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!