By Stephanie Nitsch
As if you needed another excuse to hit the trails, Park City’s outdoor shops have stocked their shelves with all the latest summer toys and gadgets geared for hikers and bikers. If you’re spending a day in the mountains, be sure to check out our roundup of favorite summer trail essentials that you’ll find around town.
Topping out at 10,000 feet, there’s no escaping the altitude when you’re playing in Park City. Whether you’re a mountain maven or a perpetual flatlander, having the proper gear could mean the difference between conquering the trail and being conquered by the trail. To help you reach the top, we’ve rounded up our favorite summer gear to stash in your pack.
Buff Headwear’s versatile “bandana” is a multitasking miracle that keeps the sun off your nose, the sweat off your brow and the bugs out of your hair. Twist or fold this insect- repelling necessity, available at Jans, into more than a dozen different configurations while protecting your face from Park City’s conditions. The moisture-wicking and UV-blocking fabric also keeps you cool when the mercury is on the rise ($27).
Pop a CamelBak Elixir tablet into your water bottle before hitting the trail and let the self-mixing effervescence do the work. The fizzy, sugar-free electrolyte tablets, available at Silver Star Ski & Sport, are concentrated with essential minerals (think: potassium, sodium, and a dose of vitamin C for good measure) that your body needs when you’re sweating hard. Choose from one of five summer flavors, like the new raspberry-lime or watermelon-kiwi ($7).
A one-shirt quiver, like Salomon’s Equation button-up, combines streetwear style with performance- driven necessities for clothing that’s capable of going from trail to table in the same afternoon. Its stretchy, quick-drying fabric and UV protection is built for outdoor activity, while its plaid design kicks up the casual flair of any post- adventure outfit. Available in long or short sleeve versions at Cole Sport ($65-80).
Tifosi Optics sunglasses from All Sports Eyewear feature high-performance shades with a budget-savvy price tag. Shatterproof frames, like the Veloce, include three sets of polarized lenses for different light conditions, giving you total eye protection from fickle mountain weather. Ventilation lens ports prevent foggy vision, and adjustable rubber nose and earpieces mean a no- slip grip whether you’re hiking or biking ($60-80).
Smith Optics ventures into bike protection this summer with the launch of the Forefront helmet, found at White Pine Touring. The full-coverage lid features a futuristic honeycomb core that increases ventilation and impact absorption while decreasing weight. An aerodynamic groove around the shell doubles as a resting spot for your sunglasses, and separate mounts for a headlamp or POV camera houses all your toys on the trail. Available in 10 stylish colors ($220).
Cole Sport | 1615 Park Ave
435-649-4806 | colesport.com
All Sports Eyewear | 751 Main St
435-645-3939 | allsportseyewear.com
White Pine Touring | 1790 Bonanza Dr
435-649-8710 | whitepinetouring.com
Jans | 1600 Park Ave
435-649-4949 | jans.com
Silver Star Ski & Sport | 1825 3 Kings Dr
435-645-7827 | silverstarskiandsport.com
