"Oh the places you'll go"
2021 has by far been the biggest travel year ever for me. What started as a desire to hike one trail out West, quickly spiraled into a passion of exploration across what feels like all terrains. As a woman who never ventured out of TX until the age of 27, I guess you could say I am making up for lost time. This year has been filled with numerous flights, thousands of miles driven, easily thousands of dollars spent, and hundreds of photos captured. This year has also been filled with more genuine connections, mental clarity, joy, and experiences unimagined. For that it is worth every penny, drive, flight, and wonky sleep patterns endured.
I've managed to venture as far as Michigan North, California/Nevada West, Virginia/Carolinas East, & Florida South. I've managed to be in 100 degree to 20 degree weather, & all the craziness in between. At times my ventures have been a spur of the moment wake up and go, and other times have held a slight structure to the plan. With all that travel, I have found staple items that without purchasing this year would have made journey far harder. I get asked often what all I pack, or what do I use and figured this would be a great place to share. Also these items will be linked for easy snags! Couple of cliff notes on my stats as some of these will be preference: 5'6, small torso, & I get cold easily lol! This is important when picking a backpack as each is VERY different.
Top 11 buys:
Osprey backpack- THIS is the game changer. I used to hike with my Lululemon fanny & my HydroJug.
Hiking poles. These are great for ice conditions or just to have more stability as well.
Kahtoola EXOspikes. LITERAL LIFE SAVER. I used these for Charlie's Bunion and didn't slip once.
Merrell Moab 2 Waterproof. Highly recommend a good shoe especially as miles grow/terrain changes.
1st Phorm bars. Snacks are a must that are lightweight. Level 1 is a go to of mine.
Patagonia Nano Puff. This is lightweight, warm, and can be layered over clothing.
Patagonia Better Sweater Quarter Zip. I love this in general, but I have used this under my Nano Puff easily.
North Face Apex gloves. Best part is they are phone friendly!
Loopy Cases. EVERYONE needs this regardless of what you do. These cases have saved my phone hundreds of times from slipping out my hand.
Bluetooth selfie stick. How else do you think I get my pics?!
Black Diamond Astro headlamp. MUST have for night or sunrise hikes.
While I have easily purchased many more things, these are my top musts to make a trip smooth and effortless. I will say this passion has come with a price tag, but I also prefer quality over cheapness. These items have allowed me to see grasslands, snow, mountains, and deserts. & who knows how many sunrises and sunsets now.
If I did a rough guess on how much I have spent this year in travel/gear, my assumption would be close to $10,000. Each trip to Colorado, and Arizona or Vegas has been upwards $1500-2000. My gear alone I have spent most likely around $1500-$2000. Now I will point out IF my spontaneous heart didn't lead some of these trips then the price point would have been better. This isn't to brag, this is to be transparent as I am well aware travel is a luxury. What most people don't know is I worked non stop the year prior to bank the extra funds. I burned myself out, and I did as much as I could outside of my "day job". 2021 was my year of reset. My year of saying more YES to what filled me up, and more NO to what didn't serve me. 2022, will be the year of saying more yes still, but honoring/creating better boundaries on my desires. I plan to travel more SUV life wise, and fly less. That alone will reduce some of those costs over the next 12 months. What I hope you take away from this blog is some insight onto things that might be beneficial for your travels if you're hiking. My other hope is that you start pursuing the things that bring you joy. It doesn't matter how big or small, it only matters that it makes you feel good. Solo travel has been the best self care addition to my life, and the more confidence I have gained in it the more eager I am to keep being a little nomad.
-Taryn
IG: Taryn_annette
Email: Taryn.shaffer@yahoo.com
Free FB Group: Transform With Taryn
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