A feature from the April – June 2023 of The Vizsla News.
Happy Summer Friends! Summer in Colorado means hiking season is at it’s peak.
Nothing like the fresh mountain air, waterfall discoveries, and exercising with your Vizslas. I’m including some of my favorite items for myself and my girls, and also picked Dylan’s brain for his favorites, after all the man has lived his whole life above 9,000’.
Womens

Splurge – GREAT DIVIDE TANK $49
stio.com
My favorite thing about this tank is the additional coverage to my back to cover my hiking pack straps. So many tanks have tight racer backs that end up putting your straps against your skin instead, which gets really annoying after about mile 2. It’s airy, moisture wicking, and quick drying. Really just the perfect tank!

Save – WOMEN’S NO-YANK SHELF BRA TANK $19.95
duluthtrading.com
This might be the most perfect tank! Extended length so it won’t rise up if you have to scramble up some boulder. A built in shelf bra with spandex so you won’t bounce on your descent. AND they make it in camo!!

Splurge – THE GET MOVING SKORT $72
SPANX.COM
I love this skort! I use it for Summer Scent Work, Agility, and hiking. It’s perfect for those super hot days and even has a pocket slide to easily stash your phone. With build in shorts, UPF 50 protection, and the float design it’s perfect for all those hot summer days ahead!

Save – PHISOCKAT WOMEN’S HIGH WAIST YOGA PANTS WITH POCKETS $19.95
amazon.com
Remember during the pandemic when we lived in loungewear? These Amazon leggings were one of my finds. They have side pockets, pass the squat test, and are perfect for cooler hikes when you might want a little more coverage.

Splurge – REMOVABLE SWEATBAND ALL-SPORT VISOR $38
Lululemon.com
I don’t actually own this visor (I love the Save version in this category!) but it’s hard to ignore a 4.5 star rating. Fans love this visor for its removable and washable sweatband making it practical and easy to keep clean. It also has a Velcro back for a perfect custom fit!

Save – HALO SPORT VISOR $25.95
haloheadband.com
I found this brand because my oldest V is named Halo. But it quickly because my favorite visor! Designed by a cycling company, it has a built in headband that channels sweat back and away from the eyes. It has Grip Technology to keep it in place and is also quick drying. I also love that a visor still allows heat to escape versus a ball cap.
Mens

Splurge – COLUMBIA PFG BAHAMA II SHORT SLEEVED SHIRT $48
columbia.com
I recently saw Luke Combs in concert and was BLOWN away at how his shirt never showed sweat stains. It was 90°, but his shirt looked
as good after 3 hours as it did when he first walked out. Endorsed by the Skin Cancer Foundation and back has vents to let in a cool breeze. Comes both short and long sleeve, it’s a necessary staple in your summer wardrobe!

Save – HABIT OUTDOORS MEN’S FOURCHE MOUNTAIN SHORT SLEEVE RIVER GUIDE FISHING SHIRT – $34.99
habitoutdoors.com
This Habit Outdoors shirt is a pretty decent dupe of the Columbia PFG. It has 40 spf UV protection and vented cape back and shoulders. It also boasts a perfect 5 star rating after 62 reviews, let me know what you think if you get one!

Splurge – EDDIE BAUER MEN’S GUIDE PRO SHORTS $85
eddiebauer.com
These shorts are a favorite for hiking and general summer wear. They are water repellant and feature 50+ sun protection. And with close to 1500 reviews they maintain a 4.5 star rating!

Save – TARGET MEN’S SOFT STRETCH SHORTS 9” ALL IN MOTION $22
target.com
These shorts feature all the same benefits as the Eddie Bauer ones at a fraction of the cost. Moisture wicking, UPF 50+, quick drying, and odor resistant. They come in 6 colors and feature 20% recycled polyester for your earth-wise conscience.

Splurge – CRISPI MONACO GTX $225
crispius.com
I know Crispis were in the Winter “Get the Look’ but they REALLY are worth it! For summer, I prefer an uninsulated boot and don’t go for
ankle support– but there are plenty of other models that provide it! These Monacos are a fan favorite and it’s easy to see why, Vibram soles, leather uppers that feel like a baseball glove, and water repellant. I always say it, if you are going to splurge, it should always be on footwear!

TIMBERLAND EARTHKEEPERS® MT. MADDSEN MID – WATERPROOF $84.95
Zappos.com
This bargain hiking boot has almost 1300 5-star reviews! Like our splurge model, it features a leather upper for extreme comfort. It features a waterproof membrane and boasts antifatigue technology. Most reviewers say they run a little narrow, so go wider for a perfect fit.
Everyone

Splurge – WARNER BEAR BELL ARTIC SLEIGH DOG COLLAR BELL 1.5” $8.95
etsy.com
Ok, it’s less than $10 but you need one for each dog, so maybe a splurge.) I LOVE these Bear Bells. I’ve had mine over 5 years and. they are still in like new. Unlike other models, the loop doesn’t open, so it can’t fall off. It makes a pleasant sound like you are hiking with reindeer. The most important part of hiking is to not STARTLE wildlife. Most wildlife will scatter rather than have an interaction, so if you are hiking with multiple Vs, it makes enough of a noise to let others know you are coming, and gives a lot of peace of mind if my dogs go out of sight, you an still hear them and know which direction they went.

Save – WARNING SYSTEMS MAKE NOISE! $0
Things you can do to let other hikers, bikers, horse- back riders, hunters, and wildlife know you are around? Just make noise! If you are hiking by yourself, you can sing or play music on your phone. A more effeective way is to hike with a friend! Catch up on each others lives, get some exercise, and keep your selves safe at the same time. Obviously, making noise isn’t fool-proof, but it’s certainly better than surprising a wild animal.

Splurge – OSPREY TEMPEST 9 WITH HYDRATION RESERVOIR $173
www.osprey.com
Women’s version shown, but guys, look for similar in the Talon line. I bought mine in 2018 and loved every hike with it. Fresh running water available for the dogs (drink/ swim) is best, but I always pack a full reservoir for myself and the dogs (pro tip: pop some ice cubes in) This Osprey pack has back support, hip & chest belts, stretch mesh pockets on the side, perfect for stuffing.

Save – VIBRELLI HYDRATION PACK 2L HYDRATION WATER BLADDER $23.98
amazon.com
This vibrelli pack has a lot of the same features of the Osprey version. It’s lightweight, comes with a 2 liter hydration pack and high-flow bite valve. (best to fill up a dog bowl or squeeze straight into your dog’s mouth!). It’s BPA and PVC free so your water won’t taste like plastic. Finally, it has almost 8400 reviews and has a 4.5 star rating, and that many people can’t be wrong about what a great hiking pack this is!
Whether you decide to splurge or save, mountain hike or sun soak on a beach, I hope this is your best summer yet!
Cheers Friends!