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I don’t like it as much as going out in nature and being active, and although the last (* finger count *) 20 months have been incredibly difficult, one of the most important things is the fact that the pandemic has really affected many of us. spending more time outdoors than ever.
From weekend kayaking to epic hiking, I’ve taken full advantage of all the fresh air that Ma Nature has to offer – and with the Arizona camper adventure scheduled for December, I have no intention of stopping. But as I talked to friends about these exciting outings, I realized that we don’t just exchange tips and tricks on where to go and what to do – we also talk a lot about all of our facilities. What did we wear? What did we use? What would we buy again and again?
So, I decided it was time for a little summary of the products, full of my favorite outdoor activities and extras. Keep in mind that this is not a comprehensive packing list (although if you are planning to travel with a backpack and are looking for a list, I find She Dreams of Alpine to be an amazing resource). These are things I’ve used and loved for different types of adventures (both day and night, kayaking and hiking) that could help replenish your supplies.
IBEX Merino Tencel Women’s Short Sleeve T-Shirt ($ 85)
Fun fact, in case you didn’t know: merino wool is naturally antimicrobial (which makes it naturally resistant to odors), which is part of the reason you use it so often in hiking clothes that can be worn for days on end. I put this silk soft shirt to the test during a few surprisingly stuffy days in Colorado last summer and I can confirm that it works. You may remember sweating a lot, but every time this shirt dried, it looked (and smelled) like I didn’t even wear it.
Salt Life Long Sleeve Fish ($ 64)
Okay, full disclosure – I didn’t wear this fishing shirt. Mostly because I don’t fish. Instead, I put it on the aforementioned Ibex T-shirt for a little extra sun protection for an epic hike from Crested Butte to Aspen via Maroon Bells, and since the trail offered little protection from the elements, I was really glad I could roll the long sleeves down and cover my arms me when the sun rises. Also, let’s be real – the color is beautiful and looks cute! I also appreciate the fact that it takes up very little space when packed, so it’s an easy option to have on hand, even if you don’t want to put it on right away.
Title Nine Clamberista Pants & Shorts ($ 89)
Of course, I was already a fan of Title Nine based on some of their other clothes, not to mention the fact that this is a women’s company that does everything in its path to support other women. But even if I wasn’t, these pants would make me one. They are resistant to abrasion with enough stretch, easy to tighten at the ankle when you want to shorten them or wear them as a jogger, and the best part is that there are so many well-placed pockets! They are also available as shorts, which are ideal for a kayak or SUP trip in the middle of summer.
Brownwin Essential Bikini ($ 34)
Remember what I said about merino wool? Branwyn uses it to make high-quality outerwear that, in their words, will keep you “free of swamp and funk all day long, regardless of your adventure.” Add to this the fact that this bikini-style lingerie is quick-drying, has a waist strap that does not buckle and offers the perfect amount of stretch, and you can trust me when I say that you will not want to wear them only in large adventures!
injinji women’s liner + crew ($ 29)
And what do you know, it’s more than merino! And before you ask why I think a pair of socks costs $ 29, listen to me. I wore this two-piece system and socks for the Aspen hike I mentioned above, combined with newer than recommended hiking boots, and finished the very long, very full day with zero blisters. A few days later, I wore the same boots on a shorter, far less intense hike with other nice wool socks, and ended up with half-dollar blisters on both feet. It was awful. If you’ve ever walked, you know that your feet are the most important thing to feel comfortable. Given that you can wear them for a few days if necessary before washing, well, suddenly getting a pair for under $ 30 seems like a great deal, right?
BUY Ladies Strong Gore-Tex ($ 220)
Are you looking for a strong, supportive hiking boot that will keep your feet comfortable and dry? Here. They offer a lot of cushion without being too heavy, and the traction of the Vibram Megagrip is a serious grip – which is so important for people like me who are not very confident in technical terrain. I splashed across several rivers and never had a problem with getting my feet wet, and the connection system makes it easy to adjust for comfort. I will say that these are the boots in which they eventually inflated with their lower quality socks, but I will also admit that they were not as broken as they should have been before I took them out, so they are still 100 percent in my rotation.
Women’s Waterproof Hiking Shoes Forsake Patch Mid ($ 160)
Maybe you’re in the market for a tourist who doesn’t look out of place with your street clothes and believe me, I understand. Packing too many travel shoes is a pain! Forsake was a new brand for me, but I was intrigued by their Peak-to-Pavement philosophy, which combines weather protection with a flexible style – and the fact that they are officially climate-neutral was almost enough to sign the deal. But I did wear them for a continuous weekend in New England, exploring the trails and small coastal towns that lit my fire. They were comfortable, had great traction and looked perfect with leggings, jeans and hiking pants. (Hey, it matters!)
Jacket with hood Mammut Albula HS ($ 119)
I know I said that keeping your feet comfortable is a priority numero uno – and it’s true! – but if the rest of your body is wet and cold, you may not care how cozy your teeth are, which makes wearing a rain jacket a must. This sustainably made (100% recycled polyester!) Jacket with a hood is super light, small in packaging and comes in several fun, bright colors. While it was helpful when Colorado decided to release a monsoon, it was also amazing all summer here in Florida for our daily afternoon thunderstorms.
Jacket with hood Cotopaxi Fuego ($ 250)
Almost every hiking checklist I’ve found recommends a down jacket or hood, and I honestly don’t know that you could find a better option than this. Available in a bunch of great colors, the Fuego is lightweight, waterproof (as I learned when I was caught northeast in southern Maine), made from responsibly produced down and tucked into my own pocket. (Bonus: there are VERY great pockets for all your things!) The streamlined cut is complemented by a diving hood, elastic tie, adjustable rope at the hem. This is my new travel jacket, because, look, this Florida man doesn’t like to be cold. I’m also a big fan of Cotopaxi’s Gear for Good mission, so the more equipment I can incorporate into my life, the better.
If you find camping in tents uncomfortable, you may just need a suitable sleeping pad. At least that was the lesson I learned after using the Quasar 3D Sleeping Pad. I was fine with the regular, uninsulated version, but you can get wider, longer and insulated versions to suit your needs. It comes with its own, easy-to-use bag with an inflatable pump, and although it’s incredibly light and great for traveling with a backpack, you can really use it wherever you need a comfortable bed on the go. I slept in real beds that are less comfortable! So, if the cold, hard ground deters you from camping, it will be a total change in the game.
Good Meals to Go ($ 14.25)
Raise your hand if you’ve ever gone on an outdoor adventure with spectacular plans to prepare an amazing meal at camp, just to get tired, capricious and eat another bar, because you can’t get yourself to do all the work needed to great dinner. Yes, the same. So, the fact that Good To-Go has a huge variety (risotto, bibimbap, chili, pad tai, fo, the list goes on and on) of delicious dishes that need nothing more than hot water? GREAT. There are vegan options, gluten-free dishes and more – and they are all handmade in Maine.
Backpack for tourism Forclaz Trek 100 Easyfit 60L ($ 119)
You don’t have to be a backpack expert to find out when your backpack fits – or doesn’t – fit, and fortunately this package is not only specifically designed to fit women’s bodies, but is also designed to make adjustments incredibly easy. Seriously – there are literally illustrations to remind you what to adjust, in what order, for the perfect fit. I carried this for about £ 30 on the Aspen trek and although, of course, walking in the mountains for an extra £ 30 was not a piece of cake, the packaging itself was never uncomfortable. In addition, the lids and zippers made my equipment easy to access.
Cotopaxi Tarak of the Day ($ 105)
The lesson I learned is that if your package has space, you will probably use it. And that means it’s much better to stick to a smaller package for shorter daily hikes; this way you will bring your basics, but nothing more. This 20-liter package has an internal moisturizing cuff, configurable compression points and lashes, comfortable straps and a simple system for carrying ice tools, if you like. Personally, I am more than the fact that each of them is made of high quality fabric, left over from the larger production series of other companies, which makes each one color, one of a kind offer. (I told you I was digging Cotopaxi!)
Parks Project Glow in the Dark Water Bottle ($ 20)
Here in Florida, I’m a big fan of the insulated water bottle – otherwise your water will probably get pretty hot, pretty fast. However, I learn that with these longer hikes, every ounce really matters, and lukewarm water is a small price to pay if you can lose a little weight. (Yes, I know most of the world has realized this for centuries. I’m just a little slow to recover. I really like cold water, don’t I?) This elegant wide-mouth Nalgene bottle is not only light, but also glowing in the dark, which are very convenient when sharing a tent, you need a drink in the middle of the night and you don’t want to wake anyone up with a flashlight to find your water. In addition, the proceeds go to the Open for Outdoors Kids program, run by the National Parks Foundation. Who can beat this? (I also have a great little lager cup from the Parks Project, similar to the one that made my morning coffee a little more enjoyable.)
Next on my wish list for outdoor adventures: a few trekking poles, a light tripod for shooting and a way to overcome my fear of heights so I can more fully enjoy some of these amazing views. Do you have any tips? I’m here for them! –Kristen
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