Posted on

Field Fashion Friday: A Cute Hiking Outfit!

I don’t have to tell y’all twice that  outdoor clothing often looks masculine, isn’t cut right for a woman’s body, and isn’t useful anywhere other than the trail or camp site. Fortunately the tide is starting to turn, just slightly, in our direction but there is still a long way to go.

That is why I love these shorts–they defy all the traditional rules of outdoor clothing by being feminine, versatile enough to wear for activities other than just hiking, but also high performance enough to tough it on the trail with you. Because we women aren’t wallflowers, we hike many miles and need gear that can keep up.

Comes in a number of colors including charcoal and black.

No surprise this is by one of my favorite outdoor clothing brands, prAna!

Would look cute with the Kora top…

Happy hiking, ladies. I know you will enjoy these!!

Posted on

Field Fashion Friday: Wild Rose Camo Top

For what seems like my entire life as a hunter, I’ve been wondering one question when it comes to women’s field attire: Why is there not a feminine camo print on the market?

It’s as if there is some law that states we all have to wear Real Tree or Mossy Oak camo, and I’m not a huge fan.

 

Finally, a camo print has come along that’s covered in roses, and simply beautiful.

Lindsey Gates, founder of Wild Rose Apparel is the woman behind this. I love it because I can wear more places than just the deer blind, like a day on the ranch, camping, or with a cute vest in town.

You can purchase it here:

This material is so light and breezy, it definitely has Texas women in mind. She’s putting this camo on lots more products coming up and I can’t wait to see them all.

Three cheers for better looking women’s field clothes!

 

Posted on

My 8 Fave Winter Boots from Sierra Trading Post

Sierra Trading Post has long been one of my go-to’s for discount outdoor clothes and accessories. Gotta scratch the never-ending itch for outdoor gear! Growing up, I looked forward to getting their small black and white magazine in the mail. It was printed on newspaper and had drawings instead of photographs, if you can believe it. Those were the days.

Currently they have an awesome selection of winter boots on their website and I wanted to share my favorites. I don’t know about you, but each time this time of year rolls around, I’m wishing for a mountain vacay.

This post is sponsored, but all comments and opinions are my own.

Santana Claudina Snow boot

These boots top my list. I LOVE the laces and shearling, and they solve one of the quandaries I always have when on a ski trip: What do I wear on my feet if we dress up and go to a nice dinner?!

These also can be worn casual with jeans or après-ski. Versatile, stylish winner.

santana-claudina

Kamik Scarlet 3

Another option that would be great for a night out on a ski trip, these Kamik boots are cute and super reasonable at only $79.99.

kamik-boot

Santana Myra Snow Boot

These have the best faux fur of all the ones on this list! I love how casual they are too, perfect for laid back mountain towns and chilly days at home.

canada-myra

$109.99

Kodiak Skyla Leather Pac boots

Have you seen The Proposal with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds? These boots remind me of some she wore in that movie. Obviously, if they’re good enough for Sandra they’re good enough for me and I think this look is classic.

kodiak

Real leather, wool, and suede for only $119.99.

Bearpaw Bethany Snow boot

Love the green and brown combo here and these are cheap! Only $59.99.

bearpaw-bethany

Aquatherm Wide Calf Boots

I’m a wide calf girl so these were a necessity for the list.

aquatherm

Also very reasonable – $69.99.

 

Henri Pierre Jaki boots

Can’t beat a classic navy suede.

jaki

$79.99

 

Santana Canada Melita boot

These would look SO cute with a white or grey ski jacket!

melita

$109.99

 

Hope you found something you love and that the next time you wear them, you are on a sunny slope in a beautiful mountain scene!

Be sure to check out the rest of SierraTradingPost.com for some great deals.

Merry Christmas and happy shopping. 🙂

the-8-bestwinter-bootsfromsierra-trading-post-cropped

Posted on

Field Fashion Friday: Chic Ranch Coat

Today you will be surprised to hear it’s all about Kate–again. When it comes to outdoor attire, she sets just the right example–not too over the top, not too underdressed, cute, comfy, classic. When I ran across a jacket in Prana’s catalogue that looked like one she had, I thought I should share.

kate-le-chameau-boots-and-jacket

Kate’s Coat

This faux fur and suede coat is perfect paired with boots for a chilly day down at the ranch. (Or walking in your neighborhood palace gardens, whichever is more realistic for your life.)

(Kate’s is faux fur.)

Now for the rest of the outfit:

Boots

These are great for horseback riding, short hikes (under 2 miles), hunting, and weekends at the ranch.

Hat

I have a hat like this and wear it hunting and on trips to the ranch.

Enjoy channeling your inner Kate!

If you like this check out my other Kate posts:

Affiliate links used

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Posted on

14 Christmas Gifts Lady Hikers Will Love

I love recommending gifts to people! It’s like a fun little riddle, thinking of what a person with a certain set of tastes and interests would enjoy. All of these are things she will actually use hiking, and if not–they are things she deserves for being such a good outdoorsy girl.

This is part of my Christmas Gift Guides for Outdoorsy Women Series, so check out the other posts in this category as well.

Columbia Trail Leggings

Columbia Trail Leggings, columbia.com

Leggings are popular on the trial, and when I’m not in my Prana Halle pants (below) I can usually be found in something like this.

christmas-gifts-hiker-3

Fitbit Charge Activity Tracker

Fitbit Charge Activity Tracker, Amazon.com

A Day Pack

My two recommendations:

Osprey Daylite Pack, Amazon.com (Has a hydration reservoir spot)

Osprey Tempest 9 Day Pack, Amazon.com

If you get her the Daylite pack you might want to consider getting her a Camelbak water reservoir.

I have to pee just looking at this, but it is seriously helpful on the trail. With a normal water bottle you don’t have to stop, take off your pack, get out the bottle, etc but with a Camelbak, you just pop the end of the hose in your mouth and keep on going.

 

Prana Halle Hiking Pant

Prana Halle Hiking Pant, Amazon.com

These are my absolute favorite hiking pants on earth. So comfortable and flattering.
prana-halle

Etsy Mountains Are Calling Shirt

The Mountains are Calling Shirt, etsy.com

This is so cute!

christmas-gifts-hiker-1

Hike More Worry Less Sweatshirt

Hike More Worry Less Sweatshirt, etsy.com

christmas-gifts-hiker-2

YETI Rambler Bottle with a Texas-shaped Home Custom Decal

Yeti Rambler 36 oz., Amazon.com

Texas Home Custom Decal, Etsy.com

home

Nikon DSLR

If she loves hiking, chances are she would love nice photos of the places she goes. I have a Nikon D3300 but have listed a few options for improving her photo game here.

Nikon D3300, Amazon.com

A D3300 is an investment but it is worth every penny for its photo quality.

Tamron Wide Angle Lens

Tamron Wide Angle Lens, Amazon.com

A wide angle lens makes a huge difference when taking landscape shots, and will make her photos look truly professional.

Canon Powershot SX410

Canon Powershot SX410, Amazon.com

Aukey iPhone Wide Angle Lens Clip

Aukey iPhone Wide Angle Lens Clip, Amazon.com

This is an inexpensive option perfect as a stocking stuffer!

Marmot Precip Rain Jacket

Marmot Precip Rain Jacket, Amazon.com

Top Pick by Outdoor Gear Lab and a totally essential piece for a hiker.

Alternate Option: Arcteryx Zeta LT Jacket, Amazon.com (<–excellent quality and very pro looking)

Salomon Women’s X Ultra Prime Hiking Shoe

Salomon X Ultra Shoe, Amazon.com

This is a GREAT trail hiking shoe made by a reputable brand.

Prana La Viva Trucker Hat

Prana La Viva Trucker Hat, Amazon.com

These are perfect for the trail and come in a dozen other colors!

DeLorme InReach Satellite Messenger

DeLorme InReach Satellite Messenger, Amazon.com

If you love her, you probably worry about her going out alone and something happening to her, right? (Have you seen 127 Hours?!) This gadget allows her to send texts or emails with GPS coordinates and trigger an SOS if needed.

Unfortunately my brother did not let me use this to send an emergency signal for a masseuse and some pizza when we were backpacking this summer. Jerk.

Texas State Parks Pass / National Parks Pass

A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson

A Walk in the Woods, Amazon.com

This is one of my favorite books! Read my review.

Wild by Cheryl Strayed

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, Amazon.com

Another book about hiking. I have a love hate relationship with this book but its one any woman hiker should read. Lots of relatable moments in there.

Read my review here.

 

That’s all for now. Good luck shopping and Merry Christmas!

Affiliate links used, but I would recommend these products anyways!

pinterest-graphic-2

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Posted on

3 Hiking Shoes Perfect for Girl Hikers

SHOES. One of my favorite topics. (And literature, world affairs, and politics, of course.) One of the most common questions I get from girls who hike is what hiking shoes I recommend. The world of outdoor shoes is vast, and it’s hard to tell online or after 15 minutes in a store what will be comfortable over miles and miles of trail.

But this list is pretty bulletproof. I have tested these shoes and feel very confident recommending them to you! I own two of these and my mother owns the other, which I proceed to steal from her whenever I get the chance.

FYI my post How To Pick the Perfect Hiking Shoes is a helpful guide for sizing and selection.

Merrell Siren Sport Waterproof

Perfect for: day hikes

I love these Merrell’s so very much. They’ve seen me through a month backpacking through Europe and a week hiking in the Canadian Rockies, and many mountain and trail adventures that followed, and I’ve never been uncomfortable in them. The sole is very sturdy and has lasted for ages.

 

Merrell Siren Sport, Amazon.com (several colors available)

Waterproof version: Merrell Siren Sport Waterproof (<– Recommended for longer hikes/backpacking trips)

Salomon Ellipse GTX

Perfect for: day hikes

This is another one of my favorites. Holly wore these here, hiking in Peru. They are waterproof.

Salomon Ellipse GTX, Amazon.com

Another great Salomon option: X Ultra 2, Amazon.com

Lowa Renegate GTX

Perfect for: longer day hikes (over 5 miles), backpacking

These are my latest favorite purchase and they come in about 99 different colors, so it was hard to choose. (But those who know me well will not be surprised to learn I ended up with purple.) They are SO comfortable, I wore them all over the eastern Sierra mountains this summer backpacking with my brother and husband. My feet couldn’t have been happier, despite the long days and rocky terrain.

Lowa Renegade GTX Hiking Boot, Amazon.com

(A larger color selection can be found on their website.)

Highly recommend!!

shadow-lake-and-pct-46-of-106

pinterest-graphic

 

Save

Save

Posted on

Field Fashion Inspired by the Duchess of Cambridge in Canada, September 2016

Once again, my blog post is dedicated to Kate Middleton and her latest outdoor ensemble. What else is new? She always fits in something outdoorsy on her royal visits and yesterday, she and Prince William went hiking in the world’s largest temperate rainforest. Her outfit can be seen below.

kate-safari-jacket

Looking perfect, per usual. More pictures can be seen here.

Tassel boots, a belted safari jacket, and jeans. I have never seen this jacket before on her (and I know all her jackets, okay y’all?) and discovered it was from Holland & Holland, a British designer. These boots are by Penelope Chilvers and can be bought here.

Below I’ve included an outfit that has some familiar alternatives: a J. Crew jacket, a Rails flannel top (which I just bought and LOVE), and Lucchese boots.

Kate Middleton Field Fashion - Canada 2016

Boots

Top

Her top was more of a gingham, but I personally prefer this look.

Jacket

The brass buttons on the J. Crew jacket make it perfect for wearing around town. Pair a belt with it if you feel so inclined.

Kate is an inspiration in so many ways. I love how outdoorsy she is and how on every trip, she and the Prince fit in some outdoor excursion.

For my other Kate posts, see here:

We might as well call her the Duchess of Field Fashion. This may not be the last time you hear about her here on this blog! Just warning you.

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Posted on

What to Wear on a Day Hike

Day hiking is one of my favorite ways to work out and experience the outdoors. If you haven’t already seen my post, Why Hiking is the Best Hobby, I encourage you to check it out!

Below is a list of basic clothing and accessories for day hikes. Many of these things may already be in your closet!

DSC02133
View of Half Dome, Yosemite National Park, 2016

General Advice

  • Wear materials that wick sweat and dry quickly. (Polyester and synthetic blends are perfect.)
  • When you want to take a break, you will be sitting either on the ground, a stump, or a rock, so be sure to wear something that you wouldn’t mind getting snagged.

Top

Any short-sleeved or sleeveless top will do for day hikes, especially those made of quick dry material.

Top Recommendations:

Motus Crew

Shorts or Pants

Running shorts or spandex shorts work just fine, as will capri-length leggings. For pants, I would encourage lightweight hiking pants over anything else because they are more breathable and comfortable.

I personally swear by prAna, a women’s outdoor clothing brand, when it comes to hiking. (And life in general! I wear their things on a regular basis when in town!) Their fabrics hold up so well and they offer a more feminine cut than other brands.

Shorts and Pants Recommendations:

No denim, y’all! This is very uncomfortable on the trail.

IMG_1271

Shoes

Tennis shoes work fine for day hikes. If you are going to hike periodically and want to invest in shoes more suited to this activity, I recommend getting trail running shoes. I have used the following shoes with great success and they rank very highly by gear review sites.

Shoe Recommendations:

Note: go a half size up for most comfort

Hiking boots are even more stable and are great for longer hikes. Try the Lowa Renegade GTX–these are mine and I love them.

For further guidance on picking the right shoe, check out my post, How to Pick the Perfect Hiking Shoes.

IMG_0158
Lindsey in Salomon trail running shoes, Big Bend, 2016

Socks

Regular athletic socks work fine! If you’re going to buy hiking socks, I love the Darn Tough brand.

Sock Recommendations:

Darn Tough Socks

I recommend light or medium cushion for hiking. When hiking in Texas, go with light. Medium is too hot.

Rain Jacket or Poncho

Having a rain jacket or poncho is essential in the mountains. Rain comes frequently and unexpectedly you don’t want to be caught without it.

Now, if you are hiking in Texas, where it doesn’t rain as often, a rain jacket is not imperative unless rain is in the forecast.

Rain Jacket Recommendations:

Day Pack

Carry a small backpack with you (see What to Pack in Your Day Pack for guidance) on each day hike. This is for water, sunscreen, etc.

Day Pack Recommendations:

DSC_0109

Hat

The sun can be brutal and you’ll want a hat to keep it off your face, so be sure to bring a baseball cap or wide brimmed hat with you.

You can never go wrong with a hat made by Tilley Endurables (I’m kind of addicted to mine…).

Trucker hats are also wildly popular on the trail.

Hat Recommendations

IMG_2293

Sunglasses

Any sunglasses will do, but if you want to get technical, polarized sunglasses are great at cutting out the glare of sunny outdoor landscapes.

Sunglass Recommendations

That about covers the basics! If you are hiking in the dead of winter, you will need to add layers, but this should do for the rest of the year.

Happy hiking, ladies.

Pinterest Graphic - What to Wear Day Hiking

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Posted on

What to Wear Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park

This is part of my Girl’s Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park! Everything you need to know, from the best day hikes to the best places to eat. Check out all my posts by clicking here.

Today I’m sharing advice for what women should wear on summer day hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Hope you find it helpful for your trip!

Weather

In general, this part of Colorado is toasty and sunny during the day, with highs reaching into the 90’s, and then at night a chill sweeps in. (Which feels lovely, and is perfect for s’mores at the Stanley Hotel, in my book.)

What to Wear

Whit’s Recommendation

Always always always take the rain jacket with you! It rains sporadically in the park. I also recommend taking the half zip in your daypack. Sometimes chilly weather can roll in, or you’ll want to picnic in the shade, and you’ll wish for it.

Liz’s Recommendation

  • “Always carry a light rain coat when you go hiking in the park!  The weather changes in an instant in the Rockies 😀  We got snowed on this past trip..”

entrance

Ha and Aaricka’s Recommendation

  • Ha: “We didn’t do any strenuous hiking so clothes weren’t really an issue. It was hotter than I expected, I had come with fleeces and boots and jeans and it ended up being really hot. I took off my fleece and put it back on about ten times. :)”

DSC02598

[Whit’s note: Ha and Aaricka hiked the trails mentioned in the previous post.]

  • Aaricka: “I think my fleece saved me. Anything that’s below 75 feels freezing, so that fleece I wore pretty much the entire time and it was nice. No wind could go through it. What I wanted to endorse was my Salomon Sense Pro Trail Running Shoes. I was really happy I brought these because they’re easy to pack, super flexible, have a lot of traction, and when we walked across the snow or mud it was no problem. They were perfect because we weren’t backpacking or doing anything off trail.”

DSC02640

[Whit’s note: Salomon brand trail running or hiking shoes are perfect for light Colorado day hikes!]

Ultimately, the main point here is layering!

Happy hiking ladies!

Pinterest graphic - what to wear

Save

Save

Save

Save

Posted on

Field Fashion Friday: Inspired by Joy at Enchanted Rock!

You may have seen my interview with Joy Jauer about her sunrise hike to Enchanted Rock here. I loved her bright pullover that stood out so well among all of the natural colors behind her.

IMG_1321

Nothing like a bright pop of coral to brighten up your pics! (I also found this to be true with Holly’s attire in Peru featured here.) Here are some versions of her attire:

For 3 Seasons and Layering: Merrell Soto 1/2 zip, REI.com, $51

Merrell

Perfect paired with Stio Dulcet Pant, Stio.com, $150

stio pants

For Warm Weather: Arc’Teryx Motus Crew Shirt, REI.com, $44

Motus Crew

For Cold Weather: Arc’Teryx Atom LT Jacket, REI.com, $170

arteryx

Arc’Teryx is an outstanding brand. I saw this jacket in store and it is SO CUTE. The pink guava color is so perfect. Bright but not too pink!

Happy hiking, ladies!

Save