Camping is distinctly unglamorous: crawling into a tent in the middle of rainstorm while trying to take your muddy shoes off is not an easy feat, but there’s no reason to not have a bit of fun with it all. One of my favorite things to do when going on a new adventure is to research every bit of information I can about a place, and figure out what I’ll need to be comfortable. Then, there’s always room for a little bit of flair, which is why I picked up a couple of these wonderfully fun Pendleton bandanas to use around Acadia.
I can’t believe I ever went camping without them! I used it to mop up sweat on the back of my neck during a hike, to hold back my hair while washing my face during bathroom visits, and I’d tuck it into my shirt as the weather cooled off to keep my neck warm. Had it been dusty (like Chaco) I would have been able to tie it around my face, or in the summer month’s I could soak it and use it as a cooling rag for my wrist. Versatile and cute, I must say!
Pendleton’s an old company, 150 years old to be exact, and their southwestern style is classic and timeless. I am surprised I never came across them before this trip, but I’m completely in love with their brand, and have my eye on a couple of their beautiful wool blankets. Inspired and named after National Parks and Native American tribes, the colors and patterns capture the feeling of camping in the great outdoors. I love this blanket, this quilt, and this throw, but they have many other designs (including ones inspired by Harry Potter) which would make for great holiday gifts!
When it came to the actual camping, I needed versatile clothes, warm socks, great, grippy shoes, and a way to remain comfortable despite the changing temperatures (it went from 80’s to low 50’s while we were in Maine). For three days I wore these pants, these tops (I changed them and my underwear every day), this insulating jacket, this waterproof jacket, these shoes, and these socks. Let’s just say I did the research for you and bought things I knew would last, were the warmest and lightest, and from a great, reliable brand. I like Mountain Hardware for jackets because they make better colors and styles for women, while a lot of other brands basically make a men’s version in a girly color. Note: Never buy a jacket in “Burple” – it’s quite possibly the worst color ever invented!
Our trip was made a lot more comfortable with great gear, but I couldn’t help but add a few things to look a little less camper and a little more “glam”per!
What are your favorite things to bring camping that make you more comfortable? And be sure to check out my other posts from Maine here, and here!
