Backcountry.com Newsletter Articles

Ryann Scrafford grew up at the base of Little Cottonwood Canyon with some of the world’s best skiing only 15 minutes away from her front door. Not realizing how spoiled she was, Ryann took off to the concrete jungles of Philadelphia, New York, and London. It didn’t take her long to realize that life is more fun with bottomless powder days, trail running, and backpacking around the Wasatch Front. A little over a year ago, Ryann put her serious gear passion to work as the Accessories Division Merchandise Manager for Backcountry.com. Basically, her job is to shop for the watches, sunglasses, and other little goodies that you find on the site-and then she’s back to powder days. Life is rough, but she gets by. This is the gear that helps her do it, in her own words.

The North Face Venture Jacket
This is the essential MUST for wet weather. I spent four days hiking Machu Picchu, three of which I trekked in pouring rain for over 12 hours. Needless to say this jacket and I quickly became best friends. With pitzips functionality this is the perfect jacket for anyone who is looking to stay dry without overheating for any adventure. As a side note, I would totally recommend it in the Kelpie Green color. It’s such a great color for spring that I’ve even started wearing it as an everyday jacket.

The North Face Venture Side Zip Pant
These pants completed my Machu Picchu attire, much like the jacket they were a must-have. I personally appreciate the side zip because it allows for a slightly wider leg opening—making rain pants as fashionable as possible, if that is possible.

Suunto Lumi Altimeter Watch
Alright, obviously based on the position I’m in at Backcountry, I’m a huge accessories freak and own a million watches but this is the one and only watch that I wear for any outdoor/sporting activity. I absolutely love it! This is a prime example of function meeting fashion. Not to mention it is the easiest, most user-friendly watch I have ever owned. It’s essentially like one-stop shopping for all of your watch needs.

Oakley Speechless Sunglasses
Love ’em! These sunglasses are my saving grace when it comes to crossover glasses. I can do anything sports related and go right to hanging out. Being somewhat of a sunglass snob, I’m super picky when it comes to the way my glasses fit, feel, look, and function. The Speechless Sunglasses have such a great fit. I can wear them all day and forget they are even on my face, and that says a lot for a sunglass!

MSR Hubba Tent
This is my last pick, but it is definitely one of my favorites. I had to put it in since I’ll be using in the desert this weekend. This might be the most amazing tent I have ever owned, and it definitely makes me the rock star of the camp site when I can set it up and take it down at lightning speed due to the sweet all-in-one hub and swivel pole! Not to mention it is super lightweight and ideal for backpacking.