For 10 years I lived in a very big city…the concrete jungle of NYC!  As much as I loved and thrived off of the city’s energy and spirit, moving to Los Angeles has given me a new appreciation for the great outdoors. I have officially replaced power walking the streets of Manhattan with outdoor activities in California. 

LA offers amazing weather year-round so my indoor daily routine from NYC naturally shifted to being outdoors! Moving across the country has given me time to reflect and reconnect with nature. I have embraced this awesome new way of life and decided to take advantage of my surroundings, so my family and I decided to take on hiking as an activity. 

My husband, kids and I started exploring different hiking paths near our home and have spent the vast majority of our time being outdoors and of course, exercising (or as my 9-year-old daughter likes to say, “getting our steps in”. 

After our first couple of hikes, we quickly realized we needed to trade in our NYC sneakers for some great hiking shoes and necessary gear. I came across Backcountry when I was searching for hiking gear and decided it was the perfect one-stop-shop for anything and everything needed to explore the great outdoors.  

Although California has great weather, it can get very cold while hiking so staying warm (especially during this time of year) is a must! 

I came across Backcountry when I was searching for stylish, yet practical hiking gear and I discovered this extremely cozy Stoic fleece jogger and hoodie set. Not only is it ideal for hiking, it’s also perfect to wear while staying cozy around the house. I am planning on layering my Stoic set when I go skiing in March! This is such a great versatile set that is also available in black at an amazing price (currently on sale)! If you aren’t in the market for a set, definitely take a look at the Stoic hoodie, it has an adjustable hood with an integrated gaiter and it also cinches at the hem, so it really seals out the cold.

I also discovered these game changing sneakers at Backcountry from On Running. They are lightweight sneakers that are ideal for hiking but also stylish enough to wear with a pair of jeans. I chose the almond color because they are neutral and easy to wear with any dark or light clothing, but they are available in a black, white and many other colors. Backcountry has an incredible selection of sneakers and hiking shoes/boots so if the On Running sneakers I’m wearing aren’t what you are looking for, I guarantee you will find a pair of shoes you love on Backcountry.

When I’m hiking, I have to be hands-free, so I like to wear a fanny pack that holds my necessities (including snacks). This Utility Sherpa fanny pack gets the job done and is the perfect size to carry around your essentials. 

My kids have two weeks off from school over the holidays and I can’t wait to explore a bunch of new hiking trails! Now that I am dressed and prepared to stay warm thanks to Backcountry, I am ready for a new hiking adventure! (Oh, but don’t forget your matching beanie)! Let the adventures begin!

Use code: KRISTEN15 for 15% off your first order! (Exclusions Apply).

Each September, when my kids go back to school, I often call it my “back to School” too, my reset, my reboot, my new beginning, my new year! As I start to put away my summer staples and replace them with my fall transitional pieces, I am instantly warmed with the thoughts of fall approaching, the holidays, yummy flavored coffees and the magnificent colors that come along with the fall season. 

It’s Fall ya’ll ! What does that mean? Well, for most of us around the country it means we have another amazing month of lovely weather before the leaves fall from the trees and the pumpkin spice lattes are in full swing! I have recently relocated to Southern California so “fall” looks a bit different for me compared to the east coast! No matter where I live, the one thing that seems to stay pretty consistent is the necessity for transitional wardrobe pieces! I have a section in my closet where I keep my “transitional pieces” and each season, I add more to this part of my closet.