“Live everyday as if it were spring”.
Spring is officially here! The weather is getting warmer, the days are longer, the snow is melting and it's (almost) time to trade in my skis for hiking boots, mountain bikes and paddle boards. Although this winter was not big by any means and I am a bit nervous for fire season, I always welcome the change of seasons, especially when it means sunshine, warmth and more daylight.
I sometimes do an end-of-the year gear guide round up (see below for links to these posts) where I talk about all my favorite finds of the year. Since I am excited about spring, I decided to add a spring gear guide this year since I found some great essential and luxury items.
Kari Traa base layers
Kari Traa is a famous freestyle skier and the creator of an amazing winter clothing line designed just for women of all shapes and sizes. I discovered her base layers a few years ago and can never get over how cute they are, how well they are made and their comfort and warmth. I splurged this year and bought my second set of base layers from her line and could not be happier. She also makes outerwear and has a spring and summer line of outdoor clothing. I usually shop her line at REI as many of her older styles are steeply discounted, and I am always one to buy things on sale. If you are a female and love the outdoors, I highly recommend you check out her stuff, you won’t regret it and you can thank me later =)
Massage gun
These have been pretty hot on the marketing train for a while and to be honest, it's one of those things that you never really think you need until you have one. This massage gun from iLive has been a saving grace for my lower body and back after long days and big miles outdoors. I try to use it for ten minutes each day to help relieve sore muscles, especially after skiing.
Mountain Hardwear ski bib
Ski gear is ridiculously expensive and I refuse to pay full price for any of it, which often means it takes me a long time to acquire anything half decent. I have been wanting a bib for the longest time but they are spendy. A fantastic gal in the ski community gifted me a brand new Mountain Hardwear bib for the price of shipping and my life has been changed for the better. I no longer wear my ski pants because the bib is just way more comfortable. Is this worth the full price? YES. Would I wait until it goes on sale to buy one? YES.
Kari Traa base layer shirt with Mountain Hardwear ski bib
Fleece lined sweats
I live in sweats in the winter and I have been pretty obsessed with everything fleece-lined. I am usually pretty skeptical about buying clothes on Amazon because it is either a hit or miss in terms of quality and sizing (note: always make sure clothes on Amazon are returnable free of charge before purchasing). I saw these fleece lined sweats and figured I would try them and after wearing them for literally a week straight, I bought 4 more pairs (two as gifts for family members). These are the warmest and most comfortable pair of sweats I have ever worn.
Fleece lined hoodie with pockets
I have been eyeing a fleece lined pullover hoodie with pockets for awhile but just like most things, I didn’t want to spend the money. I decided to pull the trigger because I searched for sales for the longest time and was too impatient to wait any longer. Afterall, it was the middle of winter and I wanted this before summer. I basically wear this every day and the hood and pockets are key!. This specific hoodie is now on sale (go figure) and is discontinued but there are others like it from Patagonia.
Altra Lone Peak All Weather trail runners
I love to run but I hate shopping for new running shoes. I have been in the market for a new pair of trail runners that are fully waterproof so I could run in the snow and the options were pretty overwhelming. I tried this pair on at Mammoth Mountaineering and although they fit like a glove, I was not convinced they were actually waterproof. I quickly proved myself wrong after my 5 mile snow run when my feet stayed completely dry. These are low cut runners so it is recommended you use trail gaiters to keep water, snow, mud and rocks out.
Snow Joe snow shovel
One of my neighbors kept stealing my snow shovel during our big snowstorm in December and everytime I would find it, a couple more pieces were broken off the end. I bought a new shovel and now store and lock it in my ski closet to prevent shovel thefts. I usually don’t get excited over a snow shovel but this one is pretty cool! If you're in the market for an affordable snow shovel, check this one out!
National Parks candle by Parks Project
The amazing people at Tecnu gifted me this yummy candle and I liked it so much, I splurged and bought a set of 3 that were on sale. I am very picky about candles and usually either make my own or purchase fancy ones from Yankee Candle. These Parks Project candles smell great and a portion of the proceeds go directly back to the National Parks; it's a win-win. These candles are still 50% off.
Trailheads products
I have mentioned this brand before after I tried their warm ponytail hat. I was gifted a pair of running gloves, a balaclava, and a ponytail fleece earband and was impressed, yet again with the warmth, comfort and fit of these products. I highly recommend this brand for outdoor accessories as they are affordable, durable, comfortable and warm.
Note: I do not write any product reviews on gear that I do not fully trust and support. Even if something was sent to me as a gift, I would never review it unless I would actually buy (and use) it myself.
Thanks for reading and HAPPY SPRING!
Xx
Kristen
