GONE CAMPING: TO BRING OR NOT TO BRING

Ever looked in the closet when you're about to embark on an outdoor adventure and wondered to your adventure-having self, "What should I wear?!" Admit it. We're girls. And girls like to look cute. And when we're doing awesome things and shredding outside and getting dirty, we still have a part of us that wants to look good while doing it...

That's where our outdoor style guide comes in!

1. Think LAYERS.

That's the thing about the outdoors... the weather is changeable. You need to be prepared for peeling or adding layers as the day goes on. I usually start with a light puffy in the morning and end up shedding layers throughout the day. It's nice to have an extra pair of socks on hand as well to keep your toes warm at night.

We love rain jackets for their ability to cut wind and shed rain, and act as a super light layering piece

We are all about fun socks with hiking boots!

Socks and sandals. Rock it.

2. Go light.

Overpacking in the wild is never a good idea. I like to think of it this way, "what's in your pack is on your back." If you don't want to carry it, don't bring it.

Whether for a day trip or a multi-night backcountry trip, it's always great to have a day bag

Essentials only! If you're on the water, dry bags are a must.

3. It's all about the function.

Prioritize what you need. Don't bring stuff that you will only use once. Bring the gear that counts - like your pocket rocket backpacking stove, propane/butane, headlamp, Camelback, water filter and things that'll keep you moving once you're on the go. Depending on the type of trip you're taking, make sure you have your essentials with you.

Clothes/shoes wise, there's still lots of ways to be cute while also functional and all kinds of outdoors brands are making that easier and easier for us to do. You don't have to sacrifice good looks to do what you love :) We are always sure to bring a few good hats as well to keep our crazy hair covered!

We like to pack using tupperware to keep things a bit more tidy at basecamp

Headlamp c/o Princeton Tec

Camping Stove (similar)

Wild Brim Hat 

Brixton Tiller Hat

4. Just have fun!
Packing can be very overwhelming and stressful. If you're anything like our Meggie, she can sit in a pile of clothes and gear and just lose her marbles not knowing where to start. Hopefully these quick steps will help you get beyond the stress and to the fun part - adventuring! We will be sharing more tips on specific types of trips and how to pack here shortly, so keep your eyes peeled!

JOSHUA TREE

Camping in Joshua Tree is so dreamy. There is something about the desert that is very ethereal and I like it. Chase and I came here to celebrate my (well…our) birthday. If you are into rock climbing and bouldering this would seriously be your heaven. For us, we just enjoy the camping experience and fun exploring and hiking it offers.

The best time to camp at Joshua Tree is in the winter and spring. Once June and July hit it gets super hot up there so probably isn't as comfortable. We went in May and the days were in the mid 70s with a slight breeze while the nights were cold enough for a heavy coat and beanies. We slept comfortably in our awesome Kelty tent and were grateful it had a rain fly to protect us from the wind.

One of my favorite parts of this weekend was waking up to delicious pancakes! We used two scoops of  plant based protein powder from Designer Protein to give us the energy we needed to get through the day. Feel free to find the recipe here. They truly were delicious. Happy camping!

TASTY TUESDAY - BIRTHDAY EDITION

With our birthday right around the corner (the 25th!) I thought it'd be great to share this fabulous cake recipe I came up with. The trick is to use whatever chocolate cake (or any flavor) and frosting recipe you like. I have several, and ended up using our family dad's chocolate cake recipe for this one. It's even easier than it looks!

CAMPING REALITIES

 

A few weeks ago Ky and I went camping in Alabama Hills. It's where the mountains meet the desert and it's pretty dang awesome. Camping is a our thang if ya know what I mean, but with camping comes unexpected and often time, humorous events.

Chase and I showed up at the campsite around 10:30 at night. That's the norm for us since we work the normal 8-5 type of jobs. We are known to arrive at camp once the sun is already asleep. The great thing about showing up during the night is that we had two adorable cosmo people to greet us! And I'm not talking about the beautiful starry night ;). Ky and Spence were dressed in their cosmo onesie jumpsuits just roaming around haha, it was the funniest thing ever! But I must admit, they are dang comfy and perfect for keeping you warm over other layers of clothes.

After we exchanged hellos Chase started setting up our tent. Except, our tent wasn't exactly a tent. We forgot the poles! At first I thought Chase was kidding, but I quickly read by his tone that this was not a joke! And to top it off, our pump didn't fit our mattress pad (hah). Tricks on us!

Chase and I had a lovely night sleeping on a collapsed tent with only a blanket and tarp between us and the dirt. We kept another blanket on the top of us and thankfully the desert wasn't too cold that night. Oh, and a little critter which I suspect was a coyote decided to walk on top of me and sniff my head nice and good. Yes, TERRIFYING! It woke me up and all I could do was stay very still tight in my sleeping bag and pray for mercy. At first I thought it was a dream, but once I was awake and heard it sniffing around my head and sleeping bag I knew it was real! Chase still doesn't believe me, but I'm telling you people, it happened! Bunnies and rodents don't sniff that loud or weigh enough to wake up a deep sleeper like me. Lets just say it was a night to remember. Waking up alive has never felt so good. Even with a terrible back ache :).

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

Destination: Yosemite National Park / Distance from LA: 5 hrs / Activity: Camping, hiking, climbing

Yosemite is one of those places where your heart literally stops when you see it. I was breathless, just staring at its majesty looming above me, for the entire first day. Everything blows you away with its awesomeness. There's a reason it's all people can talk about! The Yosemite Valley is world famous for its waterfalls, vistas, meadows, cliffs and unusual rock formations. Deer roam freely, hikers gather, climbers go beyond extreme limits, and photographers flock with their tripods to capture and revel in its infinite beauty. It'll take far more than a lifetime to explore it in full. Even then I'm convinced I wouldn't have enough. Over 700,000 acres and 95% pure wilderness, this is the mecca for outdoors enthusiasts aching for inspiration and a breath of fresh air.