I consider myself a master-level packer when it comes to vacation packing. I consider it a ‘win’ if I wear everything in my suitcase, so I spend time fully planning out everything I think I might need or wear when I have a trip coming up. Our latest Spring Break adventure was no exception and after our week of hiking, e-biking and lounging, I came away with 5 workhorses from my trip.
Favorite #1: REI Vented Trailsmith Hat (find it on the REI website here)
I really wanted a hat to wear while hiking and exploring that would protect me from the sun. This hat from REI is durable, breathable and has UPF 50+ sun protection. Not only is this important on our active vacations, but I’m also planning to use this all spring and summer when I’m out and about.
I tried on a bunch of hats and this one was my absolute favorite. I like that it has vents at the top and an adjustable chin strap for windy weather. I typically overheat in baseball caps, so it was a pleasant surprise that this one was so well ventilated. I also really like the Walrus Brown color, which to me looks like a clay orange.
Favorite #2: Allbirds Women’s Wool Dasher Mizzles (find them here on the Allbirds website)
I purchased these sneakers a couple years ago and they are my ‘go to’ sneaker for hiking. They are super comfortable and the merino wool is super breathable. One of the main reasons I brought them on our hiking trip is that they are machine-washable, so when they get covered in dirt or that red clay from Arizona, I just throw them in the washing machine afterwards.
A hidden benefit that I didn’t even realize – the sock-like top of the shoe keeps sand out! Both Travis and Jack had to shake out their shoes when we hiked over a sandy wash, and I was good to go.
Favorite #3: Athleta Salutation Stash 7/8 Leggings (find them here on the Athleta website)
I brought a few pairs of leggings on our trip, including a pair of Salutation Stash 7/8’s and a pair of Salutation Stash capris. Yes, Athleta leggings are pricey ($109 for full length), but they are my absolute favorite because they hold up perfectly over repeated wearings, washings, shoving things in the pockets, and even sliding my butt over rocks on a hike. They are thick enough to smooth any lumps and bumps, but thin enough that I don’t overheat.
After a full day, I just throw them in the washing machine on cold and then hang them to dry. By the next day, they’re back on my body and looking as good as new.
Favorite #4: Athleta Sunrise V-Neck Sweatshirt (find it here on the Athleta website)
I actually own two of these lightweight sweatshirts – one in green and one in navy. I bought the first one on sale a year or two ago, so when I saw the green on clearance a few months ago I scooped it up. This is the PERFECT layer to add over pretty much anything – an exercise bra, a tank top, or a full t-shirt.
It is super lightweight and soft and has extra long sleeves with thumb-holes. It works great for a hike, with a pair of jeans for dinner, or tied around your waist when you get a little warm. I’m typically a true-to-size large, and I like this in a XL for a little extra comfy feeling.
Favorite #5: Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 (find it here on Amazon)
This is a year-round product, but definitely one you should not forget if you are out and about in the sun. I’ve been using Supergoop SPF since early 2022 and it is my absolute favorite because it goes on totally invisible with not even a hint of greasiness or white cast. It has no scent, doesn’t irritate my contact lenses and works great under makeup too. It is a 100% winner in my book and one tube lasts a surprising amount of time before you need to re-order.
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