By Tyler Allen Explorebigsky.com Staff Writer
The Stio Hardscrabble Jacket is a head-turner. As soon as it arrived in the Outlaw office, my typically-blasé colleague Sean was moved to inquire about the company’s story.
Stio is synonymous with style. Launched in 2011 in Jackson, Wyo. by Cloudveil founder and former CEO Stephen Sullivan, it’s also built to perform.
With Primaloft ONE insulation, the Hardscrabble weighs in at a paltry 29 ounces yet doesn’t skimp on heat. The softshell exterior will keep you dry during morning squalls on the skin track or splitting wood, while the classic styling looks at home both in damp après ski bars and chic martini joints. This is the first Stio piece I’ve worn, but so far the Hardscrabble’s shown its versatility.
The fleece-lined, zippered exterior pockets aren’t merely hand warmers; I learned they also smuggle a 16-ounce can of Cold Smoke Scotch Ale securely, as I balanced the boxes of takeout back to the office. That’s mountain utility in my book.
