If you’re working, exploring or playing outside, your clothing is arguably your most important equipment. If you layer your clothing correctly, it can keep you warm (or cool) and dry. Layering divides up your clothing so that you can add or remove as much as the weather calls for without your clothes getting too bulky or leaving you too exposed. Here’s our guide on how to layer!

Base Layer

This is your first layer of clothing, the items you wear directly against your skin. The base layer for cold weather conditions is typically tight against the skin. That way, it reflects more heat back to the body. Base layers for warm weather should be looser so that air can flow between the garment and your body, helping you cool down. Think thermal/long underwear, t-shirts, socks and gloves. What you’re looking for is something that will add a little warmth but also wick moisture away and dry quickly. You may feel fine when you’re doing some sort of exercise, but once you start cooling down, any moisture held against your skin is going to make you that much colder. Look for items made from polyester or Merino wool. We love Icebreaker’s iconic line of Merino wool base layers, including shirts, technical tops, and leggings.

Mid Layer

This next layer is generally responsible for insulation. It traps air warmed by your body when it escapes from the base layer. More than one mid layer can be worn at a time, depending on how cold you are. The mid layer should also be moisture-wicking and quick-drying. You don’t want moisture to get trapped between the base and mid layers. That’ll just weigh you down and feel uncomfortable. Ideally, you want a garment that isn’t too heavy or bulky, too, since you’ll have to carry it if you don’t wear it. Look for items made from polyester fleece or stuffed with either a down or synthetic fill.

Outer Layer (Shell)

This layer goes on top of everything else and is responsible for keeping wind, rain and snow off of you. Because they are made to repel moisture and block winds, shell layers are typically not very breathable. That means that they’ll reduce the effectiveness of any wicking properties of other clothes you have on. Shells are divided into three different styles: hard, soft and insulated. One material that is particularly favored in this area is GORE-TEX. It tends to be one of the more breathable materials that still stops moisture and wind from reaching the body. Arc’teryx offers some GORE-TEX shells.

Using a combination of these three layers of clothing will allow you to prepare for both expected and unexpected weather without leaving you wishing you’d brought along that one thing you left behind.

Text by Bo King

Wanting to get out and explore? Find what you need for your next winter adventure here.

Chacos celebrated the 30-year anniversary of its popular adjustable, Z-strap sandals last year. The sandals, borne out of necessity by a whitewater/fly fishing guide in 1989, grown into a treasured accessory for everyday life in all seasons, everywhere. 

Fun Chacos facts:

• Mark Paigen, the whitewater/ flyfishing guide that created the first pair of Chacos, said he wanted sandals that would provide the support and traction of a running shoe, but let his feet dry in the sun so they weren’t wrinkled liked raisins at the end of the day.
• Originally the sandals were named after the gecko, lizards with toe pads that help them gain traction on any surface. ( The logo still incorporates the gecko.)
• Gecko sandals later became Chacos, a name inspired by the Chaco Culture Historical National Park. 
• Paigen said he worked with river guides and a German pedorthist ( a health professional trained to modify footwear and supportive devices) to develop the adjustable z-strap design of the Z/1. When they finally landed on the right design, Paigen’s best friend declared it was “Zee one!” Hence, the name.

The everyday, everywhere shoe

Whether you are floating down the Cahaba, chasing waterfalls, or just hanging out, Chacos are an everyday essential for many.  These outdoor shoes are truly a year-round, all-season option. In the fall and winter, many members of Chaco Nation wear comfortable socks with their sandals to keep their feet warm and cozy.

Plus, they really are the camp shoe. In the spring and summer, people pull out their Chacos as their choice of shoe for almost any adventure.

So why Chacos?

To begin, These durable sandals hold up in various terrain, from rocky trails to rough waters. But if you are like the rest of Chaco nation and have a favorite pair that you have worn out, they will start to fade as anything will with use over time. When that happens, Chaco has you covered. The company offered a personalized repair service at an affordable price. 

Your favorite T-shirt, in shoe form

Like most shoes, Chacos need to be broken in. Once they’re broken in, though, you’ll find your Chacos mold to your foot. Plus if you use them for water fun as intended, your feet can dry in the sun!. 

One of our favorite things about Chacos? You can adjust the straps to suit your foot.  After one session using the adjustment guide, you will know what straps to tighten or loosen for the perfect fit. 

Looking for the perfect transition sport sandal? We can help! We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Visit one of our stores or take advantage of our shipping or curbside pickup! #BeOutdoors

For the adventurous student on a budget, finding an affordable, reliable, and versatile backpack can be tough. You want something that comfortably fits all your books but can also be the perfect daypack for a long hike or weekend trip. We’ve rounded up the five best backpacks that offer great, stylish support for hitting both the books and the trails!

The North Face Women’s Borealis Daypack 27L

This 27-liter pack is big enough to fit all of the essentials without weighing you down. The pack, made of lightweight but durable material, is easy to carry. Plus, there’s a 15-inch fleece-lined pocket for your laptop or tablet. This pack features straps specially designed to fit smaller-framed shoulders. It also has excellent lumbar support with added ventilation. The women’s pack has all of the same technical features of the top-rated Borealis pack, just with a slimmer design and slightly smaller capacity.

The North Face Recon Daypack 30L

This 30-liter pack is a fan favorite for commuters and day hikers alike. With a recent redesign, this pack is filled with even more ways to stay organized. While our favorite feature is the protective laptop compartment, the extra stash front pocket is what is setting this pack apart from the others. With a 30-liter capacity, stash front pocket, 360 degrees of reflectivity, and not to mention the FlexVent suspension system, you will be organized, safe, and comfortable while you are on the go.

The Patagonia Chacabuco Pack 30L

This backpack comes in a variety of colors and is perfect for all of your needs. This pack offers two main large compartments for all of your gear, from your school materials to your hammock for some after school hanging. Our favorite feature? It is equipped with a tube port, so the laptop sleeve doubles as a hydration reservoir when you leave your laptop at home. And it’s made from a durable, water-repellent material to protect your most precious belongings.

Patagonia Paxat Backpack 32L

The Patagonia Paxat 32 liter is the largest capacity pack on our top five versatile daypacks. Depending on what your day holds and where your travels take you, you may need a 32 liter. If you do, this is our pick due to its overflow of options and gear-holding possibilities. This pack has your standard large main compartment for any gear or a change of clothes and a smaller compartment with sleeves to hold a tablet and other items.

The Paxat is also perfect for traveling as the back-padded laptop compartment fully zips down and lays flat, making it TSA–approved and easy to breeze through security. There is also a stretch stash front pocket for quick access items and not to mention the side pockets are zippered making them versatile for cords or water bottles. 

Osprey Arcane Large Daypack 20L

The smallest capacity pack on our list is the Osprey Arcane Large Daypack. Coming in at 20 liters, this pack embodies minimalism with its low profile design and simple lines. While it is only a 20 liter, this pack still is packed full of features and space for the essentials. The J-shaped zipper of the main compartment makes accessing your items easier with the wider opening. The main compartment comes with an internal padded laptop sleeve and other small sleeve and zip pockets for tablets, documents, and cords. We absolutely love the colorways, clean lines, and how comfortable and easy it is to trek around town with. This one is so sleek, it’s a head-turner. 

Find your favorite back-to-school apparel and gear at Alabama Outdoors. We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Visit one of our stores or take advantage of our shipping or curbside pickup! #BeOutdoors

Hygge: you might’ve heard the term, but you might not know what it means — or how important it is to live the hygge life during the cold winter months. Hygge, a Danish word that’s actually pronounced “hoo-guh,” is a concept that encompasses all the coziest things in life. Think a wood-panelled living room with a leather couch and a roaring fireplace. Think curling up in your fuzziest fleece blanket with your favorite book as rain falls outside. That’s hygge: a lifestyle that promotes a feeling of comfort, ease, and joy. These twelve cozy essentials will bring all the hygge to your holiday season.

United By Blue Out of Doors Candle 

Any Danish person will tell you that there’s one thing more important to hygge than any other: candles. In fact, candles are such a big deal in Denmark that Danes each burn, on average, thirteen pounds worth of candle wax every year. This candle, sourced from all-natural materials and made in four comforting fragrances, is a great way to start.

SOREL Women’s Nakiska Slide Slipper

With its rubber sole for added durability, the Nakiska gives you the best of a house shoe with the endurance of Sorel casual wear.

Yeti Rambler Mug 

What’s more cozy than curling up with a cup of hot cocoa — with plenty of room for marshmallows, of course! With its 18/8 stainless steel interior that keeps your drinks hot or cold, this mug is as strong and reliable as you are.

Woolrich Rough Rider Wool Blanket

Straight from Woolrich, PA, this soft, iconic plaid blanket is all you need to stay warm during your hygge-filled day.

Buff Darla Hat

Staying comfy doesn’t necessarily mean staying inside! Sometimes there’s nothing better than taking a long, ambling walk on the freshly fallen snow. So when you do go outside, nothing will keep you warm and in style like this hat.

GSI Commuter Javapress

You don’t have to leave your hygge supplies at home. A nice coffee creates a cozy mood anywhere, so why not try a travel mug that presses your drink and keeps it hot no matter how far from home you roam?

Kuju Coffee One-Cup Coffee Pouch

… And speaking of coffee: if you’re on the go, you can stay in the hygge mindset with this portable drip coffee you can enjoy anywhere.

UGG Men’s Ascot Slipper

You’ll never want to take these slippers off. And with their loafer appearance and practicality in any occasion, you won’t have to!

Free Fly Men’s Bamboo Flex 1/4 Zip Pullover

With its athletic fit and Bamboo Flex fabric, this pullover is warmer and more versatile than ever.

Alternative Apparel Women’s Long Weekend Burnout French Terry Pants

Sweatpants are so essential to the concept of hygge that there’s even a word for it: Hyggebukser. Alternative Apparel’s created a chic upgrade to the hyggebukser, which usually means that worn-out pair of pants you adore but wouldn’t wear in public. Not only will you be proud to wear these around town, the soft French Terry cotton blend will also make you feel as comfortable as you would curled up on the couch. 

Kelty Bestie Blanket

Perfect for warming up with a good book, this blanket is sure to keep you and your besties warm.

KEEN Men’s Anchorage III Waterproof Boots

Stay warm, dry, and comfortable when you’re outside with these boots. Their all-season, all-occasion versatility will keep you cozy no matter the temperature.

Text by Nick Adrian

Annie Bayer Goldberg of AG Interiors. Photo credit: http://ericandjamiephoto.com/

Picture it: a crackling fire, lights twinkling on the tree, soft strains of jazz music floating through the air while you snuggle into your favorite fuzzy blanket. Whether it’s your cabin in the woods or your apartment in the city, we’ve got the best advice on making your place cozy this holiday season. We spoke with Annie Bayer Goldberg of AG Designs to get her take on how to create a cozy space that feels like a sweet winter get-away.

Step One: Know Thyself

The first step in decorating your space is knowing your own personal aesthetic. Think about your favorite colors, textures and your personal style as well as what you need in a space: storage? Seating? A dance floor? Annie asks her clients for inspiration photos before helping them design their space because it gives her a better understanding of their style. You can do this on your own by creating a vision board of what your ideal space would look like. Once you know what you like, it’s much easier to build a physical space with those elements in it.

Step Two: Know Thy Space

Now that you know what you need and like in a room, the next step is understanding your space. Annie emphasizes the importance of understanding the proportions of each room. You may not have access to a furniture layout software like Annie does, but it’s still crucial to keep your space balanced. Otherwise, you’re likely to get more of an overwhelming — rather than cozy — cabin. Keeping things symmetrical across the room allows you to utilize every bit of space that you have — and if you’re in a small room, that space is precious.  Annie also notes that it’s important to understand the room in relationship to the rest of the house. This will help you get a feel for the kind of flow you want throughout the house.

Step Three: Time for Textiles and Textures

So what elements should you include in your soon-to-be cozy cabin? Annie says it’s all about textiles and textures. Window treatments, rugs, pillows, throw blankets and decorative lighting are essential. Mix velvet headboards with plush blankets in bedrooms. For a layered feel in the living room, grab several throw pillows for the couch that pull colors from your rug. And even just a touch of leather — whether it’s a chair or a fun pillow — will warm an entire room. Natural lighting makes a big impact on how a room feels, but sometimes it’s hard to come by. Opt for a stunning fixture or a simple reading lamp to illuminate your space from all angles. Just a few small adjustments of lighting can completely change the mood of a room.

We hope that these tips are helpful as you create a space perfect for your personality, needs and lifestyle. However you choose to make your cozy cabin a reality, we know it’ll be beautiful if it’s a space unique to you.

Text by Kaitlin Cochran

Paget Pizitz of Melt and Fancy’s on 5th

The holiday season is upon us and presents aren’t the only thing on the brain right now. Getting together with friends and family is a huge part of this upcoming season, but being the ultimate holiday host can be overwhelming. We spoke with Paget Pizitz, Harriet Despinakis and Megan Miller of Melt and Fancy’s on 5th to get their expert advice on being holiday hosts.

Shake Things Up With a Signature Cocktail.

Revamp a stuffy sit-down dinner with a signature cocktail (or mocktail)! It’s a great way to start your own tradition as well. Megan, the manager of Fancy’s on 5th, suggests the French 75. Nothing is more festive than a champagne-based drink. She uses organic Cava, Sipsmith Gin, fresh squeezed lemon and sugar to make the perfect bubbly drink. For those who don’t imbibe — or are underage — Megan suggests her take on the Basil Gimlet. Her perfected recipe starts by muddling fresh basil, lemon wedges, a pinch of sugar and topping it off with some soda water. Refreshing and festive, it’s the perfect addition to your holiday soiree. To keep your cocktails perfectly chilled, serve using a Corkcicle canteen, stemless tumbler or champagne flute.

The Key to a Great Party? You’ll Be Surprised.

Lots of laughter and great food are key ingredients in a successful party. But to really make your gathering one that people will be talking about for weeks, Paget suggests adding an element of surprise to your party — the more non-traditional and out of the box, the better. It can be as simple as a photo booth with fun hats or as crazy as having a cardboard cut-out of a celebrity. It creates a giddy atmosphere that your guests will absolutely love. “Leak details to your most social friend and the rest will happen naturally,” said Paget. Also, invest in great ambient lighting. Great lighting can make or break a party. Whether you use candles, string lights or colored lanterns, guests will love the attention to detail and follow the mood that the lighting provides.

If You’re Hosting, Go Big Or Go Home.

It may feel cheesy to have a themed party, but play into it. It makes it fun for you to plan and for the people showing up. Fill a small room with 500 balloons, put streamers and glitter everywhere — don’t be afraid to go for the dramatic impact! Paget’s favorite part of a party is cleaning up afterwards because “the longer it takes, the more certain you are your guests had a fabulous time.” Presentation is key and doesn’t always have to break the bank. You can pick up simple decorations at your local party store that are sure to wow your guests.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is building a community with the people you care most about. You’re able to bring different social groups together, all while filling a room with laughter, dancing and unbridled joy. We hope that your next gathering is one to remember!

Text by Kaitlin Cochran

Rain, sleet, snow, wind: nothing can keep you and your loved ones from going outside, not even dropping temperatures or unruly weather. These 12 outdoor holiday gathering essentials will keep you clinking glasses in comfort and style.

Dylan Women’s Sherpa Long Reversible Vest

The perfect, adaptable addition to your fall and winter wardrobe, this chic reversible vest pairs with just about any winter outfit.

Corkcicle Stemless Flute Deluxe

Great for any banquet, brunch or bachelorette party, the Stemless Flute keeps every sip of your champagne cold and your Irish coffee hot.

UGG Women’s Classic Short II Boots

These boots have been updated with Treadlite by UGG™ soles, providing them with cushioning and traction on both wet and dry surfaces.

Arc’teryx Women’s Nuri Insulated

Not only is this coat water repellent, but its grey goose down insulation ensures warmth on the coldest days.

Arc’teryx Men’s Proton LT Hoody Jacket

With thermal protection that lets air pass freely in and out, this jacket delivers comfort in any temperature.

MPOWERD Luci Solar String Lights

These solar-powered lights will bring the sparkle to any holiday party.

Barbour Women’s Wray Gilet Vest

This Barbour vest’s adjustable waist guarantees a great fit. Plus, its patch pockets make perfect hand-warmers in a pinch.

SOREL Men’s Cheyanne II Full Grain Duck Boots

These fully insulated, waterproof boots protect your feet in style in any weather condition.

Barbour Men’s Endsleigh Tattersal Long-Sleeve Shirt

Thanks to Barbour’s wearability and high quality, this shirt will feel like it was tailored just for you.

Gentlemen’s Hardware Rocking Whisky Glasses

A perfect gift for any occasion, these cleverly designed glasses can rock back and forth without spilling.

Barbour Men’s Ashby Wax Jacket

Featuring a cord collar with a throat strap and angled hand-warmer pockets, this jacket is equal parts stylish and practical.

Canada Goose Men’s Garson Down Vest

The suede tricot-lined guard and storm flap covering the front zipper makes this lightweight vest ideal for weather between 40℉ and 25℉.

Text by Nick Adrian

The crisp breeze, the crunch of dried leaves, firecrackers of fall foliage and sweeping summit views: all season long, we marvel at the autumn landscape’s wonders. And it’s no wonder that this is our favorite time of year to gather with friends and family and head outdoors for an autumnal adventure. These outdoors adventure essentials will keep you warm, safe, and dry no matter where the landscape takes you.

NEMO Men’s Disco 30° Down Sleeping Bag – Regular

This sleeping bag lets you personalize your comfort. Plus, it’s water-resistant, keeping your feet dry and ensuring a great night’s sleep wherever you are.

SOREL Women’s Out ‘N About Plus Leather Duck Boots

Pesky afternoon showers are unpredictable, so be prepared with these waterproof boots. They’re as functional as they’re fashionable.

Osprey Exos 48 Backpack

This backpack offers mesh Airspeed™ Suspension for airflow and an ExoForm™ hipbelt and shoulder harness, ensuring all-day comfort while hiking.

Cotopaxi Unisex Teca Windbreaker Half-Zip Pullover 

This pullover is easy to pack and weather-resistant: perfect for any terrain!

Hydro Flask Unbound Series Soft Cooler Pack – 22L

This cooler pack keeps your goods cold for up to 48 hours and offers enough room to store 24 12oz cans, as well as side and dry storage pockets for additional drinks.

KEEN Women’s Terradora Waterproof Mid Boots

Designed especially for women, these boots provide all-day comfort whether you’re on a hike or hiking through the mall for Christmas shopping.

Gentlemen’s Hardware Survival Kit

The Gentlemen’s Hardware Survival Kit’s includes a compass, fire starter tool, six-in-one penknife tool, tweezers, 210cm of rope, ten safety pins and wire saw. It’s a must-have travel tool for any outdoors enthusiast.

Salomon Men’s X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Shoes

With a mid-height ankle, aggressive grip and GORE-TEX® weather protection, these shoes are a hiker’s best friend.

Klymit Static V Sleeping Pad

The Static V is designed to conform to the shape of your body, providing the ultimate comfort for a great night’s rest.

Lole Women’s Emeline Packable Insulated Jacket

With its compact pouch and lightweight packability, this insulated jacket from Lole will keep you warm no matter how chilly the campsite may seem in the morning.

GoPro Hero 7 Black Bundle with SD Card

The best that GoPro has to offer, the Hero 7 enables you to shoot up to 4k video with Gimbal-like Stabilization.

Hydro Flask Limited Edition Escape Collection Wide Flex Cap – 32oz

These bottles keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 12 hours. They’re perfect for all-day hydration.

Text by Nick Adrian

The air’s getting frosty, the leaves are falling, and everyone’s starting to break out their favorite sweaters. There’s never a more perfect time to start planning your next outdoor adventure than right now. We spoke with our own outdoor expert, Matt Stone, to get the best advice on how to plan an outdoor adventure in Alabama.

Start with your destination

The first step in preparing for your adventure is researching where you want to go. Matt’s top five places in Alabama are The Sipsey Wilderness, Cheaha State Park, Ruffner Mountain, Monte Sano State Park and the Walls of Jericho. If you know where you’re going, you’ll be better able to prepare yourself, your friends or maybe even your date for the trek ahead. He suggests learning the distance of the trails, elevation, amenities, water sources and beyond.

Gear up and get prepped

Knowing where you’re going is important; knowing what to bring while you’re there is crucial. Once you’ve picked a place (and learned all you can about it), then you can start prepping your gear. If it’s just a day trip, Matt suggests bringing only the essentials — think water and maybe a few snacks — to keep unnecessary weight out of your pack. Another good tip is to dress in layers and invest in a pair of wool socks. Matt’s favorite are Merino moisture-wicking wool socks that keep you from getting blisters. Of course, you should always pack a map and a compass, and let someone know of your plans. Give a timeline of when they should start to hear from you again — there’s not always cell phone service in the wilderness.

Enjoy the silence

Going on an outdoor adventure gives you the opportunity to escape from everyday life and experience nature without the hectic hubbub of urban life. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to spend time with friends and family with minimal distractions. There’s a lot that you can do when you go on an outdoor adventure but sometimes it’s great to just spend some quiet time in the woods relaxing. Matt’s favorite part of outdoor adventuring is listening as the wind blows through the trees and watching leaves fall to the forest floor.

If you were on the fence about it before, we hope that these tips make you reconsider spending your next free weekend on an outdoor adventure. Now get out there and Be Outdoors!

Text by Kaitlin Cochran. Updated June 16, 2020.

Looking for weekend camping adventure essentials? We can help! Alabama Outdoors wants everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Visit one of our stores or take advantage of our shipping or curbside pickup! #BeOutdoors

The football season’s far from over. In fact, the best games are still ahead of us — which means the best tailgates are still ahead of us, too. We’ve gathered a list of tailgating essentials to help you get out there and enjoy the fall weather, friends and family, food, and — of course! — football. 

Keep It Cool …

A good cooler is essential to successfully keeping all of your food and drinks cold and in one easy-to-reach place. The Corkcicle Virginia Tote looks like a chic and stylish purse, but is powerful enough to keep that Pinot Grigio ice cold. The Hydro Flask Unbound Series Soft Tote and the YETI Hopper Flip 12 are both excellent options for soft but rugged coolers. If you’re looking for powerhouse insulation and an unbelievable capacity (45 12 ounce cans!), try the YETI Tundra Haul.

… Or Hot! 

How do you keep your drinks cold after you’ve pulled them from the cooler? With either the YETI Colored Rambler Tumbler or Hydro Flask Insulated Stainless Steel Beer Pint, that’s how. Double wall insulation helps keep hot and cold from seeping into or out of the containers. That makes them a perfect companion for late-season tailgates, where you’ll need some hot chocolate (or a hot toddy) to keep you warm.

Your New BFF: This Blanket

You might have plenty of sunshine, but temperatures can drop suddenly and drastically. Keep warm with the insulated Kelty Bestie Blanket. At over 75 inches long and more than 42 inches wide, it’s plenty big enough to cover you and someone else. Or, you know, just you. You don’t have to share.

Share the Love(seat)

What better way to warm up on those cold nights than by snuggling up next to someone? Wrap yourselves up in that blanket and take a seat in the Kelty Loveseat, built for two. With a steel frame and insulated drink holders, this chair was built for tailgating.

Made in the Shade

Never underestimate the value of a good pair of sunglasses — even in the fall and winter! The Suncloud Optics Sentry and Costa Del Mar Zane 580P Mirror both allow you to be outside without squinting or covering your eyes with your hand. Plus, they’re both polarized, which further helps reduce glare.

Walking on Air

If you’re tailgating, you’re going to be standing, walking, and pacing while the ref decides on a call — and you’re going to want to be comfortable. A good pair of shoes is essential for avoiding blisters and keeping you on your feet. The On-Running Men’s Cloud 2.0 (also available for women) are practically made for tailgating. Lightweight and adaptable, they’re truly have you walking on clouds, no matter the score. 

Pro-Tip: Bring a Bucket

Yes, a bucket. Why carry a bucket to a tailgate? Because you’ll need somewhere to stash all the extras, like silverware, napkins, condiments and more. Besides that, it can be used as a makeshift cooler or even chair. Check out the 5 gallon, food-safe YETI LoadOut. With sold-separately accessories like a Utility Gear Belt and a Caddy for organization, it’s endlessly adaptable. You’ll find at least a thousand ways to use it.

Text by Bo King