As a lover of my home in the Green Mountain State, I have a deep appreciation for using Patagonia products to go with me on all of my adventures, whether it's for everyday lifestyle, road biking, running, backcountry and cross country skiing or hiking in all parts of the country!
Patagonia's mission of protecting nature by using sustainable materials to produce long-lasting products encompasses my lifestyle. I am consistently in awe with the beautifully crafted pieces of clothing from Patagonia. I would love to share my Five Hiking Essentials and why they are important for me.
1. Houdini Jacket
The Houdini Jacket is one of the most versatile products I have ever owned! My favorite feature of this lightweight jacket and windbreaker is that it folds up into a tiny bundle - hence the name - and is easy for stuffing in the back of my bike jersey or tying around my waist when I heat up from a run.
The Houdini is for multi-purpose use and is made from 100% recycled nylon. There have been so many times where it has helped my athletic performance, whether it is used at the top of a summit on my hikes, runs, bikes and walks around town and in the neighborhood! It solves my problem of wanting a wind-proof outer layer without heating up too much.
The DWR (durable water repellent) finish allows for light rain protection and is fast drying if you do come across an unpredicted shower. Particularly for longer hikes, the Houdini acts as a nice mid-layer used for wearing in the colder mornings and throwing on in between breaks on the trail. I travel everywhere with this jacket. There is always a convenient time to wear it!
2. Quandary Shorts & Pants
Do you trail run? Hike? Mountain bike? Need a casual yet comfortable pair of shorts or pants for the spring and summer? I would love to highlight the Quandary Shorts and Pants as a great option for everyday use out in nature.
My favorite feature about these pants is the flexible and quick dry material - DWR Durable Water Repellent and stretch-woven 95% nylon. I am able to comfortably move around in these pants, knowing they are extremely versatile. These pants also have deep pockets, providing extra space for car keys, energy fuel, etc. I have never quite come across any other all-purpose pant with zippered pockets! I especially appreciate the pockets to give me reassurance knowing that nothing will fall out while I am on my adventure.
3. Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket
Since I love to layer my clothing, I particularly appreciate my Torrentshell 3L Jacket for wicking away the rain. This product has served me well, especially when walking around town, and for stuffing in and out of my backpack for hikes. One spring day a couple years ago, I summited Mt. Mansfield and was extremely thankful I had packed this jacket. It fit nicely over my lighter Patagonia layers, was completely rain repellent and blocked all the strong gusts of wind at the top of the mountain.
The durability of the Torrentshell Rain Jacket blows my mind! It is light yet strong enough to withstand scratches against tree branches and rocks while climbing. With the hood and option to synch closer to my head as well as the thoughtful velcro option around my wrists; this is a practical product to take with me when outside and in unpredictable New England weather.
Another feature I admire about this jacket is the option to have access to the zippered vents in the armpits. I sometimes prefer to hike in this jacket if I start early in the morning and need a thin outer shell layer. I highly recommend this product for all seasons, especially spring, summer and fall! The beauty of the Torrentshell is that it uses a 3-layer H2No Performance Standard technology for long-lasting waterproof durability.
4. Capilene Cool Lightweight Shirt
The Long-sleeved Capilene Cool Lightweight Shirt works well for cool early mornings, and is light enough to stuff in my backpack when the temperatures warm up. On hotter days at the summit, I appreciate the sun protection the Cap Cool offers. It acts as a wonderful layer for when I head out on the trails to cross country ski, bike or hike. In addition, the Capilene Cool LW T-shirt and tank top has come in handy on a day where I am outside in warmer temperatures and need a fabric that is wicking and cool.
The fabric comprises up to 100% recycled polyester with HeiQ durable odor control. This technical top includes 50+ UPF sun protection to help keep wick off sweat while blocking the sun from my skin.
This essential layer has been extremely convenient when I am trying to strategize packing my hiking pack since it barely weighs anything and with odor control, I can wear it more than one day. After a few months of testing this product, I immediately stocked up on three other colors! Patagonia offers a beautiful color palette.
5. R1 Fleece Pullover
The R1 Fleece Pullover is a versatile midlayer fleece for start/stop activities, hikes on those cool days (or mornings) and when you need some warmth at the summit. It’s warm, flexible, moisture wicking and breathable - the R1has served me well for years now.
My body temperature usually runs on the colder side, especially when outside for the majority of the day. This R1 helps keep me at the perfect temperature - a comfortable level of warmth without overheating. In the winter, I especially loved keeping this layer on after shedding my jacket while backcountry skiing or while cross country skiing.
