The Explorer’s Passage – Women’s Equipment List
Rain Shell
Ashleigh's notes
"Black Diamond's new rain shell that is stretchy and really waterproof"
Ashleigh's notes
"One of the best most comfortable rain jackets out there. Super soft and stretchy outer fabric that is completely waterproof"
Ashleigh's notes
"Outdoor Research's newest award winning jacket that weighs only 10 oz and is constructed with a 3 layer waterproof/breathable membrane"
Rain Pants
Ashleigh's notes
"So comfortable and stretchy you wouldn't even know they were rain pants. Very soft, waterproof, and breathable. You can also wear these as regular hiking pants when it is cold out. Not crinkly-nylon fabric like most rain pants. See full review that I did on the product page. Full length zippers are great, too!"
Ashleigh's notes
"Stretchy, very waterproof pants"
Ashleigh's notes
"Really solid pants for a great value. No stretch, but do have full-length zippers. The Precip jacket is another great option if you want a good rain jacket for a value price. "
Ashleigh's notes
"Gore-tex Paclite fully waterproof pants."
Puffy/Midlayer Jacket
Ashleigh's notes
"Great all around down jacket. Very warm for the weight and has 850-fill down water-resistant down with a water-resistant Pertex shell."
Ashleigh's notes
"Very warm and breathable synthetic jacket. Same warmth as a typical down sweater, but stays warm even when wet. Very lightweight and packable for a synthetic jacket and even has vents all around it so if you are hiking in it you won't get too hot (I don't recommend actually hiking in it unless you are in 40 degree or less temps)."
Ashleigh's notes
"Extremely lightweight and warm down jacket. Not the warmest, but incredibly warm for its 7oz weight."
Ashleigh's notes
"Really warm down jacket for very cold temperatures. The warmest of my recommendations."
Fleece Midlayer
Ashleigh's notes
"Very warm for its weight and made of Polartec Powerstretch. Could also be considered expedition weight baselayer. Pants go with it below. See full review on the product page."
Ashleigh's notes
"The classic midlayer fleece for all outdoor activities. It is made of mini-grid squares that trap heat. Warmest of the bunch. Check to see if the hooded version is available for max warmth."
Ashleigh's notes
"Not quite as warm as the Patagonia R1 or Crosstrek, but still very warm and comfortable. Has micro-grid squares to trap heat. See review on product page."
Ashleigh's notes
"Very similar to the others, just Rab's version. Very warm and comfortable! Pants below to go with it."
Fleece Mid Layer Pants and Hiking Tights
Ashleigh's notes
"Cold weather trekking tights. They have gotten rave reviews and frequently sell out. "
Ashleigh's notes
"Very warm and comfortable trekking tights. Has water-resistant Flash Dry fabric from the knee down to keep you dry in mud or snow."
Hiking Pants
Ashleigh's notes
"Classic hiking pants that come in a variety of colors, waist/inseam sizes. Made of stretch fabric and convert into capri pants."
Ashleigh's notes
"Stretchy, heavy duty hiking pants "
Ashleigh's notes
"Really comfortable hiking pants that convert into shorts. Also comes in a variety of colors and inseam/waist sizes. Dry quickly and the shorts could also double as river shorts because they dry so fast."
Ashleigh's notes
"If you want legit hiking pants that are stretchy and protect you from the elements but want a leggings look, check these out."
Hiking Shorts
Ashleigh's notes
"Stretchy, quick-drying, comfortable hiking shorts."
Ashleigh's notes
"Hiking in a skort is a total game-changer and this is one of my favorite ones. Not too long, not too short, very comfortable."
Ashleigh's notes
"Very soft fabric, perfect length."
Ashleigh's notes
"The shorts version of the super-popular Halle pants."
Long Sleeve Shirts
Ashleigh's notes
"Whispy thin, very breathable hiking shirt. There is also an option for solid colors."
Ashleigh's notes
"Very lightweight breathable hiking or fishing shirt with a big vent in the back"
Ashleigh's notes
"Quick-drying, lightweight/breathable shirt with 15 UPF protection"
Ashleigh's notes
"Quick-drying, lightweight/breathable shirt with cooling fabric and 50 UPF protection"
T-Shirts
Ashleigh's notes
"Extremely lightweight and breathable synthetic shirt. See full review on product page."
Ashleigh's notes
"Very lightweight and breathable synthetic shirt. Almost as light and breathable as the Better than Naked but not quite. Awesome shirt."
Ashleigh's notes
"Super light, breathable, and wicking merino wool shirt. Stink free"
Ashleigh's notes
"Very lightweight and breathable synthetic shirt. Almost as light and breathable as the Better than Naked and Patagonia Capilene Lightweight but not quite. "
Swim/River Wear
Ashleigh's notes
"The most versatile shorts on the planet. These are great hiking shorts, but they are perfect for any water activity because they dry so fast."
Ashleigh's notes
"Columbia's version of Baggies."
Ashleigh's notes
"Great looking swimsuit top with a lifetime warranty from Patagonia."
Ashleigh's notes
"Great looking swimsuit bottom with a lifetime warranty from Patagonia."
Mid-Weight Baselayer
Ashleigh's notes
"Very warm and lightweight synthetic baselayer that regulates temperature really well"
Ashleigh's notes
"Mons Royale's merino fabrics are super soft and ventilated. "
Ashleigh's notes
"Lightweight 1/2 zip top merino top"
Expedition Weight Baselayer
Ashleigh's notes
"Very warm and soft synthetic baselayer with micro-grids to trap heat. A lighter version of the R1 that really regualtes temperature well. Not as warm as the R1 or Crosstrek, but a great baselayer."
Ashleigh's notes
"Very warm 260 weight merino baselayer. 150 is warm if that gives you a comparison idea."
Underwear
Ashleigh's notes
"Incredibly supportive and comfortable and one of the highest rated out there"
Ashleigh's notes
"Soft, temperature regulating, wicking, and supportive sportsbra that won't stink. You can wear it for days."
Ashleigh's notes
"Quick-drying, wicking underwear that are really comfortable and can easily be washed out and worn several times on a trip. "
Ashleigh's notes
"Soft, temperature regulating, and wicking underwear"
Sun Hat
Ashleigh's notes
"Perfect hiking or river hat with a very wide brim and an adjustable pull tab in the back. Provides protection for face and neck "
Warm Hat
Ashleigh's notes
"Warm, stylish hat"
Ashleigh's notes
"Fleece-lined very warm hat"
Ashleigh's notes
"Training beanie made of 250 weight merino"
Ashleigh's notes
"Stay warm and rock the goat!"
Neck/Face Protection
Ashleigh's notes
"250 weight merino balaclava for extra cold and windy days when you need extra protection."
Ashleigh's notes
"Protect your neck and keep the bugs away."
Ashleigh's notes
"Merino gaiter that is warmer than the synthetic buffs."
Gloves
Ashleigh's notes
"Great all-weather gloves that you can wear as an outer shell and pair with a liner for extra warmth and protection."
Ashleigh's notes
"Very warm merino liners"
Boots
Ashleigh's notes
"Great all around hiking boots for anyone with foot problems. Great ventilation and fully waterproof Gore-tex"
Ashleigh's notes
"Great boots with extra support and strength for really rough and rocky terrain. Fully waterproof Gore-tex"
Ashleigh's notes
"Awesome boots that are really supportive, comfortable and have outstanding ventilation. Fully waterproof Gore-tex"
Ashleigh's notes
"Lightweight mid cut boot with the comfort of a trail runner but with extra ankle protection and support. Fully waterproof Gore-tex"
Casual Shoes
Ashleigh's notes
"Trail runners are great light hiking shoes that have great grips on the bottom. Altras are especially comfortable and have an extra-wide toe box and zero-drop sole for a minimalist feel."
Ashleigh's notes
"Very comfortable trail runners that are fully waterproof with Gore-tex."
Ashleigh's notes
"Chacos are great all around outdoor sandals that can be used for basecamp, hiking, or river adventures. These have a softer footbed than normal Chacos (Cloud) but are missing the extra grippy Vibram sole. The soles are still grippy, but use Chaco's sole instead of the Vibram."
Ashleigh's notes
"The most comfortable and light sandal that Keen makes. Provides extra toe protection with a toe cap."
Socks
Ashleigh's notes
"Darn Tough socks have a lifetime warranty on them and very rarely wear out in the toe, heel, and Achilles like most other socks do. These particular ones are for heavy duty hiking on rocky terrain with heavy duty boots."
Ashleigh's notes
"Same as previous, but not quite as thick."
Ashleigh's notes
"Same as the Hiker Cushion, but shorter."
Ashleigh's notes
"Fully cushioned hiking socks for heavy duty boots. Very good all around sock."
Sleeping Bag
Ashleigh's notes
"Feels more like a bed from home because it uses an integrated quilt. This is great for the person who changes positions throughout the night. Keeps you warm to 20 degrees, but if it is warmer, you can pull the quilt back."
Ashleigh's notes
"Great all around bag for a great price. Keeps you warm to 18 degrees and is very light."
Sleeping Bag Accessories
Ashleigh's notes
"Extend your sleeping bag's life and temperature range and keep it clean by using a liner. This one adds 15 degrees of warmth to your bag. I highly recommend it."
Ashleigh's notes
"If you have a down sleeping bag or down jacket, you need this. There are several sizes, but anything you want to keep dry and compressed needs to go in here. I use a 14L for my down sleeping bag, down jacket, and some clothing. If you want to put more in there I recommend going with the bigger size."
Ashleigh's notes
"Great for travel and for backpacking/camping. Way better than clothes balled up in a stuff sack. Cover is really soft and comfortable."
Ashleigh's notes
"Uses an air bladder and memory foam with a really soft cover."
Sleeping Pad
Ashleigh's notes
"Exceptionally warm, light, and comfortable pad. It comes with a pump bag that doubles as a waterproof pack liner. Keeps you warm to 0 degrees. I have it and highly recommend it. Baffles are vertical. Depending on how much you care about weight, I recommend the long-wide version so you have room to stretch out your elbows."
Ashleigh's notes
"Very light and comfortable pad with a built in pillow. Warm to 15 degrees - not quite as easy to inflate as Exped and Big Agnes."
Ashleigh's notes
"Really comfortable pad that is heavier than the rest, but worth it. Outer fabric is really soft and the baffles are quilted. Warm to 15 degrees."
Pack
Ashleigh's notes
" Everything you could possibly need for a daypack that can also be used for an overnight trip. Fully adjustable for a custom and really comfortable fit. Includes an integrated rain cover"
Ashleigh's notes
"Includes rain cover"
Ashleigh's notes
"Includes rain cover"
Ashleigh's notes
"Includes rain cover"
Duffel
Ashleigh's notes
"The Black Hole series comes in a variety of colors and sizes. The 60L is perfect for a weekend away. I can fit my snowboard boots, helmet, goggles, jacket, and gloves in the 60 L if that helps for sizing reference. I would ask your guide which size is best for your specific trip. Waterproof bag with backpack straps, grab handles, pockets on the inside and outside. "
Ashleigh's notes
"Very similar to the Black Hole but slightly stiffer material. Also has an extra storage pocket on the outside for dirty or wet clothes or gear."
Travel Accessories
Ashleigh's notes
"Great inflatable seat so you don't have to sit on the cold, wet ground. It can also be used under your sleeping pad to supplement your pillow."
Ashleigh's notes
"Super warm camp shoes that are ultralight. The bottom isn't super durable, so I'd try to stay in your tent with them if you can. They run way big, so pay attention to the reviews for sizing. I have them and love them! "
Travel Accessories II
Ashleigh's notes
"All of these are great to help organize your clothes and toiletries if you don't already have something similar."
Gaiters
Ashleigh's notes
"Gaiters keep the bottom of your pants, shoes, and lower legs clean. They also keep sand and debris out of your socks and shoes.These are perfect for warmer weather and are super breathable."
Ashleigh's notes
"Gaiters that are taller for more protection."
Hiking Accessories
Ashleigh's notes
"Trekking poles that are collapsible and fit into a bag. Very light and adjustable so they can be shorter for uphill climbs and longer for downhill. Lighter with a foam grip"
Ashleigh's notes
"Trekking poles that are collapsible and fit into a bag. Very light and adjustable so they can be shorter for uphill climbs and longer for downhill. Heavier with a more rubberized golf club style grip"
Ashleigh's notes
" This headlamp is seriously bright and waterproof. One of the best headlamps you can get."
Hiking Accessories II
Ashleigh's notes
"If you like bottles, this one is awesome because it collapses really small and is very lightweight."
Ashleigh's notes
"Great reservoir that has a detatchable tube, big bite valve for high output flow, easy to fill, easy to clean, and zips shut so you don't have to worry about not threading it properly."
Ashleigh's notes
"If you need a backpacking towel, this one has multiple sizes to pick from."
Ashleigh's notes
"Delicious energy snack."
Glacier Glasses
Ashleigh's notes
"If you need glacier glasses for your trip, these are a "