Here's what I am bringing so far. (I have a few more items en route and will post when I decide on them.)

Left to right:

• 1) Outdoor Research gloves: free box find, great condition, I think I’ll want these for the first bit

• 2) Cotopaxi Fuego LT, 950 Fill Water-Resistant Down Jacket: This was $49 on clearance at Sierra Trading Post and it’s super light, quite warm, and I love the color combination.

• 3) Nike Pro Dri-Fit Shorts. I have tried numerous pairs of shorts out and these fit the best. I have a feeling that something more snug will chafe less; they’ll also work for swim bottoms should I get the chance to take a dip.

• 4) Crocs Serena Sandal. These weight about 4 ounces for the pair, and having camp/town shoes is something I want to have. I have always sworn I would never own Crocs, but here I am… I wanted something with more “shoe" than a flip flop and didn’t want the expense of a trail sandal.

• 5) 2 pairs of Darn Tough Midweight hiking socks. I have to say I am not super impressed with these so far. They pilled almost instantly and don’t seem to wick well. While the hiking community lauds them, these are my first Darn Tough socks. I wonder if they might be too heavy for the warmer sections of the trail too. But I’m giving them a try, and we’ll see how they go.

• 6) Oiselle Flyout T Shirt . I am thrilled to support this local, woman-owned company from Seattle. I tried.so.many.t-shirts. Weird sleeves, limited movement, wacky lengths. I figure if it’s the only t-shirt I’ll be wearing for 2 months, it better be damn comfy and perform. It’s ultra lightweight, and a looser fit, but it stretches and completely moves with your body. I am super excited about this clothing item.

• 7) Cashmere sweater. Secondhand find for $17, this may be replaced with a midweight Merino cowl neck pullover from Duckworth once it arrives. I’m a cold sleeper and I know the huge temp jumps that happen in the desert from day to night.

• 8) My favorite new product yet is these amazing lightweight leggings from Girlfriend Collective, also woman-owned and local, from Seattle. These are the most comfortable pants I’ve ever put on my body. And people who make fair wages in safe work environments make them with recycled fishnets. What’s not to like? They have tons of great colors, but my size was sold out of most, so I went with basic black. Excited to put these to the test.

• 9) Eddie Bauer lightweight shirt. A Goodwill find for $7, this shirt will not stay white long but is lightweight, loose, and fits the bill for sun protection.