Hiking with Samson

Backpack: c/o Cotopaxi

Shirt: c/o Cotopaxi

Shorts: Forever 21

Cardigan: c/o Aeropostale

Shoes: Nike [similar]

Sunglasses: c/o LuLu*s

One of my favorite summer activities to do is hiking!

Whether it's a mini-hike on the neighborhood trail or a lengthy hike up the mountains, it's always nice to be in the outdoors, enjoying the beauty of nature (sappy, much Ariel?). It's especially fun when I've got a little furball to enjoy it with! I am, however, in no way an expert hiker--in fact, the thought of hiking Mt. Timpanogos makes me exhausted and want to take a nap. I'm kind of a wuss that way, haha. My ideal hike would be a 1-2 mile scenic walk with Connor and Samson to a waterfall or lake! Below are some of my essentials for hiking. I'm sure there are a TON of more stuff you should bring but for an amateur like me, these items do the trick.

1. The North Face Resolve Jacket -- a nice jacket in case things get chilly or rainy

2. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen -- always protect your skin from them UV-rays!

3. Crunchy Peanut Butter Clif Bar -- a filling snack is always essential to keep your tummy happy

4. Badger Balm Anti-Bug Spray -- to keep away those pesky blood suckers

5. Cotopaxi Cambodia Water Bottle -- hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

6. Coleman All Purpose First Aid Tin -- a requirement for a klutz like me

Of course, in order to carry all these hiking essentials, you need a reliable backpack!

This Cusco Backpack I'm wearing in today's post from Cotopaxi is the perfect hiking essential to carry all the rest of your hiking essentials! The Cusco is large enough to handle any adventure, yet small enough for everyday use. Some of its specs include a laptop sleeve that fits most 15" laptops, two water bottle pockets, a top zipper pocket to hold smaller items, a bottom pocket that expands to hold up to 6 ounces of extra supplies, suede leather bottom and detailing (it's super soft), and an adjustable chest, waist, and should straps. If that's not a super backpack, I don't know what is!

The best part about Cotopaxi besides their sweet gear is their motto: "Gear for Good." Each piece of Cotopaxi gear is tied to a humanitarian cause in one of the poorest regions of the world. For example, if you purchase a Cusco Backpack, you'll provide an on-site tutor to one child for one week in Peru. If you purchase the Llamatari T-Shirt I'm wearing, you'll provide one person clean water for six months! Each of their items has a specific cause that is helped if purchased. So basically, you're saving the world by buying snazzy gear. How awesome is that? If you have any questions about their giving process, non-profit partners, or anything else, Cotopaxi is always available to answer them.