Comments on: What I’m Packing for My Mountain Vacation

By: Teri

Teri — Mon, 03 Sep 2018 05:01:06 +0000

In reply to Isabel.

Love your list ‘redo’, Trinity! Much more practical items on a more realistic budget.

By: Courtney Watson

Courtney Watson — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 04:40:15 +0000

Dear Gen! Please at least once give yourself the gift, the total freedom, of not worrying about your hair on a camping trip! Trust me, nothing is more majestic or freeing than to wake up and simply brush your teeth and splash some water on your face before heading out for the day. Plus, I can’t help but think about the impression it leaves on children–to see that dad just gets to wake up and go, but that even when camping, mom must keep up appearances with curlers and hair rollers and product and whatnot. Give the kids the gift of seeing mom not giving a single F about her looks. Thanks for your blog–I really do love it. This one just kind of left me feeling like wait, what? Also, I know I’m not the audience this is inteded for–I can’t afford any of these items. I get that. But at least I can afford to camp without worrying about my hair!

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Fri, 17 Aug 2018 19:37:29 +0000

First, Gen your blog is beautiful and we can all see your shining spirit and love for family throughout.
Some constructive criticism, mostly about the “product-placement” and advertising that is blog-heavy here. The list is specifically written for a certain lifestyle and it can get harsh for readers “like me” who are not financially-blessed to only see high end products. For example: Lululemon on the fly pants, is not actually practical for a camping trip unless you want to pay $108.00 dollars [when you click on the title link]. I’m not sure if you have time to read the comments here but most have suggested that you add lower end products for lower-incomes, but it’s not like you have to think about everyone because you are just blogging about your life. For what it’s worth you will have more of an audience if you can just mention some lower-end tips or products, because we all want to feel included, no matter what our $ level is in life, we are all human beings in the end. Just my two cents!

By: Kimberly Ford

Kimberly Ford — Sun, 12 Aug 2018 22:04:46 +0000

Gotta have the Chubby Chap, made in Idaho. I cannot live without it AND I buy it at Valley Apothecary, right there in Ketchum. Best lip balm I have ever used! ?

By: Melinda

Melinda — Sun, 12 Aug 2018 07:22:00 +0000

Gen I love your blog. Especially when it deals with being a mom. But, honestly, I expected your packing list to really be for essentials a regular person would take on a camping trip. Was hoping for some tips on camping with kids. I recently took mine on their first camping trip. Maybe I’m a bit bias because I’m a Park Ranger.

By: JESSICA LOZANO

JESSICA LOZANO — Sat, 11 Aug 2018 17:00:38 +0000

this website is about empowering women, sharing Gen’s life, ideas to live a balanced life and her favorite items while traveling or staying in. It’s not about criticizing or being judgemental. She could have chosen another way to build a business and she decided to do it while helping others. Very cool. It’s better to be grateful than critical to her for doing it. It’s best to build each other up. If you wouldn’t say something to someone in person, best to not say it at all. Have a great trip Gen!!

By: Isabel

Isabel — Fri, 10 Aug 2018 19:03:10 +0000

In reply to Trinity.

Trinity-
I loved how you “re did” Gen’s list there :)) Honestly, i LOVE Gen. i think she’s such a cool person, but this post just didn’t make sense for me. your list was a lot handier, more practical, and waaaay more affordable for those of use who are not blessed in the money department. i personally think it would be cool if Gen did a more practical and affordable list post, but then again it’s her blog and her thoughts, so i won’t complain too much.

By: Will

Will — Fri, 10 Aug 2018 18:24:56 +0000

In reply to Trinity.

I live in the mountains of Colorado and do a lot of hiking, camping, backpacking, etc. First rule is pack as light as you can. If you don’t need it, don’t take it. If you’re going to spend money, spend it on good clothing (layers, people!), shelter, and footwear. My hiking boots cost $160, and it was worth it. My backpack was $150 and it was worth it. Most of my clothes are Under Armor, Columbia, or North Face which also aren’t cheap, but the layers are very well worth it when it’s 40F outside at night and then the sun comes up and it’s cooking you where you stand. But I won’t replace these things for many, many years.

Most people have to lug stuff around… even if you’re car camping, everything takes up space in your car and you will always default to simplicity and comfort before the trip is over. I wash my face everyday with Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser, because it’s cleanser and moisturizer in one. You don’t have to wash it off like a soap. If you’re roughing it, every drop of water is precious… and heavy! A gallon of water is 8lbs and you need one gallon a day when backpacking. So the less you can use for anything except drinking, the better. I leave my hair in a bun under a hat the entire time and never touch it. Baseball cap, or wool hat at night. I wash off in the (VERY COLD) river with biodegradable soap and a cloth. I promise, if you’re really roughing it, you will quickly not care what you look like at all.

I love Gen’s style most of the time, and she has her “glamping” style that there’s nothing wrong with, but I’m rather attached to keeping it simple outdoors. Especially if you have to carry your own stuff.

By: Visit Sun Valley

Visit Sun Valley — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 18:12:13 +0000

So awesome to see y’all coming back to Sun Valley! Hoping it was a rejuvenating stay and that you venture back this way sometime soon.

By: Visit Sun Valley

Visit Sun Valley — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 18:09:22 +0000

So awesome to see y’all coming back to Sun Valley! Hoping it was a rejuvenating stay and that you venture back this way sometime soon.