Outfitted: Pieces that make shoulder season better

The first freeze arrived last week, and I remembered why I love this sliver of the year. It’s quiet. The summer crowds thin, the aspens shimmer with gold, and you can actually find a parking spot in town. It’s also when the right gear earns its keep. Here are eight pieces that have a spot in my daily rotation — from dawn dog walks to weekend getaways and quick town runs.

1. Carhartt Women’s Tencel Fiber Series Relaxed Fit Canvas Coat — One Warm Rating

This is the coat I throw on for just about everything in fall. The Tencel blend gives the canvas a softer hand right out of the gate, but it still feels like Carhartt — hard-wearing, brush-friendly, ready for wood stacks, and dog zoomies. The relaxed cut layers over a hoodie or chunky sweater without binding at the shoulders. On a morning of leaf cleanup and an afternoon farmer’s market, I never thought once about my jacket — which is the highest praise I can give outerwear. $110, Carhartt.com.

2. Hobo Render shoulder bag

My everyday carry has to swing from grocery run to casual dinner without screaming “gear closet.” The Render does exactly that. The camel leather softens beautifully, the shoulder drop sits flat over a coat, and the interior organization means I’m not fishing for keys in the dark. I stash a small notebook, sunglasses case, a compact first-aid kit, and still have room for a clutch of market apples. It’s polished without being precious — perfect with denim, wool, or a down vest. $298, HoboBags.com.

3. Ruffwear Climate Changer fleece jacket

My dog has a narrow comfort window. The Climate Changer hits the sweet spot for frosty mornings and shady creek walks — sleek, warm, and cut for movement. The zipper makes on/off painless with a wiggly partner, and the low-bulk fleece layers under a shell when it’s wet. Reflective trim helps at dusk, and the fit doesn’t rub under a harness. It washes easily and will be in heavy rotation all winter. $70, Ruffwear.com.

4. Bajío Paila sunglasses

Low autumn sun plus fresh snow on the peaks is a squint-fest. The Paila’s polarized lenses cut glare and sharpen contrast without over-darkening the view. Bajío’s bio-based frames are featherlight, and the nose pads don’t slip when you’re hauling a crate or hiking uphill. I wore them on a blustery day at Ruedi and skipped the headache I sometimes get from heavier frames. $219, BajioSunglasses.com.

5. Duer Performance Denim+ relaxed straight

I’ve tried plenty of “performance” jeans that felt like gym tights cosplaying as denim. Duer’s Performance Denim+ nails the balance: true-jeans structure with motion-friendly stretch. The Relaxed Straight fit is roomy through the thigh without looking sloppy, and the fabric has enough give to hop into a truck bed or crouch to relight a finicky camp stove. On a chilly morning, I layered long johns underneath and didn’t feel stuffed in; by lunchtime, they still looked clean enough for a meeting. Bonus points for the gusseted crotch and sturdy pocket stitching. Available in multiple women’s and men’s sizes, washes, and styles. $129, ShopDuer.com.

6. Hest Pro travel pillow

If sleep is your weak link on the road, this fixes a lot. The Pro is essentially a real pillow in a travel-ready package: supportive foam, a washable cover, and adjustable loft thanks to a clever stuff/roll system. I’ve used it in a tent, on a friend’s pullout, and on a flight to Mexico. It’s bulkier than most other travel pillows, but I’ll happily trade a little space for actual rest. $89, Hest.com.

7. Keen Howser III slide

House shoe meets porch mission. The quilted upper and cozy lining keep toes warm on cold tile, and the grippy sole handles quick runs to the woodpile, mail, or a muddy trailhead restroom without regret. After a long day, sliding into these is an instant mood lift. I keep a dedicated pair by the back door for spontaneous dog outings. $100, KeenFootwear.com.

8. Wyoming Whiskey National Parks No. 4

When the dishes are done and the sky is pink, I like a small pour. This limited Wyoming Whiskey release is a campfire companion — vanilla and caramel, a little spice, and an easy sip that warms without walloping. The National Parks series supports park projects, which makes gifting a bottle to out-of-town friends feel even better. Mine lives next to enamel mugs and a jar of orange peels for quick old-fashioneds. It’s a limited release, so be sure to grab a bottle before it’s gone. $80, WyomingWhiskey.com.

Meg Simon is an Aspen-based freelance writer, graphic designer, and founder of Simon Finch Creative. She can be reached at meg@simonfinchcreative.com.

Meg Simon is an Aspen-based freelance writer, graphic designer, and founder of Simon Finch Creative. She can be reached at meg@simonfinchcreative.com.