Summer Gear I Recommend From My Favorite Ski Brands

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I’m the kind of person who likes each season as its own—winter should be cold, spring warm, summer hot, and fall crisp. So by that logic, I don’t mind skipping the summer powder chase (but to be clear, I’ll never say no to a mid-summer trip to a different hemisphere).

However, I’m a skier at heart—even in the off-season. So while I might not be hitting the slopes in summer, you’ll still find me wearing gear from my favorite ski brands. Unsurprisingly, the companies that excel at making high-performance ski apparel also know how to craft top-tier summer gear, packed with tech to keep us cool and dry. Below is a roundup of some of my favorite warm-weather picks from trusted ski brands. Okay, who am I kidding? I want to go skiing.

At a glance:

Salomon XT-6 Sneaker

(Photo: Courtesy of Salomon)

Buy Now: Salomon: $180 

When I started seeing Salomon sneakers being worn all over Manhattan, I knew something was up. The shoes are the epitome of gorpcore; they’re rugged and super technical-looking, yet incredibly chic. Did Salomon know this shoe would be paired with maxi skirts more than dirt? Hard to say. But the truth is, this sneaker rocks.

It is by far one of the most comfortable shoes I’ve worn in the past year. I found the shoes to be great for hiking, biking, and even strutting the runway. They’re water resistant, and I’ve worn them near rivers while fishing and through the rainy streets of NYC. I usually try to stay away from micro trends, but if I can wear Salomon footwear in the summer, it’s a pretty nice reminder that ski season isn’t too far away.

Ombraz Armless Sunglasses

Buy Now: Starting at $160

‘Oh no, I broke my sunglasses’ is about to be a thing of the past! Armless sunglasses are one of my ski and summer staples because they are truly indestructible, and Ombraz makes some of the highest quality shades, meaning they’re polarized.

Armless sunglasses are a ski go-to because you can easily wear them under a hat or helmet without irritating your ears. In the summer, they’re just as useful. I wear mine while running and kayaking, and I can be sure they’re not going to fall or bounce off. While the price may seem a bit steep, the glasses come with a lifetime warranty, so they’re good forever.

Arc’teryx Delta 1/2 Zip Men’s Fleece

Buy Now: Arc’teryx $180

A perfect light layer for cool mornings or hiking at altitude, the Delta line is one of Arc’teryx’s most versatile. I find the 1/2 zip to be a personal favorite because you can wear it for adventure, golf, or out to the brewery after. The fleece uses Octa technology, which keeps you warm, but not too warm. There’s also moisture-wicking technology, so you can wear the fleece to the bar post-hike without smelling like you spent all day on the trails.

Arc’teryx Norvan Shorts

Buy Now: 5″ Shorts $90 Buy Now: 3″ Shorts $90

The Norvan line from Arc’teryx is one of my absolute favorites for summer running.  I have yet to find another material that compares. The Norvan is light as can be, but holds its shape when it gets wet (read: sweaty). The shorts are extremely comfortable to wear for long summer runs, and I love that they come with an adjustable waistband and pockets. I also recommend both the Norvan short-sleeve shirt ($90) and the Norvan Tank ($80). Last month, I ran a 10k on an incredibly muggy morning, and the Norvan tank was an obvious choice. When I finished the race, my tank was soaking wet, and almost completely dry by the time I returned home.

Patagonia Baggies Shorts

Buy Now: Patagonia $69 Buy Now: REI $69

The Patagonia Baggies shorts have been around forever, so I’m not sure why it took me so long to get on board (pun intended, because they’re basically board shorts). These shorts are the perfect summer pal, I wear mine while kayaking and paddle boarding, since they’re designed to get wet without feeling heavy. The shorts are made with a double water repellent layer and 100 percent nylon “faille” fabric, so they feel like wearing a rain jacket, minus the heat-trapping.

I read online that the shorts run a bit snug, especially for women, so I sized up. They turned out to be a little too big, so I ended up exchanging them for my normal size (I found they run truer to size). The shorts are available in plenty of fun prints and colors for women in a 5-inch or 2.5-inch length, and for men in a 5-inch or 7-inch length.

Norrøna Women’s Senja Equaliser Short

Buy Now: Norrøna $119

When a friend recommended the Norrøna biker shorts, I was immediately interested. Finding a seamless front biker short that’s actually flattering isn’t easy, especially when you’re on the shorter side (I’m 5’3). If you’re looking for a unicorn short for running, this Norwegian outdoor brand has it dialed. The Equaliser shorts are both functional and favorable. The shorts have become one of my most-worn for running and HIIT workouts, and I love the side pockets and zippered back pocket for storage. Since the shorts are on the more compressive side, I recommend sizing up.

Marin Lip Treatment

Buy Now: The Paper Store: $20 Buy Now: Marin skincare $20

I have extremely dry and sensitive lips, and despite loads of SPF, they bother me all year, no matter the season. I used to rely solely on Aquaphor to help relieve the redness and irritation until I discovered a Reddit channel where everyone was praising a local Maine company for their unique formula.

Marin uses a protein found in lobster that helps the animal to rebuild its shell, and as it turns out, that protein also helps humans to rebuild their skin barrier. While the lip treatments don’t taste like lobster (instead, summer-inspired scents like strawberry rubbarb, s’mores, and blueberry french toast), the protein inside is unlike anything I’ve ever used on my lips; it feels like a deep mask sans oil residue or heaviness. To ensure resourcefulness and minimal waste, the company has partnered with a Portland-based lobster restaurant and distributor. This goes without saying, but if you have a shellfish allergy or adhere to vegan skin products, this is not for you.