Womens 2020 Spring Gear Guide… (and Perfect Gifts for Mom!)

It also has a nice silicon cap on the bottom that is a friendly cushion when using it inside the house on your furniture. This cap easily slides off if you need the bottle to glide smoothly into a tightly packed backpack.

Check out the 24 oz “Summit Bottle” on EcoVessel’s site. The Summit is brand new- just launched late 2019!

The polyester-spandex fabric wicks, dries quickly, breathes and offers superb stretch for freedom of movement.

Check out the Chain Reaction Hoody on Outdoor Research’s site.

And I think we can all agree that every girl needs a Haiku Bag in this new alpine wildflower hike inspired “paintbrush print”. So if the intrepid wallet doesn’t suit your needs, be sure the check out the other styles they have this season in this gorgeous bluebird and poppy hued design.

The Citro H20 and Juno H20 take hydration to the next level with the new VaporSpan suspension system, 3D Hydro reservoir and SpeedClip mounting system. The VaporSpan H20 is a ventilated, dynamic carry system built with moisture wicking mesh for quick-drying comfort. The backpanel integrates into the 3D wrapping hipbelt, a one-piece design that cradles your hips for support and all-day comfort. The ActiveFlex shoulder harness has a flexible perimeter and is built using EVA foam and breathable mesh to provide a supportive, dynamic carry. The QuickStow sunglass system on the shoulder harness offers quick and easy access to your shades.

The womens packs come in 24, 30, and 36 liter sizes. I have the 30L, and am super happy with the size. It handles everything I need for a day hike, and can also hold those mom-backup items like extra snacks for the kids, an extra jacket for my daughter, and leashes and water for the dogs.

Flexible water bottles are a great go-to item for travel or outdoor adventures, that take up very little space and add minimal weight.

The DuoLock SoftBottle flexible water bottle takes our popular SoftBottle design and adds a dual-locking cap for double the leak protection, plus a convenient clip handle. This flexible bottle is easy to fill, carry, and stow, making it great for day hikes, backpacking trips, camping, or traveling.

The cute back v-cut and pleats dress this up beyond your average tee. Stealthy zip side pocket to store an emergency key, credit card, or lip balm. Fit is relaxed and flattering, and runs true to size.

Great addition to this summer’s line up, Royal Robbins!

Gals, you may need to just treat yourself to this one… it’s a perfect pick-me-up for those stay at home COVID-19 days.  🙂

I’m so happy to have found another super comfortable yet durable pair of summer shorts. The Royal Robbins Cove Short  hold their shape much better and are much tougher than a sloppy pair of yoga pants/shorts, but they feel just as comfy.

Can’t go wrong with the two pockets, and these stay in place even during lots of movement like hiking or doing yard work. Two thumbs way up!  I typically wear a size 12 (or even 14) and the size Large fits great. Generous sizing, but they stay in place very nicely, with no need for tug-ups.

Soft, eco-conscious, knit hoody for beach trips and summer festivals. Organic cotton and hemp combine for durable comfort. The hood opens to a wide collar, and the feminine neckline and coconut buttons elevate the look.

Great gift for mom! Fit is relaxed, and runs true to size. I love the two pockets.

It comes in some great colors… but I’m partial to this gorgeous blue!

I love Patagonia quality. Although I get to review free gear for myself, I often purchase Patagonia jackets and fleece for the rest of my family. They last for years! I also really appreciate how eco-friendly and conscientious this brand it. They truly lead the way in best practices for the outdoor industry.

“Simple and unpretentious, our trusted Torrentshell 3L Jacket uses 3-layer H2No® Performance Standard technology for exceptional waterproof/breathable performance, all-day comfort and long-lasting waterproof durability. Fair Trade Certified™ sewn.”

Have you heard of “Patagonia Provisions”? This is Patagonia’s line of high quality backpacker / hiking / emergency provisions food. I tried out a mix of several items, called Taste of Provisions Gift Box.

From salmon, to breakfast grain mixes, to energy bars and buffalo jerky, this is a gourmet lovers, delightful mix. They have multiple combinations available. What an appropriate “stay at home” gift for our current situation.

These are so awesome to have on hand in your adventure or travel bag. I have two, and am so impressed by this fabric. PackTowl’s best-selling Personal towels dry 70% faster than comparable towels and feature Polygiene ® odor control, an eco-friendly silver-ion odor control to keep your towel smelling fresh.

“Bringing new creativity to the soft and packable towels, PackTowl worked with artist Shannon Herfindahl to introduce a print called Tidal Blue, inspired by handpicked, sun-dried seaweed from the coast of Santa Cruz, California.”

They come in three sizes – hand, body, and beach; a pouch is included. Just be sure to let them completely dry before storing in the stuff sack (I had one get mold spots… my fault)

I LOVE this “swishy” bluesign® approved fabric, called Kohilo.  It’s now made from majority recycled polyester (instead of nylon) and uses a waterless dye for all prints.

“Not all goddesses wear togas, but they all wear Eco Kohilo.”

Toad & Co is another outstanding brand when it comes to eco-friendly practices and fabrics. Excellent choice for this summer! Fit is relaxed, runs true to size.

If you haven’t tried Toad’s Samba Dia fabrice, you need to. You’ll love it. This style has a little more flirt and flare than just a plain tee, and it feels great next to skin.

Moisture-wicking, bluesign® approved fabric.

“The Kahtoola keeps you moving comfortably and quickly on all of your favorite trail runs. Our lightest and most breathable gaiter, the INSTA™gaiter Low is designed to function at the highest level. Between outings, they pack super small in the included tote sack or partially unzip.”

Also come in mid height. Haven’t had a chance to try these yet this Spring, but the zipper works smoothly, and they are fairly compact.

Cool product, and a great gift for any trail running moms in your life!

I have never seen a better design, and my family literally uses, washes, and re-uses these every single day. They are stainless steel, but with a soft silicon tip that is very pleasant to drink from. Wash super easy, and the set even comes with a straw cleaning brush.

Love, love, love! These are a must have for every household.

Very cute cuff at the bottom hem, that stays in place nicely even after washing. I don’t iron stuff. And these still looked great after the washer and dryer. So that’s a pretty solid recommendation, in my book!

Relaxed fit, runs true to size. Again, I’m a size 12 or 14, and the Large fit just right.

Be sure to also check out their dresses… they have several cute options this season.

PACLITE® Plus is an exciting, brand new fabric from Gor-Tex.

“Waterproof, breathable 2.5-layer GORE-TEX PACLITE® Plus fabric delivers next-to-skin comfort and durable, ultra-lightweight protection… we look to the highest level of packability and weightlessness, and above all, the longest lifespan.”

This shell is a must-have for every outdoor women, and should last for years. Fit is generous, true to size.

“Sexy contoured seams shape and flatter the body in our signature, smooth ECOLUX® compression. Translucent mesh trim inlays are the perfect contrast to the high shine finish. Hidden Credit Card pocket in back waistband. Holographic reflective logo detail at back waistband & side ankle.

Made from their smooth and silky, recycled ECOLUX® fabric which is moisture wicking with a 4-way stretch. It’s quick drying and gives great support. These leggings really do work for everything like high intensity sports, hot yoga, water sports and all gym activities.

“Our Balance Point Tank gives maximum support with a built-in shelf bra liner and back comfort crossback elastic straps. Curved, contouring seams flatter and shape the body. In our smooth & form-fitting ECOLUX® compression, made to move with you and never lose its shape. Curved hemline engineered to stay in place throughout your practice, with clean finish seams for added comfort. Padded removable cups for optional coverage.”

I had to size up, as this is a pretty form fitting top. Very lovely fabric, and super cute!

These Superfeet Aftersport Womens Slides feel pretty fantastic after a long hike. They are a fun pampering gift idea!

I was wrong! It fits, I love it, and I wear it all the time! Same with the Branwyn Bikini.

“GAME CHANGING. MOISTURE WICKING. SUSTAINABLE. ETHICAL & SUSTAINABLE MERINO WOOL UNDERWEAR THAT MEETS THE NEEDS OF ACTIVE WOMEN EVERYWHERE.”

These active wear pieces are a merino blend (81% Merino wool, 14% Nylon, 5% Spandex), so you get all the lovely features of this natural fabice.

They are breathable, naturally odor resistant and moisture-wicking, and is designed to keep you fresh and naturally dry all day long. They are awefully comfortable, and I can attest to the “forget-they-are-on” claim. No labels, machine washable, and sustainable sourced.

Ladies… this is the active-UNDER-wear you need, that you didn’t realize you needed until now. Reasonably priced, and very nice quality. In case you’re on the fence, they have a 100% money back guarantee.

This reusable Bamboo Utensil Set can replace 1300 Single-Use Utensils Throughout Its Life. Set Includes Fork, Knife, Spoon, Set of Chopsticks, and it comes in 6 different colors. Some other cool features:

• Utensil Case Made From 100% Post-Consumer Recycled Plastic Bottles
• Carabiner on Back to Clip Anywhere
• Heat and Stain Resistant
• Hand-Finished With A Food-Safe Coating
• BPA and Phthalate Free
• Dishwasher Safe

Colorado brand Chill Angel makes merino wool sleepwear, in multiple styles of tops and bottoms. Their pieces are all made from 100% superfine merino wool, 200 gm lightweight jersey knit which is comfortable and cozy.

I chose a “Power Nap” Merino Long Sleeve Crew, with a shaped hemline and loose sleeve, and “Siesta” Merino Lounge Pant with cute back pockets.  Both pieces feature contrast flat lock seams, and natural moisture-wicking fabric that keeps you dry all night long. Temperature balancing properties keep you at just the right body temperature.

Easy care:  machine wash cold, gentle and line dry.

If you haven’t tried this updated version of the Haiku Bags To-Go Convertible bag, version 2.0… you’ll be pleasantly surprised. They fixed my only complaint about the earlier version To-Go bag, by adding a toggle to secure the strap at top center when being worn as a backpack.

This is a fabulous versatile pick from the Haiku Bags lineup. It’s an awesome medium-to-largish size with lots of organization pockets and places to stash snacks, water bottles, iPads, and more. Great for outdoor or travel adventures! This season’s new Blackberry color is lush.

Hari Mari Scouts are made with buttery-smooth nubuck leather foot beds. No break-in periods with Hari Mari’s patented MemoryFoamToe™. Memory foam-lined straps with wick-away lining. Cupped heel to keep feet firmly anchored in flops. Firm arch support for all day wear.

.Hari Mari Dunes are your water friendly option! These are quite delightful, and initially went right into my gym bag. Which proceeded to close. So now they’re in my beach/lake bag!

Anti-microbial rubber. Slender silhouette & contour for versatile wear. Non-marking, carbon-free, boat-safe rubber outsoles, and nylon upper. Memory foam lined strap. Firm arch support for all day wear.

Love the fit and feel of this Orvis style, it’s incredibly comfortable and has a nice stretch to the fabric. It has thoughtful design details like zippered chest pockets, and a sunglasses cleaner cloth built into the front hem.

The website calls this an “athletic fit”, but I’d say it’s more on the relaxed/generous side.

“SPARK is a must-have for women who want a single pair of elegant, high-performance sunglasses… Our SPARK frames mirror the women who wear them: active and stylish whatever the terrain.”

Free shipping and free returns. Right now the site is running a sale, get 25% off a pair of Julbo’s with code:  JULBO25SAVER

The new  Camelbak Octane 25L hydration backpack comes with a signature Camelbak bladder – the 2-liter Crux™ reservoir with Quicklink™, and a nifty high-vis rain cover stashed away along the bottom. It’s intended for multiple terrain uses, and the 3D mesh venting on the back and a breathable hip belt will help keep you cool.

“Highly organized, ventilated, and designed for a customized fit. Quick Stow™ compatible.”… so ideal for trail runners or mountain bikers! It also has the ability to store two additional water bottles in the front shoulder/chest straps.

They use a proprietary Drynamix yarn, and extra deep heel pocket optimizes the fit with a nice Achilles tab. They are deeply cushioned in all the right places, but have a single light mesh layer over the top portion of your foot to keep you cool.  I really love them!

They are the socks I reach for every single time.

My feet do get a little sweaty in these loafers, after wearing them awhile in hot weather. But they are awesome as quick slip-ons, and the comfort factor makes them well worth it.

I love these less serious backpack styles made by Patagonia, because they are also great for the office commute or travel. This one is a no-nonsense design featuring a padded laptop sleeve and a few organization pockets inside. I love the grab handles that allow you to carry as a briefcase, and the outer deep slip pocket that closes securely with a zipper. Side water bottle pockets.

When we are all clear for recreational air travel once again… this is the bag I’m gonna grab. Woo hoo! So cute.

“All Good crafts organic skincare made from only the good stuff.”

Their lovely SPF 50 Tinted Sunscreen Butter is built for high elevation, wind and sweat. My kids and I have been using All Good Products sunscreens, lip balm, and goop this Spring and really like all of it. I love finding quality skin products that are gentle on sensitive skin and have quality, safe ingredients.

Denver based Sheets & Giggles makes some lovely eco-friendly, crazy soft sheets from eucalyptus. They’re getting pretty great reviews, and so far I love them, too. They are refreshingly cool to the touch, and made from sustainable fabric. Eucalyptus Lyocell is designed to be cooler and more breathable then Cotton. A perfect treat for your Spring / Summer sleeping season.

Cool, breathable, and eco-friendly.  Highly recommend! I think I need another pair in the pretty “clear sky” blue color.

“The windshear jackets truly do it all: four-season protection from wind and rain while being as cozy as your favorite blanket. The Outland Jacket pairs the signature super soft butter pile with a smooth exterior, and then elevates it with quality features like a drawcord waist, zipper pockets and flange detailing.”

Runs pretty true to size, but the sleeves are a couple of inches too short on me. For reference, I’m 5’10”, and wear a size large. If you aren’t particularly tall, it should fit just right.

Made and designed right here in Colorado. Versatile use, made from repurposed vinyl mesh. They would be great on-the-go storage for outdoor items that would potentially get wet, as they are mildew & UV resistant.

Come in various sizes and colors, and would make a cool gift for mom.