I am an overpacker. There, I said it. It seems like the logical way to pack would be to create a few outfits, and bring those necessary pieces only, right? Wrong. Reality always seems to be a few shirts here, a couple pairs of pants there, and (fingers crossed) hoping these outfits will magically create themselves once we reach our destination. This process is an emotional rollercoaster, reoccurring with each trip regardless of duration or destination.
Surely I can’t be the only one who struggles with the suitcase. I’ve studied countless posts on ‘how to pack’ for various trips in an effort to change my ways, with little to no success on my end. This is going to be a little different. This is ‘what I wore’. Regardless of what I packed (likely too much), here is what I actually needed.
What: Mountain climbing (okay, just hiking)
Where: Coeur d’Alene, ID
When: September
Day 1: My day started early at the airport with a quick layover in Salt Lake City before reaching Spokane around noon. Comfort is key when traveling so I look to my favorite athleisure line, Athleta – Soho Jogger and Side Knot Tee has become my go-to outfit. After settling in at the resort, I turned to some workout gear to make my way up Schweitzer Mountain. Layers were key here, my hair was frozen by the time I made it to the summit.
Day 2: Another day of hiking, this time in the Selkirk Mountains, and a bit of driving. I opted for my go-to Lululemon tights with a reversible down pullover by Heim-made. The funnel neck and vented zippered sides make this the perfect versatile jacket. Once I made it back to Coeur d’Alene, I opted for jeans, ankle boots, and a Top Shop sweater to head out downtown.
Day 3: Quick hike around Tubbs Hill followed by a long day of travel. Today’s outfit was a mix-and-match of the previous. With most of my activity over the weekend being hiking and traveling, I focused on packing versatile, neutral colored items that could be used to layer in the changing climate.
The Weekend Bag: A repeat from earlier in the trip, this bag has proven it’s worth through day hikes and airports. Bonus points this time around for outside storage pockets holding my bear bell and bear spray.
