Call of the Wild
Hi everyone, happy Wednesday!
I recently stumbled across Yvonne Leow’s newsletter Bewilder, which puts together tried-and-tested itineraries for camping trips across California. Even though I haven’t pitched a tent in years, it’s got me wish-planning a relaxing nature retreat. Here’s what I would bring if I were spending a few nights in the great outdoors — anyone down for a long backpacking expedition across Tahoe?
Pack It Up
SCHOOLHOUSE FAUX ROLL TOP - MOKUYOBI
It goes without saying: a sturdy, dependable backpack for carrying your essentials is a must. I got this backpack from Mokuyobi a few years ago, and though I used it mostly for toting notebooks, I’m confident that it would hold up just as well hauling sleeping bags. The bag is crafted from waterproof nylon and features a padded laptop sleeve, water bottle holder, and five extra compartments for storing all your loose knickknacks (extremely helpful for keeping all my lip balms accounted for.) I adore Mokuyobi’s cheerful, colorful aesthetic; all their products, from their apparel to their accessories, are simply a joy to behold.
Hydration Station
As someone with super sensitive skin, just the thought of foregoing my nightly 12-step routine is enough to make me break out in hives. Since I unfortunately cannot fit my entire bathroom cabinet into a backpack, I’d need a one-and-done product, a multipurpose moisturizer equally effective on my face and body. Enter the Waterbalm moisturizer from Kinfield. It can be used anywhere from your hands to your face to your elbows, and it’s infused with colloidal oatmeal and aloe, which has a pleasant cooling effect when applied — a real treat when you’ve just come back from a hot, sweaty hike.
Throw in the Towel
I read Douglas Adams’ The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy when I was in sixth grade, and the part that made the greatest impression on me was the incalculable value of the humble towel. According to Adams, with a towel you can: wrap it around you for warmth; lie on it; sleep under it beneath the stars; wrap it around your head; wave it in emergencies as a distress signal; and of course dry yourself off with it (if by then it’s still clean enough). Basically, when you’re far from home, a towel is both a very useful and very comforting thing to have. I love this towel’s vibrant Mexico-inspired design from artists Euri Loreno and Arantxa Solis; I have no doubt it would fulfill all its potential functions with ease and aplomb.
Tried one of my recs and loved it (or hated it)? Wanna get something cool on my radar? Drop me a line at kittylguo@gmail.com or swing by my Twitter @kitguo!