Marina Egorov – The Bag and Pack Shop, Vail, Colorado
For those lucky ones that have been travelling all over this shelter season, welcome back to the mountains. Plenty to see and do in Vail this summer, stay posted to our blog, Twitter @bagandpack and Facebook page for the latest tips and inspirations for summer adventures.
The countdown for the annual Summer Teva Games in Vail is down to the final wire. Running May 31 and June 3, this event promises to be as action packed as ever. Riding on the success of the first Winter Teva Games ever, held in Vail this past February; the weekend looks like it holds good weather and exciting stunts. From Dock Dogs to Kayak Freestyle, Citizen's Bouldering to the inaugural Rocky Dog Trail Run with your pooch; the Summer Games are great fun to watch or participate in. For more events and to scoop up last minute entries, see the schedule here.
See a highlights video with a performance by Xavier Rudd for the 2011 Teva Games here and get amped for your own experience!
While you are out browsing all the tents from the brands we love that are sure to be keeping Vail Village entertained; stop by and see new summer arrivals and perhaps some leftover deals from winter weather at our Vail location opposite the Solaris and right next to Pazzo's Pizza.
Marina Egorov – The Bag and Pack Shop, Vail, Colorado
Our final list of favorites for this summer's activities.
Multi-purpose tent
Many of our readers are tried and true backpackers, while some have dabbled in a car camping adventure or two. Still others may do both, depending on location and conditions. If there is one thing you need, especially if you only want to own one tent at first; is one that is lightweight yet sturdy, non-bulky yet roomy; and it would help if it didn't break the bank! Especially for outdoor enthusiasts just starting out.
The Mountain Hardwear Drifter 3 is all of that. Fitting two people with all packs and gear inside, maybe even a dog, this tent is the perfect size for an overnight or a few. While weighing in at 6 pounds packed weight, if you leave the rain fly (for warm, dry campsites), it becomes a breeze to carry. Packing neatly and easily into its travel sac, it makes it easy to throw in the car or strap to a pack. Durable, waterproof fabrics make it a worthwhile investment. And at half the price of the only slightly lighter superlight range of tents, it is quite a bargain too!
Re-wearable hiking shirt
Key to making camping enjoyable is to ensure you have JUST the right amount of stuff. Packing light avoids excess effort and sweat getting your gear to your site, whether it is carrying it up the mountain on your back, or loading from the car into your tent. However, forgetting a vital item of clothing is no fun either. Repeat wearing is the answer and we are totally sold on the benefits of merino wool.
Good for socks, shirts and other layers; Icebreaker won't retain odour and stays cool and lightweight no matter the weather as it wicks moisture away from you and dries super fast. We love the Icebreaker Tech T Lite - you can wear it on the hike in, allow it to air-dry overnight and have a brand new shirt for the next day's schedule!
Around camp shoes
Once you are set up at camp, there is nothing as pleasant as peeling off sweaty hiking boots and feeling the warm grass under your toes. Most of the time, walking around barefoot is not the best option - especially for those of us who love exploring, doing a spot of fishing or even a meandering walk out in the wilderness. Cue for comfortable, laze around camp shoes.
Any flip flops would really do the trick, they pack small and can even be strapped on the back of your pack if you are out of room. For their great arch support, casual feel and durable nature; we love the Chaco Z1 Unaweep Sandals. On very warm trips, you can even hike in these and they are great for stepping in and out of a lake or stream. Available for men and ladies, this basic version has no toe strap and is easy to customize for a perfect fit for your feet.
For more suggestions for your summer gear pile, or to tell us your favorites, stop by the Avon or Vail store this season!
Marina Egorov – The Bag and Pack Shop, Vail, Colorado
Continuing with our theme from last week's post, here are a few more bits and pieces that are vital to having a great summer. We think so anyway.
Lightweight camp cooking system
Most of use enjoy a mixture of car camping and backpacking adventures. Carrying your home on your back, versus piling it into your Subaru are vastly different and require different considerations in packing lists.
A simple camp stove system is a worthwhile piece of inventory for both. Whether it's simply boiling water for tea after your (car-supplied) grill out yields a delicious feast; or as a vital tool to cook backpacking meals on your 3 day 'pack ultralight' hike into the Rockies; having this item makes camping meals easy and fun.
The Jetboil Flash System is our go-to. Great for one or two people on its own, and giving you the option to add to your collection with its variety of accessories such as pans and jumbo cups; it comes in funky colours too. The fuel canisters are clean burning and come with a handy 'crunch tool' you can use to drain the gas remnants to make for easier recycling.
Down sweater
We return to our love affair with down. Packable, light and super warm, it's a great piece for sitting around the campfire as the temperatures cool off. Or even for heading out for the newspaper on chilly mountain mornings. Fitting easily into your pack and released in a variety of dreamy colours every season, the Patagonia Down Sweater has even been called the "uniform" of the mountains. You are almost obligated to have one.
Thin beanie
Hazy summer afternoons, tan lines and gorgeous sunsets; summers are what visions are made of. Who would think you need to keep your head WARM, right? Yet, chilly early morning hikes and crazy bed hair are a part of camping too. And, for that we recommend the Icebreaker Chase Beanie. Thin merino wool gives it a lightweight breathable property so it will keep you warm when it is just a little too breezy. Merino wool also doesn't retain odour, boding well for multi-day, multi-week or even multi-month trips.
We know we are definitely getting pumped for some summer trips right now - got to use all this new gear sometime! Next week's post will feature our final installment of summer gear essentials to dream about.
Marina Egorov – The Bag and Pack Shop, Vail, Colorado
We continue to get you ready for the upcoming summer season - though with this year's warm weather, many adventures have already been adventured we are sure! If you are considering spending time in the magical outdoors this summer, take a look at this personal inventory well worth investing in.
Paclite Rain Shell
Paclite Gore-Tex is the lightest and most pack-able form of this waterproof and breathable membrane,. Hence the name! Stuffing down into a little ball in the bottom of your pack, you won't even notice it, until you are caught in that sudden mountain rainstorm mid-trip that is. With a lifetime guarantee as well, it's well worth it.
We love the Arcteryx Beta SL with its redesigned slim fit and Storm collar, it is the perfect emergency waterproofing you need. Whether it is to keep hiking to the next camp spot, or just getting the dog walked; don't forget to have a reliable rain shell ready. Available in a variety of fun as well neutral colours for men and ladies, the Beta SL is a wonderful multi-use piece.
High-top waterproof hiking boots
Whether you choose Gore-Tex or some other form of waterproofing such as BDry, if you want to hike all season, you need to be prepared for muddy puddles, wet grass and the odd river crossing. Some may get aggravated by the high-top boot, but with the many options available today, from a 'lower' high-top to the full on mountain boot; it really is worth looking at for the added support. Any trip with more than a day's hiking is going to be hard on your ankles, and carrying a loaded pack can be tough on the joints. By no means a foolproof solution to a rolled ankle, high-top boots can definitely help.
One of our favorites for an any-hike boot is the Oboz Sawtooth Mid, in Mens and Ladies. Oboz is renowned for being a 'no break-in' shoe and the BDry keeps your feet, well, dry; while the ventilation on top of the shoe ensures your feet don't self-combust on those desert hikes.
Ultralight down sleeping bag
Down sleeping bags are great for their lightweight, packable warmth on the go. Down breathes really well too so if you invest in a bag for slightly cooler camp spots, you can usually use it for most all of your trips. As long as you are planning on sleeping under some sort of shelter (or somewhere cold, yet dry), down is the best option. Carrying it is easy and it doesn't take up a lot of room in your pack.
Go for the highest quality down in your budget, as it will cut down further on weight and packable size, ensuring you use it more. We love the Mont Bell Ultralight Down Hugger with 800 fill down. Cozy, comfy and light, this bag will be your best friend on many a camp trip in the mountains. Choose a bag based on the temperature you think you will need - ladies, we usually run cooler so add 10 degrees to be safe!
So that's the start of our dream gear wishlist. Next week, see what else we love, and want you to love too!
