Outbound Hound - Travel Unleashed

In this month’s issue of Backpacker Magazine they listed their “10 Essentials: Update your survival kit for 2010.” There were some great ideas from First aid kits to GPS units. It got me thinking, what updates or new gear do I want on my personal top ten items to shop list for this spring?

1. Gaiters | Until Julie and I break the curse of precipitation when we go hiking looks like this one’s a must. I typically exclusively hike in trail running shoes, so the Mountain Hardwear Seta Strapless Running Gaiters are my favorites at the moment.

 

2. Absorbent Dog Towel | Stop laughing. I know I’m way behind on this purchase but since I’ve got plenty of towels still left over from college (no… seriously) they’re fine for drying the dog. After the soggy trip to Savage River Lodge I got a wakeup call that regular towels just aren’t good enough.

 

3. Sleeping Bag | I have one already but after last year’s camping trips I learned that it just doesn’t hold up against the cold temps in the Blue Ridge Mountains. I’m doing research now to find the perfect women’s, long, down filled bag. Since I’ve got an orange tent I’m hoping I can get it in green… love this color combo!

 

4. Canister Stove | I’ve been dreaming of getting one ever since my brother, Keith, and I took a killer 15 mile hike on the Appalachian Trail (AT) in fall of ’08. It was October and there was already frost on top of the mountain. After 8 miles we needed a lunch break (cup of noodles) and hot cocoa. Keith pulled a canister stove out of his backpack and whipped up a fast and hot lunch for us both. I burned my tongue but it was worth it. I’m kinda hot (harhar) on the Jetboil Flash Cooking System.

 

5. Lip Protector | A couple weeks ago Julie asked me “if you were stranded on an island, what one item would you want with you?” My answer – “chapstick.” May sound kinda lame but after kayaking Costa Brava in Spain last summer without lip protection I learned my lesson when it comes to the stuff. The next morning it looked like I’d had an overzealous Dr inject me with collagan… and it was painful. I picked up Cover Your Mouth by Origins. Best lip protection I’ve ever used and it makes your lips look so moist and healthy. I swear by it.

 

6. Sports Bras | Don’t know about you but it’s really important for me to keep “the girls” locked and loaded when I’m hiking. This usually doesn’t provide many options for cute underwear. Everything that looks half way decent is usually built for low impact activities. I’ve found the Drishti Bra at Lululemon and I want to give it go. After all, who says you can’t feel sexy when you’re out hiking?

 

7. Rain Pants | Again, after Savage River Lodge I learned the importance of rain pants. Julie had them, I did not. Cold and wet is a bad combo. Jules seems to like her Marmot’s so that’s likely what I’ll aim to get. Tried and true in long please.

 

8. Dog Bed | If you’ve seen our photo albums then you’ve likely seen shots of Cannon on a dog bed in the campsite, possibly even under a blanket. Listen, he likes to be snuggly and warm. That’s why I’ve been shopping around for new beds. Ruffwear’s got this Mt. Bachelor Pad that not only has a great name but it can also go from the car to the campsite.

 

9. Camera Upgrade | This one might actually be on the “seriously Katina, you’re dreaming” list. But I’d love to get a new camera for shots out on the trail. I love my current Canon Powershot but would love to get a Canon Digital SLR. Everyone’s gotta have a dream.

 

10. Car | My current ride is worn and not suitable for travel for me let alone my pup. Cross-over, wagon… what’s a girl to do? Better start saving!

Got a wish list of your own? We’d love to hear what’s in your catalog of wants & needs!