.......The National Parks Edition!

We're heading out on our big Wild West Adventure early on Saturday.......Rushmore, Yellowstone, Grand Teton. I'm actually packing two capsules. This one, the "National Parks Edition" will be stored in the camper. The other, which I'll post tomorrow, will be the "Road Trip Edition," intended for the to/from, when we will be "in town" and have access to luxuries like, you know, electricity.

These items are intended for family hikes of 2-12 miles, rafting and horseback riding, cycling, visitor centers, hanging out and sleeping in the campground.......without, you know, electricity. I don't look cute or cool in gear, but I have chosen colors I like --- aqua to cobalt, with bits of raspberry, and neutrals of earthy grey and black. Tech fabrics will help me dry faster and wick away all that lovely mountain sweat I'll be generating. We will have a chance to do laundry at least once in the 6 days we'll be in the parks.

1/2: Tech tee, EB Travex hiking pants, Merrell hiking shoes, Columbia hat -- with real sun protection, and completely foldable.

2/3: Grey/green cargos with cotton blend tees. These tees will not see long hikes, but would work for hanging out by geysers or short jaunts around the campground. These pants are not pulling at the crotch, but they are creasing a lot.

4/5: For colder nights: These pants are Adidas. It's so hard to photograph black, but I think they look better IRL -- more like track pants, and they actually have some slouch. I've paired them with a long sleeve tech top, my cobalt softshell with hood, and a red fleece that will pack if I have the room. The hat in #8 is tech fleece, with ear flaps. I will take a pair of gloves, too, and can layer jackets. The boots will not make the trip --- gotta cut down on the footwear capsule! They're Clarks, and they're awesome, but not meant for real hiking.

6: Light rain jacket and capris. These pants are Nike, with a side welt, a thick weight knit and they're looser than they appear. They fit like the Athleta pants so many purchased this summer. I can wear my DH's second raincoat, which is longer, or I can purchase an inexpensive poncho for hiking/rafting in rain. Anyone have experience with this and a recommendation?

10-12: Capri makeover! These capris are at least 13 years old. They've not been worn much recently because the leg shape was so out of date. Still, they have leg pockets, are pretty loose, and the tech fabric is terrific. So.........I folded them and gave them an elastic cuff. Not quite as perfect as Athleta city pants, but they'll be great for hiking. I've paired them with a sleeveless top and a raspberry tech tee. Tech materials are key for me, since I intend to be active and I "glow" whenever the temperatures climb past 60. Seriously. I radiate.

I'll also be taking a couple pairs of cycling shorts (Sugoi -- they are so awesome for women), which I'll mix in with the tech tops. I'm also traveling with Crocs, which I'll post in my capsule tomorrow. They'll work as shower shoes. Any suggestions?