Dream summer gear essentials - Part 3

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!

Dream summer gear essentials - Part 2

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. 

Dream summer gear essentials - Part 1

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!

Medical kit - a vital part of any summer adventure

Marina Egorov – The Bag and Pack Shop, Vail, Colorado


As we get ready for the summer adventures in the months ahead, make sure to remember to cover all bases. Most of us are pretty clued up on the gear we love in the backcountry for all our fun pursuits, be it a comfortable pack, sturdy pair of hike boots, reliable carabiners or a versatile long sleeve layer. One thing often overlooked is a good assortment of emergency medical supplies. From a simple band aid to the highly undesirable splint, a few things can allow you to rest easy if anything does go wrong. No excuse for being careless and taking risks, these medical kits do offer a variety of emergency solutions to get you back home in one piece. 

Helenbac Expedition First Aid Kits

Coming in three sizes - Explorer, Camp Daddy and Base Camp, these kits can be thrown into your pack or car and forgotten about. Until you or your friends/family need them, of course!


If you (or your wallet) would prefer to come up with your own emergency kit; by all means, just make sure to include these basic items we think are vital. 

Band aids - who hasn't gotten a scraped knee or sliced open finger while camping?


Ibuprofen -  for inflammation and severe headaches


Antiseptic ointment - keeping minor cuts clean ensures they heal quickly and painlessly


Bandage - With larger scrapes, the possibilities are vast


Temporary splint eg. Sam Splint - from rolled ankles to an emergency cervical collar for neck injuries, this small moldable item can be used in a variety of situations


Burn cream - anyone who has ever picked up a still-hot grill or stove pan can attest to this one!


There are many other items you can include in your kit, depending on how much you are willing to carry/pack. With car camping, there really is no excuse to not have many First Aid essentials with you, especially if you are going to be away from nearby towns/stores. 


Whether it is a ready-packed kit you want, or ideas for what to include in your own, or even more things you think we forgot - let us know!

Where are you going this spring?

Marina Egorov – The Bag and Pack Shop, Vail, Colorado


Big Bend National Park, Texas


According to Outdoor Magazine, this is the perfect trip for rafting enthusiasts who don't like the cold. Warm Texas weather, spring wildflowers and the high limestone walls of Santa Elena Canyon make this a great option for a short spring getaway.

Rafting the Rio Grande

The majestic Big Bend National Park, Texas

Rock and Roll Marathon, Portland, Oregon


This series of races is known for lining the routes of the half and full marathon options with local bands, cheering fans and themed water stations. 20 May 2012 sees Portland hosting its first race, a half marathon along 13.1 miles of its most scenic landscapes. A reason to visit this fun city, more info on this event can be found here. Register today and brush up on some long distance!


Mountain bike the White Rim Trail, Utah


A 100 mile epic trail looping around the Island in the Sky mesa in the Canyonlands National Park, this 3 to 4 day adventure is slightly less crowded than closer Moab's mountain bike paradise. A challenging ride, this trip recommends a full suspension bike and a high clearance support vehicle. Campsites need to be booked in advance and a $30 backcountry permit will be needed. You can also join an organized tour with Holiday River Expeditions who will provide all your food and crew for you, leaving you free to enjoy the majestic views, worry-free.

White Rim trail mountain bike tour

A support vehicle is needed to carry food, water and tent supplies

What adventures do you have planned this spring? Make us jealous!

Looking forward to off season?

Marina Egorov – The Bag and Pack Shop, Vail, Colorado


For those excitedly planning their mud season activities, we salute you! What a great time to take a trip. We sure are spoiled, to have only a few weeks in each year where we would consider leaving this beautiful valley in the Colorado mountains. Sandwiched between a sunny spring ski season and a gorgeous green summer, May is perfect to recruit some friends, grab the dog or even take a solo adventure. Whether you are planning a mammoth overseas trip or a short weekend getaway; there is some travel gear we could never do without...

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel

The 3 varying sizes allow you to choose the perfect one for your trip. We love these bags from Patagonia for their bright eye-catching tones (though black is available too!) and easy packability. A traditional duffel but with tough backpack straps so you can carry it if needed; plus tons of strap attachments on the exterior for hardcore adventurers with equipment to handle. This tough and durable bag will see you through many a day - made of waterproof fabric, but not seam taped; it will keep your stuff dry in most conditions.

Eagle Creek Packing Solutions

Ever feel reluctant to sign onto a trip, because you "you just don't feel like packing"? We sure hope not! But, these ingenious inventions from Eagle Creek will make that possibility zero. Varying in size and type, these bags will let you compartmentalize your bag, pack hang-only items and live out of your bag with some semblance of organization.

Millet Tshoki Jacket

Travel is always full of unpredicable weather situations.  A thin jacket to cut the wind and keep off the chill should be in every traveler's repertoire. This one from Millet is highly breathable yet water resistant and is a great one to throw in your bag.

Arcteryx Rampart Pants

The ideal long bottom layer, whether you are hiking in the Amazon or city-slicking in San Francisco; these pants from Arcteryx are lightweight and oh so comfortable. Get them in a shorts option too, but we just love the long ones to throw on in the evening, once the sun goes down. Available in mens and ladies.

Icebreaker Long Sleeve Tech Scoop

We just cannot mention enough how much we love Icebreaker clothing, it is unbeatable both for travel and sport. Lightweight and breathable, it wicks moisture away and remains odour free for days on end - perfect for a vacation away from home where packing room is limited. This long sleeve piece of 150-weight is great to throw in your bag year round. And it comes in funky colours too.

We wish you well on whatever adventures you have planned this off season and hope you stop by to share your exciting travel plans.

Shorter winter, just means a longer summer!

Marina Egorov – The Bag and Pack Shop, Vail, Colorado


Those complaining about the awful snow this year can rest easy. Plenty still to do in the mountains. The past few weeks have seen more and more people biking; and with both the Vail Pass bike path and the stretch through the golf course open, the choices are expanding.


Most hiking trails will be closed at some stage for maintenance during the spring runoff season, so obey any posted closure dates. However, with the early melt, there are a few ready now and you can catch them in the window before maintenance starts; if you don't mind a little mud of course!


Gore Creek Trail is pretty dry, we ran about 30min up and not a lick of snow on the trail itself. 

The loop through the campground is all done for the year, melted snow means no way to get over the creek and wandering around near there is no fun - learn from our mistake and stick to the trail!














Another great one is the Booth Creek Trail - we got all the way up to the falls and you could keep going. Most of the trail is dry and clear, with a few muddy parts.

Parts of the trail are completely snow covered so watch your step. Though more-or-less packed down, a pair of Kahtoola Microspikes wouldn't hurt.

Further down valley in Eagle, there are tons more trail choices; and with the warmer weather down valley, they may be even more clear. Check out Trails.com recommendations here.


Welcome to spring everyone. Feel free to stop by in our Vail or Avon locations for suggestions, trail updates and footwear/gear advice. Happy hiking!