparked a crazy idea...performance denim.
That's right, by infusing premium Italian denim with flexible athletic yarn they created a pair of jeans that offer a fit as comfortable as your favorite sweatpants and look as good as high end pair of jeans.
When it comes to fit, Revtown keeps it quite simple. Whereas other brands have a multitude of options that can be a bit overwhelming to choose from, Revtown limits their style choices to four. From their you can choose from a variety of timeless washes for what is essentially your own custom pair of jeans.
For example, the pair that I have is the sharp cut in the washed indigo. It's not quite skinny so they don't feel like they have a painted on feel to them and the sizing is spectacular thanks to their digital tailor feature. I'm not going to lie, I was a bit skeptical of this thing. My skepticism was only enhanced when the size it spit out was completely different than any size that I have ever worn. But DAMN, it was spot on. The result is a pair of jeans that fit perfect, look good and have a smooth buttery feel to them.
Photo Credit: Revtown
Aside from the spectacular look and exceptional fit Revtown jeans cost a fraction of what other high end denim brands do. At only $79 per pair the value is unrivaled. That's a relatively small price to pay to look good and feel comfortable when you head out around your favorite mountain town après ski.
Speaking of looking good, your new Revtown jeans will work perfectly with any of our après ski shirts, especially our Certified Après Ski Instructor work shirt. With jeans as sweet as these your look screams professional après skier and a shirt like this will only further cement your mountain chic style.
Do you have a favorite pair of jeans that you wear on your ski weekends? If so, let us know in the comments section below. Don't forget to sign up for our ski gear blog and never miss another gear review.
]]>The Brosé Work Shirt is not the traditional flannel that you see everyone else wearing in mountain towns. In fact, it was created to give you your flannel fix without actually being one. The inside is lined with soft technical flannel that performs as well as you do when shredding the gnar. The outside is described as canvas but it has more of a brushed thin cord vibe to it. Either way its super sturdy durable material makes for a great mid-layer option. The Brosé even looks good at the bar. Western inspired details like the snaps will allow you to open up the front Dirk Diggler style and shed this piece to show your favorite All About Après Ski shirt underneath. Brosé all day baby!
Can't decide which après ski apparel to wear with your Brosé Work Shirt? Any of our vintage ski t-shirts will work, but with a button down this good, you need to rock our Certified Après Ski Instructor T-shirt. When worn as your first layer with the snap buttons of your not-so-flannel Brosé Work Shirt undone, you'll show everyone at the ski bar that you mean business.
Come back to the All About Apres Ski Gear Blog for the latest on ski gear and ski apparel. We’ll clue you in on our honest reviews and best recommendations to keep you comfortable and successful on and off the slopes.
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Kenny Chesney had it right, the sun and the sand and a drink in my hand with no bottom. Life is just better at the beach, especially if you have the right gear to enhance the apres surf experience.
Believe me, if you are single, you can certainly get away with just a towel and a chair. That type of simplicity all changes though when kids enter the picture. As a married #GirlDad of three, those days are long gone. Packing up all of my daughters' stuff and getting it to the beach can be a bit of a production. You just never know what they'll want to bring on any given day. Buckets, chairs, boogie boards, a beach ball...I could go on and on.
As a long time beach bum, I've managed to dial in the process and we can now get to the beach with relative ease. Once we are there, listening to the sounds of the waves roll in and sipping ice cold beverages our apres surf experience has been more than simplified with these essential pieces of beach gear.
Photo courtesy of RovR Products Instagram Account @rovrproducts
Imagine a cooler that rolls over the sand like it's pavement, has a retractable bin to carry all of your kids’ beach gear and is big enough to keep your craft beer cold all day long. Found it! The RovR Roller 60 checks all of those boxes and more.
The RovR takes on sand like a boss thanks to the all-terrain rubber tires. This is good news for anyone who has trudged down to the water pulling a cooler like oxen plowing a field. The retractable bin on the top of the cooler is an absolute Godsend. Load it up with whatever stuff your kids decide they need that day and it will certainly make for plenty of happy faces. And, of course, the best part is that the RovR 60 has room for a day’s worth of craft beer and food. With the bin installed you can carry up to 40 beers and ice while still partitioning your food keeping it cool and dry for your apres surf session. There is no better cooler for the beach.
Who wants a warm beer after a long surf session? NOBODY! Unfortunately, thanks to the summer sun and your hands, that can happen pretty easily at the beach. That's why you need the best-looking and most functional Koozie out there. Made from a solid piece of wood and lined with cork, our Custom Wooden Koozie will keep your beer ice-cold for as long as it takes to drink it. Plus, it is so good looking, it will turn heads quicker than a dude who just saw the Baywatch lifeguards run by. Now if that doesn't make you want one for your apres surf activities, I don't know what will.
Photo courtesy of Yeti Instagram account @yeti
The Yeti Camino Carryall is the most badass tote bag on the market. Rugged and durable, it is ready to take on the extreme elements of the beach. Made from waterproof material that is easy to clean, you won't have to worry about it getting beaten up. So load up the wide mouth opening and carry your beach gear with ease thanks to the reinforced handles. You'll thank me for it in the long run.
Photo courtesy of Big Agnes Instagram @bigagnes_
When you spend long hours at the beach eating and drinking, a good table is an absolute must. I've seen my share of beach tables throughout the years. Most of them straight up suck but not the Big Agnes Woodchuck Camp Table. It's lightweight, easy to carry, and mindlessly simple to assemble while still offering a level and sturdy surface to hold your food and drinks. It has everything you are looking for in a table at the beach and more.
Photo courtesy of Kicker Instagram page @kickerpersonalaudio
What's a day on the beach without music? Good tunes are key to an elevated apres surf experience. Finding a good outdoor-ready bluetooth speaker to withstand tough beach conditions can be a bit daunting. I've lost many good speakers to the sun, sand and water. However, the Kicker Bullfrog BF100 is highly durable and waterproof (it can actually float) therefore, it thrives in these outdoor elements. Most importantly, the sound is second to none. With four speakers in one, its offers complete surround sound that will have you jamming all day long.
Summer is finally here and the beach season is in full swing! Now is the time to stock up on the best beach gear on the market. This list is sure to get you on the right path and you'll be the person on the beach that everyone wants to join for apres surf drinks. When they do, be sure to wear your All About Apres Just Chillin T-Shirt. It will serve as a reminder of those magic hour good times with the sand in your toes, the ocean in your view and a cold beer in your hand.
]]>Quarantine has us all stuck inside for the time being. Hell, we can't even get out and have coffee at our favorite coffee shop these days since they've all been shut down. It's kind of coincidental given that we are coming off the winter. Three straight months of being mostly indoors and now we're stuck...indoors. I'd totally understand if you want to scream. AHHHHHHHHH!
So go ahead and let it all out but, when you are done, come back to this post. We'll continue to help you get through it all. Since many of us have a ton of newfound time on our hands, finding things to do with it is at a premium. That said, here is a list of our current indulgences to help you train, read, listen, cook and watch your way through quarantine.
We're huge advocates of earning our après here whether we're skiing, hiking, biking, or just plain old working out. Since the quarantine began, training at Stoner's Palace has been at an all time high. My neighbors and I began a daily pushup challenge with a goal of completing 100 pushups in under 10 minutes each day. Why? I suck at pushups and needed to improve on them. Today is Day 10 and I'm already starting to see results.
Beyond that, my wife and I have been training right alongside our CrossFit Five Points community despite not being able to visit the box. They have done an excellent job programming wods on their Facebook Page that, along with workouts from @streetparking on Instagram and ones that I have programmed myself, have helped us continue to become better athletes. If you are interested, I post all my Earn Your Apres workouts to my @allaboutapres Instagram story on a daily basis.
Finally, and I know this may sound crazy, I have supplemented all of this training with regular yoga sessions. Having switched over to streaming networks, I simply ask Alexa to find me yoga and that does the trick. From there I can take my pick but usually end up choosing something by Erica Vetra. I'm no yogi but she seems to have her practice on lock and it helps me open up my stiff ass body.
In Search of Powder: The Story of America's Disappearing Ski Bum by Jeremy Evans
If you are an ex-ski bum, a current ski bum or just someone who enjoys a well written sociological tale about the soul of skiing then this book is for you. Jeremy Evans a former newspaper writer from the Lake Tahoe area has done a fascinating job of chronicling America's disappearing ski bum culture. On the surface it's a well researched record of how the ski industry's growth and rising real estate (among other things) have made it nearly impossible for ski bums to even exist anymore. However, at its heart, In Search of Powder is a human life story filled with inspiring characters of days gone by that make you wish you took the chance when you had it.
Speaking of real estate and ski bums, I have recently renewed my interest and passion for the housing market. It's quite fascinating and, I've concocted a grandiose plan of real estate investment that I'm calling my Ski Bum Retirement Plan. In order to make this a reality and limit the risk, it will take a ton of education on my part and that all begins with listening to the Bigger Pockets Podcast. Released weekly on Thursdays, hosts Brandon Turner and David Greene are an entertaining and informative duo that is worth listening to. Each weekly episode includes an interview with someone at the forefront of the industry who, by telling their story, provides a ton of value to anyone that listens. As it turns out, they are also offering anyone of their books right now for only $10 so consider this a double bonus and add it to your reading list as well.
Now is the time to binge watch the crap out of all of those shows that you've been saving for a rainy day. We're currently on a regular rotation of The Mandalorian, Jack Ryan, The Handmaid's Tale and The League. All of these are excellent options however, if you are really looking for something to blow your mind, go with Netflix's newest documentary series Tiger King. HOLY HELL! What an absolute train wreck? You'll be hooked instantly on just how whacky Joe Exotic, Carol Baskin's and the other big cat cast of characters are.
If you follow me on Instagram you know that I'm quite the foodie, regularly posting the dishes that I'm eating at restaurants or making on my own, to the page. Well, now with all this time on your hands, it's time for you to give a recipe or two a try. I even dabbled in making my own buttermilk biscuits this past weekend using legendary chef, Sean Brock's recipe. Epic fail on my end, I messed up a bit with the temp on the butter and they didn't really rise, leaving me with what looked more like buttermilk biscuit pancakes. Oh well, I'll give it another try this weekend.
You all on the other hand should definitely try making my Boneyard Wings with the recipe that I included at the end of this blog post. Inspired by my recent après ski travels, they are to die for and you will be left with nothing more than the bones. Thus the name. Side note, the recipe says to use a smoker and if you have one, go for it. However, they can easily be made in your oven or using a deep fryer.
Do you have any fun quarantine activities? Feel free to share them with us in the comments section below. And, don't forget to watch Thursday night's episode of Covid Cantina on IGTV where my beautiful wife Marcie and I will be breaking down the finer points of one of the craft beers we're drinking from exile. Spoiler alert...it is going to be from our recent blog post Surviving Quarantine With These Jersey Shore Craft Beers. Gotta give my local breweries some love during these times.
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Hello everybody I'm Rich Stoner back with another All About Apres Report, the show where we bring you the best places to play both on off the mountain plus all the food, beer, gear and more to help make it epic
I'm here with my buddy Scout today. He joined our family about two weeks ago he is a Bernadoodle. I know how much the ski community loves dogs, as do we, so Scout has been a fun little addition to the family. But once we got Scout, our good buddies over at Yeti decided to hook us up with a couple of products: one, the Trailhead dog bed and two, the Boomer Bowls. Scout seems to like both of them, a lot.
We'll start with taking a look at this bed here. This thing is pretty sweet. Yeti is usually known for coolers and rugged cups and stuff like that and, true to style, this bed looks as durable as some of their coolers. What I think the coolest component is, is that it's actually two pieces. So while we're at home, as you can see, right buddy. As you can see, he kind of enjoys laying inside this inserted area here. Usually he'll put his head down on top of this part here, when he's not scratching his ear.
However, that's home base, if we were to go on the road and say we don't want to bring the whole bed with us up here we can actually take this inside out and there's a little mat that we can bring along with us. What's cool about it is this mat has almost a rubbery texture to the bottom so it really doesn't slide very well on the floor. So if he wanted to he could just lay on that. It also fits really well in his crate, so if we wanted to take the crate with us throw this in there and this thing is perfect. For now while we hang out at home he's going to stay here and much prefers to sit inside of this and lay his head on top of that bumper.
For cleaning purposes there are a couple of zippers on the side here that allow us to take the foam out, throw the liner in the washing machine and this thing should stay looking as good as new for probably as long as we have the big guy over there.
On the other hand, Scout loves his Boomer dog bowls and why shouldn't he,either? They're also pretty sweet. True to style, these things are rugged and durable like most Yetis are. I like the rough outer look which for a dog is great. He's not going to really jack it all up and scratch it all up.
I think the coolest feature is that on the bottom is you have these rubber non-slip rings that, ultimately, if he were eating he's not going to be able to push that bowl around. So it's going to stay put. He seems to like it. They both hold about eight cups of food and water, etc which is a decent amount. He's going to be a pretty big boy, probably 85 to 100 pounds, so I imagine when it gets bigger we'll have to fill these up a little bit more.
True to style, Yeti has broken into the dog accessory market pretty well. They've made a pretty rugged, durable bowl that Scout seems to love. They've made a rugged, durable bed that Scout seems to love too. They're both high-end products. These are about 50 bucks each. This is about 399-400 dollars. So they're on the upper echelon, the upper end of the price range. But they are quality products, which is basically what you've come to expect from Yeti.
Hungry huh buddy?
So remember guys if you like what you saw, go ahead and click that like button down below and feel free to share with your friends. Until then, it's all downhill from here. Cheers!
Right bud? No we're just going to keep eating these.
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Completely redone inside, it had four stories, an insane open space kitchen and a backyard that, despite being a bit tiny, was clearly meant for partying since it included a ping pong table, corn hole boards and, to my delight, a hot tub. Combine this with the good company of some of the other media peeps that I was there with and we had quite the setup for what was an amazing couple of days.
On the ride over to the house from the airport, I came to find out that the beer sponsor of the house was Crux Fermentation Project. I've never actually stayed in a house sponsored by a brewery before, but after this experience, I'm hoping to find one that will sponsor my own house going forward (any takers please reach out, we throw some amazing parties). With that in mind, as the only beer drinker in a house filled with mostly wine drinking women and another guy who could really throw down tequila, I had to do my part for the sake of Crux and sample all of their offerings stacked in the fridge. So I got to work as soon as I put my bags in my room and checked out all the dope swag from the other house sponsors. Being from the east coast, I have never tasted a beer from Crux before but after drinking them over the course of two days, I have come to find out that they are brewing some seriously good beers out in Bend, Oregon. I particularly enjoyed their Pilz and Play Wave pale ale. Both were tasty, sessionable and perfect for actually hanging out and carrying on a good conversation without getting too banged up for the Altra sponsored run that we had at 6:30 am on Monday.
Kicking off the first day of OR with a three and a half mile run with the representatives from Altra (my new favorite running shoe brand) was actually quite energizing and after a protein shake from iFit, a customizable protein powder that is totally tasty, it was time to experience all that is the OR Summer Market. If you have never been and love gear, it is like being a little kid in a candy shop. Three floors of vendor booths for businesses in the outdoor industry from large to small, all of which are trying to grab your attention with incredible displays, dope swag and, of course, adult bevvies. I came to find out quickly that the morning meetings were all business and characteristically supplemented with a coffee or a water, but once the afternoon rolled around, everything seemed to loosen up and the fermented drinks flowed more freely. In fact, I'm not sure that I had one meeting after 1 pm that did not include beer or whiskey.
It's truly an incredible atmosphere that is like a super informative party. So it was no surprise that when I wandered over to my appointment with Hydro Flask, beer in hand, they immediately handed me one of their new vacuum sealed Cooler Cups (their version of a coozie) to keep it cold. Hydro Flask was serving beers from a new brewery each day and since my new Cooler Cup was soon empty, I was offered a brew from one of my favorite breweries, Deschutes to refill it. Of course, I graciously accepted it. I mean I couldn't keep this new container empty and let my friends from Hydro Flask down. I was there to work and test products and that just wouldn't be right.
I finished up my remaining meetings in style testing and hitting up as many of the happy hours that the booths had to offer until it was time to meet my pickup and get a ride to our house bbq that was being thrown by our sponsors. Catered by Camp Chef, they had their full line of smokers and grills set up in the yard ready for their head chef to cook up their Mexican street taco themed dinner.
Kicking off with freshly fried tortilla chips, pico de gallo and smoked shrimp cocktail as apps then moving to a dinner of al pastor, chicken and beef tacos and all the fixings and finally culminating with fried ice cream, this meal as good as I've had at any backyard bbq.
There were, of course, more beers from Crux to pair with the food, kept icey cold in Otterbox's sweet new cooler line and more of Hydro Flask's Cooler Cups. The DJ kept the party jamming pretty late until it was time to clear out and head to bed in order to make our 7 am Lululemon sponsored Yoga session the next morning.
Yoga with one of Lulu's brand ambassadors from Denver, Tyrone Beverly, whose Barry White meets yoga brand called I'm Unique includes headsets, holding hands and is designed to inspire community was the most, well, unique yoga that I've ever been a part of. And it was just the tension release needed to get re-energized for Day 2 of OR. Unfortunately, this was my last day here so I spent the morning in a few meetings, sampling a few more unique beers and saying goodbye.
Looking back, I cannot say enough about how amazing the experience was that Kristan and her team at Rendezvous Event Management created. With the help of their sponsors they made our Media Haven house a fun and informative experience. They also made our stay in Denver and moving to and from Outdoor Retailer Summer Market as easy as can be. Ultimately, this allowed me to do what needed to be done without any hiccups and fully take in the whirlwind that is OR.
Altra, Beyond Coastal, Camp Chef, Chums, Coast, Crux Fermentation Project, Ecco, Darn Tough Vermont, Hydro Flask, iFit, Lululemon, NordicTrack, Otterbox, Roka Sports, Specialized
]]>Social media is fascinating to me. You post something, people like it, and next thing you know, you are insta-friends. That's how I met Joe and Mike from Facet Ski Company and worked with them to create the "Good Times" Shotski. I had the same experience when I met Brian and Mario from Ski Bum Podcast where I have become a regular guest on their show. It's not a very traditional way of making friends but it certainly seems to work.
Now it's even easier to find people with similar interests on Instagram. This is especially true since Instagram allows you to follow hashtags. By following hashtags, like #foodie, #craftbeer, #skiing and, most importantly, #apresski. I have connected with a whole slew of people that I probably would not have previously. Most recently, I had the pleasure of meeting Heather Mullins, owner of the company Après Ski Jewelry.
If you have not seen what Heather and her team is doing, you must check it out. By combining her passion for creating eco-friendly, repurposed art with her love of skiing and the outdoors, she has given new life to objects that would have otherwise been discarded. Heather has been in the furniture business for quite some time now, having established her own art and furniture company, Relevant ReUse, almost a decade ago. This is where she has put her Masters of Fine Arts in Sculpture from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago to great use designing and creating custom furniture, accessories and even jewelry all from recycled materials.
"I see a lot of value in everyday products,’ says Heather, ‘both for their initial design function and for what they can become once they have lived that out. By seeing these in a different way, I can create something new and innovative out of something old and, in turn, can keep consumer waste from going into our ever-growing waste stream."
I do love a good salvage project, and reclaimed everything is so hot right now. Yet, despite my obsession with all things DIY and HGTV it was our mutual passion for après ski that brought Heather and I together. Just not in the way that you would think the phrase après ski would. We found a new après ski meaning.
Après ski literally translates into "after skiing" and includes all of the social activities that go on after the lifts stop spinning. Now, as an avid skier, I am sure that Heather enjoys these post pow parties as much and the next person, but in the case of her company, Après Ski Jewelry, she has prompted patrons to look at it in a whole new light. By taking old, recycled skis, and hand crafting them into fine jewelry, Heather has given skis that would've been tossed to the curb, a new life "after skiing."
"I especially like the design qualities of skis; Heather explains, they are brightly colored, have awesome patterns and are constructed in a way with that each part of the ski makes for an exciting design element, especially the pattern of the wood in the core."
Heather has really stomped the landing with her jewelry collection. The random color schemes of ski graphics when cut down to smaller sizes have produced products that look, nothing short of, amazing. However, how they look online doesn't even compare to how incredible they look in person. When my wife and daughters received theirs, they fell in love with the style instantly. Since then, they wear the necklaces and earrings regularly, receiving many compliments that continue to multiply when they tell someone that the jewelry is actually made of recycled skis. "No way! They're made out of skis? That's so cool!" is the most common reaction.
We at All About Après think so too and any interpretation of the phrase, après ski is fine by us. Heather's eco friendly company, Après Ski Jewelry, gives apres ski a new meaning and new life to old skis.
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With all of the snow that has been dropping like crazy countrywide, it is tough to even think that it's actually spring. But, it is. That means that skiing's second season is officially here. Time to shred soft bumps in nothing but our All About Après t-shirts and when you're done, these longer spring days offer the perfect opportunity to après ski right out of your tailgate. Don't let anyone think it's your first rodeo. Have the frisbee ready for the polish horseshoes and grab these tailgate essentials so that you can dominate the outdoor après ski game.
Yeti Rambler Colster $24.99
Simply stated, this is the best koozie ever. 12 oz. cans and bottles fit securely in the colster thanks to the Load and Lock gasket top. And, the double-wall vacuum insulation will keep your beers cold for the entire time that you're drinking them. You can even customize your colster and stay on-brand while your beers stay nice and cold.
Vuarnet Ice $270
With the sun reflecting off the mountain, it can get a little bright out there. That being said, you need a good pair of shades. The Vuarnet Ice is ideal for these conditions. Mineral glass lenses protect your eyes in these extreme conditions and a design that includes the nifty side protectors make them ideal for both skiing and après skiing.
All About Après Adirondack Chair Signature Hoodie $45
Get out of your jacket and into the softest sweatshirt that you'll ever wear. Our Adirondack Chair logo epitomizes après ski tailgating and the soft tri-blend material will keep you warm and comfortable all tailgate party long. Pair it with our Classic Distressed Trucker Hat to cover up that helmet hair and you'll look and feel damn good all party long.
Bullfrog BF100 Speaker $199.95
You have to have good tunes if you're tailgating. The BF100 will do everything you want, short of booking a band. With sounds so clear, who needs live music? It's small enough to fit in your pack so if you so happen to want to jam on the slopes don’t worry, it’s waterproof. You won’t need to worry if it falls in the snow while you're rocking out in the parking lot.
Upslope Brewing 2018 Experimental IPA
A good tailgate party deserves a good beer. Upslope, the après everything brewery, has once again gone out of bounds with this year's experimental IPA. Their combination of hops here is next level and produces a juicy ipa that is ideal for spring après.
Therm-a-Rest Uno Chair $89.95
Kick back and relax in what might be the best tailgate chair ever. Not only is it comfy, but it packs up into its own disk base and fits conveniently inside your backpack. Oh yeah, did I mentioned that it can also convert into a side table to hold your snacks while you gelande quaff?
Forsake Range Low (Men & Women) $139
Loosen those ski boots, slide your sore feet out of them and into the best sneakerboots on the market. These waterproof shoes are durable enough to repel the toughest parking lot conditions. However, where they really separate themselves from normal boots is in comfort and style. They look as good as your most stylish pair of kicks and are equally as comfortable, especially when you partnered with a nice pair of smartwool socks.
Rovr Rollr 60 Cooler $399
The Rovr 60 has all the features that you need in a cooler and more. Compartments inside will keep your beers and food icy cold without your chips getting dipped in water. Cup holders are ideal for tailgating and the cutting board allows you to slice up your après apps struggle free. And, just in case you have a side quiver on your bike for your skis, you could actually attach the cooler to it and ride up to the mountain in the warm spring air.
Old Town Cellars Townie Rose $18.99
Photo Credit: Dan Campbell Photography
It would be silly to have an après ski tailgate party and not bring The Official Wine of Après. The townie rose is absolutely the way to go. It's bright, crisp flavor profile and lower alcohol content is the perfect pairing for spring skiing. The timing could not could also not be any better. Join OTC's online wine club between 3/26-4/7 and they are offering free shipping on cases.
Growlerwerks Ukeg Stainless 128 $199
If you're a craft beer drinker like me, then you probably have quite a collection of growlers that you carry around with you from brewery to brewery. I have a few, but none are cooler or more convenient than the Ukeg from Growlerwerks. Double-wall vacuum insulation keeps the beer nice and cold while the C02 cartridge keeps the beer fresh for days. It also allows you to get a nice clean pour straight from the attached tap and right into your accompanying Upint beer chalice.
Traeger Portable Tabletop Grill (PTG) $299
Photo courtesy of Traeger Grills
It would be a major faux pas if your après ski tailgate party failed to include food. Nothing makes food taste more delicious than a wood pellet grill from Traeger. It's what I use when I'm cooking at home and now their PTG allows you to take that savory wood flavor with you on the road. Throw some burgers on for a quicker meal or get a little crazy and smoke a rack of ribs or a beer can chicken. Either way, the smoke signals that you'll be sending from your tailgate is bound to make other people's taste buds water. If you’re struggling to drum up some tasty recipes, check out our Après Ski Food Blog for some inspiration.
We hope you’ve not only learned a lot about what equipment you can’t go without for your après tailgate, but also snagged yourself a few of these winning items. The All About Après Ski and Snowboarding Gear Blog is the absolute best place to get our honest reviews and top recommendations for winter gear. Come back for regular updated and as always, when you add any of the mentioned gear, let us know what you think in the comments below!
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Read More at 15 ways to Stand Out on the Slopes
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