Gallery: Apres-Ski Special: Hot Gear for Chilling Out at the Lodge
01line-sweatpants
Unwinding at the lodge is a sport in itself. Whether it comes at the end of a long day on the slopes, or even if it's what you did all day while everyone else was freezing their noses off, it's an activity best pursued with dedication and style. So shake off the cold, have a seat by the fire, grab a warm (or cold) beverage, and put those feet up. __Above:__ Line Skis 'The Kush' sweatpants ------------------------------- You ride hard on the mountain, so it makes sense that you should rest hard off the mountain. For my money, there are fewer ways to chill than with a great pair of sweats. Line Ski's [The Kush sweatpants](http://lineskis.com/clothing-accessories/the-kush) ($50) are exactly that – the best sweatpants I've ever worn. Simplicity is key; they're just cotton pants, without cargo pockets, sweat-wicking tech materials or anything like that. They don't do much, but what they do, they do proper – the cotton interior is super-soft, the baggy fit is comfortable and doesn't restrict movement, and the drawstring on the waist is capped with metal aglets that look sharper and last longer than standard plastic ones. Heck, they even sport a hidden zippered "stash" pocket for... your keys. Or whatever. *— Billy Brown*
02pipe
Vintage Pipe, Dakine Oakridge Flannel ------------------------------------- When the sun dips behind the ridge and the boots come off, it's time to remind everyone: You are a gentleman. And few bourgeois affectations are more endearingly masculine than a tobacco pipe. You could go to a pipe shop and drop big cash on a high-end instrument. But if it's your first pipe, [go to Etsy](http://www.etsy.com/search?q=estate%20pipe). There are scores of reputable sellers hawking excellent mid-century pipes, all thoroughly cleaned and refurbished and ready for smoking. I found this beautiful Danish piece from the 1960s for less than $20. Stuff it with something robust and wintery, like a Latakia blend, or anything with ample cherry and rum flavors. And while the brahs may favor their logo hoodies or garish zip-ups, keep things cool and timeless with a nice plaid flannel. [Dakine's Oakridge](http://www.dakine.com/p/outerwear/baselayer/mens/mens-oakridge-flannel?clr=RPD) ($75) isn't super-thick, but it's perfect by the fire, and it serves as a good mid-layer too. If you're wearing it in the snow, it's all polyester, so it dries quickly. *— Michael Calore*
03green-jacket
Nau Down Fractel Hoody ---------------------- Kudos to Nau for taking a design chance with the [Down Fractel Hoody](http://www.nau.com/mens/categories/jackets/down-fractel-hoody-069m01.html) ($300). Unlike all the other down jacket companies that make similar-looking pieces, Nau took the Fractel in a completely different direction with its baffles. I no longer look like all the other ski bum sheep when I'm out to dinner after a long day on the slopes. There's also plenty of functional design. The jacket uses 800-fill down and has a DWR coating so it works as an outer layer if it's not puking wet snow. If it's super cold or wet, the jacket has a slim cut so it fits under a shell. The only thing I don't dig is the side zipper. The company says the "offset zipper prevents zipper pile-up under a shell" but that seems like a marketing hoax. Never once have I been annoyed that I have multiple zippers in one place. *— Jakob Schiller*
04mammut-jacket
Mammut Eigerjoch Light Jacket ----------------------------- You usually have to choose between two types of jackets when you get on the slopes: a large, very warm jacket to keep from freezing on cold days, or a light shell when you just need to keep the wind out on warmer days. The [Mammut Eigerjoch Light Jacket](http://www.mammut.ch/en/productDetail/101014270_v_5268_XL/Eigerjoch-Light-Jacket-Men.html?cid=1067919) ($300), works in both scenarios. It's very light, and it feels like wearing a cloud. But when the wind kicks up, the Pertex Quantum outer fabric (made of 100-percent Polyamide!) keeps all your body's warmth inside. And since the jacket is so thin, it makes a great mid-layer under that extra-warm storm jacket. And of course, it's the perfect thing to wear when it comes time to shed those outer layers and seek your indoor happy place. *— Roberto Baldwin*
05wool-shoes
Haflinger Shoes --------------- Halfinger claims there are health benefits to wearing its [wool shoes](http://www.haflinger-usa.com/products.php?id=6&tablenum=57&subid=3#) ($115). There very well may be, but I bought them because they are cozy. It’s a little known fact that Halfinger is the largest manufacturer of boiled wool in all of Germany, and it's been using that wool to make lovely, warm wool slippers for over 50 years. While the Fletchers are not exactly slippers and not exactly shoes, this former fashion trainwreck Birkenstock-wearer feels these woolies are a toasty step in the right direction. The Fletchers have a crepe soul which will eventually form to your foot, and the wide toe box gives your feet plenty room to roam. And the wool offers four-season comfort. *— Jim Merithew*
06stio-hardscrabble
Stio Hardscrabble Jacket ------------------------ I instantly fell for the look of this jacket. [Stio's Hardscrabble](http://www.stio.com/mens-hardscrabble-jacket) ($225) has the cut and vibe of a classic workman's jacket, like the Dickies or Carhartts we used to wear back in the proverbial day. But this is made for the slopes instead of the garage. The outer shell is 90 percent nylon with 10 percent spandex for just a bit of bouncy stretch, and the stuffing is pure Primaloft synthetic microfiber. It's both warm enough and windproof enough to suffice on the slopes, but I prefer a longer cut when I'm out on the runs, so I took to wearing the Hardscrabble around town instead. The casual style works just as well in the streets, so if your favorite mountain spot also has an active nightlife, it may be the only outerwear piece you need as long as the mercury doesn't dip too far. If you do decide to take it into the fluff, the Primaloft continues to keep you warm and stays pretty light even after it gets wet — promises a natural down jacket can't keep. *— Michael Calore*
07sony-noisecancel
Sony MDR-10R Series Noise-Canceling Headphones ---------------------------------------------- Hitting the pubs after the slopes isn't your only option: Sometimes you just want some peace and quiet after a wicked day on the mountain. That's no small feat when you've got a condo full of rowdy roommates. That's where [Sony's MDR-10R Noise-Canceling headphones](http://store.sony.com/premium-noise-canceling-headphones-zid27-MDR10RNC/cat-27-catid-All-Headphones-Earbuds) ($270) came in handy. Noise sensors on the inside and outside of the earcups measure the amount of ambient noise, then pick the right noise-cancelling mode to properly block out the noise, whether it's plane engines or a chatty coffee shop. Whatever din makes it through is drowned out by the cans' 40-mm drivers, which push out great, clear sound. I've used Bose's QuietComfort 15 NC headphones as well, and while the battery in the Bose headphones lasts longer (35 hours to Sony's 20), the Sonys best Bose on two fronts: comfort (I could wear the cans for hours without any aches), and the MDR's passive mode, which lets you listen to music even after the batteries die halfway into a 14-hour flight to the Swiss Alps. *— Billy Brown*
08growler
Hydro Flask Beer Growler ------------------------ Situation: You're cruising through some little mountain town on your way to a party and you spot a brewery offering free tours and tastings. You stop for a quick one, and the beer is amazing. Good thing you remembered your [Hydro Flask Growler](http://www.hydroflask.com/products/hydro-flask-insulated-water-bottle-and-beer-growler-64oz) ($50). This 64-ounce, double-wall vacuum-insulated beast was expressly made for keeping beer cold, carbonated and stable for up to a day. But you can knock back a half gallon in an hour or two, so whatever. And the next morning, you can use it to keep your coffee hot. *— Michael Calore*
09billy-sweater
Patagonia Nordic Cardigan ------------------------- Patagonia is so well-known for its excellent outerwear (the [Powslayer Jacket](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/gadgetlab/2013/12/winter-camp-outerwear/#slideid-278881) was among our favorites this year) that the company's apres gear can easily get overlooked. Which is a shame, because its [Nordic Cardigan sweater](http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/mens-nordic-cardigan-sweater?p=50940-0) ($200) is a keeper. It doubles up the cozy factor when you're hanging out by the bonfire with a few buddies and a few brews — it's 80 percent lambswool and 20 percent nylon, and the 7-gauge fabric is extremely warm. While the sweater's weight (just over a pound) will keep you from taking it into the backcountry, the extra heft makes the whole thing feel like you're wearing a bear hug. The knit shawl collar crawls up the back and sides of your neck like a scarf, and the big front pockets are roomy enough to stash your Briar pipe, tobacco pouch, and any other grandpa-style accoutrements. *— Billy Brown*
10ibex-flannel
Ibex Taos Plaid Shirt --------------------- Ibex clothing is not cheap. The company's [Taos plaid shirt](http://shop.ibex.com/Apparel/Mens-Long-Sleeve/Taos-Plaid-Shirt) will put you back nearly $200, but damn if it isn't worth it. Built out of a 75/25 wool and nylon blend, the shirt is super-warm. I wore it under a thin shell on a cold South Lake Tahoe night and it kept me just as toasty as a thicker mid-layer. It's also built to last. Unless the moths get to it, I fully expect to have this shirt for the next 10 years. Unlike some other plaid shirts that want you to notice them, the Taos Plaid design is a little more understated, and that's a good thing. I've worn it to the bar, but could just as easily wear it into work. *— Jakob Schiller*
