This post is sponsored by Backcountry and ShopStyle. All opinions are my own.
Summer 2018 has been one of the most adventurous and memorable seasons of my life; everything from a 10-day trip to Italy, to exploring the Colorado Rockies as well as the south west Colorado terrain, to weekend warrior trips in North Carolina to find local gems for hiking and camping. There hasn’t been much down time, that’s for sure, but life is for living and adventuring, creating new memories from experiences that will last you a lifetime. Being able to do new things this summer with my friends, family, and husband has been nothing short of a blessing.
The trips I’ve been on this summer all have different things in common. They always teach me something new about myself, they always reinforce just how good being outside and exploring is for the soul, and they all have a very similar packing list when it comes to my staples. Packing light is a necessity (we even did the 10 days in Italy in a carry on bag!) and so having items that are versatile and durable is a must….bonus points if they are also stylish and comfortable! That’s why I have a few go-to pieces that are always in my bag, because I know using the best gear and apparel for whatever adventure I’m on will make sure I’m always able to get outside and explore.
The gear I always have with me are things like my Patagonia Better Sweater, comfortable sneakers & leggings, a hat, tees & tanks for layering, and a durable duffle bag to keep it all together! Here’s why these things are always in my adventure bag:
The Patagonia Better Sweater is one of the most versatile, stylish, and comfortable pieces of clothing I have in my closet. It comes in a ton of colors but this neutral hue is the one I love the most! It can be dressed up for nicer occasions or you can put it to the test for a weekend backpacking trip. It’ll keep you warm as the temperatures begin to drop! I love the sporty look of it and it will last you just as long as the memories you make wearing it.
Another Patagonia item I have to have with me is a trucker hat! It is perfect for keeping the sun off your face, shielding your tired eyes on a redeye flight home after a spontaneous trip out west, and also hiding your dirty camping hair. I have a few of these hats and I love them.
Tank tops and tees are always a must because they pack up really small and are great for layering. Since I have to be active and find exercise each day, whether it be a run around a new place or a hike up a new mountain, I always come prepared with the right apparel. This tank top is one of my favorites not just because it is great to workout in, but it’s also a really cute athleisure piece that you can dress up to look more trendy with sneakers & a jean jacket. Then this t-shirt is just a staple for any outdoor exploration! I like wearing tees a little big and they’re great to match with leggings too!
Speaking of athleisure, these sneakers really complete that look! Since we are always on the go, having comfortable walking shoes is definitely a must-have. I also love these because they’re so comfortable to throw on after a long hike!
Leggings are always a must for me, as I’m sure you already know! These moto leggings are extremely functional and extremely cute! They’re a great item to throw in a bag for a weekend trip because you can take them out exploring or layer with the Better Sweater and sneakers for cute and comfy dinner attire.
I also love these leggings for a cozy night by the campfire. They’re so soft and fit just right…so I can go from the campfire right into my sleeping bag! I love leggings that can double as pajamas…but I wear Beyond Yoga leggings all the time and they can throw down with the toughest workouts, so they’re definitely a win-win!!
Obviously, no trip would be possible without the luggage to get you there! Craig & I both have this Patagonia Duffle bag and we love it particularly because it’s super roomy and can fit everything you need, but also because of the functional design. You can carry it as a traditional duffle bag or you can wear it as a backpack using the removable, padded backpack straps.
While all of this amazing gear made it possible for me to get outside, adventure, and enjoy new moments and make fresh memories, it’s Backcountry that made it all possible for me to get the best gear in one place. Backcountry is an online retailer and is the premier outdoor & lifestyle retailer based in beautiful Park City, Utah. They have all of my favorite things in one place and are truly the experts that help you get outside, whether it’s your first adventure or 100th! Right now they are having their Semi-Annual Sale at backcountry.com and you can save up to 50% off site wide on clothing, gear, and accessories. No promotional code is needed, but the sale ends 8/31/2018! So be sure to head on over there now to snag yourself some adventure-ready gear while things are on sale.
Now tell me, what was YOUR favorite summer memory, adventure, or trip??
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xo,
Bess
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