I drove the four hours home to Ithaca, NY from Philly this weekend for Mother's Day, but not without a stop at REI to make my contribution to the Anniversary Sale. I'm usually pretty careful about what I purchase, especially if it involves a significant investment, but I know I can count on REI to have exactly what I need! The products I left the store with:
Patagonia Women's Bandha Dress in Morning Glory - I am not typically a dress-wearing girl, mostly because I have trouble with the way most dresses are cut, and the fabric (too many flowers, too floofy, etc.). I look for dresses that are feminine but not girly, and that I could both wear to work or around the city comfortably. This dress is cut to flatter just about any figure, including mine, and the fabric is beautifully soft. My longer limbs and swimmer's shoulders are tough to fit, but Patagonia, as always, pulled through.
Patagonia Women's Capilene® 3 Crew in Shoreline Blue - I can never get enough of Patagonia's base layers, especially in preparation for my four day backpacking trip in the Adirondacks this weekend. My body seems to have difficulty regulating its temperature, and I quickly vacillate between much too cold and much too warm. But these base layers provide enough protection to keep me comfortable through the cold Upstate New York nights and hikes up Mt. Marcy. And it looks pretty darn good on, too! (editors note: it shrunk in the dryer, and I gave to a friend.)
Yakima Bike rack with Copperhead add-on - I've been toying with the idea of getting a bike rack for some time now, and finally committed when I learned they were all 20% off. Taking apart two bikes and fitting them in my tiny Toyota Corolla was getting tiring. Yakima and Thule seemed interchangeable, and the Yakima was a bit cheaper. I opted for a roof rack due to information from friends about the drawbacks of a trunk rack, and my own reservations about trunk racks in general. The entire set up - clips, towers, bars, and the Copperhead - came to less than $400. Win.
Bear-resistant Food Canister - These are required in the Adirondacks, and after three trips with a $5/day rental fee, I decided this would be a good investment. They're definitely heavy and awkward to pack, but easy to use, and I feel much safer knowing my dinner is protected, and relatively bear-proof!
Patagonia Women's Active Classic Cami - This is another one of Patagonia's one-style-fits-and-flatters-all pieces of clothing. I have two already, and have worn them climbing, backpacking, running, gymming, and out to dinner. They dry super-fast, and all the different patterns are sure to please. I have one in black, blue, and now green.
I can't wait to test everything out!