One of the perks of working at Ridge Merino is getting to pitch our dreams of Merino gear we want to create. It's how the Onsen Hoodie, Cloudripper Jacket and Hyde Shorts came to be in recent years.
We work in an often-cold 1960s A-frame in Mammoth Lakes, a town that regularly gets the most snowfall in America. And when we're not working, we're backcountry skiing, trail running, rock climbing and walking our dogs in blizzard conditions.
So when we say we love Merino gear, we mean it. We put it to the test day in and day out. Here are some of our favorites this year.
Paz, Marketing
Hyde Shorts - "They're the ultimate shorts. The fabric is wildly comfortable and works with everything (t-shirts, hoodies, base layers, slippers, flip flops). I wear them to bed at night, around the house, over my Aspect bottoms for extra warmth, to the store, walking my dogs, yoga/stretching before snowboarding, working from home, post-splitboard tailgate chilling."
Inversion Base Layer Top - "This shirt drapes well, feels super soft and is comfortable enough to wear all day. It keeps me warm on the mountain but I wear it on date nights and hanging out at home too."
Mary, Retail
Ridge Merino Socks - "I wear the Minarets every day in the winter since I'm normally wearing boots. They're the perfect gift because they say Ridge Merino and Mammoth on them. I wear the Banked Socks every time I'm on the [ski] hill because my feet run cold and I love the extra cushioning."
Aspect Base Layers - "In the early season the Aspect is the perfect layer for riding every day. The sun is still out and temps haven't dropped too far yet, so the Aspect has been my go-to. I also wear them at least three or four times before washing because the Merino doesn't get smelly."
A Cloudripper Half Zip Pullover and Aspect base layers make the perfect ski day layering kit.
Chris, Customer Service
Treeline Flannel - "Ridge has developed some really top-notch flannels over the years, but the Treeline is my favorite and I have yet to meet someone who doesn't love it. The fit is dialed and the fabric is the perfect balance of comfort and durability. If you know someone that enjoys rocking a flannel, I guarantee they won't be disappointed with this gift."
Cloudripper Full Zip Jacket - "The new Cloudripper collection has turned into a daily wear for me as the temps drop here. This technical mid layer has thoughtful design elements so I've found it useful in all kinds of situations. It looks good worn casually but it provides the extra warmth I was looking for when the Convict Hoodie is too lightweight for the chill."
Merrill, Product Design
Onsen Hoodie - "I really love the Onsen! Ultimate cozy comfy vibes while still providing a fit that looks good and put together. For any sweatshirt wearer, this will become their go-to since it's made from wool and can be worn for many days without the worry of being smelly." (Ridge co-founder Susan recommends the Onsen as the perfect gift for an un-giftable teenage boy.)
Northwind Fleece Tights - "The Northwind Leggings are another favorite this season. Leggings are a staple in my closet and this one checks so many boxes... pockets, an internal drawcord to tighten them and a flattering fit. It can be worn casually, for yoga or running or even dressed up."
Our go-to gifts this season
When we aren't sure what to get someone, these Ridge Merino gifts are our safe and reliable bets.
Cloudripper Grid Fleece Balaclava - Made with our new techy grid fleece, it'll keep even the coldest people warm all winter.
Glove Liners - If someone spends a lot of time outside and has been using the same thin, cheap gloves for a long time, these 79% Merino gloves are a great upgrade. We wear them under waterproof gloves for skiing and snowboarding to add extra warmth.
Merino Wool Underwear - Gifting underwear to anyone but a partner might sound a bit odd, but everyone we've given it to has been so stoked. Our boy shorts and boxer briefs are bestsellers for good reason. They feel luxurious to put on, and the only downside is the person you gift them to might want to upgrade their entire underwear collection...
Ridge Merino gear lets us get out and stay out longer in every season.
Looking for more gift recs? Check out gifts under $100, gifts under $50 and our full holiday gift guide.
