What I Wore

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: Outdoor adventures

Where: Seattle (Mount Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest)

When: August

Day 1: After work travel from Minneapolis to Seattle and a trek to see the tourist spots downtown. I like to be warm, and comfortable on airplanes and needed to be able to shed layers for walking around. My go-to functional (and stylish) travel wardrobe all comes from Athleta, right down to the jeans. The tank pairs well under a cropped sweatshirt or sweater, but looks great on its own and was the perfect piece for a travel day. 

Day 2: I had a half-marathon of hiking planned. Starting early I knew it would be cooler, but the strenuous activity and sunshine ahead of me meant light layers I could easily throw into my backpack. Not included here but always recommended – a change of clothes in the car for the drive home, especially with over an hour commute back to Seattle.

Day 3: With no specific plan, I knew I had a ferry ride and some light walking to do. Looking back, I should have dressed warmer for a trip across the bay. Surprisingly, the whole weekend was beautiful (who says it rains in Seattle?)

The Weekend Bag: A repeat offender, this bag has proven it’s worth through day hikes and airports. It’s a classic in my closet, and perfect for adding or shedding layers.

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.

lululemon Swiftly Tech Long Sleeve Crew

lululemon All the Right Places Pant II

Athleta Ultimate Side Knot Tee

Patagonia Nano-Air Light Hybrid Jacket

Nike Free RN Flyknit

Athleta Soho Jogger

lululemon Swiftly Tech Long Sleeve Crew

lululemon All the Right Places Pant II

Athleta Ultimate Side Knot Tee

Patagonia Nano-Air Light Hybrid Jacket

Nike Free RN Flyknit

Athleta Soho Jogger

lululemon Swiftly Tech Long Sleeve Crew

lululemon All the Right Places Pant II

Athleta Ultimate Side Knot Tee

Patagonia Nano-Air Light Hybrid Jacket

Nike Free RN Flyknit

Athleta Soho Jogger

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.

Topshop Zip Side Sweater

Sperry Top-Sider Harlow Wedge

lululemon All the Right Places Pant II

Infinity By Cherokee Long Sleeve Knit

Athleta Sculptek Skinny Jean Sapphire Wash

Merrell Sugarbush

heim-made LumberJacket

Topshop Zip Side Sweater

Sperry Top-Sider Harlow Wedge

lululemon All the Right Places Pant II

Infinity By Cherokee Long Sleeve Knit

Athleta Sculptek Skinny Jean Sapphire Wash

Merrell Sugarbush

heim-made LumberJacket

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.

The North Face Litus 22

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: Outdoor adventures

Where: Denver, CO

When: September

Day 1: Our day started out early at the airport. Comfort is key when traveling, and layering for the colder temps of the airplane. After a walking tour of Golden, CO we did take a quick hike which required change in top/shoes. The rest of our day was spent at Red Rocks Amphitheater taking in the views and good music. It did get a little chilly when the sun went down, but the majority of the day was seventies and clear blue skies.

Ugg Audra Flip Flop

Levi’s Classic Western Shirt

Athleta Roaming Romper

Nike Free RN Flyknit

Athleta Speedlight Tank

Athleta Twist Front Sweatshirt

Athleta SOMA Shell

Athleta High Rise Chaturanga Tight

Athleta Soho Jogger

Ugg Audra Flip Flop

Levi’s Classic Western Shirt

Athleta Roaming Romper

Nike Free RN Flyknit

Athleta Speedlight Tank

Athleta Twist Front Sweatshirt

Athleta SOMA Shell

Athleta High Rise Chaturanga Tight

Athleta Soho Jogger

Day 2: We set out for a day of hiking. Again we had gorgeous weather, seventies and clear blue skies. We packed a bag with snacks, water, and extra layers and we were good to go.

Athleta Sunlover UPF Tulip Back Tee

Patagonia Nano-Air Light Hybrid Jacket

Merrell Sugarbush

Athleta Highline Hybrid Cargo Tight

Athleta Sunlover UPF Tulip Back Tee

Patagonia Nano-Air Light Hybrid Jacket

Merrell Sugarbush

Athleta Highline Hybrid Cargo Tight

Athleta Sunlover UPF Tulip Back Tee

Patagonia Nano-Air Light Hybrid Jacket

Merrell Sugarbush

Athleta Highline Hybrid Cargo Tight

The Weekend Bag: This day pack carried all of our essentials, was lightweight and easy to travel with. Tons of storage space and extra pockets. Would definitely recommend.

The North Face Litus 22

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: Outdoor adventures

Where: Colorado (I-70 Mountain Corridor, Estes Park)

When: March

Day 1: Late night travel from Minneapolis to Denver, and a quick drive to Evergreen to get a good nights sleep. I wanted to bring one outfit to wear around town without looking like a total ski bum (but let’s be honest, I obviously packed more). In an effort to save space in the suitcase, I wore this outfit on the plane. Skinny jeans, hometown t-shirt, and cardigan kept me warm while traveling and stylish around town.

Day 2/3: Skiing was the main activity here. I’ll keep it simple and highlight what I wear on the slopes for maximum warmth and functionality. My ski outfit rarely varies, especially on quick trips when packing light. A few go-to pieces have served me well over the years, so I stick with what works.

Day 4: An early start took me through snow, fog, and rain to a final destination of sunshine in Estes Park. The first half of the day was fueled by practical, layered hiking gear. The layers were a necessity with temperatures varying widely across the 8 miles of hiking through the outskirts of Rocky Mountain National Park.

The Weekend Bag: The Dakine Fall Line Ski Roller Bag goes with me on all ski trips. It’s a soft, padded bag – somewhat risky checking through baggage claim with delicate equipment inside, but flexible enough to serve as a checked bag with everything I need for a long weekend trip.

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: Cabin weekend

Where: Lutsen, MN

When: October

Friday: I spent the majority of my day in the car. Driving from Minneapolis to Duluth, and Duluth to Lutsen. I wanted to be comfortable and warm as I braved the first snowstorm of the season.

The North Face Nuptse Vest

Old Navy Relaxed Plaid Twill Classic Shirt

Athleta Sculptek Skinny Jean Sapphire Wash

Merrell Sugarbush

The North Face Nuptse Vest

Old Navy Relaxed Plaid Twill Classic Shirt

Athleta Sculptek Skinny Jean Sapphire Wash

Merrell Sugarbush

The North Face Nuptse Vest

Old Navy Relaxed Plaid Twill Classic Shirt

Athleta Sculptek Skinny Jean Sapphire Wash

Merrell Sugarbush

Saturday: Morning hike (30 degrees and sunny), cozy day spent in the cabin by a wood burning stove, and a night underneath the stars around a well constructed campfire. This required a few outfit changes.

UGG Classic Mini II Boot

Old Navy Relaxed Plaid Twill Classic Shirt

Duluth Pack Spirit Jersey Striped Crew Neck Sweater

Infinity By Cherokee Long Sleeve Knit

Patagonia Nano-Air Light Hybrid Jacket

Merrell Sugarbush

Athleta Highline Hybrid Cargo Tight

Athleta High Rise Chaturanga Tight

heim-made LumberJacket

UGG Classic Mini II Boot

Old Navy Relaxed Plaid Twill Classic Shirt

Duluth Pack Spirit Jersey Striped Crew Neck Sweater

Infinity By Cherokee Long Sleeve Knit

Patagonia Nano-Air Light Hybrid Jacket

Merrell Sugarbush

Athleta Highline Hybrid Cargo Tight

Athleta High Rise Chaturanga Tight

heim-made LumberJacket

Sunday: We packed up first thing to head back to Duluth. I had a longer road ahead of me than the rest but made some pit stops to see my brother and sister-in-law and do a little shopping in Canal Park.

Banana Republic Italian Merino-Blend Crew Neck SweaterAthleta Sculptek Skinny Jean Sapphire WashMerrell Sugarbush

The Weekend Bag: My go-to school bag, carry-on, weekend tote, etc. Made by Duluth Pack, a company born and bred in Duluth, MN. Unbelievable handcrafted products both in style and quality. All come with a lifetime guarantee and signature of the sewer (thanks Carol!).

Duluth Pack Bison Leather Market Tote