Oh wow, I’m really late to this and need to read all the other responses you’ve gotten. As I said in your other thread, I’ve traveled in a similar way a couple of times now. I have a bad habit of overpacking, and mainly because I expect more “dressing up” occasions than there will actually be. I can get away with far fewer city clothes than I’m tempted to take.
For my most recent trip, I left my leather jackets at home and took a light puffer that layered with everything to serve me for temps down to 15 degrees. I also took a rain shell and waterproof pants (those I never used). Beanie and gloves and a couple of Buffs for hiking and outdoor activities are a must for any temps under 50. I brought along the lightweight Hoffman/Herschel floral jacket in my finds below, which was a total impulse Marshall’s buy, and I wore it a TON! It was a great light layer for the desert in the mornings and late afternoons when it was cooling off, and also nice over a long sleeve top and hoodie on cooler days. The happy print livened up my mostly dark, mostly neutral gear/road trip capsule.
- Besides that floral jacket and my puffer, the next most worn item is my puffer vest. Great for just that little extra layer and a touch of warmth. Plus it insures that I always have usable pockets (jeans do not always have that!).
- I have some good black “travel pants” from Athleta that stand up to a lot of wear before they need laundering. They look polished enough to wear in the city but can go on a hike if needed. I have some Athleta crops that serve the same purpose in hotter weather. I also take 1-2 pairs of my comfiest jeans for driving days and town days. Hiking pants or shorts for the rest of the time.
- I take basic casual knit tops/tees that aren’t hiking gear but get worn for driving/town days. Graphic tees are my go-to because they’re easy to launder, rugged, and have some color an d personality. And I have a ridiculous number of them. I also like a plaid shirt or two for layering and a little extra color/pattern while not being too precious. One or two hoodies are a must.
- Other than hiking boots/shoes, I usually take a pair of fashion sneakers, a pair of black boots, and some sandals. I’ve learned not to take too many shoes that don’t have a definite purpose on the trip because they’re bulky to store in a limited space.
- I will take a small but beloved variety of jackets — hiking/gear ones, a fun windbreaker, a fleece…but also I take a good denim and a nice utility jacket that look decent for being out and about in town or elevating a gear outfit to grab a casual dinner. I take along a couple of pretty but not precious patterned scarves to wear in town as well. Those and my signature statement rings and some earrings can help me feel town-ready.
- I don’t bother with bags other than a backpack-style purse and maybe one small crossbody. Those pretty much take me anywhere on this kind of trip.
I’ve loaded up some finds below that give an idea of what I include in my road trip capsules.
Selfies from recent 6-week solo road trip out to AZ/NM/CO. Lots of hiking and photographing. Temps from single digits at night to 90 daytime! I hiked in snow and in the desert heat. Had a total blast, and I’m sure you will too!
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