On our getaway last week we spent the entire time outdoors hiking, climbing and kayaking the Red River Gorge. For all the trip details on trails we hiked and excursions that kept us busy check out my blog post HERE. As for packing for these active getaways, I have my go-to favorites. Sharing some of those today on the blog along with items that I really wish I had and are on my “get” list before the next vacation to the great outdoors! Here are this week‘s finds 10/15 ……hiking themed!
These are comfy and casual. Wear hiking, climbing and exploring on or off the trails. These are lightweight and stretchy. Three zipper pockets (zippers are a must when hiking). Has a knit waistband and tie at waist. The fit is mid rise and they sit a little below your natural waist. Fit TTS although some may think the ankle band is too tight.
I have these but since I’ve lost weight this year they are too big so I didn’t pack. Looser fit than the jogger. They are great for outdoor exploring as well as pants to wear everyday at home. They are sleek and lightweight. Has a drawstring cord to adjust waist fit. Pockets are not as deep as I would like. They don’t fit my phone but my phone is pretty large so most pockets don’t accommodate it anymore. Fits TTS.
My favorite pants for outdoor activities, travel or work. They feel cozy on the inside and are durable on the outside Made of spandex/nylon blend. If you want pants with extra pockets these have them. Six in all. I’ve notice they have retained their shape after multiple washings. They also pack down small and comes out of your bag smooth! So easy and looks great on!
These are the newer version of my short hiking shoes. I wore the tall boots hiking last week because I wanted the ankle support. I wish I brought these with me too because they would have been perfect for rock climbing. I always spend a littel more and get waterproof hiking shoes. The membrane of these are made from GORETEX. They are lightweight and an overall great hiking shoe.
These are my tall hiking boots that I wore all week hiking. Comfortable and do their job for shorter day hikes but my feet get a little tired and sore after more strenuous or longer hikes. I plan to upgrade boots to the ones below. However, if you are a beginner hiker or looking for a good waterproof mid rise boot that is also waterproof these are it for under $100.
My next hiking boot purchase will be these. My mom, aunt and uncle all have them, are experienced hikers and love them. Not a complaint about them. I can’t add much more than that but the fact that three people in my family that hike way more than I do swear by them, that’s good enough for me. They are a better boot with a higher price point so if you don’t hike often I would stick with a “starter” hiking boot like the two mentioned above.
I wore this puffer vest every day last week whether we were hiking, climbing or kayaking. Was perfect for the cool mornings and packable for when the temps got warmer. It stuffs into its own bag and unpacks wrinkle free. Lightweight and water-resistant it’s a great layering piece.
A rain jacket is a hiking essential to always pack. Hopefully you won’t need it but nothing is worse than getting wet and being in the middle of nowhere with wet socks or clothes (always hike with at least one pair of extra socks…always). It wouldn’t hurt to pack rain gear too. This Columbia rain jacket is packable and a great price plus it comes in lots of colors too!
Almost as important as a good hiking boot is to have several good hiking socks. I prefer Bombas socks (they donate one pair for every pair purchased). They are full cushion and made for hiking comfort with “Hex Tec technology– Thermoregulating ventilation to keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter” according to their website.
Many outdoor enthusiasts swear by Smartwool socks. Wool socks are a great hiking (and skiing) sock option for outdoor activities. Smartwool socks are thick and worth the price (they are pricey…one pair will run you around $25). If looking for a less expensive alternative, I found these Merino wool sock 4 pack that offers a great wool sock option for under $25 for 4 pair.
Hikers and outdoor activists need a good backpack. Many outdoor stores will custom fit you into “the right size” backpack based on your measurements and activity levels. As a day hiker, I was recently measured and fitted into the Osprey Sirrus 24. When I choose a hiking backpack I look for pockets to access my phone easily and an air vent system that allows the backpack not to rest directly on my back. During my hiking week I hiked with an older hard sided Columbia backpack that rested directly on my back and it was very hot and made my back wet with sweat. Not good for hot or cold climate hikes.
The last thing I’ll mention that I ALWAYS pack when planning to hike or walk trails are my hiking poles. Mine are nothing fancy but are adjustable for length (can fold them short for packing in backpack or lengthen for certain terrain). If I didn’t have my poles with me during my waterfall “slip” (details on the Red River Gorge blog) it would have been MUCH MUCH worse. Thankfully, my poles saved me from going down on the slippery rock much harder than I did.
SHOP THE POST AND MORE HIKING MUST HAVES!
Hi Tammi,
Love your blog, For as long as I have known you, you’ve been and still are an an inspiration for change and always making everything around you better. I so admire your determination of life, youthfulness and love. I turned 60 this year and my clothes make me feel outdated and frumpy. I know
I’m past the “in between” but am open to a makeover. I’m available to do a shopping day with you. Maybe Claire and Ella can come along too.!
Miss you,
Diane
DI! You make 60 look like 40! By the way, in my book you are totally an inbetweener! Let’s set up a shopping weekend and get together with the girls. We will show them how to #agestylishly! Ha ha! Miss you more!