For Angelenos, January is a time to renew our gym membership, take a break from booze, buy a new sweater, and gape at the greenery sprouting in the Angeles Crest Forest and Malibu Hills. Snow just isn't on our minds, and for good reason – we don't get it. But some of us crave the different seasons and will seize any opportunity to experience them. Thank the heavens we live in lovely Los Angeles where we're always a short road trip away from Big Bear, Mountain High, and Mammoth.
For the snow-hungry adventurers out there, we've gone ahead and done some of the prep for you. We've rounded up our favorite snow wardrobe and travel essentials made by L.A.-based (or closeby) brands including Madhappy, Naked Cashmere, Teva, and more. Keep scrolling for everything you'll need to pack for your next weekend trip north – including technical gear for those hitting the slopes, loungewear for chilling by the fire, a pool day staple reimagined for the snow, and more.
Madhappy Tie Dye Knitted Beanie
Protect your noggin from the elements with this 100% wool beanie from Madhappy, the mental health slash apparel brand with brick-and-mortar stores on Melrose and in Aspen. It's heavyweight, warm, embroidered, and made right here in L.A. Choose the pink tie-dye if sticking out in the snow like a strawberry mango smoothie is your thing. If you prefer to blend in with the woodsy surroundings, the beanie also comes in a maroon and blue tie-dye option. Click here if you're interested in learning more about the brand's manufacturing process. Shop: Madhappy Tie Dye Knitted Beanie, $65
Ozma Reyes Scarf
In the winter, Mammoth and Big Bear temperatures can dip into the 30s and 40s during the day and even lower at night. To avoid any surprises, allow us to refresh your memory about the need to cover up. Like a cocoon of warmth for your neck, Ozma's Caravelli Reyes scarf is a godsend. It's made in Peru out of 89% baby alpaca and 11% polyamide. P.s. Baby alpaca wool isn't actually sheared from a baby alpaca – it's wool sheared from the neck, back, or chest area of an alpaca of any age, and is one of the finest and softest around. Shop: Ozma Reyes Scarf, $138
Rails Turner
Flannels are a key layer for winter bundling. And if the Rails' Turner flannel in cobalt and lime plaid is any indication, rest assured yours doesn't have to look like it was made for a lumberjack. The heavyweight, oversized flannel is made of a blend of polyester, wool, acrylic, and nylon. It looks fuzzy because it is – the brushed woolen fabric is Rails' unique take on a cold-weather classic. Shop: Rails Turner, $288
Patagonia Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T Fleece Pullover
For added layering, we love Patagonia's cult-favorite Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T Fleece Pullover. Everyone and their mother owns one but retaining your personal sense of style is easy given the Ventura-based brand releases new, fun colors every season. This time, we're eyeing the Companions Big: Anthos Pink or Aurora: Dark Borealis Green prints. You can feel good and warm about wearing this pullover too because it's made with 100% recycled Synchilla polyester fleece and sewn fair trade certified. Shop: Patagonia Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T Fleece Pullover, $119
Rvca Eezeh Corduroy Puffer
The pièce de résistance of layering: a puffer jacket. RVCA's Eezeh Corduroy puffer jacket features reinforced heat-retention material and fuses a throwback vibe with practical function for those afternoon strolls or firewood runs. RVCA isn't technically an L.A.-based brand, but Costa Mesa is close enough and we couldn't say no to its powder blue hue. Shop: RVCA Eezeh Corduroy Puffer Jacket, $120
Fera Christy Parka
For the ultimate après-ski look, look to Fera's Christy parka. It boasts a bold, charming colorway and then some: a pliant mechanical stretch waterproof fabric and stretch side body panels so you can pizza down the hill with ease and agility. Other slope-ready perks of this parka include thermolite insulation that warms without weighing you down plus a powder skirt, adjustable bungee hem, and lift pass pocket on the sleeve. Shop: Fera Christy Parka, $320
Fera Brooke Stretch Bib
Everyone who skies knows how irksome and chilly it can be for snow to get caught inside your pants. A good bib, like the Brooke Stretch from Fera, can prevent that tiny tragedy. The women's snow bib features waterproof four-way stretch shell fabric, front and rear contouring, adjustable straps, and lengthening stripes down the legs. Even more on the nitty-gritty of this bib: it includes critical seam sealing, stretch lining, elasticized suspenders with slim buckle hardware, and stretch boot gaiters. It'll keep out the snow and make you look cool while carving. Shop: Fera Brooke Stretch Bib, $245
Swrve Neck Gaiter
If you thought neck gaiters were only for those serious about snow sports, joke's on you. These lock in warmth and make it so you don't have to adjust a chunky beanie every few minutes. L.A.-based Swrve makes its neck gaiters out of polyester, cotton, and rayon for a light yet surprisingly warm addition to your winter wardrobe. Wear this gaiter as a scarf, mask, or beanie while on the slopes and thank us later. Shop: Swrve Neck Gaiter, $10
James Perse Dip Dye Cashmere Gloves
Because you'll likely be spending part of your winter staycation doing normal people things like grocery shopping, eating out, and grabbing coffee, we'd recommend packing a pair of James Perse gloves. The brand's Dip Dye Cashmere gloves are made from a heavier, 100% recycled cashmere and feature a jersey stitch and rib at the wrist opening. We also love that they're dip-dyed at the cuff for a soft stripe effect. Shop: James Perse Dip Dye Cashmere Gloves, $150
Teva Midform Boot
Teva was founded by Grand Canyon guide Mark Thatcher in 1982 and subsequently acquired by Goleta-based Deckers Brands around the turn of the century. Ever since then, Angelenos have been relying on Tevas for trekking and adventuring through snow, sand, and anything else nature has to offer.
The label's Midform boot is a sustainable and durable go-to for winter outings. Crafted with recycled and water repellent materials, verifiable Repreve® polyester yarn, and reconstituted leather sustainably sourced from tannery waste – these boots are big on style and small on animal and environmental impact. Shop: Teva Midform Boot, $140
Vitamin A Ventana Recycled Cashmere Set
Loungewear is to cabin couch surfing what air is to life – essential. Vitamin A's Recycled Cashmere Vee ($225) and Pant ($250) are made of 95% recycled cashmere (and 5% wool) so you can feel a little less guilty about the purchase and a lot cozier. The brand's "clean cashmere" is touted as three times warmer than virgin wool. Shop: Vitamin A Ventana Recycled Cashmere Vee, $225; Pant, $250
Naked Cashmere Makena
After a day of sledding and shredding, it's time to head back to the cabin for some grub and games. Slip into something more casual like Naked Cashmere's Makena – a five-gauge knit, 100% pure cashmere cardigan that flows past the knees with a loose silhouette and side pockets. It comes in nine colors but we're fixated on the mink. Shop: Naked Cashmere Makena, $375
Californians Vintage Collection Bianca
When you're not in boots, walk on clouds in your cabin via Californians Vintage Collection's Bianca slippers in cream shearling. This US-made fluffy footwear features a leather-welted footbed, soft foam midsole, and indoor-outdoor traction rubber outsole. The label lets you add Carbon Neutral Order to your total to help offset some of the emissions associated with production and shipping. Offsetting 107 lbs of carbon will cost you just $3. Shop: Californians Vintage Collection Bianca, $209
Funboy Winter Wave Snow Tobaggan Sled
It's time to get serious, people. Because according to our sources, some of you have continued venturing out into snow country without a sled or a toboggan. And that is just downright unacceptable. At what point did speeding down a snowy slope at 20 mph become boring? We'll wait for your response. In the meantime, check out Funboy's Winter Wave Snow Toboggan Sled. This sled should be Santa-approved (if it isn't already) because it's reinforced with a rubber base for durability and it's inflatable. So going from the slopes to the swimming pool is easy peasy. Shop: Funboy Winter Wave Snow Toboggan Sled, $55
Klean Kanteen Insulated TKWide
We know it goes without saying you should take a reusable water bottle with you everywhere you go, but we still felt like Chico-based Klean Kanteen's Insulated TKWide bottle deserved a spot on this list. The 20 oz bottle is vacuum insulated, making it safe to pack your morning coffee on runs and still enjoy it warm while chilling on the lift in the afternoon. With a leak-proof Café Cap, you can throw this baby in your backpack or purse worry-free. Shop: Klean Kanteen Insulated 20 oz TKWide with Café Cap, $34.95
Main Image: Courtesy of Funboy
