Chicago

Serious Hikers, Meet Serious Gear

Stio Outdoors has all your outdoor essentials

By The Editors / June 4, 2015 9:00 am

Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Home to some of the greatest natural spoils the contiguous 48 have to offer.

It’s also home to Stio, the mountain-lifestyle outfitter opening its first ever brick-and-mortar outside of Wyoming in Wicker Park this Saturday.

Suffice to say: they know the escape. So we plundered through their stock and found the gear you need for your next day hike.

Pay ‘em a visit and then go explore Starved Rock. Or Moraine Hills State Park. Hell, take a five-hour jaunt to Giant City State Park. Anywhere, really — as long as it isn’t here.

1. The Rain Jacket: Waterproof, breathable and packable. A guardian against unexpected deluges. Stio’s Modis Hooded Jacket is perfect for the bottom of your bag whether you’re on the trail or on the El.

2. The Hat: Your lady will dig the Pistil Ridley Hat. You’ll look good in it, too.

3. The Shoes: With a climbing shoe sole, Scarpa’s Crux Canvas shoes can handle flat hikes or rock climbs with ease. Plus: recycled polyester uppers. Keep it green out there.

4. The Shirt: Necessary on any hike: a tech-savvy lightweight shirt. Stio’s roomy Divide Tech Tee dries quick with built-in sun protection.

5. The Knife: Opinel’s No. 10 Corkscrew has never failed us. And ya’ never know when you’ll need a knife. Or a corkscrew (hello, romantic sunset hikes).

6. The Pant: Relaxed cut. Technical build. Lightweight and moisture-repelling. Make the Keeline Pant your go-to rock-jumping pant.

7. The Pack: Here’s a short story: back in ‘83, Kletterwerks went outta’ business. Some 40 years later, the founder’s son has rejuvenated the brand, bringing back all the original designs. God bless ‘em for it. The Flip Pack is a super-durable carry made for alpine climbing.

Nota bene: Stio officially opens this Saturday, June 6. But you might want to wait for their Grand Opening weekend, June 12-14, when all weekend sales will go to our favorite local nonprofit, Friends of the Chicago River.