I’m off to the USA for four weeks (FOUR!) at the end of August, and as it’s a holiday largely of the camping-hiking variety traversing a range of temperature variables, there’ve been a few bits I’ve needed to add to my stash of outdoorsy gear. International travel aside, they’ll all come in handy during the Aussie winter as well.
A rain coat | Waterproof, windproof, breathable, moderately stylish – these are things I require in a rain-resistant outer layer, and the Blocktech Coat from Uniqlo ticks all the boxes. I’ve gotten so much use out of this coat already, and as it’s super lightweight it’s a breeze to stash in my bag between downpours.
A campsite coffee maker | The Primula coffee filter gets some great chat in online camping gear comparisons, winning all the points for portability and ease of use. My initial trials suggest that the results are campsite-acceptable, and will do in a pinch until a good flat white can be procured.
A facial oil | “Skincare doesn’t take a break just because I do” says an annoying voice in the back of my head whenever I’m on vaycay, so my on-the-road routine needs to be simple-as. A good facial oil is a must and this one from The Ordinary will help keep things smooth and nourished.
A warm sleeping bag | It’s fair to say that when I realised my Aussie-climate-friendly sleeping bag wasn’t going to cut the mustard in the likes of Glacier National Park, an alarming quantity of hours were spent researching a robust alternative. This Kelty number is rated to a winning -7°C, and is pretty to boot.
A good book | Certain people (hi mum) have been strongly advising me to delve into Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander, and a trip abroad seems like an ideal time to start. Pretending I’m in Scotland where the books are set shouldn’t be too much of a stretch either, if photos of Wyoming’s green fields, snow-capped mountains, and pristine lakes are anything to go by.
Hazel 