Our Favorite Gear for Spring and Summer
It’s been a while since we’ve shared some products we’re digging, so here’s a quick list of a few we’ve been testing or can’t wait to get our hands on.
Zion Health Clay Dry Deodorant
We’ve been searching for a lightly scented, natural deodorant for AGES and are stoked to have finally found a brand we like! Zion Health’s Clay Dry Bold offers maximum strength deodorant protection that we found also offered antiperspirant qualities!
We wore it through yoga classes, a 6-mile hike and several days in a hectic retail sales environment and were wildly impressed. The white rum version smells like super chill vanilla and is our second fave right after lemonade.
Try a Clay Dry deodorant if you’re looking to allow your body to ditch toxins through your armpits by nixing the many chemicals found in most OTC deodorant options. Plus, it’s vegan, and there are a ton of fun scents to choose from, so you can grab one that fits your mood. We dug the lavender while in down dog. Use code “whoa30” to get 30 percent off your order to try Clay Dry!
She Explores The Book
Our friend Gale Straub – founder of She Explores – put together a book featuring some of the most incredible outdoor women we know and wish we knew. From Imogene Cancellare to Amanda Sandlin and Karen Wang, this book is a true gem compiling beautiful photographs and stories from scientists, thru-hikers, writers, van-dwellers and more. Check out the book at She Explores and order a copy for yourself or someone you love.
GoreWear ShakeDry Fast Hikers
We tried out the new GORE(R) WINDSTOPPER(R) Hybrid Pants and GORE-TEX SHAKEDRY(TM) Hooded Jacket recently for a rainy weekend retreat in Wisconsin and stayed perfectly dry for three days! The WINDSTOPPER pants are pictured above second from photo right. When worn for hiking and yoga they provided ample stretch and breathability – no trashbag-esque leg sauna here. The pants are windproof and treated with a durable water repellent finish. Plus, they offer knee slits for maximum ventilation and don’t swish when you walk. You can enjoy a hike wearing these beauties without spooking wildlife or irritating your pals!
The SHAKEDRY jacket is extremely durable, windproof and breathable while still casual enough to wear wherever. Plus, it’s very sleek looking – It almost looks like a sexy leather jacket. The sleeves have stretchy inserts on the cuffs to minimize rain going up the arms and makes the sleeves overall more mobile. We dug that the jacket packs down small and is fitted – we went for a size that worked over several wicking layers but didn’t make us feel like we were wearing our dad’s old gear. Sizes run small so order up if you’re looking for a looser fit.
Boatgirl’s Day Tripper Wave Collection
We have to admit that we haven’t laid hands on this product, but we are excited to snag one asap! Boatgirl’s The Day Tripper Wave Collection features Sunbrella fabric and offers durability and waterproofing perfect for carrying essentials. Stash beach must-haves like sunscreen, keys, wallet, a bikini and towel and bring this cutie to the local lake. Or, store it in the cargo hold of a kayak while relaxing with pals. Two North Carolina sisters created the company because they were sick of flimsy bags falling over during water adventures. They wanted to offer stylish, durable options that could withstand their Outer Banks lifestyles and use only U.S.-made products that are created by manufacturers who believe in sustainability and protecting the environment.
Sufferfest Beer
If you indulge in a cold one at a summit or after a race, why not use it as a tool for hydration? Sufferfest Beer Company Founder and CEO Caitlin Landesberg created the company with athletes in mind. She worked with brewmasters to create the perfect “Beer with Benefits” and today offers a solid lineup of canned, gluten-removed brews. We tried two varieties including the FKT Pale Ale which features black currant and salt flavors. The Repeat Kolsch was a favorite when used to cook brats – hey, we’re Midwesterners! This unique beer features bee pollen for some healthy protein. Learn more about the brews and their hashtag #WillSweatforBeer here.
Obaki Foundation Bidi Bidi Printed Scarf
The soft, storied Bidi Bidi Printed Scarf from Obakki Foundation will become a staple of your wardrobe once you feel it and hear the tale of the women designers. The accessory is named after Bidi Bidi, Uganda, one of the largest refugee camps on the planet, featuring around 250 thousand people fleeing violence in South Sudan. It was there that Treana Peake, the Obakki Foundation founder, conversed with some local refugee women who drew images in the sand while they spoke. The pictures told stores of their heritage (ritual scarring, cows, eyes), tragedies they’d endured (scorpions, spiders and scary men) and future hopes (agriculture and growth).
Peake wanted to share their story with the world and with their permission, printed them on this unique scarf made out of 100 percent rayon. All of the proceeds go directly to the community of women who created the designs. They can decide to use it on projects like water wells, textiles and trade opportunities or agricultural initiatives.
Aventura Celia Dress
Aventura is family-owned and -operated, and over 75 percent of their clothing features lower impact or sustainable materials. This fun-patterned Celia Dress in Raspberry Wine is made in a Fair Trade Certified (TM) Factory out of 54 percent organic cotton, 41 percent recycled polyester and 5 percent spandex jersey. This cutie is available in sizes XS through XL and offers a slight stretch. We love the bold pattern, two hip pockets and short side slit on the left that allows total freedom of movement. The dress is machine washable and dryable, and is great for travel days. Pair it with some sandals and a scarf, and you’re good to go to a barbecue, class or even a dinner date.