This past year has been a whirlwind of preparations for my big trip to Nepal. The trip has now come and gone. (It was amazing!) And in all my planning and training I learned so so much about gear. I received so many questions on what items I liked best, what worked for me, etc. that I thought I’d compile my favorites into one post. The best part about these items is that many would be helpful to you in everyday life, not just while trekking the Himalayas. So read on to discover my favorite finds for hiking, training, and relaxing this past year!

 

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

 

My Holiday Hiking Gift Guide

Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap

Do you know about the magic of castile soap? Before a few months ago, I did not know this existed. Castile soap is an olive oil based antibacterial multi-purpose soap. It can be used on your hair, skin, clothes and even household products like dishes, floors, and pretty much anything. Because it’s so functional it’s a great add to your hiking pack. I used this in Nepal to wash my hair (the one time I showered, lol) and to wash my underwear (because when you’re not showering in the wilderness, clean underwear is SO wonderful).

If you’re not a hiker, this is a great addition to your home cleaning product arsenal. The folks at Dr. Bronner’s make a fantastic soap which is organic, vegan, and biodegradable. It is super gentle and can be used on very sensitive skin. I’ve got the peppermint and lavender scents.

Full disclosure: I did try this as a shampoo at home on a semi-regular basis and didn’t love the way it made my hair feel. I think if I tried it for a longer period of time, I’d get used to it. But I just didn’t have the patience. I do use it from time to time as a body wash. The lavender is so soothing!

The North Face Base Camp Duffel

For my trek I purchased this large durable duffle. Now that the trek is over I definitely intend to use this duffle for years to come. I chose the 90 liter option and used this as my checked luggage on my flights to Nepal. I was also able to use this on the trek. It fit my 12 days-worth of hiking gear and was the perfect size for the yaks and sherpas to carry up the mountain. The material is durable enough to be dragged on the floor through the Kathmandu airport (you bet that happened!) and shows little to no wear.

The duffle comes is a few different sizes and colors. Pictured above is the bossa nova red bag I chose. It was easy to spot at baggage claim…and literally everywhere. It comes with an over the shoulder strap like most duffles AND removal backpack straps to help you carry heavier loads.

Osprey Mira Daypack 

I know I’ve posted about this pack before, but I’m sharing it again because I love it so much. I lived out of this daypack for my 12 days in Nepal. It served it’s purpose and beyond. I chose the 26 liter pack and on a daily basis I stuffed it with my rain gear, warm layers, snacks, toiletries, water, hats, gloves, hiking poles, GoPro, etc. The hydration pack worked fantastically. I had 2.5 liters of water in the pack along with a Nalgene which gave me enough water for the day (most days) and it was light enough to carry up the mountain. The hip belt was super comfy and became the daily hug I needed after being away from my loved ones for so long. (Aww, heart emoji…)

Nuun Hydration

Speaking of hydration, I have a new love for Nuun Hydration tablets. I’ve used Nuun in the past for endurance activities like running or teaching several group fitness classes. It’s an electrolyte recovery drink like Gatorade, but with no artificial flavors or sweeteners. It comes in dissolvable tablets that are easy to carry in your daypack or gym bag. Adding Nuun to my hiking pack was really a lifesaver. Along with my the water bladder I carried in my daypack, I also brought a Nalgene bottle and used it primarily for Nuun. I made sure to drink the full bottle each day to replenish my body after long days on the trail. Nuun comes in many different flavors but the strawberry lemonade and lemon-lime are personal favorites.

And yes, for the record, I did purchase a new Nalgene bottle for my trip. I don’t know about you, but I associate weird sentimental value to inanimate objects like Nalgene bottles. So I wasn’t about to take my favorite gym-Nalgene to the other side of the world – WHAT IF I LOST IT!? So now I have a gym-Nalgene and a hiking-Nalgene each with their own history and sentimental provenance. That’s a totally healthy and emotionally stable thing to do, right?

Athleta Stash Pocket Salutation Tights

THESE TIGHTS!! As you know, some of the links on this page are affiliate links where I might receive compensation if you purchase something after clicking a link. This product is not an affiliate link. But I’m telling you, YOU NEED THEM!

I LOVE these leggings SO MUCH that I had to include them. I wore them several days in a row while hiking in Nepal. I’ve worn them to the gym for sweaty weight sessions. I’ve even worn them to work under dresses and tunics.

They are thick enough that you don’t worry about peek-a-boo see-through moments. They are high-waisted to keep your bod in check.

And guys, THEY HAVE POCKETS!

The pockets are big enough to fit my iPhone 8 and the leggings are sturdy enough that my iPhone doesn’t drag down my pants when I’m being active. Do yourself a favor and buy them!

The North Face Thermoball Vest

I had had my eye on this vest for ever and ever, but I just couldn’t justify spending money on a vest. I didn’t think I was a vest person – and I was so so very wrong. Vest life is the best life! I pulled the trigger on this vest because a down vest was on my Everest Base Camp packing list. It turns out that I lived in this vest on my trek! And now at home I’m finding reasons to wear it to work on casual days or while out and about running errands. The down keeps me warm and it’s structure keeps me cute. It’s not a super puffy vest which makes it feel more fitted than oversized and marshmallow-y.

Pro tip for my ladies: Shed your bra when you wear a vest! Vests give you an extra layer between your bra-less chest and the world. Obviously (I hope) you’re wearing more layers than just the vest. But the next time your running errands, dare to go no-bra under your shirt and vest, and let me know how much you love the freedom!

Go Pro

I knew my hiking trip abroad would be the trip of a lifetime and I wanted to capture as many memories as possible. I always have my trusty iPhone to capture video and still photos in everyday life, and I planned on using my phone as my primary camera on the trip too. BUT, what if I lost or broke my phone? What if it died? What if I came home with NO visual evidence of my trip??

I today’s Instagramed world, no photos is not an option. So I invested in a “backup” camera and bought a GoPro! And I’m so glad I did. There are a few versions of GoPro out there these days which offer different image quality and other options. I went for the basic GoPro Sessions model, because I’m cheap and not a photography buff. But definitely do your own comparison for your own needs!

On my trip I strapped my GoPro to the chest strap on my daypack for easy access. I brought the Go Pro 3-way Grip to help me take selfies and capture the expanse of the mountains.  I’m so glad I made this little investment. I will treasure the video of my time in Nepal for ever.

Darn Tough Wool Socks

This is an item that ANYONE can enjoy. Who doesn’t love a cozy pair of wool socks? Last winter I discovered the Darn Tough company and I’m slowly working on replacing all my wool sock with Darn Tough socks. I brought 3 pairs of these socks with me to Nepal and my feet were happy for 12 solid days of hiking! I had no blisters, no rubbing, and no popsicle toes.

Full disclosure for my hiking friends, on some days I did pair them with a silk sock liner which I’m sure helped prevent hot spots. But even with the liners, these wool socks weren’t too bulky inside my boots. I have the Merino Micro Crew sock pictured below in TWO colors: denim (blue) and slate (green/gray).

The best part about Darn Tough is all socks come with a lifetime warranty. They will replace your socks in the event your stinky feet burn a hole through them 😉 And because of this, they are well worth the money. Now that it’s winter again, I’m discovering that many of my old wool socks have worn thin in the heels or have holes in the toes. I can’t wait to replenish my sock drawer.

 

So there you go! My favorite items for hiking or everyday. I hope you find some use in one of these items, whether as a gift for your favorite hiker or for yourself!

 

Happy shopping, my friends!