This post is sponsored by Backcountry & ShopStyle.
We just snuck in a little road trip for some end-of-season skiing. We’ve had an underwhelming ski season out here in PA, soooo…last Saturday we packed up the car and headed up to Stowe, Vermont.
Of course, this was before COVID-19 hit ‘pandemic’ levels.
In any case, Vermont, if you’ve never been, is gorgeous. And would make one heck of a road trip any time of year. I’ll share more details on our trip later, but for now, I want to talk about a couple of things that are making it easy to do a little exploring (or road tripping) in this oddly warm late winter/early spring. (And if you are currently giving Spring Break plans the side eye in response to COVID-19…I’m with you. I’m starting to mentally prepare myself that we may be sticking closer to home than we originally planned. BOO.)
One thing is clear, though: Pandemic or no, this girl needs a little fresh air and sun. Like a plant.
My Road Trip Essentials: Rugged Duffles & Cozy Fleeces
So whether you are desperately looking for outdoor adventures close to home (S raises hand), or just need to start planning something fun for when this whole horrible pandemic is over…I have a couple of rock-solid recommendations I’ve personally been using the heck out of.
duffle (made from recycled polyester) in “smolder blue” | fleece (size up for extra slouch) in “vintage white/dove gray” | hat
1. The Best Rugged Duffle: Patagonia’s 55L (Made From Recycled Material)
THIS. Patagonia’s 55L duffle is my new favorite travel bag. If we just need one bag for a quick overnight (or for a road trip where you only want to bring one bag in/out of hotels along the way)…this fits EVERYTHING, yet can easily be carried, thanks to the removable backpack straps. I can bring pajamas/loungewear, swim stuff, a change of clothes (including sweaters), all family toiletries (and my makeup and fancy hair products) for all four of us in this bag.
I know Linzi is also coveting this bag. She remarked that it would be great for sleepaway camp – not only does it fit everything, but the kiddos can haul it on their own, thanks to the backpack straps. Such a great investment piece of luggage – the kind of thing they’ll be taking to college, too.
I have the ‘smolder blue’ color…but it also comes in a seriously gorgeous plum.
fleece jacket | duffle | hat
2. The Coziest-Ever Fleece Hoodie
I have hardly taken off this cozy fleece hoodie from The North Face. It’s made from 30% recycled polyester, is insanely soft, and simply a joy to snuggle up in. While the hoodie is available in other colors, the white is giving me all of the end-of-winter vibes AND it’s 40% off!!
I was debating between this white color, officially called, “vintage white/dove gray” or this gorgeous soft gray called “meld gray” – but both colors are 40% off and you won’t go wrong with either.
fleece jacket (40% off)| duffle | boots (44% off)
This fleece is cute enough to hit apres ski bars…but still comfy enough that it was the first thing I grabbed in the morning. And if you’ve checked my IG lately…you’ll notice it was my go-to for the drive itself, too.
Backcountry Is Having a Huge Sale – Here’s What I Recommend
In addition to my duffle and cozy fleece above, there are a few other pieces (on sale!!) that are worth considering.
My Top 5: Sustainable Fleece Jackets
My Top 3: Practical All-Weather Jackets I Personally Swear By
I noticed that a few of our favorites are also on sale. So if anyone needs a new raincoat or are planning any adventure travel…I highly recommend one of these.
Stay healthy, stay safe…and let’s hope we can all find a bit of fresh air and sunshine.
xo,
S
Hi, can you tell me what size you ordered in the North Face fleece hoodie??