There are few things I love more than being out in nature, and, as difficult as the last (*counting on fingers*) 20 or so months have been, the silver lining is that this pandemic has definitely killed a lot of people . We are spending more time outdoors than ever before.
From weekend kayaking trips to epic mountain hikes, I’ve been taking advantage of all the fresh air nature has to offer—and with an Arizona campervan adventure planned for December, I have no intention of stopping. But as I talked about these exciting outings with friends, I realized we didn’t just exchange tips and tricks on where to go and what to do—we also talked about all of our gear. What are we wearing? What did we use? What will we buy again and again?
So I thought it was time for a little product roundup featuring my favorite sports, outdoor gear, and goodies. Keep in mind that this is not an all-inclusive packing list (although, if you are planning on backpacking and are looking for a list, I found Her Alpine Dreams to be a great resource). These are things I use and love on different types of adventures (day and night, kayaking and hiking) and can help round out your supply.
IBEX Women’s Merino Tencel Pocket Short Sleeve T-Shirt ($85)
Fun fact, in case you didn’t know: Merino wool is naturally antimicrobial (making it naturally odor-resistant), which is why you’ll often see it used in parts of hiking clothing that may be worn for days on end reason. I put this silky-soft shirt to the test last summer during a few surprisingly muggy days in Colorado, and I can attest that it actually works. You guys may remember that I sweat a lot, but every time this shirt dries, it looks (and smells) like I haven’t worn it at all.
Salt Life Long Sleeve Performance Fishing Shirt ($64)
Okay, full disclosure – I did not wear this shirt fishing. Mainly because I don’t fish much. Instead, I layered it over the aforementioned Ibex tee for a little extra sun protection on my trip from Crested Butte to Aspen via Maroon Bells An epic hike, and, since the route offers little to no protection, I was really happy to be able to roll the long sleeves down and cover my arms when the sun came out. Plus, let’s be honest – the color is gorgeous and it looks adorable! I also appreciate that it takes up very little space when packaged, so it’s a convenient option even if you don’t want to put it on right away.
No. 9 Clamberista Pants and Shorts ($89)
Granted, I’m already a fan of Title IX because of some of their other clothes, not to mention it’s a woman-owned company that goes out of its way to support other women. But even if I didn’t, these pants would transform me into one. They’re durable and stretchy enough to easily tighten around the ankle when you want to shorten them or wear them like a jogger, and best of all, have lots of well-placed pockets! They also come in shorts style, perfect for mid-summer kayaking or SUP outings.
Branwyn Basic Bikini ($34)
Remember what I said about merino wool? Branwyn uses it to make performance underwear that, in their words, keeps you “carefree and worry-free all day long, no matter what adventures you take on.” On top of that, these bikini briefs are quick-drying, have a no-dig waistband, and offer the perfect amount of stretch, and you can trust me when I say you won’t just want to wear these on your big adventures!
injinji women’s underwear + crew neck ($29)
And, you know what, it’s more like merino wool! Before you ask why I think a pair of socks is worth $29, hear me out. I wore this two-piece liner and sock system on the Aspen hike mentioned above, paired with newer-than-recommended hiking boots, and ended a long, fulfilling day with zero blisters. A few days later, I went on a shorter, far less intense hike in the same boots, paired with other nice wool socks, and ended up with half-dollar-sized blisters on both feet. so terrible. If you’ve ever hiked, you know that keeping your feet comfortable is the most important thing. Considering you can wear them for a few days before washing if necessary, well, suddenly getting a pair for under $30 seems like a good deal, right?
HOKA Women’s Kaha Gore-Tex ($220)
Looking for a sturdy, supportive hiking boot that will keep your feet comfortable and dry? here you go. They offer a lot of cushioning without being too heavy, and the Vibram Megagrip has very good traction – which is important for someone like me who isn’t very grounded in technical areas. I’ve waded through several rivers and never had a problem with my feet getting wet, and the lacing system is easily adjustable for comfort. I will say that these boots ended up being blistered by my low-quality socks, but I will also admit that they weren’t as worn out as they should have been before I took them out, so they’re still 100% in my rotation .
Forsake Patch Mid Women’s Waterproof Hiking Boot ($160)
Maybe you’re in the market for a hiker that complements your loungewear, and trust me, I get it. Carrying too many shoes when traveling is such a pain! Forsake is a new brand to me, but I was intrigued by their Peak-to-Pavement philosophy, which combines all-weather protection with versatile styling, and the fact that they’re officially climate neutral was enough to seal the deal . But really, it was wearing them for a nonstop weekend in New England, exploring trails and coastal towns, that sparked my passion. They’re comfortable, have great traction, and pair perfectly with leggings, jeans, and hiking pants. (Hey, this is important!)
Mammut Albula HS hooded jacket ($119)
I know I said keeping your feet comfortable is a priority – and it is! – But if the rest of your body is wet and cold, you probably don’t care how comfortable your toes are, which makes a rain jacket a must. This sustainably made (100% recycled polyester!) hooded jacket is super lightweight, packs small, and comes in a variety of fun, bright colors. While it comes in handy when Colorado decides to give us the monsoon, Florida is also amazing to have afternoon thunderstorms every day all summer long.
Cotopaxi Fuego hooded down jacket ($250)
Almost every hiking list I find recommends a down jacket or hoodie, and I honestly don’t know that you can find a better option than this. Available in a variety of beautiful colors, the Fuego is lightweight, waterproof (as I learned while experiencing a nor’easter in southern Maine), made from responsibly sourced down, and fits in its own pocket. (Bonus: There are plenty of roomy pockets for all your stuff!) The streamlined silhouette features a scuba hood, elasticated straps, and adjustable drawcord at the hem. This is my new travel jacket because, look, this Floridian doesn’t mind the cold. Plus, I’m a big fan of Cotopaxi’s Gear for Good mission, so the more of their gear I can incorporate into my life, the better.
If you think tent camping is uncomfortable, you may just need a suitable sleeping pad. At least, that’s the lesson I learned after using the Quasar 3D sleeping pad. I was happy with the regular non-insulated version, but you can also choose a wider, longer insulated version to fit your needs. It comes with an easy-to-use air pump bag, and while it’s lightweight and perfect for backpacking, you can use it anywhere you need a comfortable bed. I have slept in actual beds that were not very comfortable! So if cold, hard ground is holding you back from camping, this is a total game changer.
Delicious grab-and-go meals ($14.25)
If you’ve ever set out on an outdoor adventure with plans to cook a delicious camp meal, only to end up feeling tired, grumpy, and eating some sort of bar snack because you couldn’t bring yourself to do it, raise your hand for a hearty dinner All the work required. Yes, same. Well, Good To-Go has a variety of delicious dishes (risotto, bibimbap, chili, pad thai, pho, the list goes on) that just require hot water? ? Astonishing. There are vegan options, gluten-free meals and more, all handmade in Maine.
Forclaz Trek 100 Easyfit 60L Hiking Backpack ($119)
You don’t need to be a backpacking expert to know when your backpack is or isn’t a good fit, and luckily, not only is this backpack specifically designed to fit the female body, but it’s also designed to make adjustments incredibly easy. Seriously – it does have illustrations to remind you what to adjust and in what order to achieve the ideal fit. I carried about 30 pounds while hiking in Aspen, and while naturally, walking up the mountain with an extra 30 pounds isn’t a piece of cake, the pack itself never felt uncomfortable. Plus, the flaps and zippers make it easy to access my gear.
Cotopaxi Tarak Today ($105)
One lesson I learned is that if you have space in your backpack, you’ll probably use it. This means you’re better off carrying a smaller pack for short day hikes; that way, you can bring the essentials, but nothing more. This 20-liter pack features an internal hydration sleeve, configurable compression and lashing points, comfortable shoulder straps, and a streamlined ice tool carrying system if that’s your thing. Personally, I prefer the fact that each piece of clothing is made from high-quality fabrics left over from mass production by other companies, which makes each piece a colorful and unique product. (Told you I dug Cotopaxi!)
Park Works Glow-in-the-Dark Water Bottle ($20)
Here in Florida, I’m a big fan of insulated water bottles – otherwise, your water can get very hot very quickly. However, I have learned that on these longer hikes, every ounce does count and if you can lose a little weight, warm water is a small price to pay. (Yes, I know most of the world figured this out early. I was just a little slow. I really like cold water, okay?) This beautiful Nalgene jar is not only lightweight; The glow-in-the-dark feature comes in handy when you’re sharing a tent and need a drink in the middle of the night and don’t want to wake anyone up while searching for water with a flashlight. In addition, proceeds will benefit the Outdoor Kids Access Program led by the National Park Foundation. Who can defeat it? (I also have a cool little camping mug from Parks Project similar to this one that makes my morning coffee so much more enjoyable.)
Next on my outdoor adventure bucket list: some hiking poles, a lightweight tripod for taking photos, and a way to overcome my fear of heights so I can more fully appreciate some of the amazing views. Any tips? I’m here for them! —Christine