4 Mountain Endurance Gear Picks Worth the Investment

Top Picks In Every Season

As seasons collide in Colorado, endurance athletes must be prepared to weather all types of adverse conditions. We test a lot of pieces on snow, mud and dirt, in sunshine, snow, wind and rain, and we’re excited to share some of our top picks for moving fast in the mountains. We’ve categorized a highlight for winter, spring, summer and fall. These are pricier picks, yes, and we stand behind each as a solid investment to add to your gear closet. We’ve also included “kit tips” with complementary gear pieces for each highlight.

WINTER

La Sportiva Cyklon Cross GTX

The “wow” factor is real with these on-snow running shoes. They prevent wet feet and keep feet warmer than any other GORE-TEX trail running shoe we’ve worn. The solid traction on the La Sportiva Cyklon Cross GTX grips firmly on snow, so even if you’re making your way up a steep slope you don’t need spikes. We took these shoes straight up and down Golden Peak on Vail Mountain and the grip was impressive. It’s the first BOA Fit System we’ve tried on running shoes, and the ultra-lightweight option hugs the foot in place with a nice balance of support and mobility. These are available in men’s and women’s styles, and be sure to size up a half size for the right fit. Kit tip: Wear thin or compression ankle socks with these shoes, like the Swiftwick Elite XT Trail Five.

La-Sportiva-Cyklon-Cross

$245

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SPRING

Daehlie Sportswear Raw 4.0 Jacket

Daehlie Sportswear jacket

 

We’re recommending this piece for the spring season, but its built-in layering system makes it versatile for a range of temperatures and conditions. Designed with cross country skiing in mind, the Daehlie Sportswear Raw 4.0 Jacket is multifunctional and can also be used for cold weather running, hiking, snowshoeing and ski touring. The jacket consists of an outer shell with a removable interior vest, which can be worn separately on its own. The vest features highly insulating, lightweight Thindown material on the front, a wool stretch material on the sides and fleece brushed interior on the back. The jacket features a three-layer softshell material with wind- and water-repellant membrane. The adjustable hood is attached with a zipper, so it can easily be taken on or off as the weather demands. The upper back, underarms and cuffs feature a soft, insulating wool stretch material, while Bionic Finish Eco technology on the fabric surface ensures that light rain and sleet run off. Kit tip: go thin underneath this impressive layering system — we recommend a Daehlie Compete-Tech Top and the Daehlie Run Pant.

 

Daehlie-Sportswear-Raw-4.0-Jacket

$489.95

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SUMMER

Adidas SP0057 Sport Sunglasses

Sunglasses

 

From dawn to dusk, the Adidas SP0057 sport sunglasses check all the boxes for endurance activities — especially the style known as 02L that is photochromatic with lenses that adjust to variations in light conditions. The TR90 wrap fame is very lightweight and flexible, and the adjustable nose pads make for a more comfortable fit. When you start to heat up, the impressive aeration system of the SP0057 sits right above the nose near the center of the brow line with nine holes to prevent fogging. Kit tip: while you’re shielding your eyes from sunshine, be sure to cover up your neck with Buff CoolNet UV+.

 

$200

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FALL

Ultimate Direction Adventure Vesta 6.0

Adventure Vesta

 

17 liters of carrying capacity means you can haul everything you need for the big on-trail fall adventures. Ultimate Direction is known for its ultra-running vests that stay put on the run, and this upgrade is loaded with features like extra pockets, all accessible while you’re wearing the vest. The large rear compartment can accommodate a 2-liter reservoir, in addition to a 500-ml bottle that fits on a designated front pocket. There’s even a deployable rainfly to protect your gear in wet weather. Kit tip: avoid taking your vest on and off by having to change layers with the ultra-light, temperature regulating and sun protecting Outdoor Vitals Altitude Sun Hoodie.

 

Adventure Vesta

$179.95

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