Summer is officially here! Well, ok, it’s not technically summer since the summer solstice has not happened yet, but we all know that Memorial Day weekend is usually considered the unofficial-official start of summer. Personally, my favorite thing about summer is getting out of the Las Vegas heat to hike and camp with friends or my minions.
Getting out and enjoying nature under the summer sun calls for specific outdoor gear, especially for curvy girls. First and foremost, make sure that most, if not all, of your gear has a UPF rating. This fabulous feature is an AMAZING first line of defense to not only keep your face and décolletage looking young, but more importantly, 1 in 50 of us will be diagnosed with melanoma in our lifetime, and UPF-rated clothing and hats, like the one featured below from Outdoor Research, are a great way to protect you from the sun’s damaging rays.
Second, lightweight and moisture-wicking fabrics are a girl’s best friend out on the trail after her hydration reservoir. I LOVE convertible pants like the ones featured from Columbia. They’re thick enough to protect my legs while going through brush, heavy enough to keep me warm during cool desert morning and evenings, but even better as shorts during the heat of the day.
A great pack by Osprey is a definite essential with room for a light Columbia jacket or raincoat, snacks, and an included a 3-liter hydration reservoir. Of course, don’t forget that great hiking boots are your best friend during those summer outdoor adventures, especially ones that are as comfortable (and good looking) the Vasque Breeze 2.0 with GTX.
Finally, for those times you’re spending the night out in nature, I am going to tout the best bag/ sleeping pad combination I’ve ever come across. The beauty of Big Agnes sleeping bags and pads is that the bag has an integrated sleeve for the sleeping pad, thus insuring it doesn’t sneak away while you sleep! The Double Z sleeping pad is lightweight, air-filled and extra cushy at four inches thick, and honestly makes sleeping out in the rocky desert as comfortable as on my bed back home. As an added bonus, it doesn’t squeak and crackle like most sleeping pads do! Who knew camping could be so comfy?
1. Columbia Plus Size Bahama™ Long Sleeve Shirt
2. Soybu Plus Size Alicia Tank
3. Terramar Plus Size Short Sleeve Scoop Top
4. Columbia Plus Size Arcadia II Jacket
5. Columbia Plus Size Saturday Trail II ™Converible Pant
6. Columbia Plus Size Saturday Trail™ Long Shorts
7. Soybu Plus Size Allegro Capri
9. Outdoor Research Oasis Sombrero
11. Big Agnes Women's Juniper Sleeping Bag
12. Big Agnes Double Z Sleeping Pad
Enjoying the summer sun in any of the gear featured here on Well Rounded Wednesday? Please tag us in your photos on Twitter and Instagram using #WRW- we would LOVE to see your style!