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I love quality, well-made products. Working in advertising as a creative, from the giants agencies to the boutiques, has given me a unique perspective. It's not always about the big names you know; sometimes, it's the ones you don't that capture your eye.

Now, stepping away from agency life with Overland Girl, I'm spotlighting the brands that ignite my passion and confidence. With my creative roots and a career that's crossed paths with both the well-known and the obscure, I'm excited to share the brands that stand out—not just for their products but for their stories, commitment, and undeniable spirit. Let's dive into the world of these hidden gems, exploring what makes them tick and, perhaps, finding the one that speaks to you. You might already know these brands; if so, that is great. Mammut, Black Crows, Wild Rye, Stio, Snow Peak, Dragon Alliance, Big Agnes, Mountain Gazette, Wild Sam, HipCamp, and Rovr Coolers.

Stio: Crafting Outdoor Apparel from the Heart of the Tetons.

Stio is based in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Rooted in the rugged terrain of Jackson Hole, Stio embodies the essence of the mountain lifestyle, crafting gear that meets the demands of various high-energy pursuits, from skiing and snowboarding to mountain biking and hiking. Founded with a passion for the outdoors, Stio equips adventurers and everyday enthusiasts with high-quality apparel, bridging the gap between performance and everyday usability. The brand's commitment extends beyond simply outfitting individuals; it's about fostering a deep connection to the natural environment through durable, versatile clothing designed for the epic and everyday moments of mountain life.

Who founded Stio?

Stephen Sullivan conceived Stio from his appreciation for the mountain lifestyle and dissatisfaction with the available outdoor apparel. After several ventures in the outdoor industry and mountain sports, Stephen found inspiration to start his own company. Stio's inception in 2011 reflected his deep-seated desire to merge high-performance outdoor gear with everyday practicality. The vision was clear: create apparel robust enough for mountain adventures yet stylish and comfortable for daily wear.

Stio is Mountain Life.

Drawing on its Jackson Hole roots, Stio embodies the essence of the mountain lifestyle in every piece it creates. The brand skillfully merges technical performance with casual elegance, catering to adrenaline-packed adventures and more subdued urban activities. This versatility shines through in their extensive clothing and accessories, designed for various outdoor pursuits, including hiking, skiing, and everyday urban wear.

Stio's commitment to sustainability is evident in its use of eco-friendly materials and practices across its product lines. This dedication permeates its operations, ensuring business practices uphold these values. Moreover, Stio champions inclusivity, striving to make the outdoors accessible to everyone, irrespective of background or ability, adhering to the principle that "outside is for everyone."

Innovation lies at the core of Stio’s approach. They constantly infuse fresh ideas into their apparel lines. Each season, they push the boundaries of fashion and technology to meet outdoor enthusiasts' diverse needs, ensuring that style and substance are never compromised.

What Does Stio Mean?

The name "Stio" is derived from the Gaelic word for Stephen Sullivan. This name choice reflects the inherently authentic brand that Stio aims to be, anchored in the Jackson Hole lifestyle. The brand’s identity is deeply tied to this mountainous region, emphasizing a connection to nature and outdoor living, central to its ethos and design philosophy.

The Story Behind Stio's Logo.

Stio's logo, featuring the whitebark pinecone, is deeply rooted in the natural landscape of their home base in Jackson Hole. This design choice reflects the symbiotic relationship between the whitebark pine and Clark's Nutcracker, emphasizing nature's interconnectedness and functional beauty.

The pinecone represents the ecological bonds in Stio's local environment and symbolizes the brand's dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship. It serves as a daily reminder of Stio's commitment to protect and care for the outdoor spaces that inspire its products and values.

This logo is a cornerstone of Stio's identity, symbolizing its mission to blend outdoor performance with environmental responsibility. It is a testament to their deep connection with the mountain lifestyle and the natural world.

Stio's Specialized Apparel: Tailored for Every Adventure.

Stio's product offerings are carefully segmented to meet the specific needs of various outdoor activities, each designed to enhance performance while ensuring comfort and durability. Here’s an overview of their primary lines targeting different adventure seekers:

Ski and Snowboard Gear

Stio's ski and snowboard collection is crafted for the alpine enthusiast and the backcountry adventurer. Products like the Objective Pro Jacket and Bib use advanced materials like 3L GORE-TEX, known for their superior waterproof and breathable properties. These garments are designed with functionality, including features like strategic pocket placement and ventilation systems to accommodate rigorous mountain activities.

Hiking

For hikers and trail enthusiasts, Stio offers a range of products designed for durability and comfort on long treks. Their hiking apparel includes lightweight, breathable shirts, durable pants, and weather-resistant jackets. These items are made from flexible, quick-drying materials that support mobility and comfort during extended periods of activity.

Running

Stio’s running and activewear are tailored for high performance and resilience. These items are ideal for runners and anyone engaged in intensive physical activities, featuring moisture-wicking fabrics and reflective details. The designs focus on providing comfort and support without restricting movement, ensuring wearers can perform at their best.

Biking

Stio caters specifically to mountain bikers with gear designed to handle the rigors of the trail. Their mountain biking jerseys and shorts emphasize breathability and flexibility, using materials that stretch with each pedal stroke and climb. Engineered to balance comfort and efficiency, Stio’s biking apparel ensures that riders are well-equipped for long, challenging rides and intense downhill sprints.

Climbing Gear

Stio’s climbing collection is built to support the rigorous demands of the sport with durability and flexibility. Climbing pants and tops from Stio feature stretch fabrics that allow a full range of motion, reinforced seams for resilience, and lightweight materials that don’t weigh climbers down as they ascend.

Lifestyle

Recognizing that outdoor enthusiasts appreciate versatility, Stio provides a lifestyle apparel line that transitions smoothly from the great outdoors to casual urban environments. This line includes flannels, sweaters, and down vests that combine functional materials with stylish designs, making them suitable for everyday wear.

Fishing Gear

Stio's fishing gear is crafted to enhance the angler's experience with features tailored for comfort and functionality on the water. Their fishing shirts, jackets, and pants come equipped with UV protection, moisture-wicking fabrics, and quick-drying capabilities to ensure that anglers can focus on the catch under any conditions.

Paddling Gear

Dedicated paddling apparel from Stio is designed to keep enthusiasts dry and comfortable while facing water sports challenges. This includes splash-resistant tops, quick-dry pants, and neoprene accessories that provide thermal protection and buoyancy without restricting movement.

Bags and Gear

Stio’s collection of bags and outdoor gear is designed to support adventurers in seamlessly transporting their essentials. Their range includes durable backpacks, versatile duffels, and specialized gear bags, each built to withstand the elements while keeping contents secure and organized. Whether you’re heading out for a day hike, packing for a multi-day expedition, or simply managing daily commutes, Stio's bags offer practical solutions with robust materials and thoughtful features like water-resistant finishes, ergonomic straps, and ample storage compartments. These products ensure that no matter where your adventures take you, your gear is well-protected and easily accessible.

Shop Bags & Gear

Stio’s Best Selling Product: Hometown Down Hooded Jacket.

Stio's best-selling product is the Hometown Down Hooded Jacket. This ultra-warm jacket is designed for urban and outdoor environments, featuring 800-fill goose down for exceptional warmth and lightweight comfort. The jacket is also water repellent, thanks to innovative down insulation technology from ALLIED Feather™, making it a versatile choice for various weather conditions.

Shop Hometown Down Hooded Jacket

Where Can You Buy Stio.

Not only can you purchase through their online store, but Stio currently operates several retail locations known as Stio Mountain Studios, where it showcases its entire collection of apparel and accessories. These stores are designed to reflect the brand's mountain lifestyle. You can find Stio in various locations, including their original in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. We have visited a few of their locations, including their original in Jackson Hole.

Beyond Jackson Hole and Teton Village in Wyoming; stores are located in Bend, Oregon; Boise, Idaho; Boulder, Colorado; Freeport, Maine; Park City, Utah; Boston, Massachusetts; and the newest addition in South Lake Tahoe, California. Each location is designed to bring the Stio brand to life, offering a direct way for customers to experience their products and connect with the brand’s mountain lifestyle ethos.

Visit Stio's Store Locator for more details on specific locations or to find a store near you.

Stio: Empowering Women in the Great Outdoors.

Stio is actively involved in initiatives supporting women's outdoor empowerment. Their approach is holistic, extending beyond just offering women-specific apparel. They are committed to creating gear that suits the technical demands of outdoor activities and supports and empowers women who engage in these activities.

The brand participates in and supports various programs aimed at increasing women's access to and inclusion in outdoor sports. This includes partnerships with organizations focused on the environment and outdoor activities, where they promote and support female participation. Stio's efforts reflect a broader commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive outdoor community.

These initiatives demonstrate Stio's dedication to equipping women with high-performance gear and supporting broader social goals within the outdoor industry, such as gender equality and empowerment in all aspects of outdoor engagement.

Stio: What Customers Are Saying.

Stio's apparel receives high praise for its quality, comfort, and versatility, making it well-suited for performance and everyday wear. Customers appreciate the brand's use of high-quality materials and the durability of the clothing, which stands up to various outdoor activities. The designs are noted for their vibrant colors and stylish elements, and the fit generally meets the expectations of product descriptions.

Genuine Mountain Crafted Apparel from the Heart of Jackson Hole.

As we wrap up our exploration of Stio, it's clear that this brand is authentically rooted in the mountain spirit of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. At Overland Girl, we particularly love Stio for this reason. We use their ski clothing and many other women's products, which ideally meet the practical demands of outdoor enthusiasts and resonate with those who have a genuine passion for mountain life. Stio’s deep understanding of the harsh, varied conditions that outdoor adventurers face is reflected in every product they create, ensuring that each item offers the perfect blend of functionality and style.

Discover Stio

Outdoor Brands You Might Not Know, But You Should — Stio.

Stio: Crafting Outdoor Apparel from the Heart of the Tetons.

Who founded Stio?

Stio is Mountain Life.

What Does Stio Mean?

The Story Behind Stio's Logo.