Just as the Stio winter catalogue hits mailboxes across the country this week, and overnight lows are bringing frost and snow across the country, we just finished up testing four of Stio’s new fall/winter pieces.  “Stio was founded to inspire connection with outdoors through beautiful, functional products infused with mountain soul. Technical performance, quality and versatility are hallmarks you’ll find in every piece of apparel that we make, be it intended for epic alpine pursuits or quieter moments of the mountain life”. These words from Stio’s site ring true to every product of theirs we have had the pleasure of testing – read on for your next online purchase!

Finding the right weight ½ zip is a challenge and I approached testing the Stio Gannett Peak 1/2 zip with caution. I didn’t want to get my hopes up if it was going to be too tight, too hot, too thin, too thick with arms that were too short, however, this top prevailed. The Gannett Peak Half Zip is made from 100% polyester fleece with a wicking finish and smooth, heathered face. The zipper opens deeper than your typical ¼ zip which is great for added breathability. The arms are the perfect length for ladies with positive ape indexes and the shirt is lightweight and can be easily stowed once you warm up on a fall hike or winter ski.

I was pretty smitten with the Stio Hometown Down Vest I tested last winter, but love the lighter layer with comparable warmth that the Azura vest provides. The vest features modern baffles filled with 60g of Primaloft® Gold, princess seams for a feminine fit, a fully adjustable hem with low-pro cord locks and zippered hand and interior pockets. It can be layered over light fleeces and under a shell or rain jacket and is perfect on fall hikes, camping trips or early morning or late night bike commutes. The Azura Vest provides lightweight, compressible and windproof insulation you can depend on whether you are layering it over a flannel for fall apple picking adventures or foliage-seeking hikes.

My heart is still true to it’s first love – the original Dovetail Flannel that I tested last fall, but made from the same brushed cotton flannel, the Dovetail Cabin Flannel is just as cozy, washes and wears well and doesn’t pill. The main difference between the two is that the one with “cabin” in the description has more of a “tunic” fit.  The longer length is nice for wearing with leggings or skinny jeans when you want a bit more coverage. I’ve worn this flannel canoeing, camping and traveling and it was breathable and comfortable and better yet didn’t wrinkle after hours in the car. The shirt has a contrast cuff tab and interior back yoke provide the perfect amount of styled detail and a small pleat at the back adds feminine flair.  For now it only comes in two colors, but I’m sure they will add more next season!

The Stio Sweetwater Coat is a thigh-length fleece coat that is perfect for fall or under a heavier coat during the wintertime. The sleek and styled fit is great for dressing up to go to a coffee shop, but is comfortable and casual enough for a walk in the park with the pup. The coat is made from a 100% polyester sweater knit face that has the look and feel of wool, while a brushed interior ensures maximum coziness and comfort. The pockets are taffeta-lined which provides a cozy retreat for hands on cold days. A YKK® reverse coil center front zipper locks warmth in, and a kissing welt protects your chin from zipper rub. Stio says, “this excellent lightweight insulator sheds moisture and dries quickly, making it a year-round mountain life must”. My favorite features of this coat are the tall collar that keeps your neck warm on blustery days and the lined pockets are super soft and warm. The length of this coat is really nice as well – it just barely covers my butt and upper thighs, which is great for added warmth but not overly cumbersome for free range of movement.