This holiday season make time for yourself and those you love. With the emphasis on gift buying this time of year, I hope you are able to find meaningful gifts that continue to give back year after year for friends and family. This holiday season I personally put an emphasis on creating new traditions for Benji and I. We cut down our own tree in Willamette National Forest, something we will continue to do year after year.
Some of my favorite gifts I have ever received has been practical pieces of gear. Picking out the right gear can be stressful too, which is why I created this blog for you full of my most loved gear of 2019! Gear is a great way at showing loved ones how important it is to move your body and get outside 365 days a year. Happy Holidays!
In collaboration with REI.com
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 4 Person Tent
Since I first starting backpacking in 2017, I tried numerous hand me down backpacking tents. Last summer I purchased my first “real” backpacking tent. I realized after spending time in REALLY small two person tents, it was worth it for me and my trekking buddy (+dogs) to have that extra space. I chose Big Agnes Copper Spur UV UL 4 Person Tent because of its pack size, durability rating with dogs (no rips yet!) and weight. While this tent is considered lightweight, it does pack in at 5 lbs 3oz. including the footprint. That hasn’t stopped me from enjoying this baby all to myself in the backcountry! One thing I have noticed is that it doesn’t hold up well in heavy rain and winds, the wetness tends to go through the lightweight rainfly pretty easily.
Big Agnes Q-Core SLX Sleeping Pad
Getting sleep after a long day on the trail is essential for me. I’ve been through numerous sleeping pads-all while feeling my hip bone touch the ground. I’m a side sleeper that likes to toss and turn. When I asked my friends what they used, Big Agnes was heavily suggested. My sleeping pad has to basically be an air mattress for me to sleep and let me tell you THIS WAS IT! I have the Regular Wide size, making it even better for those nights when I toss and turn.
Big Agnes Sidney SL 25 Women’s Sleeping Bag
I am a three season backpacker, so this bag is plenty warm for me. When you buy a sleeping bag, be sure to read the rated temperatures; meaning what the bag is comfortable at in the low -highest range. The Sidney SL 25 rates in at about 25 degrees (22 comfort, 10 lowest comfort). This bag weights 1 lb. 5 oz., still keeping it very lightweight for backpacking, but also great for winter nights in the car.
Nemo Backpacking Pillow
A backpacking pillow is a must have for me. I don’t care how much room it takes up in my pack, pillows in the backcountry are necessary. My friend Wyatt told me about the NEMO Fillo Backpacking Pillow last summer and I’ve been using it ever since. Test one out at REI and you’ll see why.
Gregory Packs
I’ve been using Gregory Packs since I first moved out to Oregon. I purchased my first pack from them in 2014, the Jade 28L pack in purple. The perfect size to summit a mountain or take a walk in the park. I also have the Sula 24L, which is great for shorter adventures. For backpacking I have the Maven 55L and the Deva 70L. I like to have a smaller option for backpacking as it forces me to pack lighter for harder treks. Weight is something I am still working on as a backpacker, but man 1 can of wine weighs 1lb a piece and you know I’m typically packing at least 4!
Garmin InReach
One of the first thoughts that popped in my head when I started backpacking was, “WHAT IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG?!” Even with experienced friends, not everybody carries an emergency device. Fortunately for me, my dads friend had a Garmin InReach for sale half off! I do have to pay $15 a month subscription service-just in case I have to hit that SOS button. Even for day hikes, I am happy to have access to satellite communication when I am outside of cell range.
Women’s Danner Mountain 600 Hiking Boots
I’ll be the first to admit-I am not partial to one specific brand and boot when it comes to hiking. Sometimes you will find me hiking in running shoes-especially in those hot summer months and for less technical terrain. After rolling my ankle this summer on our first backpacking trip of the season, I wanted to try the Danner 600 boot-as I knew I wouldn’t have a lot of time to break them in. Thats what I love about this boot, they are trail ready and lightweight
Ruffwear Products
Patsy and Gouda got upgrades this year! New leashes and new jackets from Ruffwear. I selected the Overcoat Fuse Dog Jacket for them as they are weather resistant and have a soft fleece lining. Patsy tends to get cold in winter months, so she loves this added layer of protection. The coats keep the girls dry which makes me happy! Since Patsy likes to roam when we are backpacking, I keep the Safety Beacon on her, which keeps me at ease when the sun goes down. During the warm summer months the girls wear their Front Range Dog Harness’.
Patagonia
Patagonia is a brand I have come to know, love, and trust over the years. Not only does Patagonia create high quality gear that can last a lifetime-they are conscious about how their products are made. For example, the Women’s down sweater is made from 100% recycled ripstop polyester, which is made from recycled plastic bottles and scrap material. Patagonia has spend the past 40 years giving back to our environment by using their capital to tackle global climate issues. This year, Patagonia is matching every dollar donated to environmental protectors now through December 31st. My favorite Patagonia piece is the Bivy Hooded Down Vest, filled with100% recycled down reclaimed from used down products.
Hydroflask
I have a Hydroflask vessle in nearly every size. My most use containers from Hydroflask is the 32 oz, the 20 oz. coffee flask and the wine tumbler, which I take backpacking and use for backcountry cocktails. Reducing single use plastic consumption is made easier for me by keeping a Hydro in my car at all times for all of those coffee shop stops on the way to the trail.
This post was created in partnership with REI. I only work with brands that I personally use, and trust. All ideas and opinions expressed are entirely my own. This blog post does contain affiliate links, which gives my blog a commission.
