We spend the Fourth of July Holiday tucked away in the Green Mountains, a place I reference often as it’s a landscape that unifies our family and recharges our minds and bodies. I find that I struggle to truly sink into relaxation in this season of life — reading a book feels like a major feat these days. However, being in the natural world, hiking, exploring, breathing in the mountain air, getting a little gritty while disconnecting from my inbox and overscheduled life, it is a feeling that brings me great comfort. Luckily, we’ve introduced our son to this way of life at an early age and he thrives in this environment, too. It makes my heart happy. Especially when the outside world feels so heavy, to be able to nourish ourselves in a pure landscape…it’s our comfort food.
In a way, I have a different identity when we are in Vermont. In the winter, I live in leggings and oversized sweaters. Casual city. In the summer, I’m usually outdoors, in hiking pants, a bandana and dry-wick top. I look like a glorified troop leader. With the summer season front and center, I thought I’d share some of my favorite go-tos for life spent questing for mountain time.
HIKING PANTS
The key is to wear pants in the summer given the bugs and ticks. These lightweight Patagonia pants are perfect.
BADGER BUGS
We are big on the natural projects and have troves of this natural bug spray at the ready. I do think the natural products make your hair and skin a bit more oily, so a proper bath is required post-endeavor!
TRAIL SHOES
I have traditional hiking boots and trail sneakers. I do like the ankle support the boots provide, however I recently switched things up with these Solomon Thundercross shoes and have been quite pleased. A good summer alternative when you don’t want to wear a clunky boot.
BANDANA
I have a large assortment of bandanas, from gas station finds, to Pucci prints, and more. A recent score from Nickey Kehoe has been a constant. Load them up with big spray before tying around your neck or in your pony tail.
BACKPACK
We are big fans of OSPREY products — from their baby packs to kids packs and adult packs. They do a great job of designing their products that adapt to the body form, be sure to invest in a pack that is for your respective gender. I fill mine with a banana and the essentials like keys and trail maps, but I’m mostly in it for the water supply.
MELAMINE PLATES
I scored these incredible faux-bois wood grain plates at a chic shop years ago. They are impossible to find online, however they have been so useful for outdoor picnics at home, at concerts in the mountains, and at campsites. I highly recommend having a stash!
