ddt1
A new local park with miles of excellent hiking trails opened last
month; it’s only 10 minutes from my house, so I plan to spend a lot of
time there this spring
. Here’s what I’ll have with me:
Keen Ambler Mesh ($95; KEENFootwear.com)
Sure, it’s only April, but hey, I live in Alabama (hello, warm
weather), so I really appreciate how cool these kicks keep my feet. The
secret is the combo of “closed mesh” on the top, which allows air to
circulate without making my feet feel exposed, and a moisture-wicking
lining inside to absorb sweat. The Amblers have the other important
trail-shoe element—traction—mastered too, as the tread is super-grippy,
even on damp rocks. And did I mention how great they feel? Chalk that up
to the perfect ratio of cushioning and support.
Horny Toad Swifty Zip Hoodie ($75; HornyToad.com)
Call it love at first touch: This light hoodie feels like a well-worn
t-shirt—so soft! But it’s not cotton: It’s actually a tech shirt that
wicks sweat and dries pronto, making it a terrific top layer for hikes
with lots of hills. There’s also a handy pocket on the lower back, which
is perfectly sized for an energy gel or, let’s be honest, a couple
bucks for coffee. The Swifty is so cute and comfy that it’s now a go-to
weekend topper even when I’m just out running errands.
Osprey Escapist 20 ($99; OspreyPacks.com)
Full disclosure: This pack was designed for mountain bikers, and
there’s even a helmet attachment (called a “LidLock”) to prove it. But I
love it for day hikes, too. It keeps sweat at bay better than any other
pack I’ve tried, thanks to the ingenious mix of strategically-placed
foam and mesh on the back panels and straps, and that’s a huge thing if
you live in an often-steamy climate. In addition, there are lots of
little extras that show that great care went into the design: a secret
rain cover hidden in the bottom, a small top “slash” pocket so small
items (wallet, sunglasses, camera) are easy to access, a pocket on the
shoulder strap for your ID and some cash, and two water bottle pockets.
See you on the trails!
ddt2
