Apparel
- Outstanding Fly Fishing and Backpacking Gifts
Top 25 Gifts for Black Friday and the Holiday Season
The holiday season is upon us! As I write this, Black Friday is only two weeks a way, and Christmas is only 40 days away. What follows is a list of my favorite backpacking and fly fishing gear that I highly recommend. Each of these would make wonderful gifts for your friends or family members that actively enjoy the outdoors. I’ve included the list price of each item, as well as a link to where they can be purchased. Make sure to read all the way to the end where you’ll find a bonus gift idea, a once-in-a-lifetime type of a gift.. Shopping this year doesn’t get any easier than this!
#1 – Best Value
Katadyn BeFree Water Filter (1.0 L, 2.3 oz)
List Price: $47.95, but often sold at a discounted price
I never go fishing without my Katadyn water filter/bottle. In the past, I used to always carry a heavy bottle of water with me while out on the water. Now, I instead carry my lightweight Katadyn in a little pouch on my Fishpond hip pack. It’s collapsible, so it can be rolled-up and stored in a very small space. When I’m thirsty I simply take it out, scoop-up water from the river or lake I’m fishing in, and drink-up as much water as I’d like. When I’m done I dump the remaining water and return the bottle to its pouch. In case you’re interested, I bought a Gossamer Gear Hipbelt Pocket and attached it to my Fishpond hip pack. The Katadyn water bottle fits perfectly in it when rolled-up.
#2 – Essential Apparel
Outdoor Vitals Ventus Active Hoodie
List Price: $189, 10% off for members, periodically will go on sale
Not only do I always take this on my backpacking and fishing trips, but I find myself constantly wearing it during my everyday life. It only weighs 7oz and yet it is very warm. That’s what makes it unique, it’s weight to warmth ratio. It’s also what makes it a perfect item for backpacking where every ounce matters. The Ventus Active Hoodie is often all I need to stay warm and I usually wear it as an outer layer. When temperatures drop significantly it is a very effective mid-layer, with either a rain jacket or an even warmer jacket on top. It’s water and wind resistant, but it’s NOT completely waterproof. The Ventus Active Hoodie is incredibly comfortable because it is so light. I’ve bought 2 of them. If you’d like the same jacket, but with hand pockets and a full-length zipper, try the Outdoor Vitals Vario Jacket. I have one of those jackets as well!
#3 – More Essential Apparel
Outdoor Vitals Tushar Rain Jacket
List Price: $219, 10% off for members, periodically will go on sale
I’ve owned a lot of rain jackets through the years. Most of them begin failing after only a year or two. I’ve had my Outdoor Vitals Tushar Rain Jacket for three years now and it still keeps me perfectly dry. As a fisherman, one thing I appreciate about the jacket is that it doesn’t restrict my movements. I can cast a rod all day and it doesn’t bind. It also serves as my rain jacket when I go golfing. I’m able to take full golf swings without a problem. I often wear this as a shell over my Ventus Active Hoodie, a wonderful combination to stay warm and dry when the weather turns bad.
#4 – Useful Backpacking Accessory
Flextail Tiny Pump X (1.7 oz) – Rechargeable Air Pump
List Price: $22
The Tiny Pump X is a great backpacking gadget. It weighs very little, but it sure comes in handy on backpacking trips. After a long and tiring hike, it’s nice to have a pump to inflate my air mattress instead of having to blow it up on my own. The Tiny Pump also has a built in light that shines out of the bottom. I hang mine from a loop on the inside/top of my tent at night, allowing me to play cards or read before going to sleep. A fun, inexpensive, little gadget that makes for a perfect stocking-stuffer.
#5 – Moderately Priced Fly Rod
Fenwick Aetos – 9ft 5wt fly rod (Old Model)
Fenwick Aetos – 9ft 5wt fly rod (New Model)
List Price: $269
There have been two fly rods brands that I’ve used consistently for many years now. I have several Hardy rods that Hardy doesn’t make anymore. I’d recommend them, but as I said, they’re no longer available. The other rod I own, and use frequently, is my Fenwick Aetos. It is a wonderful rod for the price, and a rod I’m very comfortable recommending. The first link above is to their “old model”, which is what I own, and is difficult to find. The second link is for their new model. I always recommend going into a shop to actually cast fly rods before buying them. After all, there are so many choices. However, if you’d like to give a rod as a gift without casting it first, you can be comfortable knowing this is an excellent rod, especially for the price.
#6 – To Help Keep You Warm
Sea to Summit Thermolite Reactor sleeping bag liner – (9.2 oz)
List Price: $74
For many years I didn’t know these even existed. When I first became aware of them I thought the concept of a sleeping bag liner made so much sense! They add extra warmth to a sleeping bag or quilt, which I appreciate because I’m a cold sleeper. They also can be washed, something that can keep your sleeping bag or quilt from smelling bad after a few multi-day backcountry trips. These Sea to Summit sleeping bag liners are not restrictive, they stretch very well when moving inside of them. That makes them perfect to pair with a quilt, which a lot of backpackers have turned to because they don’t want their movement restricted at night. I have found the combination of a sleeping bag liner and a backpack quilt to be far more comfortable than the old mummy bags I grew-up sleeping in.
#7 – My All-Time Favorite Reel
Hardy Narrow Spool Perfect fly reel
List Price: $895
I’ve had my Hardy Narrow Spool Perfect reel for 6 or 7 years now, and I still feel a thrill every time I put it on my rod to begin a day of fly fishing. It’s a work of art, but highly functional as well. This reel is so smooth when the line is reeled-in. “Smooth like butter”, as a friend of mine likes to say. The Narrow Spool Perfect is an expensive reel, probably not for a beginner. Also, it’s a click & pawl reel. I prefer them when fishing for trout, but they are a little different than most fly reels. Click & Pawl essentially means there is no drag. I wrote a complete detailed review of this reel last year – to read more click here. This is a great gift idea for someone who has been fly fishing a long time and who appreciates the nostalgic, artistic, aspects of fly fishing. Of course, it has to fit your budget too. It’s more of a special, once-in-a-lifetime type gift. Like I said though, my all-time favorite reel. It’s not even close.
#8 – Chair for Comfort
Big Agnes Mica Basin backpacking chair (2.6 lbs)
List Price: $147
One of the reasons I’ve tried to take advantage of the ultralight trend in backpacking is so that I can pack in a few “extras” and still meet my pack-weight goals. My pack will never be as light as a lot of the through-hikers who go 20+ miles per day, especially with all the fishing gear I pack in. I choose to save weight in other areas so that I can bring this chair in with me. It’s certainly not heavy, but there are chairs that weigh half as much. The difference is, I don’t think they’re nearly as comfortable as the Mica Basin. Part of the problem is that I’m over 6’2″, and the really light camp chairs don’t fit me quite right. The posts on the side dig into my sides a little bit. Not so with the Mica Basin. It’s a big enough backpack chair to fit someone my size comfortably, yet still not weighing too much to pack-in. I’m a big fan of this chair. At the end of a 10-mile hike into an alpine lake, and after setting-up my tent, it’s wonderful to be able to relax in such a comfortable chair.
#9 – Inexpensive Gift Idea
List Price: $2-$4 per fly, or $17 for a variety box, $17 for a leader 3-pack
I love flies. When my kids were growing-up and they asked me what I wanted for Christmas, I told them they didn’t need to spend a lot. Pick out a few flies, and that would be as good a gift as anything. Sure enough, with all kinds of gifts at my feet, it was the flies that I would sit and look at through the afternoon, appreciating that each one was tied by hand. If you have a fly angler that you’re looking to give a gift to, consider a box of flies and/or a few leader packs. The link above is to Discount Flies. I have no affiliation with them, but it’s who I buy my flies from when I don’t have enough time to tie my own. For a discount fly company, I have found that they sell quality flies. Visiting a local fly shop is also a good idea. They’d be happy to fill a box up with flies for you!
#10 – The Top of My Wish List
Outdoor Vitals Pursuit Hybrid Fleece
List Price: $140, 10% off for members, periodically will go on sale
This is the one of only two items on this list that I don’t actually have myself (the fly tying kit is the other). So to be clear, I’ve never worn this fleece jacket. The reason I list it here is because it’s at the very top of my wish list for the holidays. This is a new item being offered by Outdoor Vitals and I can tell they put a lot of thought into its design. I’ve bought so much clothing from Outdoor Vitals over the past few years. I’m confident this will be another great product. All their apparel is lightweight, comfortable, and functions as designed.
#11 – One of My Favorites!
Enlightened Equipment Torrid Booties
List Price: $56
I can’t even put into words how good it feels to slip my feet into these at night in my tent on our backpacking trips. Certainly not a necessity….these can’t be worn outside the tent unless you wear something to protect the bottom of them. They don’t weigh a lot though, only 1.7 oz., so they’re easy to bring along. They will keep your feet warm at night without them overheating. Truly one of my favorite items I take backpacking!
#12 – Solid, Comfortable, Wading Boots
Skwala Carbon Wading Boots
List Price: $289
While we’re on the subject of boots….This summer I was looking for a quality pair of wading boots for my trip to Iceland. Iceland is primarily a walk and wade fishery, and I needed boots with soles like hiking boots that would protect my feet over many miles of hiking along its rivers. These boots were incredible. They functioned much better than any I’ve ever owned in the past. They are solid, comfortable, and protect my feet. They aren’t cheap, but they will last a long time. I definitely recommend them. These are the first wading boots I’ve had without felt soles. I haven’t had any issues slipping while wading yet, but its something I’m going to be careful of in the future.
#13 – Great Backpacking Food
Peak Refuel Outdoor Meal Box
List Price: $99
Peak Refuel is my favorite brand of backpacking food, but there are many choices. Backpacking food can be an expensive, which makes this a perfect gift for you to give to a friend or family member who likes to go backpacking. Give them one meal, or several, whatever fits your budget. The link above is for a box with 14 total servings, including Chicken Alfredo – my favorite. Backpack meals can be purchased at any outdoor store and are usually offered in single units. Giving even just one or two will make a great gift!
#14 – Remote Wilderness Fly Fishing Book
Spot Pack Fly Fishing by PJ Emerson
List Price: $23
Spot Pack Fly Fishing is a 4-part book discussing how to access outstanding fly fishing destinations deep in the backcountry on horseback. It’s about the adventure of riding horses, basic strategies on catching fish in the backcountry, the necessary backpacking equipment to bring along, and a timeline of preparation for the trip. Spot Pack Fly Fishing is a wonderful gift idea for any family member or friend that loves fly fishing and backcountry adventures. It is packed full of beautiful photography that is sure to generate excitement for their next fishing adventure.
#15 – Quality Waders, Reasonable Price
Briver Max Comfort Waders
List Price: $159
You don’t have to spend $500-$800 for a quality, reliable, pair of waders. I’ve worn these waders this past summer and was very happy with them. They are comfortable, durable, and keep me dry. That’s what matters to me. I wore them while crashing through beaver ponds in the Colorado high country, crossing the highlands in Iceland in search of large browns, and float-tubing on lakes while trolling for trout. Briver waders are a great value for those who want quality waders without having to spend too much. I wrote a complete review of the Briver Max Comfort Waders, which can be found by clicking here.
#16 – High Quality Hip/Waist Pack
Fishpond Switchback 2.0
List Price: $119
I used to always wear a vest while fly fishing. It was loaded with fly boxes and other items that would give me a sore back by the end of the day. I started looking for a pack system instead, but never could find one I liked. They were either on my chest, or my front hip, and were always getting in the way. Then I discovered the Fishpond’s Switchback 2.0. The pack slides back and forth on a track system. When I need something, it’s right there on my front hip. After I’m done with it, I push it out of the way behind me. The net holder works great too. I still use a vest when I’m on trips where I need to carry a jacket, lunch, and other gear. For simple day trips – you just can’t beat the Switchback system. They also offer a “Pro System” that holds more, but I prefer the smaller version. After all, the reason I’m wearing it is to be more light and nimble, and not feel like I’m hauling too much around. Also pictured, is my Outdoor Vitals Ventus Active Hoodie….I told you I wear it all the time!
#17 – Long & Wide Sleeping Pad
Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated 25 x 78 (25 oz, 4.8 R Value)
List Price: $179
Big Agnes is one of my favorite manufacturers of backpacking equipment. I have found that you can count on the quality of their products. The Rapide SL pad is a high quality, comfortable, quilted, insulated pad that is perfect for backpacking. Some pads may weigh slightly less, or cost less, but I don’t believe in compromising a good night’s sleep just to save a few dollars. Good rest is important in the backcountry. For that reason, I’ve also made the choice to use long and wide sleeping pads. I’m 6’3″, so I need a pad that I’m not falling off of at night. The Rapide SL is my favorite pad that I’ve ever owned. I did have a leak once, near the valve, and Big Agnes replace the pad with a brand new one. You can count on excellent customer service from them.
#18 – An Ultralight Tent Made for Stargazing
Six Moon Designs Skyscape Trekker hybrid double wall tent (28 oz, 103” long interior)
List Price: $285, but periodically will go on sale
The Skyscape Trekker is a one-person ultralight trekking pole tent that is perfect for tall individuals. A lot of ultralight trekking pole tents are single walled, so condensation can be a problem. That’s not the case with the Skyscape because it’s double-walled. The sides of the Skyscape Trekker can be rolled-back providing a full view of the night sky. If you like looking at stars at night, this is a wonderful tent. I wrote a complete review of the Skyscape Trekker, which can be found by clicking here.
#19 – Stability While Hiking
Leki ultralight soft antishock (9.1 oz)
List Price: $103
I can’t imagine going backpacking without my trekking poles. First of all, my tents are trekking pole tents, so I need them for that purpose alone. More than that, they provide stability while hiking with a heavy pack on. At least once a trip I’ll step on the edge of a rock and feel my ankle beginning to turn. My trekking poles save the day because they stabilize me in those situations and keep me spraining my ankle. They also take a lot of the load off my knees, especially with the added weigh of a pack. Trekking poles are a great gift idea for a family member or friend that enjoys backpacking but doesn’t own a pair yet.
#20 – Create Your Own Flies
Orvis Premium Fly Tying Kit or Kingfisher Fly Tying Kit
List Price: $200 (Orvis) or $99 (Kingfisher)
There is great satisfaction in catching a fish that you have personally tied. If you have a friend or family member that also enjoys crafts, consider giving them a fly tying kit this holiday season. It takes practice to begin making quality flies, but it is a lot of fun. The Orvis link above includes materials as well as the vice and tools. The Kingfisher is just the vice and tools, so the fly tying materials are not included. I have not used either of these kits – the one I have my parents bought me when I was about 10 years old. I recommend stopping by your local fly shop or sporting goods store to ask more about this. Many fly shops offer fly tying classes that would be very helpful in getting started. They can also give advice regarding what kit and what materials to buy.
#21 – For Cold-Weather Backpacking
CamelBak Crux Insulated Tube
List Price: $16
While compiling this list I asked my son, who is also an outdoorsman, if he had any gift idea suggestions. He recommended an insulated water bladder tube. The water in a water bladder stays unfrozen while winter hiking because it’s in the hiker’s pack and is close to the hiker’s body. However, the water in the bladder tube outside the pack will often freeze, clogging the tube so that water can’t pass through it. This insulated tube will keep the water in the tube from freezing. A simple, inexpensive gift idea!
#22 – Effortless Water Filter System
Katadyn BeFree Gravity Water Filter (6.0 L, 8.9 oz)
List Price: $115
The number #1 item on this list was a Katadyn water filter bottle to carry while fishing. This water filtration system is for camp. For those of you who are older, you’ll remember the days of having to walk down to the water source and use a pump-water filter system. Pumping water through a filter was a lot of work. It was slow, and not particularly a lot of fun after a long day hiking. The Katadyn system is much easier. Backpackers simply walk to the water source, scoop water into the bag, then take it back to camp and hang it from a tree limb. Gravity does the rest. As the water passes from the bag to the tube, it goes through a filter that removes 99.9% of the bad things that can contaminate water.
#23 – A VERY Bright light
Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp (2.8 oz)
List Price: $54
When I look for headlamps, I look for ones with a high number of lumens of brightness. That’s because if I’m going to wear a headlamp I want it to be really bright, not dim. This Black Diamond headlamp had 400 lumens. It’s bright. I’ve used this now for about 4 years and have been very satisfied with it. Headlamps are great because they leave the user’s hands free for whatever may be necessary. A nice, moderately priced, gift.
#24 – One Stop-Shop Fly Fishing Equipment
Redington Rod and Reel Combo Kit
List Price: $269
This is a great gift for a friend or family member that wants to learn how to fly fish but doesn’t have any of the equipment. It includes a rod, reel, and fly line – the essential components necessary to get started fly fishing. I don’t have a Redington fly rod, but my son does, and it’s his favorite. There are other very trustworthy brands that also offer rod/reel/line combo kits such as TFO, Orvis, Cortland, and Echo. Some are more expensive than others, which is based on the quality of the rod and reel that are included. Check-in with your local fly shop or sporting goods store to ask for advice if you’re not sure which combo kit to purchase. Redington is quality brand you can trust.
#25 – Camp Meals in a Flash!
Jetboil Flash 1.0 Liter fast boil stove
List Price: $145, but more typically sold for around $110
I’ve been using my Jetboil for almost 20 years. They boil water in minutes, perfect for quickly preparing dehydrated meals, oatmeal, or soup. It has a convenient self-ignite button which makes starting the Jetboil easy. There are stoves available that weigh less, but it is difficult to beat the convenience of a Jetboil. I use mine every time I go backpacking.
BONUS GIFT IDEA – Trip of a Lifetime!
List Price: Varies depending on if fully guided or a spot pack trip. My book Spot Pack Fly Fishing goes into great detail how to price-out such a trip.
This is a very big gift, but also a very creative one to give to a family member who loves the backcountry and who loves to fish. It’s not an every-year type of a gift, rather it’s a special one that they’ll always remember. My buddies and I have hired many different outfitters through the years, and Diamond 4 is my favorite. Diamond 4 is a family business who has been guiding in the Wind River Range for many years now. They know exactly what they’re doing, and they are absolutely wonderful people. They offer all kinds of trips, including spot pack trips a and fully guided trips. I highly recommend them! They offer cabins to stay in the night before heading into the backcountry, and will even provide a nice hot breakfast the morning you leave. The region they take trips into has spectacular scenery and incredible fishing. They are the best!
*** This post does contain affiliate links. This means that I may make a small commission if you purchase a product using those links. This in no way affects my opinion of those products and services. There are also products listed here for which I won’t make any commission. These gift ideas are products I use and recommend, regardless of whether I receive a commission or not.
- Spot Pack Flyfishing
SPOT PACK FLY FISHING: RIDING HORSES
An excerpt from the book Spot Pack Fly fishing
Horses add a whole new dimension to the backcountry experience making it feel like a true adventure. Riding allows you to look around and soak in the beauty on your way to your destination while the horse does all the work.
Imagine yourself putting one foot into a stirrup, pushing on that leg while swinging your other over the back of a horse. Your horse starts to shift around while you settle in and try to get comfortable. The wrangler is the real deal, with a cowboy hat, flannel shirt, blue jeans, chaps, boots, and perhaps even a revolver. He or she is helping you, making sure the horse you’re riding for the next four or five hours will be a good match for you. The wrangler will make sure your stirrups are set at the correct length and the cinch is tightened properly. Next, he or she will show you how to hold the reigns and to direct the horse if you’re not familiar with riding. As your horse continues to shift around and chew on its bit, you realize you’re now sitting on a living, breathing, animal that’s about to carry you deep into the wilderness. Now that you’re on your horse, you watch as all the other members of your party get onto theirs. You’re all in this together and you realize this is something special. There is a sense of thrill and anticipation of what will follow and the country you’re about to see.
The wrangler leads off, followed by a couple of packhorses trailing on a lead rope. Finally, it’s your close friends, or perhaps your father, son, or daughter, trailing behind in single file. The wrangler leads the group through a shallow stream, then begins to switchback up a mountain on the other side. You begin to thank the Good Lord that you have a horse carrying you up the trail instead of trudging up the mountain yourself. The trail is like this for quite a while as you gain about 2,500 feet in elevation. Finally, you break out of the trees as you ascend above timberline. The scene is classic, like something out of Hollywood western, as you see the wrangler leading the group in single file over the tundra with a backdrop of vertical mountains pocketed with glaciers. It’s an image you’ll never forget. You may even begin to daydream a little, having fun imagining that you’re Clint Eastwood, wearing a poncho, squinting, with a cigar in your mouth, as you take in the classic western scene. Those of you over the age of forty know what I’m talking about.
All right, back to reality. The horses are breathing heavily, so the wrangler advises the group to hop down and walk for a few minutes. This gives the members of your party the chance to stretch their legs, which will help to not be too sore later. The horses also have a chance to catch their breath from the climb. The top of the pass is near, and you can feel the wind picking up as you get closer and closer to the top. Once there, your group comes to a halt, and you stop for a photo. In the distance, on the other side of the pass, you can see a valley still five or six miles away holding a string of glacier-fed lakes. You realize that’s your destination, the goal of all your planning. The excitement is building, but it’s a time to be quiet and to take in the scenery. It’s humbling as you realize how small you actually are in comparison to the vast wilderness that is spread out before you.
After a quick lunch you and your group hop back on the horses and begin your descent down the other side of the pass. The trail gets steep as you re-enter the trees and the wrangler tells the group to lean back and stand up in the stirrups. Meanwhile, you’re thinking to yourself that in five days you’ll be hiking up and over this on your way out. Maybe even questioning if you made the right choice to hike out on your own rather than having the outfitter pack you out. The group will be able to do it though, after the hard work and training that they put in over the last six months. It will be a great challenge and a physical test.
After another hour you enter the drainage where you’ll be camping and fishing for the next four days. The stream emptying the higher alpine lakes is now running alongside the trail and you begin to scout it. Now the excitement really begins to build as you see pocket after pocket, run after run, that you know will hold fish. This deep into the backcountry fish are, in general, everywhere they’re supposed to be. One last climb and you top out into a basin with the lake you’ll be camping on. As it comes into view, you’re tired from the ride but ready to walk and stretch your legs. You’re also overflowing with excitement because you’ve finally arrived. You realize with clarity that the horses were worth it because you’re physically still fresh. A little sore, but not ready to drop like you would have been if you hiked up and over the pass carrying your own pack. You’re ready to get your fly rod out and fish!
The wrangler begins to take your gear off the packhorses and your group begins to scout for where to set up tents. After firmly shaking the wrangler’s hand you nonchalantly give the wrangler his tip, and part ways with a friendly wave. The riding part of the trip is now complete.
Spot Pack Fly Fishing is made up of four parts, its Table of Contents listed below:
Part I
Adventure Awaits in the Backcountry
Chapter 1: What is Spot Pack Fly Fishing
Chapter 2: The Appeal
Chapter 3: Riding Horses
Chapter 4: Outfitters and Cost
Chapter 5: Wilderness Adventure and Risks
Part II
Fly Fishing the Remote Backcountry
Chapter 6: Go Far Away
Chapter 7: Multiple Options
Chapter 8: Fly Fishing Equipment List
Chapter 9: Fly Fishing High Mountain Lakes
Chapter 10: High Mountain Lake Techniques and Strategies
Chapter 11: Fly Fishing Headwater Streams
Chapter 12: Recommended Fly Patterns
Part III
Strategically Ultralight Backpacking
Chapter 13: Strategically Ultralight
Chapter 14: Backpack Equipment List
Chapter 15: Food Ideas and Recommendations
Chapter 16: Backcountry Safety
Chapter 17: Etiquette and Leave No Trace
Part IV
Step-by-Step Timeline of Preparation
Chapter 18: 9-12 Months Out
Chapter 19: 6-9 Months Out
Chapter 20: 1 Month Out
Chapter 21: 1-2 Weeks Out
Chapter 22: 1-2 Days Out
- Backpacking Apparel Checklist
Comfortable, Functional, Dependable, Ultralight!
Those are the four traits I’m looking for when deciding what apparel to take with me on a backpack fly fishing trip. Shoes need to protect your feet while remaining comfortable. Rain apparel needs to actually keep the rain out, while still being able to breath. Jackets and pullovers need to retain body heat in cold weather. Short sleeve T’s and long sleeve sun shirts need to breath so you remain cool, yet still protect from the sun’s harmful rays. All while being ultralight.
Strategic planning of backpacking apparel is important to reach your pack weight goals. One of the best ways to lighten the weight of a pack is to take less clothing. Most first-time backpackers take more than they actually need. Take layers of non-cotton clothing, items that can be worn one on top of another. If cold, add layers. If warm, take layers off. Always keep one set of clothing dry. It’s important in the event you get soaked, and the temperature outside begins to drop. Choose clothing that is odor and moisture resistant, like merino wool, so that you don’t need multiple outfits of clothing. Wearing the same shirt and pants each day will save weight.
Below is my backpacking apparel checklist, including the manufacturer of each item. Look for future posts reviewing each of these specific items. There are a lot of ultralight options in jackets and clothing that are available. As you will see, I am a big fan of Outdoor Vitals apparel. I have found it to be very well designed and not overpriced. It is lightweight and functional, doing exactly what it is designed to do. If you decide to purchase something from Outdoor Vitals, I recommend becoming a member to receive the member discount and free shipping. I am an ambassador for Outdoor Vitals, though each one of these items I purchased prior to becoming one – because I am such a believer in the quality of their line.
Trail Running Shoes (Most trips, except extremely rocky terrain) – Solomon Super Cross trail running shoes
Hiking Boots (For high alpine, extremely rocky terrain) – Solomon X Ultra 4 Mid GORE-Tex
Quick Dry Pants with Zipper for Shorts – REI Sahara Convertible Pants (pictured above)
UL Rain Pants – Marmot PreCip Eco Pant
Hiking Shorts – Outdoor Vitals Skyline Trail Shorts (Option to only bring the REI pants/shorts saves the weight of bringing a separate pair of shorts)
Ultralight (UL) Merino Wool Short Sleeve Shirt (2) – Outdoor Vitals Marino Wool Tee (pictured above)
UL Long Sleeve Sun – Outdoor Vitals Tern UL Marino Wool Hoodie or Outdoor Vitals Altitude Sun Hoodie
UL Prima Loft Pullover, Jacket, or Hybrid Fleece – Outdoor Vitals Ventus Active Hoodie, Vario Jacket, or the new Hybrid Fleece
UL Jacket (colder trips / shoulder season only) – Outdoor Vitals Novaul Mens Jacket
UL Rain Jacket – Outdoor Vitals Tushar Rain Jacket
UL Gloves – Smartwool Marino Sport Fleece Wind Mittens/Gloves
Three Pairs Wool Socks – Darn Tough ¼ Lightweight Hiking Sock
Base Layer Top – Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Crew Base Layer
Base Layer Bottom – Outdoor Vitals Highline Thermal Leggings
UL Booties – Enlightened Equipment Torrid Booties
UL Balaclava hood – Outdoor Vitals Lofttek Hybrid Balaclava/Hood
Two Underwear – Personal preference