2020 Fall Women’s Gear Guide

I’m hooked.

I have “problem feet”. Flat footed, plus bunions, means it’s tricky to find the right shoe for me – even in the typically comfortable category of athletic shoes. Hoka One One makes all those concerns disappear. The Arkali was both stable and supportive, while still soothing and cushioning. The vibram sole has a fierce tread ready for adventures, and performed well on loose dirt hill climbs and rock scrambling.

You can adjust the heel and ankle with straps, for an ideal fit. The unique ankle collar hugs your leg. Although I was worried it may irritate, I didn’t even notice it when hiking, and it did not chafe. That ankle strap actually provides nice support, and keeps annoying prickly grasses and seeds from wedging their way down into your shoe. This design makes the Arkali an excellent hybrid between a low hiker and full hiking boot.

If you do any kind of hiking, this amazing shoe is worth the investment. I’ve tried (what feels like) hundreds of hiking shoes, and this one is quite possibly my all time favorite.

I love the details of this jacket, and am always impressed with OR quality. The fit is generous, true to size, and comfortable. The pockets are well positioned, and aren’t awkwardly high like some jackets place them. There’s an awesome powder skirt built in, along with a forearm zip pocket for your ski pass.

Now we need snow! In this time of very limited travel and mostly playing outside, I don’t think I’ve ever been so excited for the ski season here in Colorado. Can’t wait to hit the slopes in this OR Carbide Jacket.

You know you’re getting a custom fit, when you see that all Feetures socks designate ‘L’ and ‘R’, for precisely which foot to slip in for optimal arch comfort. Hey, hey!

They also have super cute and comfortable everyday options. Check out the:

• Everyday Women’s Cushion Crew Hex Tex, with a soft hugging feel to it and targeted compression. Light, cool, and comes in 3 pretty, neutral colors.
• The lovely Ultra Light Crew Neo Floral, offers a pretty design and even lighter cushion for business or casual wear.
• And in the active wear lineup, I highly recommend their Elite Max Cushion No Show Tab socks.

The Deuter Speed Lite 22 SL day pack has a women’s specific fit and is incredibly light. Like, feather-weight light! This allows you to bring your essentials and be prepared, but still have the least amount possible weighing you down, and tiring you out. Or as the Deuter site cleverly puts it, “no superfluous pounds of material or useless gadgets get in the way”.  So it’s a pretty streamlined, no nonsense design. But they’ve still included helpful features like a sunglasses loop on the shoulder strap, and although the organization compartments are minimal there’s a smaller zip pouch for essentials like your phone or keys.

The Speed Lite 22 SL hits the sweet spot of not being too large of a pack, but still having that supportive design and padded hip belt. I love the cool, vented back panel, straps to cinch on my hiking poles, and overall comforable fit due to multiple points of adjustment. They have a reputation for durability, and I’m looking forward to many hours on the trail with this Deuter!

The first thing I’d like to let everyone know about the best-selling Aventura Clothing Kinsley Swacket is that THE INSIDE IS LINED WITH VELOUR FABRIC. You read that right. Lined. With velour.

It made my little heart flutter when I first slipped it on. I’ve honestly never worn anything quite like it, and it’s as wonderful to wear as it is beatiful!

I was an Aventura Clothing Ambassador for several years, and although I’ve since passed along that torch… I continue to purchase some of their new clothing items every single season. I’m a life long fan of them for many reasons, but the main one is the niche they satisfy. I am neither a young woman, nor an old one, and I still like to look fashionable. Their clothes have a flattering fit, and just enough sass to still make you feel attractive. Check out Aventura Clothing to see all the cute new designs they are offering for this Fall and Winter!

The Royal Robbins Dream Trekker Pullover Flannel is my #1 pick for women’s Fall tops this year!

This shirt is perfection. I’m not typically a pullover fan, but this won me over the second I slipped it on. Perfect tunic length, with terrific side button detail along each side that can allow for customizing fit and movement. There are smooth, non-bulky zip closed pockets in front. Pockets! You’d never know they are there, but are a brilliant option for storing essentials when needed. This is truly a specialty of Royal Robbins, as they focus on practical features for ideal travel wear.

This fabric is also wrinkle free, washes beautifully, has a nice warm thickness to it, and thanks to it’s TENCEL™ Modal (my favorite) content… it’s incredibly soft. Thank you for making the Dream Trekker Pullover Flannel, RR! Comes in 3 gorgeous color choices.

The stretch ripstop nylon shell fabric and DWR (Durable Watesher-Repellent) coating also make it a durable, smart choice for any outdoor endeavors. Orvis describes it as an “Athletic fit”, but I disagree as typically that means pretty fitted. It’s not snug, runs true to size, and is truly ideal for layering.

Definitely recommend this unique vest!

Oh, and also they are awesome for camping and hiking.

I have a headlamp I really like, so I offered the opportunity to try out this Third Eye headlamp to my teenaged daughter. The very cool bonus:  you get to pick your own custom strap! She picked the pretty tie dye, shown on the left. It was a tough choice, because they have some super, artist designed bands. So it comes, and I’m thinking “that hip custom strap concept is probably their strength, and it’s just a mediocre light”. NOT SO! This sucker is amazing!

This headlamp is even better than my previous favorite. I love it, it’s incredibly bright, and I really like how the controls work. First click starts it out on the brightest setting (there are 6 levels), which personally I prefer. Includes a red light, and is waterproof, with a comfortable fit from the soft band.

I’m jealous. But oh, well. She’s very happy with it!  🙂

Heather and husband Will are the real deal when it comes to outdoor adventuring, and they’re now in a new life chapter with a precious lil’ nugget in tow. Together they’ve written a book called Sleeping Bags to S’mores: Camping Basics, on camping with kiddos and just overall excellent advice.

In these crazy COVID times, so many have embraced an interest in camping and spending more time outdoors. This book is a wonderful place to start, and is an enjoyable read for any camping lover. Even the experienced outdoors woman can pick up a slick tip or two from this talented pair.

To give you an idea, some of their boot styles are rated to be used up to -148 degrees Fahrenheit.  Hubba whaa? 

Personally, I don’t ever plan to be outside when it’s -148 degrees Fahrenheit.

But I do plan to stay toasty warm and dry in these foxy Baffin Eldora Winter Boots in Colorado this winter! I love the mid height, waterproof leather, cute sweater top, and easy on glide – plus a sturdy, rugged sole for grip. The Eldora comes in whole sizes. I wear a 9.5 and sized up to a 10 for a perfect, comfortable fit.

Just when you think you don’t need another down warmth layer jacket, you read about Mountain Hardwear’s new Stretchdown Hybrid Hoody.

There’s something about the Mountain Hardwear fit that really works for me. I’m tall, with long arms, and I’ve never had issues with short sleeves or tightness through the shoulders with their jackets.

The Stretchdown Hybrid Hoody is no exception, and fits just right in all the right places. I love the longer back hem. The hood fit is also exceptional and roomy, with a high face shield area that is highly functional because it’s doesn’t choke or constrict in any way. You just can’t beat down for warmth IMO, and the way they’ve used something called Stretchdown™ (weaves pockets of down insulation from a single stretch fabric) gives you all kinds of stretch and range of movement for winter athletic activity.

This is a fantastic jacket, and will be the one I reach for this winter for any snowshoeing, skiing, or dog walking endeavors.

I’ve not previously used trekking poles, and I’m pretty excited about these MSR DynaLock™ Explore Backcountry Poles.  They are lightweight and highly practical. A nice added safety measure to have along on the trail.

The very first time out, we had an experience that showed us just how handy and important they can be. My poor daughter has a knack for slipping down surfaces and bruising her tailbone. Painful! So when needing to scrabble down a very steep, uneven, rocky and loose dirt hill… my teenager and her friend each borrowed a pole for their descent to help steady themselves. Worked likka champ!

The MSR DynaLock Explore Backcountry poles also come with a different basket style you can swap out for the bottom, to use in snow when snowshoeing. The length is very adjustable. And the handles have a nice soft grip.

If you’ve been considering trekking poles for more stability when hiking, look no further than the the MSR brand (they have 3 styles available). I will definitely be taking these along with me on all future hikes.

It’s waterproof, rugged, and easy to clean off. Think picnic, shade shelter, outdoor concerts, watching your kids at the park, setting up a mini-relaxing camp in the forest, or staking out a spot on the beach. You can select from many different Tarpestry designs, sizes, number of built-in grommets, and even design style depending on your intended use.

Grab a Trapestry for your family’s COVID-friendly outdoor events! They would also make an amazing, useful and beautiful gift for that hard-to-shop-for friend or family member.

I know when designers add merino wool to sweaters, they have nothing but good intentions. But I just really can’t handle any wool content, without occasionally feeling that itch factor. So when I saw this high quality, gorgeous cable knit sweater that Royal Robbins has made with a cotton blend, I got excited.

The gorgeous Royal Robbins Frost Cowl Neck II sweater is thick and luxurious, and thanks to it’s cotton blend is nice and soft with zero itch. It’s a longer tunic length, and I found it slightly fitted in the hips/lower midsection. But it stretched just a little once I had it on, and became more flattering.

Comes in the three gorgeous colors, making for a touch choice: cream, pewter, and brown sugar.

Too bad my son stole them from me, shortly after arrival. Spoiled little stinker! I actually don’t mind, because I’ve tried unsucessfully to get him to wear slippers for years. So if he’ll actually wear these cozy bad boys, that’s a win.

Yes, the Sierra Designs Down Moc slippers are as cozy as they sound. Plus they have a nice soft lining to them that will win you over, and make you not want to take them off. The sizing is generic S/M/L, and is forgiving over a range… in case you need to share a pair with someone.

My family loves these down mocs! They’d also make an amazing gift, if you’re needing an idea down the road.

I like topical, natural analgesics like this, and Nature’s Willow pain relieving cream is an excellent, high quality option. They have their own sole propriety formula of blend of white willow bark and helichrysum and other botanicals. I love the combination which includes spearmint oil, camphor, eucalyptus oil, lavender, and more.

I’ve been using it on my wrist when it aches from overuse, or my stiff and sore ankle when I first wake up in the morning. After a few minutes, I feel a cooling relief of pain. It often takes away the pain enough that it eliminates the need for me to take ibuprophen.

When you order some, grab some $6 Nature’s Willow Bite Balm too… that can be a lifesaver when you are camping and have some nasty bites driving you crazy.

This is exciting! The founders of Aventura Clothing have launched a new clothing line called Old Ranch!

While a webstore in not yet available for online purchases, you can use their “find a store” tool to locate who is selling Old Ranch near you. In my town, it’s Murdochs, and this cute Denali 1/4 zip is one of the women’s style they offer. The Denali has an eye catching print, is a nice mid weight material, and seems to get softer each time I wash it.

This is a brand to watch!

And SO comfortable. Nice soft rubber with a flexible neoprene liner that molds instantly to your foot. They come in several fashionable and fun colors, but if you ask me it’s hard to get past this “mustard” pair.

They are certainly practical when heading out on a wet day, but also look so smart that it’s hard not to plan your outfit around them.

Although they have a merino wool content, they feel super comfortable and itch-free. They’ve got just the right amount of elastane that delivers a perfect fit that stays put for hours. It lives up to the website’s description of “super soft performance layer”.

The waistband is snug, but not uncomfortably so, and does a great job of keeping these base layers up. Fits true to size. Great price point for this level of quality.

Although the Hoka One One Akali’s blew my mind… these Hoka Kaha Gore-Tex hiking boots stole my heart.

My jaw dropped when I slipped one on, and first experienced the nearly slipper-caliber of comfort. I immediately told my husband, “I’ve never felt a hiking boot that was this comfortable!”

But would they be too ‘sloppy’ on the trail? I’m happy to report, that they also give excellent support when hiking. The lacing system allows for a nice amount of adjustment, and the cinches keep them firmly in place.

Spendy, but aaaaaahhhhmazing! Plus they’re Goretex, supple waterproof leather, include a bottom layer of foam for added cushion (this is highly noticeable!), and bring a vicious Vibram tread and subsequent grip.

This lovely fleece warmth layer jacket has technical properties like being stretchy and moisture-wicking. Plus it’s also got a nice long cut, and was designed with flattering color blocking. Definitely a snug, athletic fit… so if you want roomy, I’d recommend sizing up.

I love getting behind environmentally conscious brands. Picture is a European brand that strives for use of sustainable materials. Their admirable motto is “Our mission is to fight climate change”.

Good on ya, Picture.

This cute Fall piece from Orvis is no ordinary sweatshirt material. It uses OutSmart® Fresh odor control, to keep it smelling clean, even if you sweat or need to wear it multiple times. Great travel piece! (You know. If you’re ever lucky enough to travel again.)

Cute striped interior and a cozy kanga pocket. The hi-low hem and side vents make it a flattering style.

Proper loungewear, that.

Each has a unique, artist-created and outdoors inspired design. New this season are the designs shown above. As you can see from each of my personal photos in this roundup… I rarely leave home without one.

If you aren’t familiar, Sunday Afternoons specializes in making hats. So these not only look cool, they’re incredibly comfortable hats thanks to their StretchBack Sizing™ that gives you a perfect fit. So many to choose from!! Check them out, and let the compliments start pouring in.

The Turtle Fur Everyday Masks 3 pack are somewhat small, but I love them. This is one design that I notice the least, when wearing. Which is pretty much the goal, IMO. Might work best for women and kids, due to the size. The ear straps are adjustable.

I also really like the Turtle Fur Cotton Casual 2 pack, which have a cute chambray cotton look to them. These are quite a bit larger. At first they took some getting use to, but now I really like them because they’re roomy and give me lots of room to breathe. This style cups fully below my chin, ear straps are adjustable. They get a little wrinkled after washing (I’m not an ironing kinda gal), but still look nice and are a gorgeous light blue shade.

The deluxe of all flannel shirt jackets, California Cowboy has designed the High Sierra Flannel out of wonderful fabric and some cool features. The Portuguese flannel is very luxe, and the interior, uber soft, modal waffle knit fabric gives it a nice mobility that isn’t always the case with double layer shirt jacket styles like this.

Built into the design is a zipper waterproof pocket, a bottle pocket to slip your drink into, and a sunglasses loop. Now I really, REALLY wish I lived near a beach!

The sizing ran a little small for me, with shorter sleeves and tightness through the arms and shoulders. Consider sizing up.

It’s a little hard to describe… but basically as shown, you can fill that entire container with a beverage. Then the bottom half slides off to be used as a second travel mug. An extra silicon lid is folded and stored smartly inside the cap.

I’m thinking this will be amazing to bring along hot cocoa when sledding with my kids this winter.

This has a nice, soft fleece band around the inside bottom rim for comfort. The top portion is just the sweater woven, so will likely be nice and breathable.

CAUTION: If you put this hat in your backpack, with the [realistic looking animal fur] puff ball facing up… it might give you a brief heart attack when unzipping your pack, thinking a little critter has snuck in. Embarassing true story.

This Fall, Sierra Designs if offering the packed-with-features Cold Canyon Hoodie.

This warmth piece has a smart addition – a nylon windbreak layer on the front panel. Genius! You get the soft pliable feel of wearing a fleece hoodie, but also that critical protection from the elements that can make such a difference.

Made from a heavy stretch grid fleece, with generous length sleeves and thumb holes. Athletic fit, but I was still happy with my normal size and don’t think you need to size up.

If you live where there’s a fitting location, you’re in even more luck. They will custom fit the Technica Plasma insoles for you, for a truly optimized hiking shoe.

I found these a little snug around the toes, and my heel slips. But again, I have atypical flat feet with bunions. It’s quite possible they would loosen and soften with more use. They are a beautiful shoe, with traction and support that’s amazing and makes me feel fairly invinceable.

They are soft and comfortable, and may be an even nicer option as we head into cooler months and you can seemlessly wear this for both a little neck coverage… and to have a face mask on hand when needed.