What’s your favorite summer activity? For me, it’s impossible to choose. From hiking, to water/lake adventures to road trips, it’s my absolute favorite time of year. Whatever the case, I hope this post inspires you to get outside and explore your own backyard. This summer may look a bit different, but there’s just as much adventure around the corner as there’s always been!
Hiking
You don’t need the best or most expensive gear in order to get out on the trails, but the right gear will prepare you for any and all elements that come your way. On my recent road trip through Colorado, I waited for those summer thunderstorms every afternoon on our hikes. Like clockwork, the rain came and I was so glad to have waterproof boots and water-repellent clothing! I brought every item below to Colorado, and all were needed at some point during the trip. What’s really exciting is that my favorite outdoor retailer Backcountry is running their Semi-Annual Sale throughout the entire month of August! Some pieces below are included and Backcountry gave me a unique discount code to share with y’all! Use LESLEY15 which is good for your first purchase. Exclusions apply.
Salomon Hiking Boots
I own this pair of hiking boots and take them on the harder trails. I love the ankle support, the amount of traction, the breathable comfort and waterproof protection.
Salomon Trail Running Shoes
I’m constantly asked about this pair of trail shoes. I love that I can hike or run in them due to their stability and comfort on dirt or mud. The quick-lace adjustment feature lets me tighten the fit quickly.
Patagonia Traveler Pants
Y’all have most likely seen me post about these pants before because they’re my FAVORITE for anything outdoors, taking me from the trail into a restaurant for dinner. They’re crazy flattering, super stretchy and performance ready.
Backcountry Adventure 30L Backpack
If you have a lot to carry on your day hike, I really love this line of packs. It has multiple internal pockets, a laptop sleeve for commuting should you need it, and a water bottle sleeve on the side.
Backcountry Softshell Jacket
When on the trail, I always pack a lightweight jacket I can throw on. This is especially necessary for alpine regions where the air can turn crisp at the top! I love the stretch, chest insulation and water repellent feature of this one.
Patagonia Nano Puff Insulated Jacket
From fall into winter, I always carry a lightweight insulated jacket with me that easily packs down into my suitcase. This nano puff jacket is water repellent and has a recycled ripstop exterior.
Lifestyle
From Telluride to Aspen, I knew I wanted to pack a few pieces that would take me off the trails and onto a patio. Backcountry always has great options for those in-between moments, i.e. coffee shop style, road trip cozies or patio professionals.
Basin and Range Sherpa Jacket
I’ve taken this jacket around the world with me. It’s the perfect fall piece, not to mention the “spicy orange” color just makes me want to be around foliage!
Free People Thermal Top
Count me in for slouchy, V-neck tops always. The lightweight asepct of it makes it so easy to throw in a backpack for a hike or even airplane travel.
Patagonia Pullover
From a hike to a coffee shop, I will wear this pullover forever. Organic cotton makes it incredibly soft and eco-friendly.
Stoic Long Fleece Vest
It’s almost vest weather, and I’m stoked. The material of this fleece is incredibly soft adding core warmth and thermal insulation.
The North Face Ballard Lace II Boot
I’ve received more questions about these boots than any other item. That’s most likely a direct reflection of how much I wear them, too. They’re perfect for everything and yes, you can even do some light hiking in them.
Sorel Wedge II Boot
If you want to add a little bit of fashion to your outdoor wardrobe, I’ve had these Sorel boots for a few years now, and they’re pretty fun for a night out on the town!
Camping
To ensure proper social distancing this summer, lots of travelers are choosing to camp. I’ve had the below gear for over a year now and highly recommend for comfy camping.
Marmot Tungsten 3-person Tent
Imagine camping under the stars with your favorite person in this tent. If you only have two people, I recommend a 3-person tent. Otherwise, it gets pretty crowded. The roomier the better.
Big Agnes Double Sleeping Bag
My fiancé and I used this last year in Joshua Tree. It’s warm, roomy and has zippers on either end to allow for easy in and out for both campers.
Hi Lesley! Love the sherpa jacket but am unsure if I should go for a size small or medium. What size did you get? Think it fits true to size?
I have it in a small, and it fits true to size!
Thank you!! Ordering now 🙂
You are my outdoors fashion spirit animal!
1. For the north face boots, I have my merrell hiking boots a full size bigger (8.5 when I wear 7.5). Since you wear these for light hiking I’m thinking to order true to size?
2. I’m torn on the Patagonia jacket! Can’t decide to get the nano puff or down sweater.
I ordered the North Face boots true to size! I usually order hiking boots a size larger as well, but I didn’t need to with these. As for the Patagonia jacket…it’s a tough one. Seems like the nano is for slightly more casual activities while the sweater offers more warmth and can be worn for various outdoor activities in cooler climates.