Freedom came with more decisions than I was used to making. Every day required dozens of small choices: routes, weather, how far was too far, when a short trip became too much.
One of the most indispensable items for spring tent camping is a rain fly. Your tent probably comes with one, but when that thing gets absolutely drenched, the water will soak through and drip from the ceiling. So, install this tarp above your tent and at an angle, so the rain rolls right off it.
Barefoot trails exist around the world, inviting people to get closer to nature through sounds and sensations. Feeling cool mud squish between toes, stepping on pine needles and exploring meditation caves transforms a routine walk into an immersive experience.
Whether you're planning a quick road trip to the nearest beach or a much-needed couple's getaway, spending a few days away calls for a sturdy, stylish, and functional travel bag. We often turn to our favourite weekenders to hold everything we need for short trips and overnight stays. The best weekender bags are roomy enough to carry your clothes, toiletries, and a pair of comfortable shoes or two
This eye mask does a fairly good job of doing so, thanks to the thick, dark fabric and the large fit, which covers a good amount of surface area past your eyes. I also appreciate that you can tuck the eye mask back into the hood when not in use, so it looks like a regular hoodie while walking to and from the hotel.
Over the years, I've discovered several tricks to strategically pack for cold temperatures while still feeling like you have enough to wear. One of the most straightforward tips is to find pieces that do double-duty. A reversible winter coat, for example, is the type of item that provides two distinct looks throughout your travels-plus, you can wear it while in transit, and it won't take up any precious suitcase real estate.
My first pair of Hunter rain boots actually came from my grandmother, who has an incredibly sharp eye for great shoes (and zero patience for flimsy ones). When I was a teenager, she bought me a pair of tall Hunters in a glossy light silver. They were practical, of course, but also strangely cool-metallic enough to feel a little dramatic, subtle enough to still work with everything in my wardrobe.
My favorite styles take me from day to night, whether I'm layering them with a cropped cardigan and sneakers for a laid-back look or elevating them with vintage jewelry and heels for an evening-ready vibe. Right now, I'm eyeing a handful of affordable styles on Amazon that are perfect for everyday wear, weekend getaways, destination weddings, and everything in between.
The best hiking pants earn their place in our packing list the hard way-through scree scrambles, sweaty switchbacks, and the kind of bushwhacking that tests each and every seam. We've worn them on short hikes and multi-day backpacking trips, in hot and cold weather, through light rain and high-alpine winds.