Tomorrow we head to one of my favorite places in America, Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island, Maine. This is her third year in a row that my girlfriend and I have traveled there in the fall. At this point I feel like a seasoned pro. I think I have a pretty solid grasp of what it takes to be successful in both areas. When strolling through the parks and the lovely little town of Bar Harbor where we are staying.
I want to be clear: I am not an outdoors person. I have no intention of camping and prefer sensible walks in nature to serious hiking. And no matter how you imagine it, I don’t think anyone would describe me as “baribari”. That being said, a few years ago I realized that getting outside on a regular basis is really good for my mental health. ken burns—This is how visiting a national park ended up on my bucket list. Acadia was within driving distance of New York City, and she had heard from her friends that it was “boogie” (probably partly because it was funded by literal Rockefellers!), so she decided to It was easy to sell. now? I’m a total Acadian stun.
If you, too, are planning a fall trip to Acadia (or any other park or outdoor destination in the northern United States) and are wondering what to bring, here are highlights from my annual packing list Let me share some with you. These are items I return to year after year, and they serve me well both in Maine and as a casual nature appreciator at my home in Brooklyn.
1. Carhartt Rugged Flex Loose Fit Canvas Bib Overalls
I haven’t yet mastered the art of packing light, but I’ve gotten pretty good at thinking about my “road to town” attire for this trip. This means you’ll pack a little less than if you were to bring drastically different clothes. Great for going to the park or touring around town. My Carhartt overalls are the cornerstone of this approach and are a wardrobe staple when I’m in Maine. (The exact pair I have is currently mostly sold out, but the new version above is very similar.) The overalls are incredibly comfortable and fuss-free. I really like that I don’t have to worry about my pants shifting when I go out. And about.
By the way, it comes in several colors, including black, brown, and rusty red, but don’t be afraid of the cream color. Mine ended up getting pretty wet and muddy, but a regular wash cycle came back clean with no problems.
2. Columbia Hikebound Rain Jacket
Before my first trip to Acadia, I put all my anxious energy into finding the perfect rain jacket. I didn’t know how cold it would get, so something that wasn’t too heavy or too light. It had enough room to layer over a sweatshirt. It had a hood to protect my hair. If you don’t need it, you can also fold it and pack it into your backpack. I also wanted to avoid cuts like most women’s outerwear today. The waist is quite cinched, but the hips are voluptuous and “feminine”. After about 10,000 hours of research, we finally found what we were looking for in a Colombian men’s jacket. (Mine is the now discontinued Cabot Trail jacket, but the Hikebound is exactly the same and has all the same features.) Love This jacket: the hood is large enough to keep my (quite large!) dome dry, and the small one is completely oversized for me. Although unlined, it’s surprisingly comfortable and can be layered over the thickest of sweaters or worn with a T-shirt on warmer days.
I actually got it ton This jacket has hardly been used in the 3 years since I bought it. It’s also great for running errands or taking your dog out when it’s raining. I wore this to work today because I was dumping buckets in New York.
3. Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amps
I wasn’t sure if I really needed hiking boots for my first trip, and while a good pair of sneakers is often better for spending time outside, I’m so glad I took the plunge and bought these boots. They offer comfort, support, and waterproofness that most sneakers lack, and I’ve been grateful for that every time I’ve encountered rain on my travels. (At least once per visit, no more.)
