My fiance and I are going on an outdoorsy, backpack summer vacation for a month to Vancouver, Canada, and I want to bring the bare minimum of clothes. Suggestions? —Paula
The easiest way to pack for any vacation is to picture the types of activities you'll be doing, and plan accordingly. Choose pieces that do double duty and plan to dress in layers so you'll be prepared for any weather. I'll be heading to Newfoundland later this summer for two weeks with my husband, so this post will be helpful for my own planning purposes, too!
Let's say you're heading out for a hike on a warm day; you'll be following a well-established trail that's pretty flat with ample shade and cool breezes. Reach for a cotton tank, comfy shorts and sturdy sandals. It's always worth investing a bit more for good footwear, especially when you're going to be doing a lot of walking. Pack a lightweight anorak for those inevitable rainy and/or windy days.
The easiest way to pack for any vacation is to picture the types of activities you'll be doing, and plan accordingly. Choose pieces that do double duty and plan to dress in layers so you'll be prepared for any weather. I'll be heading to Newfoundland later this summer for two weeks with my husband, so this post will be helpful for my own planning purposes, too!
Let's say you're heading out for a hike on a warm day; you'll be following a well-established trail that's pretty flat with ample shade and cool breezes. Reach for a cotton tank, comfy shorts and sturdy sandals. It's always worth investing a bit more for good footwear, especially when you're going to be doing a lot of walking. Pack a lightweight anorak for those inevitable rainy and/or windy days.
Now let's say you're planning a hike on rocky or hilly terrain, maybe some tall grasses and more sun exposure. Reach for long pants to protect your legs (I like cargoes because they breath more than denim, but jeans are also good) and a long-sleeve camp shirt in cotton, which will protect your skin from the sun and bugs while still keeping you cool. A floppy hat and rugged hiking boots are also essential. All these pieces can be mixed-and-matched with the items in the first look, too.
Now for the extras: Depending on what you'll be doing, you may want to pack a bathing suit and some flip flops or other flat sandals that you can wear to the beach or shower areas. If you want to be fancy, pack a jersey maxi dress - you'll feel instantly dressed up and won't have to worry about shaving - whether you're heading to a nicer restaurant or having a romantic picnic.
A small crossbody bag is great for carrying essentials when you want to leave your big backpack behind. And of course, don't forget to pack sunscreen and bug spray. Avon makes some of my favorite combination sunscreen/bug sprays that are waterproof and smell great, too.
With the items above, you should be prepared for pretty much any scenario, from hikes to sightseeing to just kicking back and relaxing.
What would you suggest Paula pack for her vacation? Let her know in the comments!
Now for the extras: Depending on what you'll be doing, you may want to pack a bathing suit and some flip flops or other flat sandals that you can wear to the beach or shower areas. If you want to be fancy, pack a jersey maxi dress - you'll feel instantly dressed up and won't have to worry about shaving - whether you're heading to a nicer restaurant or having a romantic picnic.
A small crossbody bag is great for carrying essentials when you want to leave your big backpack behind. And of course, don't forget to pack sunscreen and bug spray. Avon makes some of my favorite combination sunscreen/bug sprays that are waterproof and smell great, too.
With the items above, you should be prepared for pretty much any scenario, from hikes to sightseeing to just kicking back and relaxing.
What would you suggest Paula pack for her vacation? Let her know in the comments!
Have fun in Bali!
I wouldn't recommend wearing jeans, they'll get soaked if it rains (and they take forever to dry). Most outdoor gear stores sell pants made with fabrics that are water repellant/fast drying. They are also a lot lighter to pack than jeans. Have a good trip!
Also, Peru sounds amazing. I'd love to go someday.
Of course, if you want to be a true Vancouverite, most of us just tough it out with a warm hoodie