Backcountry.com Newsletter Articles

Charla Brown moved to Salt Lake City from Texas two and a half years ago to pursue her PhD in Applied Social Psychology at BYU. For over a year she has been the Backcountry.com human resources guru and she absolutely loves it. Charla is constantly looking for new employees who reflect the same ideals that she embodies at Backcountry.com—people who are passionate about life, the outdoors, and their jobs.

Charla and her husband have an adorable 10-month-old named Gabrielle, whom they affectionately refer to as Gabby. In the spirit of Mother’s Day, we asked this new mom about the gear she loves and about the gear she has enjoyed with her greatest love, her baby girl.

The North Face Ultra Gore-Tex XCR Trail Running Shoe

When she’s out with Gabby on a hike or training for the Wasatch Back Relay, Charla will have these trail running shoes on her feet. Snow or sun, she loves The North Face Ultra Trail Running Shoes because of their Gore-Tex membrane and supportive lacing system—they’re truly all weather shoes. The cute colors and incredible grip mean that she is as comfortable wearing these durable hikers through town as she is on the trail.

The Smith Southbound Sunglasses & The Julbo Looping Kids' Sunglasses

Hiking, biking, or driving, whenever Charla is out and about, she wears the Smith Southbound shades. However, it’s Gabby who gets all the attention in her Julbo Looping Sunglasses. Charla loves the versatility and fashion of the Smith shades for herself and the protection and looks of the Julbos for her Gabby—“They’re just so dang cute!”

Kelty Kangaroo Kid Carrier

When Gabby was only 3-months old, Charla and her husband Chad took their girl out for her first hike in the Kelty Kangaroo Carrier. Charla likes all the storage pockets and sleeves, its supportive frame, and the way you can carry your little one frontward or backwards. Charla finds it easy to clip and unclip Gabby and she likes this carrier’s attractive appearance.

The North Face El Cap Long-Sleeve Shirt

Charla loves this long-sleeve shirt. It’s great to wear lounging with Gabby after work or on her bike while training for another MS150 ride. It breathes well, wicks moisture, and keeps Charla comfortable whatever she does. (We’re sure Gabby loves the feel of the microfiber fabric when she hugs her mom, as well).

Oakley Computer Bag

When it was time to head back to Texas for Gabby to meet her grandparents, Charla stashed her laptop, which was full of newborn photographs, into the Oakley Computer Bag. Charla loves this shoulder bag’s large size, protection, and versatility. It’s big enough to hold her desktop-replacement laptop, and it’s made of a very durable fabric that’s resistant to everything—dirt, scratches, spit-up. Best of all, she digs the cool Oakley logo on its front flap.