Welcome to the inaugural post of our Lighten Up with Sawyer series! (Cue the band and confetti!) Moving into 2024, we’re launching a series to regularly highlight some of our favorite creations across creative mediums. But as we all know, art of all kinds is a cozy companion for winter nights, so we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to let loose a little early with these Winter Solstice Ruminations.

We could easily fill pages with incredible content from the Sawyer Squad, but in the spirit of being more than an outdoor company we’re also including our team’s own unique tastes. From Lizzy McAlpine’s harmonies to the funky new beats of King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, here’s what the team at Sawyer is settling in with this winter.

Trail Beats for the Winter Adventurer

It’s already cold and dark. Why should it also be quiet? These songs will be there for you this winter whether you’re cozying up next to a fire or facing the frigid air in your lungs on a winter adventure.

Northern Attitude (with Hozier) - Noah Kahan

To the Mountains - Lizzy McAlpine

Cola - Arlo Parks

Always Free - Jackie Venson

I Can Change - LCD Soundsystem 

Triangular Daisies - Rubblebucket

If I Break It Down - Joslyn & the Sweet Compression

2.02 Killer Year - King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard

From the Heart - The Slants

This Must Be the Place - The Talking Heads

Pretty Pimpin - Kurt Vile

Waiting For - rum.gold feat Jamila Woods

Baby Boy - Childish Gambino

Click here for the full seasonally-inspired playlist on Spotify.

Ring in the New Year with These Recipes 

Want to add a little extra cheer to your meal planning? Maybe your tummy would appreciate one of the seasonal treats below.

Kula Cloth Official Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Lemon Blueberry Oatmeal from Backcountry Foodie

Kidney Bean and Couscous Bowl from Fridie Outdoors

Honorable Mention - Jeff Garmire’s Tic-Tac Soup

Wrap Presents to These Podcasts

Whether you’re looking for laughter, learning, or a good story, podcasts are here to please. 

Stuff You Should Know

Wellness in the Wilderness

Normal Gossip

Honorable Mentions - Hiker Trash Radio, Backpacker Radio, Adventure Is Out There Pod, Bush and Banter, Thru-R Podcast

Stories of the Season

As temperatures plunge, reading is an activity that only becomes more enticing. Grab a buddy, a bevvie, and a bookmark and check out any number of these cozy reads below. 

Under the Whispering Door - TJ Klune

Pepe Plantasemillas - A bilingual picture book with illustrations by Elexis Padrón and written by Latino Outdoors founder José G. González 

Trails Magazine

Click here to check out more talented creatives from the outdoor community!

LAST UPDATED

October 31, 2024

Written by
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Katie Houston

Katie AKA Oats is a solo thru-hiker with over 3,000 miles under her belt, making her a passionate conduit for culture, lingo, and other backcountry knowledge. Through her work, she is able to educate audiences on good trail ethics and strive for an outdoor community where everyone feels like they belong. Check out her adventures with Thru the husky on her website and Instagram.

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