With summer upon us, nothing feels more iconic than a road trip. That’s why we’re chasing the open road — that sense of freedom found in dirt tracks, good music, spontaneous jumps in water — with the potential for adventure at each turn, and snacks galore.
These innovative, eco-friendly and locally available products will help get you to each pit stop and beyond, whether you head further into the mountains, drive out to a lake or pop into that cool motel you pass on your drive.
PROTECT YOURSELF
Sun gear
Costa Sunglasses
Lido ($292) and Seadrift ($226)
Available at REI, 1789 28th St., Boulder
These polarized sunnies are equipped with 100% UV protection, fully adjustable non-slip nose pads and a scratch-resistant finish that repels water, oil and sweat for easy cleaning. Merging performance with style — run, swim, fish or drive into the sunset with the confidence that your eyes are fully protected.
Outdoor Research
ActiveIce Spectrum Sun Hoodie ($89)
Available at REI, 1789 28th St., Boulder
Designed for long days outside when body temperature regulation and sun protection are a priority, this lightweight and quick-drying hoodie wicks away sweat and provides UPF 50+ sun protection.
Rocky Mountain Sunscreen
Sizes vary, $12-$150
Available at Rocky Mountain Sunscreen, 1360 Horizon Ave., Unit 105, Lafayette
This locally made, reef-safe sunscreen is not only fortified with the goodness of aloe and antioxidants, but also comes in lotion or spray form. With the option to buy in bulk, you can reduce packaging and ensure your skin is protected at every twist and turn.
KAVU
Organic Strapcap ($35)
Available at Backcountry, 1537 Pearl St., Unit 5432, Boulder
Never lose another hat to gusty winds again. This jacquard-banded, four-panel cap is crafted with an organic cotton canvas, offering a cool feel and moldable fit in an earth-friendly package with a low-profile 3.5-inch crown and a range of expressive colors.
Prana
Heavana Every Day Dress ($99)
Available at Prana, 1147 Pearl St., Boulder
Incredibly soft, this dress feels like a gentle, sun-protective hug thanks to its UPF 50+ sun protection and moisture-wicking properties. Stretchy in all the right places, movement is blessedly unrestricted.
GET ORGANIZED
Storage items
Front runner
Slimline II Roof Rail Rack ($1,336)
Available at frontrunneroutfitters.com
This easy-to-install system uses your car’s existing factory/OEM roof rails, which means no drilling required. Made to help schlep everything from bikes and kayaks to big duffles and crash pads, this rack stays smooth and stable at highway speeds and during off-road adventures.
Arc’teryx
Carrier 75 Duffle ($300)
Available at Arc’teryx, 1600 Pearl St., Suite 100, Boulder
Designed for multi-day trips, this durable 75-liter bag is highly weather-resistant, meaning you can schlep it everywhere the road takes you: the river, the campground, the Airbnb. Throw anything you need into its large cavity and shoulder it like a pack via the removable adjustable straps, or grab the handles like a duffle.
TAKE A DIP
Swimwear
Seea
Brasilia Bikini ($85 bottom, $85 top)
Available at Backcountry, 1537 Pearl St., Unit 5432, Boulder
California-made Seea suits strike the perfect balance between surf function and style. The deep plunge V-neck lets the sun kiss your skin, while the wider bands offer support and coverage; on the bottom, the higher leg cut is balanced by a high waist to provide all-day comfort.
Speedo
Redondo Edge Volley 14” ($55)
Available at Colorado Swim Swim Shop, 2525 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder
Made from four-way stretch fabric (with UPF50+ sun protection and a durable water-repellent finish), these trunks will take you anywhere the water runs. Choose from a host of fun colors and enjoy three pockets (one is zippered!) plus a built-in brief liner.
STOP AND EAT
Kitchen goods and food
Stanley
Adventure All-in-One Boil + Brew French Press ($26)
Available at Neptune Mountaineering, 633 S. Broadway, Boulder
Nothing beats the morning’s first cup of joe. With this stainless steel pot, you can brew, boil and cook wherever you stop. Light her up, and in mere minutes you’ll be able to enjoy a piping hot pot (32 ounces) of your favorite coffee. Bonus: It’s dishwasher safe upon your return!
MSR
Titan Fork and Spoon ($34.95)
Available at Neptune Mountaineering, 633 S. Broadway, Boulder
These titanium utensils will deliver a lifetime of grub from your plate to your piehole. Ultralight and unquestionably durable, they come on a screw-locked cable so they’re easy to keep track of.
Backpacker’s Pantry
Drunken Noodles with Chicken and White Bean, Chicken, and Green Chili Stew ($12.99)
Available at Neptune Mountaineering, 633 S. Broadway, Boulder
New flavors have hit the shelves, and our favorites include tasty, protein-packed noodles and stews. Whether you’re at a campsite or a roadside motel, these hot (and economical) dinners never fail to hit the spot. The best part? All meals are made and distributed from Backpacker Pantry’s facility in North Boulder.
DRESS YOURSELF
Clothing
Patagonia
Responsibili-Tee ($45)
Available at Patagonia, 1630 Pearl St., Boulder
Patagonia’s lowest carbon footprint T-shirt — made with 100% recycled materials — utilizes fabric scraps and recycled bottles, reducing our reliance on virgin raw materials. The cotton-polyester 50/50 blend is breathable and feels super soft on the skin.
Patagonia
ROC Cotton Tee ($55)
Available at Patagonia, 1630 Pearl St., Boulder
A go-to tee for everyday wear. Made of 100% Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) cotton from farms working toward the highest organic standard, the production of this tee follows practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and trap more carbon than conventional agriculture.
Amundsen
5Incher Field Shorts ($169)
Available at Amundsen, 2023 17th St., Unit 4, Boulder
Made with extra-strong stretch Cordura fabric from Sweden, these lightweight shorts are designed for rugged use, bolstered with waxed cotton canvas reinforcements. Take them from the trail to the lake, then out to dinner — they’ll last a lifetime if cared for properly.
Amundsen
5Incher Concord G.Dyed Shorts ($169)
Available at Amundsen, 2023 17th St, Unit 4, Boulder
This stretchy, comfortable corduroy material is designed for every type of outdoor and lifestyle activity. Fashionable enough to wear around town, the shorts give you the perfect amount of freedom for any epic adventure.
DUER
Performance Denim ($139)
Available at Duer, 2621 Larimer St., Denver
With an athletic gusset that enables full range of motion, you can move from car to trail to bar friction-free. Integrated performance fibers like Coolmax help with moisture management, ensuring you stay cool, dry and comfortable all day long.