Gear for Exploring the Southwest

Everything I use to explore the Desert Southwest. Linking my favorite gear and necessities below:

GPS/NAVIGATION:

• Garmin InReach Mini - I NEVER leave home without mine, especially when hiking slots, given these are mostly remote without cell service. There is a new plan for SOS only that I subscribe to that’s only $7.99/month. We do enough adventures that the peace of mind pays for itself. I HIGHLY recommend an SOS device if you plan on doing off-grid explorations.

BACKPACKS:

• Nathan Hydration Vest -- This vest is great if you're heading towards really narrows slots. It has a capacity of 7 liters with a 2 liter hydration bladder. There are enough pockets to hold my wallet, keys, phone, snacks, and Sony RX100 camera if I don't feel like packing my big Sony a7iii.

• Camelbak for Kids is the pack we use for my daughter to get her used to carrying a back pack. Perfect to fit snacks and water, or carry empty "as is" to feel included if they want their own pack.

• REI Trail 25 Pack and the REI Trail 40 Pack are not only affordable, but perfect for dayhikes. I use the 25 if my toddler isn't along for the hike, or will use the 40 to hold all of my gear, photography equipment, and all the toddler necessities.

• Deuter Speed Lite Pro 23 SL Pack I can't speak to its longevity but its my newest back when my Big Agnes bit the dust. I LOVE the vest function on the straps and do love how Deuters carry so I'm excited for this one.

• Big Agnes is the pack you see shown in the photos, and although I LOVE how compact it is (and use it all the time) the zippers are not ideal and really hard to open. As much as I want to love it, don't recommend it for purchase due to lack of longevity. Zippers finally broke after one year of use.

GAITERS:

• REI Flash Gaiters This is the newer version of the gaiters I currently wear (discontinued REI Co-op Activator gaiters.)

• Mid-Gaiter to keep the sand and rubble out of your shoes. I have these and also an REI pair that's no longer made, but the newest version is linked just above.

LEGGINGS:

• Best Lulu Align Dupe Ever Made ($25 on Amazon // I get the Essential fit and they are true to size - I am 5'6", 140lbs and wear size small but can also fit medium.)

WATER SHOES:

• TEVA Hurricane XLT2 -- I SWEAR by these sandals and have hiked up to 10 miles in them with significant elevation gain (Think Professor Creek and the Subway) They have great cushion for longer hikes and support for difficult terrain.

BOOTS:

• Blundstone Chelsea High Tops are always a classic and look chic in every shot, but I don't find them to be the most logical. I will wear them on shorter hikes where support isn't a concern.

• Danner Mountain 600s are my tried and true boot - I'm on my third pair (after putting >500 miles per pair) and the best part is they are waterproof.

TRAIL RUNNERS:

• Salomon GTX Speedcross (women's) are my go to trail runner - this is the goretex option and the one you see me wearing above. The men's version can be found HERE.

• Salomon Speedcross without GTX can be found here. These are just as comfy, however don't have the waterproof of the others. I primarily wear the GTX, but will switch back and forth depending on what is on sale.

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