5 days ago
A Trail-Tested Packing List for Your Outdoor Summer Adventures
In my experience, high-tech fabrics are hard to pull off with dignity. Still, certain situations demand them–like a canoe trip I took recently in New York's Adirondack Mountains. When our guide emailed a packing list in advance, I braced for the worst. Merino-wool socks, sure, that makes sense. But do I really need a moisture-wicking shacket?
The list ended up being reasonable. I found I already possessed most of what I'd need for an early-summer paddle through the wilderness. Over the years certain items of functional clothing and gear have entered my rotation and stayed there. They've worn well. They've performed well—but, crucially, they're not trying too hard. Most of these items would (and do) pass for ordinary apparel on city streets or at the beach. They're all eminently packable, whatever your summer travel plans might be.
