SPRING 2022 GEAR GUIDE
Items for enjoyable outdoor experiences for every budget!
If you love to play outside as I do, then you have items you like bringing with you for creature comforts while exploring in the wild. The following items are some of my go-to's for making my outdoor adventures next-level.
Create your urban day campsite with these essentials…
Camp Chair:
So many choices! You can find decent camp chairs pretty much anywhere! You can find larger, bulkier fold-up chairs with carrying cases at Target, Wal-Mart, Dicks Sporting Goods, etc.
REI will have a wider variety of chairs that will be more compact and light, although more expensive.
Depending on what you're looking for, here are some recommendations for thrifty, spendy, and luxury budgets:
Target, Wal-Mart, and Dick's Sporting Goods- all sell reasonably priced collapsable camp chairs with carrying cases in their outdoor recreation areas of the store. Usually around 20.00
REI- WIDE selection of cheaper to fancy chairs that collapse and have carrying cases you can sling over your shoulder. 25.00-50.00
Hammock:
A hammock that can fit in your purse when stuffed into its sack? Yes, please! Create a little oasis for yourself in your neighborhood park with a super strong nylon hammock in an array of bright and fun colors! Here are some great hammocks that I've personally tested, and I love all of them!
You can find them online or at REI or other outdoor retailers! 25.00-50.00
ENO
Kootek
Madera
Day Hikes and Trail Runs:
Hoka One trail runners are solid enough shoes that you can also use them for day hiking. They are strong and sturdy.
Solomon trail running shoes are also a good choice. They are strong and very durable. Both shoes are on the pricey end but will last you for more than one season unless you pound them each day for miles!
Both are 100.00 or over, but so worth it because both will last for more than a season.
Day Packs:
New packs are the best! Here are a few I have owned, each with unique benefits!
Fjall Raven- very lightweight, with plenty of pockets and comfortable padded straps. Not much room, though. This pack is for minimal items. 35.00-45.00
REI- a step up in size, way more pockets, and room for plenty of what you need to bring 30.00-50.00
Dana Design- more heavyweight and robust enough to carry heavier items and still provide excellent support with a waist strap 45.00-70.00
Rain Gear:
Hands down, I recommend dropping the money on a Patagonia Torrentshell raincoat every day of the week!! It is worth the investment. Patagonia is one of the most socially responsible and ethical companies and provides a lifetime warranty on all their clothing! It is risk-free, and your money will go to a good cause- 1% for the planet, which is committed to addressing climate change! Upper 70's to 90.00
If that is out of your budget, for now, go with the tried and true REI brand raincoats. They are reliable, affordable, breathable, and come in various colors. Another good brand is Columbia, with the same stats and mid-range prices. 30.00-50.00
Sun hats:
Don't forget your hat while out adventuring! If you can get one with SPF material, even better! Here are some quality brands that you can trust:
Ex-Officio- expensive but worth it! Durable and will last for years! Upper 70's to 100.00+
Outdoor Research- mid-range pricing, just as good as other brands with full face coverage. 40.00-100.00
REI- always a reliable product and affordable price. 25.00-80.00
Sunscreen:
Protect your skin with the best sunscreen while caring to ensure it is biodegradable and Earth-friendly. Here are the top-rated brands that are gentle on the skin, don't have toxic ingredients, are environmentally friendly, and don't smell gross. You can find these at Target and other big retailers. They are a little more expensive than other brands, but so worth it all around- for your health and the Earth's health long-term:
ALBA
Coola
Sun Bum
All are in the above 10.00 range, but very quality products and worth the few extra dollars.
These are all staples for a great time while adventuring outside- check out all of those items and try them for yourself and see how they can take your enjoyment factor up a few notches!
Please share with me your favorite gear this season! I am always looking for new products.
Share below in the comments!
