Shoes!:
First things first....getting the right shoes! When my husband told me the only shoes to get were 5.10 Camp Fours I was skeptical. Weren't my old hiking boots or tennis shoes just fine? Oh how wrong I was! After my first day wearing them on Sierra granite in Yosemite, I have never gone back. The company founder (and rock climber), Charles Cole, created stealth rubber that comprises the sole of the shoe offering super sticky friction and high durability. A great choice for a light weight, yet extremely rugged hiking shoe. Take safter, better and more confident steps. Check them out!

http://fiveten.com/products/footwear-detail/39-camp-four-womens

*Add Superfeet insoles for extra coziness! http://www.superfeet.com/

Grub:

A little bit on food....I just got back from a 6 day, cross country backpacking trip in the Yosemite high country. Since everything you need is carried on your back, it is super important to try and save as much weight as possible in all departments, even food. (I should note that many backpackers will bring back breaking elaborate meals, I'm just not one of them). With that said, I typically bring my childhood favorite, Top Ramen, as a delicious dinner entree. As much as I love Ramen's salty goodness and chewy noodles, 5 nights in a row of it was enough to make me dry heave. I went to my resources for advice. Though my husband, Tim, couldn't personally recommend it, he suggested I give Mountain House freeze dried meals a try. I mean, could it be any worse than ramen? I wearily made the trek to REI and purchased the Chicken Teriyaki with Rice for $5.90...stepping it up from my $0.99 beloved ramen. As night 3 in the backcountry approched, this tightly sealed, 4 oz. blue bag began to make me drool with excitement. Just add boiling water to the bag (you don't even have to do dishes!), wait 9 minutes and BOOM! a hot, delicious meal that is not Top Ramen! Bulk it up with some chicken bullion for extra flavor...yum. I would say that Mountain House Meals are a welcome break from a more simple food. They have lots of choices....even vegetarian. Check it out!

http://www.mountainhouse.com/

*beef stroganoff not recommended :)

Backcountry Beauty:

My beauty routine in the backcountry is relatively limited...how I love a mirrorless world! One thing I never leave without, however, is a tube of Mountain Ocean's Lip Trip in my pocket. It goes on smooth, tastes sweet and has SPF 15 to protect from the sun. Keep those lips soft and moist! Mountain Ocean is a wonderful family owned company with many other delicious products. Not to be missed!

http://www.mountainocean.com/index.htm

Balanced Rock:

Last summer I went on an amazing adventure with the lovely ladies at Balanced Rock. This is a nonprofit organization based in El Portal (just outside Yosemite Valley) with a team of inspirational women that guide trips in and around Yosemite National Park. These wilderness trips are a wonderful way to introduce yourself to the backcountry in a safe and comfortable way. Most trips are led by women, for women. A typical course incorporates elements of hiking, writing, yoga, and art. Let Balanced Rock nurture you into the wilderness.

http://www.balancedrock.org