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

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

Let’s face it: packing is difficult. And packing clothes to keep you and yours comfortable through visits to family and friends all holiday long? Even more difficult. But packing doesn’t have to be painful! If you’re prepared with go-to travel essentials that’ll keep you warm, cozy, and comfy, your bags will practically pack themselves. 

The North Face Women’s Mossbud Insulated Reversible Vest

This reversible, wind-resistant and water-repellent vest also includes Heatseeker insulation, making it the perfect vest for any kind of weather.

Olive + Oak Women’s Ashlyn Sweater

This sweater’s soft, marled knit and trendy balloon sleeves with ribbed cuffs make it a stylistic choice for keeping warm in and out of the car.

UGG Women’s Kristin Boots

These boots repel water and stains, add arch support and give you lightweight traction and flexibility, making it a shoe for all occasions.

Southern Marsh Men’s Hindman Flannel Long-Sleeve Shirt

Made from the softest brushed flannel fabric, the Hindman Flannel Shirt is comfortable and durable. With its rounded hem, it’ll look great by itself or in layers.

The North Face Men’s Gordon Lyons Full Zip

This heavyweight fleece gives you thermal insulation with a warmth-to-weight ratio that’s perfectly travel friendly.

OluKai Men’s Nohea Lole Shoes

The OluKai Nohea is designed to give you great traction with the convenience of a slip-on, making it adaptable to most conditions, terrains, and activities.

KUHL Men’s Rydr Pants – 30” Inseam, 32” Inseam, 34” Inseam

These pants feature euro-twill brushed cotton and a gusseted crotch, giving them the flexibility and durability to last for years (and miles) to come.

Cabeau Evolution Travel Pillow

Instead of resting your head on your jacket, try the Cabeau Evolution Travel Pillow. Its memory foam and raised side supports will rid you of a stiff neck and help you relax on those long rides.

Sea to Summit Traveling Light Eye Shades

These light eye shades ensure a great, comfortable sleep that won’t add too much weight to your packing.

Patagonia Black Hole Cube – 2L

You’ll never lose small items in a large back again after getting the Patagonia Black Hole Cube. Its chain and large grab handle make it a convenient addition to your luggage.

Text by Nick Adrian

Amazing, wise, funny, charming, strong, loving, kind, crazy in the best ways: all words people have used to describe fathers to us this week. Now, we’d love to hear about the dad in your life.

Simply post a photo of your dad and tell us a little about him in the caption — did he teach you how to waterski? Or how to catch a fish? Or how to recite pretty much every line in Monty Python’s Holy Grail? 

Be sure to tag us and use the hashtag #BeOutdoorsWithDad. Not only will you get the chance to celebrate your father, you’ll also get the chance to win one of the items on our Father’s Day Gift Guide.

Post soon: all entries must be received by midnight on Thursday, June 7th.

Here’s a post about Amy H.’s dad, who inspires us by showing his daughter the thrill of adventure — and of facing your fears!

This Father’s Day I am especially thankful for my Dad, who introduced me to Scuba diving and is my favorite dive buddy. Looking forward to many more crazy experiences like this!!

                                                              — Amy H.

Your chance to win one of the items on our Father’s Day Gift Guide ends at midnight tomorrow, June 7th. All you need to do to enter our Father’s Day giveaway is to post a photo of your father in the outdoors  on Facebook or Instagram and tell us a little about him. Don’t forget to tag us and use the hashtag #BeOutdoorsWithDad. Need some inspiration? This post from Nick B. honors how his father taught him to love and respect the outdoors. 

I want to wish a very Happy Father’s Day to my father Bob. This picture was taken during one of our first trips to the beach. My dad has taken me there so many times I’m not sure I could keep track. We have always shared a love for the outdoors, especially the oceans and its marine life. I remember one trip in particular where we helped rescue a pelican who had gotten a fish hook caught in his eye with the fishing line also going through the wing. That bird flew another day after we removed the hook and line. I have learned a lot from this man, with one of the most important lessons being that we need to take care of the outdoors and all living things that inhabit the planet. This picture is a great reminder of a time where all of those lessons began. I hope I can pass on all of my wisdom and good character to my son, as my dad has for me.

                                                    — Nick B.

Our own Kaurie S. shares a heartwarming post about growing up with two dads: her father and her stepfather. We hope you’ll share your own memory of your father (or fathers!) in our #BeOutdoorsWithDad contest. Nine winners will receive an items from the Father’s Day Gift Guide. The contest ends on June 7th, so we hope to see your stories and photos soon! 

I was lucky enough I have two fathers growing up. My parents got divorced when I was little, and both remarried. At the time I didn’t understand why, and was very upset at first, but after some time I realized just how lucky I was! I had two wonderful homes, each with its own awesome dad!

My father is the one who instilled a love a nature in me. We would go camping every summer, hiking, canoeing, fishing… and I loved every minute! He would also take us to the beach, and I was always so impressed that he could name the rocks I picked up!

My step father wasn’t so into nature, he is a tech guy all the way! He played a big part in making me the nerd I am today. My enjoyment of video games, sci-fi, and New Wave music are all his doing!

Without these two men in my life, I truly don’t believe I would be the person I am today. From them I have learned so much (from basic car maintenance to every line in Monty Python’s Holy Grail), they have supported me at every turn, and I wish everyone was lucky enough to have two dads! Happy Father’s Day!

                              — Kaurie S.

Are you still struggling to find that perfect gift for the world’s best dad? Here are some items that every dad is sure to love for this upcoming Father’s Day.

1. Southern Marsh Men’s Hawthorne Bermuda Performance Polo

This shirt is a must-have for all dads. Its moisture-wicking fabric provides perfect comfort. Plus, this polo is versatile enough for a family cookout or for that family trip to Mt. Cheaha.

2. Patagonia Men’s Back Step Shirt

Who said dad fashion is always bad fashion? With this breathable short-sleeve button up, dad will ready to take on warm-weather adventures in style.

3. Yeti LoadOut 5 Gallon Bucket

Remember that big plastic bucket that held all of dad’s tools and supplies when he did yard work? While it may have been big, it was never durable — but dad will have no worries with this bucket. Its hefty handle and high-density polyethylene material guarantee this bucket will last for generations to come.

4. Yeti Hopper Back Flip 24 Backpack Cooler

Before heading out on that hiking trip, you want to make sure that dad has this backpack cooler. Made with waterproof fabric, its closed-cell foam insulation makes storing cold drinks or packing lunch a cool breeze. Plus, a cooler you can wear on your back leaves your hands free for hiking and rowing.

5. Qalo Men’s Outdoors Silicone Wedding Band

Does your father complain that his wedding band sometimes gets in the way during a work-out or outdoors activities? Made of medical-grade silicone, this wedding band is the perfect way for your dad to celebrate his commitment while remaining committed to the outdoors.

6. Helinox Chair One

This portable chair is perfect for every outdoor or indoor occasion. With its lightweight, durable and compact features, dad can relax his back on the next weekend camping trip. This chair is great for that extra seat on the back porch or in the living room for family occasions, so it’s kind of a gift for mom, too.

7. Osprey Manta AG 28 Daypack

This backpack is just what dad needs to store any gear for that day trip to Oak Mountain. Backpacks can cause discomfort, but the comfy shoulder harness and weight-distributing hipbelt will keep dad moving right along. The large zipper and panel pockets allows for quick and easy access to gear while staying organized.

8. Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack – 20L

Whether it be a day trip in the woods or a long climb up in the mountains, this daypack has endless uses. It can also attach to other Osprey packs for longer trips or fly solo for day trips. No matter its use, this pack’s mesh pockets and front zippered pockets provide the perfect amount of storage.

9. Yeti Rambler Mug – 14oz

Is dad tired of his coffee not staying hot enough? Or of his ice melting the second he steps out on a hot summer day? This mug is the perfect solution. Its vacuum insulation and stainless steel design keeps cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot.

10. Free Fly Men’s Breeze Shorts 

These moisture-wicking, lightweight shorts are perfect for whatever adventures summer has in store. Whether it’s a hike in the woods or just a jog through the neighborhood, dad is going to be on-the-go in style.

11. Free Fly Men’s Lightweight Bamboo Long-Sleeve Shirt

This stylish and comfy shirt works for a fishing trip or just going to dinner with the family. With its UPF 15+ sun protection and moisture-wicking material, dad is sure to feel as cool and smooth as his shirt.

12. On-Running Men’s Cloud 2.0 Shoes

With their CloudTec sole and great step-in feel, these shoes are the perfect fit. Their grip pads and central channel design make for a smooth walk (or run) on any terrain.

13. Mountain Khakis Men’s Poplin Shorts

Tired of dad wearing the same pair of cargo shorts for every occasion? He’ll be sure to set the next fashion trend when he shows up to the family cookout wearing these shorts. An added bonus: there’s no need to worry about wrinkles because of their cotton/poly blend.

14. KÜHL Men’s Rydr Pants 

Dad will be thanking you for these long-lasting and comfortable pants for years. With a some stretch for freedom of movement and their reinforced pockets, these pants are sure to be dad’s favorite pair of pants for quite some time.

15. Your Time

Remember, there is one gift your dad will want more than any other: spending time with you. It’s guaranteed to be his very favorite gift.

Text by Jonathan Mendoza