It’s been awhile since I’ve hit the trail, but I’ve got a spring break this year, and dammit, I’m going to use it. Since I’m a student again, I have to vacation on the cheap, and so I’m headed to the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee/North Carolina. I’ve never really been to either state (I drove through NC once) so I’m looking forward to checking out the South (where it will hopefully be warmer in a month’s time!)
I’ve learned that any outdoor activity is better when you’re prepared for the varying weather conditions Mother Nature throws at you, and while I don’t need much, a couple new items are in order, especially those undies that wick away moisture (see below). When you’re hiking you need an extra layer, but cotton undies get damp and uncomfortable almost immediately.
After getting some great Christmas gifts at Patagonia this year for my boyfriend, I headed back to their site to check out what they had lined up for Spring, and there’s lots of cute and perfect-for-a-week-on-the-trail stuff. All of Patagonia’s cotton is organic (and super-soft too) and most of their fleeces are recycled (and recyclable). When I was in my local store, they informed me about how one tree only makes a few hundred paper bags (and then stuffed all my purchases into one, instead of using two or three), encouraged me to see An Inconvenient Truth, and convinced me to get a recycled cloth bag to use as gift-wrap (the bags are made from the scraps of material that are left over after huge bolts of cloth are cut up to make their clothes). They also have a great section on their site about the company’s activism, and you can search for clothes that are made with recycled materials or organic cotton separately, if that’s what you’re looking for.
Figure-flattering coat made with recycled polyester.
Sweat-wicking undies
This pretty “Hempdons” dress is made from hemp, recycled polyester, and organic cotton.
Climbing top of organic cotton with a bit of spandex.
Howie’s is a UK-based outdoor clothing company who also has a strong environmental commitment. As they say on their site, their clothes are for bikers, snowboarders, and skaters (but I’m sure it’s OK if you wear them for other activities). They also have a cute blog and a sweet philosophy they call the “Rocking Chair Test”: when they look back when they are old and grey they want to be proud of their company and products. Howies also donates 10% of pre-tax profits to environmental causes.
Too-adorable mushroom hoodie made from leftover cotton fabric (pre-consumer recycling!)
Down-home cowgirl shirt in organic cotton
organic cotton canvan “Freerider” jacket.
Wow! Hiking through the Smokies in March. I’m so jealous! If you get a chance, you might also check out the Roan Highlands and Max Patch while you’re down there. (Both are along the Appalachian Trail. You’d probably hit it before the big wave of northbound hikers comes through.)
When you go, you might want to stay in a trail town either at the beginning or end of your trip. Elmer’s Sunnybank Inn (828-622-7206) in Hot Springs is a B&B that doubles as a hiker hostel with homecooked vegetarian meals served family style. (Wendell Berry’s “Mad Farmer’s Liberation Front” is posted in the upstairs hallway of the Victorian House.)
Standing Bear Farms at Davenport Gap is another great stop. Guests can choose between the bunk house, a private cabin built over a babbling brook, and (if I remember correctly) a teepee. I’m not sure about the contact info–I think it just travels via word of mouth out in the woods.
Believe it or not, a dress (like that Patagucci one) would be a good investment for your backpacking trip. I know more and more women who hike in knee-length skirts because it’s easier to pee and get long underwear on and off.
02/06/07 » 8:59 pm »
Men wear skirts to hike in as well. At least AMC hut croos do. Not sure about normal men.
But you’re a student vacationing on the “cheap” and you can afford Patagonia? Those undies are $22!
02/07/07 » 1:39 pm »
What can I say? I’m not exactly the world’s best money manager. Not having swamp ass is worth 22 bucks to me….the other stuff is probably fantasy though!
02/08/07 » 12:09 pm »
But also you’re paying for ethically made stuff which does cost more.
02/08/07 » 12:10 pm »
I was trying to find that organic cotton flannel shirt on their website – but didn’t see it anywhere…do you happen to have the exact link? Thanks
02/11/07 » 10:01 am »
Lulabelle- the shirt can be found at http://www.howies.co.uk/section.php/30/0
It’s on sale, but it’s not flannel, it’s organic cotton poplin.
02/11/07 » 4:31 pm »