2018 Fall Gear Guide ~ Women’s Travel and Outdoors

You know how coats go.  You have several.  You love something about each of them.  But there’s always one little thing you wish were different.   Until you try on a Spyfire Down Parka (queue those happy tears…)

This coat is fabulous.  The fit is true to size.  It’s gorgeous, warm, and flattering.  Even at 5’10”, the sleeves are plenty long and have a very soft cuff.  I love, love, love it and I can’t wait for the wonderful years ahead that my Spyfire Down Parka and I have to spend adventuring together.  I’m thrilled because it will function just as well for playing in the mountains, as it will for wearing with dress clothes to work.

800-fill premium goose down, certified ethically sourced and not at all bulky.  Body fabric is windproof and water repellent with a high tear strength but soft feel.  And softshell reinforced panel along shoulders for extra protection.  Breathable with high freedom of movement.

See?  The perfect coat.

It’s super thick and warm, with well placed hand pockets to keep you toasty when walking the dog or running errands this Fall.  The contrast fabric used for accents is one of my favorite parts, giving it a signature style that always sets Aventura apart, in my opinion.

As a former Aventura Ambassador, I may be a bit biased!  But even after I was no longer an official ambassador, I continued to purchase Aventura Clothing each and every season.  They make my favorite clothes!!  Lots of cute stuff in their Fall line this year – be sure to also check out their tunics, leggings, dresses, and sweaters.

My favorite thing about the Sigma is its ideal layout.  I prefer to have an outer, open stuff pocket which is why I selected this particular style.  It’s got one, very roomy main compartment that’s easy to see and access all contents.  The size and layout of the front section with organization is perfect for smaller items.  Another highlight is the top soft-lined pocket to safely store your sunglasses.  I had never tried a Gregory pack before and really like the molded zipper pulls.  They’ve thought of everything with the Sigma!

This is a women’s specific fit pack, which can make a difference in added comfort.  At 5’10”, sometimes women’s backpacks do not fit me properly, but I feel like the Sigma fits just right.  If you’d need more room, check out it’s big sister – Signal 32L.

I love that they are cheaper yet still come with polarized lenses, and have frames made from recycled plastic.  I’ve worn mine for 4 months now, and have been very happy with them. They fit nicely, and are quite comfortable.

They’ve definitely got some cute styles and colors to choose from.  I think Sunski is here to stay.  See #TeamSunski on social for more photos.

That’s what you call a “win-win”, people.

I recommend sizing up if shirts fit you tight across the shoulders, or if you want to wear a warm layer underneath.   If you want to potentially wear this under a vest, then your normal size will probably work best.

True to Outdoor Research’s nature… the Kalaloch is a warm, functional, fantastic addition to your outdoor wardrobe.

I’ve been thoroughly enjoying wearing these three wonderful Darn Tough styles this Fall (in order of appearance at top, left to right):

• Three Peaks Micro Crew Light Cushion, shortest of these 3; love the super cute mountain peaks design!
• Hiker Boot Sock Cushion, thickest cushion, for hiking adventures; winner of 2018 Backpacker Editor’s Choice Award
• Waves Crew Light Cushion, My top pick for everyday wear; love that they aren’t too tight at the top and don’t leave elastic marks on my leg.

CAUTION:  Once you try these socks, it’s hard to go back to not wearing them.

Man, I love Orvis clothes. And this lush, quilted, posh “sweatshirt” is as cute as it is ridiculously comfortable.  I drool over the soft denim color, and adore the roomy relaxed fit.  I don’t know what else to tell you.  You’ll love it!

But, wait.  The only bad thing is you will also want to sleep in it, and I’m not sure if you should also use it as pajamas?  Oh, just go ahead and sleep in it.

These Kalpana tights are the ultimate hiking tights. To be honest, I’ve never fully understood hike tights… until I tried these on. I love the high waist and snug, secure fit. These feel TOUGH, yet very comfortable.  They are thick yet soft, and it’s instantly apparent how durable they are.  They’ve used a “body” fabric and “overlay” fabric as part of their technology strategy to provide features such as quick drying, and breathable, yet still fade resistant, durable, and with four-way stretch.

The zippered side pockets are a great touch.  These are a bit short on me (run 27″) making them almost a crop length, but still doable with boot socks for a cool weather hike.

I love the earthy colors, and subtle layers of a mountain photography scene filling in the buffalo silhouette.  So cool!

You know, I’m from South Dakota.  And I lived near the home of the world’s largest privately owned buffalo herd, 5 miles from where Dances With Wolves was filmed.  How have I made it this far in life without owning an awesome buffalo hat…?!  This is a mystery to me.

Picture This Trucker, you complete me.

The Soleil is super light weight, and has 3 handy carrying options:  tote handles, shoulder strap, and even backpack straps. This has a padded laptop compartment and would work perfectly for a daily work or travel bag. It’s not a huge sloppy tote, but actually maintains a nice briefcase-like shape.  I love it’s (tall) height, and found I could slip even my long/tall folders inside, plus fit a few items like fruit or a sweater on top of that before closing it up.  Even my obnoxious, mega-sized 40 oz water bottle fit easily inside, with room to close the top zip.

I really like that it zips fully closed, and the easy access slip pockets on the exterior. Between the top zip close, RFID blocking protection, and locking zippers – this may be just the travel bag you’re looking for.

Anyways.… I’ve been eyeing this Toad & Co Sheridan Sherpa Vest for awhile now, but wasn’t sure what to make of how short it was.  Plus I’m 5’10”.  Which potentially makes it even worse.

I decided to live dangerously and give it a shot.  I’m happy to report it’s adorable, and looks really cute on!  I love that it’s made from wool & recycled wool – the inside is like a sweater and it’s very warm.  The back is cut just a little longer, and has a lovely corduroy edging that adds an extra pop of style.

This vest will be looking great over my flannel shirts all fall and winter, and I’m very excited about it.  Two thumbs up.

Royal Robbins has had success with their excellent travel-friendly MerinoLux pieces, and this year decided to add a winter flannel to the lineup.  Bravo on the colors and print!

My favorite feature, in addition to being gorgeous:  zero wrinkles. So much so, that it almost looks like you ironed it. (“What’s this ‘ironed’ she speaks of…?”)  It’s impressive, and looks very sharp. Easily dressy enough for the office.

The Feetures Everyday Texture Cushion Crew are so custom-designed to cradle your foot in bliss, that there’s a left and a right.  That’s right, an anatomical fit.  You’re so fancy now!  Targeted compression make these a wonderful choice for all day comfort.

You can pick whatever color you want. But just keep in mind that #TealisForReal.

And oh hey, hey… at the time of publishing these teal babies were on sale for $11.99.  Woo hoo!

Cause I’m pretty sure there’s two types of people in this world:  Those who live in Jackson Hole, WY, and those who wish they did.  At least we can dress cool like they do.

Now I’ve got another Eagle Creek travel bag to love.  The new Wayfinder Backpack 30L is a travel ready backpack that comes in a women’s specific fit.  It’s got lots of great tech compatible and safety features, all put together nicely in a low profile shape that doesn’t stick out too far from your back (which I really like).  It’s even got cord organizers and a laptop compartment that’s protected by a water-resistant zipper. If you’re in the market for a travel backpack, check out this gem with the well thought out design.

It removes 99.999% of virus, bacteria, and cysts.  If you are a backcountry hiker or world traveler – this is a solid equipment investment to make.

And for everyone else who may not fit into those categories – I feel it’s important for families to have an emergency go-bag.  This is a fantastic additional to such a life saving kit.

I was pleasantly surprised at this tank top with shelf bra from the “California Trail” line by Sierra Designs.  For me, it’s rare that a “built in bra” proves sufficient.  But this one actually does, and the loose fitting tank around it is loose and has zero cling.  I was excited at how flattering the result it.  Fits just right, true to size.

Plus the “think outside” motto printed down the back is cool, if not a little ironic when I wear it to the gym.

This one’s a winner.  I like it!!

Well, I got a HOT TIP to check out the Toad & Co Earthworks Skinny Pant, and I am now eternally grateful.  Stretchy, soft, fitted but not too fitted.  I LOVE these pants!  They are cut really well, and look good with ballet flats or tucked into boots.  I was thrilled to find them, and adore this earthy and interesting huckleberry color.  The waistband is sneakily elastic, without looking like it, and totally hugs your hips and keeps the pants from falling down.  Elastic, people!!  Praise be.

For a real-life sizing reference… I am *not* shaped like the model in this photo.  Because I like pizza and chocolate cake, and have given birth to two lovely children.  I regret nothing.

Sometimes when I see a picture like this, I think “no way those would fit me”.  Well, these DO fit.  I had to size up, but I’m ok with that.

It actually even has a hood tucked away in that luscious high necked collar.  Hubb-whaa?  This sucker is so amazingly soft, that it’s like a security blanket.  I’ve literally found myself coming home at the end of the work day, slipping into my yoga pants, and grabbing this to just wear around the house.  Because all that softness up around your neck at the end of a long day is like a warm hug.

Don’t you like warm hugs?

They have a fleece “sub-zero insulation” liner, slip on nicely, and manage to still look cute despite being so functional.  They have a cushioned insole, making them of a comfiness level that pretty much feels like you’re wearing slippers.  Well played, Bogs!

You get four color choices, but I especially love the royal blue and grape.

So I’ve been slipping Superfeet into my shoes and boots ever since.  They are a bit of an investment, but can be moved from shoe to shoe (which is I what I do).  WELL worth it!!

These new Superfeet Trailblazer Women’s Comfort insoles were designed specifically for hiking, to help heel slippage and prevent your toes from hitting the end of your boot.  I plan to try them out the next time I climb Mount Garfield, where I’ve previously lost both big toenails from this exact problem.  True story.

They also feature AEROSPRING™ Ascent Dual Comfort Foam to reduce fatigue.  Well, that sounds just lovely!

This is definitely my go-to warm hat for this winter!

*sigh*

At least I can still enjoy the benefits of their high comfort line of OluKai shoes, including this new ‘Eleu Trainer.  The ‘Eleu (eh-leh-ooh, meaning “agile”) are lightweight and mold nicely to your foot.  I believe they’re intended to wear barefoot and even for trail running and other active endeavors, but they also work with a lightweight sock.  You can remove and wash the cushy EVA footbed.  Snug fit, but come in half sizes and I’d still say true to size.

These trainers are amphibious, and as such are highly versatile. Great all-purpose outdoor shoe!

Two full sized Nalgenes will fit in each side pocket, and the padding on the hip belt is substantial.  Although the capacity it not huge, it seems like plenty for a casual day hike, especially with an elastic strap to cinch on a jacket.

They offer a WSD “women’s specific design” series (including backpacks, if that’s more your style) that is definitely worth checking out.

I’ve now tested multiple seasons of women’s clothing from Orvis, and it has become one of my favorite brands.  Top shelf quality, every time, along with timeless style.