It’s easier to pack when the weather is the exact same for your entire trip. But when you’re traveling in shoulder season, or are visiting a destination that’s known for beautifully sunny skies and the occasional rain shower, you have to mix things up a little.
Stick to simplicity with the Sunny Tide One-Piece swimsuit. The full-coverage, strappy tank is secure enough to indulge in paddle sports, surfing, swimming, and running around on the beach. If choosing a solid color, the soft, stretchy fabric is 83% recycled nylon/17% spandex, and is fully lined in self fabric. The thing I like the most about the straps is that they rest away from the neck, so you won’t constantly be yanking on them when you need more movement. The suit has a mid-hip fit and has moderate coverage in the seat. Get it for $139 on the Patagonia site in black or tidal teal.
Boardshorts are a constant necessity for me, whether I’m surfing, paddling, or need a quick cover-up so I can run to the store. Check out the women’s Wavefarer 5-inch Boardshorts, which have the perfect inseam length for pretty much anything. They’re made with a quick-drying 4-ply NetPlus 100% post-consumer recycled nylon faille that happens to come from recycled fishing nets. The fabric includes a durable water-repellent finish made without added PFAS. The three-piece, self-lined waistband contours to hips, and the self-draining right rear pocket has an internal key loop and plastic zipper closure. It lists for $75 on the Patagonia site, and comes in tidal teal, black, buttercup yellow, abundant blue print, marion red print, and undersea black print.
If you’re not sure what the weather will bring, the women’s Nano-Air Ultralight Full-Zip Hoody is the perfect layer to pack along on any adventure. The lightweight jacket has a 100% recycled polyester ripstop shell and lining fabric that’s stretchy, breathes well, resists abrasion, and has a durable water-repellent finish made without added PFAS. Breathable underarm panels vent heat and resist bulk. The jacket cuffs are stretchy and soft, with a moisture-wicking and quick-drying Capilene Cool lightweight fabric. The hood fits with and without a helmet.
The jacket has a slim fit, so it’s comfortable under a harness and backpack, and when you want to pack it into a day-bag, you can stuff the entire thing into the low-profile chest pocket. It lists for $249 on the Patagonia site, and comes in smolder blue (pictured) and abundant blue.