Outfitted: Roadtrip favorites

There’s something about a spontaneous Friday escape out of town that hits the spot come mid-summer. Whether you’re pulling into a riverside camp spot, climbing above treeline, or just finding a scenic pullout to stretch your legs, the right gear turns a good road trip into a great one. These five pieces of gear have become some new non-negotiables for my road trip kit.

Matador GlobeRider45 Travel Backpack

I’ve come to treat the GlobeRider like a hybrid suitcase and adventure pack. Built with weatherproof materials, it’s carry-on sized (45L) but feels cavernous thanks to smart organization: a clamshell opening, laptop sleeve, and external-access pockets for quick-grab gear. I packed it for a quick trip to the front range last month and was amazed how it handled both overnight gear and day-hike essentials. The suspension system is comfortable enough for short trail approaches, and the pack fit snugly in the back seat next to a jumble of camp chairs and trail snacks. My one complaint? When fully loaded, it gets a bit top-heavy — fine for walking through town but a little wobbly on uneven terrain. Still, for a pack that bridges travel and backcountry, the GlobeRider is a win. I highly recommend adding in Matador’s three-set packing cubes if you’re an organization freak like me. $350 for the pack, $30 for the packing cubes, MatadorEquipment.com.

Yeti Hopper Flip 18 Soft Cooler

For the Goldilocks cooler of a weekend jaunt, I swear by Yeti’s Hopper Flip 18 Soft Cooler. It’s not cheap, but it’s hands-down the most durable cooler I’ve used. I’ve taken it camping multiple times where temps hit the 80s during the first day, but the cooler still had ice in the morning. The wide-mouth opening makes it easy to pack and access without playing Tetris, and the waterproof zipper ensures nothing leaks during winding drives over mountain passes. On the downside, it’s heavier than some other soft coolers and doesn’t collapse for storage, but it’s the perfect size and weight for when your trip duration doesn’t merit the bigger, hard-sided monster cooler. Available in multiple colors. $300, Yeti.com.

Outdoor Research Women’s Aspire 3L Rain Jacket

Colorado weather has a personality of its own — sunshine one minute, hail the next — which is why OR’s Aspire 3L Rain Jacket lives in my car full-time. It’s built with Gore-Tex and has full side zips that double as vents, and let you remove it like a poncho if the sun comes out mid-hike. I recently wore it on a moody hike up Independence Pass when the skies opened up halfway in. Not only did it keep me dry, but it breathed well enough that I didn’t turn into a sauna. The fit is flattering and flexible, easily layering over a fleece without bulk. It also includes stretchy three-layered nylon to help combat that stiff feeling that Gore-Tex shells can have. For the men’s version, check out the OR Foray 3L Rain Jacket at the same price point. Available in multiple colors. $249, OutdoorResearch.com.

Paka Apparel’s Essentials Underwear

It’s easy to overlook basics like underwear until you’re stuck in damp cotton on a four-hour drive. Enter Paka Apparel’s essentials underwear, made from alpaca fiber blends that are breathable, temperature-regulating, and incredibly soft. I’ve been testing out the women’s mid-rise briefs for the past couple of months and have been highly impressed by their performance during continuous travel. After a weekend of hiking and camping, they’re still fresh enough to wear on the drive home. They’re not cheap, but their durability, comfort, and odor resistance make them worth the upgrade. Just be warned: Once you try them, your old undies from Costco might get benched permanently. Available in multiple colors. $29 for the women’s mid-rise brief and bikini brief, $39 for the men’s boxer brief, PakaApparel.com.

Hest Foamy Seat Cushion

Lastly, this seat cushion from Hest has been the unsung hero of my roadtrip kit this summer. At first glance, it’s just a 15-by-15-inch pad of memory foam with a waterproof cover, but this thing has made every roadside stop, campfire seat, and chilly bench ten times more comfortable. I tossed it in the car on a whim last spring before a multi-week trip back east and used it constantly — from sitting on a boulder during a day hike to sitting on the beach for a sunset viewing. It packs small, doesn’t soak up water, and adds a layer of luxury you didn’t know you needed. $89, Hest.com.

Meg Simon is an Aspen-based freelance writer, graphic designer, and founder of Simon Finch Creative. She can be reached at meg@simonfinchcreative.com.

Meg Simon is an Aspen-based freelance writer, graphic designer, and founder of Simon Finch Creative. She can be reached at meg@simonfinchcreative.com.