💙 If you’re looking for the backpacking, running, hiking, and everyday gear I actually use, you can find all my favorites here.

Hi Friend! Welcome back to the Big Adventure Club.

Happy September! We still have 20 official days of summer left, which means we’re entering one of my favorite times of year for backpacking: late summer.

The days are still long, the nights are getting cooler, the bugs are hopefully dying down, and some of the summer crowds have started to thin.

Today’s newsletter is inspired by one of the questions I’ve helped quite a few friends navigate when taking them backpacking for the first time:

Wait... do I have to carry ALL of my water?!

Thankfully, no.

Water was one of those things I had to figure out over time, but you don’t have to learn everything the hard way. So today we’re talking about where backpacking water comes from, how I filter it, and how I figure out how much to carry.

And if there’s something you’ve been wondering about hiking, backpacking, running, or getting outside, send it my way! Your question might turn into a future newsletter just like this one.

💌 If you have a question you want answered in a future newsletter, you can submit one anonymously here.

Let’s talk water!

Do I have to carry all my water?

No!

This is actually one of the things that makes multi-day backpacking possible.

Instead of carrying several days’ worth of water on your back, you collect and filter water along the way.

I usually carry a water filter, a dirty-water bag, and my clean drinking bottles.

The Sawyer Squeeze Filter I use comes with a squeeze bag that I fill directly from a stream or other suitable water source. Then I squeeze that water through the filter into the bottle I actually drink from.

Dirty water → filter → clean drinking water.

Pretty simple!

Okay... but what does the filter actually do?

Think of it kind of like a tiny, much more powerful Brita for the backcountry.

The filter physically traps things you really don’t want to drink, including bacteria and protozoa/parasites, while also filtering out sediment.

One important distinction: most backpacking filters like mine don’t remove viruses. That’s usually not the primary concern when I’m filtering backcountry water in the places I backpack in the U.S., but it’s worth knowing, especially if you’re traveling internationally.

A filter also doesn’t make every water source safe. When I have options, I avoid collecting water downstream from livestock, farmland, heavy human activity, or water with visible algae/scum.

And yes, even if a mountain stream looks crystal clear, I still treat my water.

Where should I collect water?

I look for clear, flowing water whenever possible.

Streams, rivers, and lake outlets are great. Lake water can also be filtered, ideally collected away from stagnant, algae-heavy edges and obvious contamination.

I wouldn’t make “always filter from running water” a hard rule because sometimes a lake is your water source. The bigger principle is: choose the cleanest-looking source available and avoid stagnant, scummy, algae-filled water when you have another option.

And remember that a filter doesn’t magically make every body of water safe. Harmful algal bloom toxins, for example, aren’t something I’d rely on a standard backpacking filter to remove.

How do I know where I’ll find water?

This is something I figure out before I leave.

When I’m planning my route, I’m looking at where I’ll cross:

• streams

• rivers

• lakes

• springs

• reliable seasonal water sources

Then I think about how far I’ll travel between them.

If I’m following a stream for the next five miles, I probably don’t need to start that section carrying a huge amount of water.

If I’m about to climb onto a dry ridge and won’t see another source for 10 miles? I’m filling up.

And if I’m camping overnight, I try to know where I’ll get water for dinner, drinking, and breakfast before I arrive at camp.

So how much water should I actually carry?

It depends on the weather, terrain, distance to the next reliable source, how much you personally drink, and whether you need extra water for camp.

The important mindset shift is:

You don’t need to carry enough water for your entire backpacking trip. You need enough to safely get you to your next reliable water source, plus a reasonable buffer.

And water is HEAVY. One liter (a standard Nalgene) weighs about 2.2 pounds.

So carrying an unnecessary extra two liters means adding almost 4.5 pounds to your pack.

That’s why knowing where your next water source is matters so much.

One more thing I wish someone had told me

Don’t let your filter freeze.

Once a hollow-fiber filter like a Sawyer has been used, freezing can damage the fibers inside it, and you may not be able to tell that it’s compromised just by looking at it.

If temperatures might dip below freezing overnight, I keep mine somewhere warm, like inside my sleeping bag with me.

This is especially relevant as we head into late-summer and fall backpacking season!

Leaving Notes

Unless the weather rains me out, I’m heading out for a three-night backpacking trip this week somewhere in the PNW that’s completely new to me.

And I cannot wait!!

Late summer backpacking might genuinely be my favorite. Cooler nights, fewer bugs, quieter trails, and that tiny feeling that you’re squeezing every last drop out of summer before fall arrives.

Maybe I’ll have a few new lessons to bring back for next week’s newsletter too.

A question for you

What backpacking question did you have when you were first getting started?
Or, if you’re new to backpacking, what are you still confused about?

Chat soon,

Lauren (@laurensbigadventure)

You don’t have to have been “that kind of person” your entire life
to become her now.

Hi friend! Welcome back to the Big Adventure Club! 💙

I still can’t quite believe I’m saying this, but last week I was flown across the world to Santiago, Chile, to be part of a production shoot for On’s newest hiking shoe, the Cloudhorizon Soma.

Sometimes I have these little is this really my life? moments. This was definitely one of them.

But while you might know me as the girl who’s constantly hiking, backpacking, running, or disappearing into the mountains...

That’s only one facet of my life.

And there are quite a few new faces around here lately. So whether you’ve been reading since the beginning or this is the first Big Adventure Club letter to land in your inbox, I thought we were overdue for a proper introduction.

Here are a few things you should probably know about me before we become internet friends (or maybe even IRL friends someday).

The Basics

Hi! I’m Lauren.

I grew up in Oregon, mostly around the Portland metro area with part of my childhood spent along the northern Oregon coast.

Now I live in Bend, a place I first visited for a high school track meet and somehow ended up calling home years later.

I grew up an only child and always wished I had a sibling to navigate life with. I used to call myself a “lonely child.” Now I have a half-brother who’s 10 years old.

I’m very independent. Very introverted.

And despite sharing my life with thousands of girlies on the internet... surprisingly shy in real life.

Sagittarius.

My mom is Chinese (Hong Kong) and my dad is Caucasian.

My favorite food is ice cream, and I firmly believe there is always room for dessert.

I love moving my body. Running, hiking, backpacking, camping, swimming, skiing. Really anything that gets me outside and movin and groovin.

You’ll find me

At home with my two cats, Pooky and Tails.

Running somewhere around Bend.

Sitting at my computer editing photos.

Or disappearing into the mountains for longer than necessary.

I love big adventures, but I’m equally happy at home on my couch with my kitties and my kindle.

Things that make me happy

Morning coffee.

Taking photos.

Moving my body.

A REALLY good meal.

My kitties.

Golden hour.

Jumping into a lake after a sweaty hike.

Getting into bed ridiculously early with a book.

Finding something beautiful that everyone else walked past.

Things that make me sad

How quickly time and life seem to pass.

Being too shy to say what I want to say in a group.

Feeling stagnant.

And realizing summer is ending. Every. Single. Year.

A Few Things That Shaped Me

My parents divorced when I was two.

Growing up, my life often felt split between different homes and different versions of myself. I think that’s part of where my independence came from.

I also remember feeling like none of my friends really understood how complicated split-family life could be.

I was always the kid getting on the bus with an extra duffel bag because I was heading to a different parent’s house that night.

It was such a normal part of my childhood, but also a constant reminder that my version of “home” looked a little different.

In high school, I somehow survived the IB Diploma while sprinting in track and field.

Track was my escape, and I was named Most Valuable Sprinter or MVP nearly every year. I think those years shaped a lot of who I am now: ambitious, always working toward something, but happiest when I have movement as an outlet.

After high school, I desperately wanted to leave Oregon for college.

Instead, I chose Oregon State because it was by far the most financially responsible option.

At the time, staying in-state wasn’t the exciting choice I wanted to make. But it ended up being one of the best financial decisions I could’ve made. And I was able to pay off all my student loans within a year of graduating.

I studied computer science and eventually became a DevOps engineer, then a backend software engineer.

And eventually...

I left my six-figure tech career to take a chance on this.

Photography. Storytelling. The outdoors.

Working with brands I once would’ve been thrilled just to receive free product from.

Which somehow brings us back to me standing on a mountain in Chile last week thinking...

How did I get here?

The path here definitely wasn’t linear.

And before any of that, my résumé included mushroom picking, firewood delivery, babysitting, and working as a Sweet Tomatoes cashier.

Life has let me be a lot of different things.

The Three Things I Keep Coming Back To

There is beauty in everything.

Notice the tiny things.

A leaf catching the light. A ridiculously cool cloud.

The way the mountains turn pink right before sunset.

How exceptionally soft your cat’s paws look today.

There’s so much beauty hiding in completely ordinary days if you remember to look for it.

An experience is never wasted.

This one is much harder to remember when something goes wrong.

But even the experiences I wouldn’t choose to repeat have taught me something.

Sometimes what I learned was profound.

Sometimes I simply learned yeah... definitely never doing THAT again.

Both count.

It’s never too late to build the life you want.

I think this might be the idea underneath everything I share here.

You can learn to backpack as an adult.

You can make new friends when you feel like everyone already has their people.

You can leave the career you thought you were supposed to want.

You can start running. Travel alone.

Try something you’re terrible at.

Change your mind. Start over.

You don’t have to have been “that kind of person” your entire life to become her now.

Leaving Notes

If you’re new here, welcome. I’m really glad you found your way to this little outdoorsy corner of the internet.

And if you’ve been here for a while, thank you for continuing to grow alongside me.

Big Adventure Club has never just been about hiking trails or backpacking gear.

It’s about building a life that feels full, noticing the good stuff while it’s happening, finding people to share it with, and hopefully spending a whole lot more time outside along the way. 💙

A question for you

Now I want to know something about you.

Tell me one oddly specific thing that makes you happy.

💙 If you’re looking for the backpacking, running, hiking, and everyday gear I actually use, you can find all my favorites here.

Chat soon,

Lauren (@laurensbigadventure)

Hi friend! Welcome back to the Big Adventure Club 💌

This weekend, Anders and I closed out our elopement celebrations by hosting our friends the only way we know how: with an overly curated camping trip.

A weekend full of water fights, the best camping meals, sitting in a babbling brook for hours, chasing waterfalls, so. much. dust, playing mermaids in the lake, and a camp competition that got far more serious than expected.

It was dusty, chaotic, silly, and so full of love. The perfect final celebration of this season of our lives.

I realized I LOVE curating camping weekends.

Not just planning them. Curating them.

Because there’s a difference between texting your friends “want to go camping?” and creating a weekend where everyone shows up knowing what to expect, feels comfortable being there, and leaves with a bunch of new inside jokes.

And thankfully, you don’t need matching camp chairs and a Pinterest-worthy tablescape to do it. So, fresh off hosting one myself...

Here’s everything I’d do to plan a camping weekend your friends actually want to come back to.

💌 If you have a question you want answered in a future newsletter, you can submit one anonymously here.

1. Start with the people, not the itinerary

Before you plan anything, think about who’s actually coming.

How much camping experience do they have? What are their comfort levels? Dietary needs? Do they want to hike all day, or would they be perfectly happy sitting beside a creek with a drink?

Our group was a mix of experienced campers and people with very little camping experience, so I couldn’t plan the weekend assuming everyone wanted a hardcore outdoor trip.

The goal wasn’t to make everyone camp like me. It was to create a weekend everyone could enjoy.

2. Pick one anchor adventure

Don’t schedule every hour of the weekend.

Pick one or two things everyone can rally around, then leave LOTS of room for whatever happens in between.

For us, that was:

1. A waterfall hike
2. A lake day

Otherwise, we sat in the nearby stream talking for hours, gathered around the picnic table, played games, and did absolutely nothing productive.

Some of those unplanned hours ended up being my favorite parts of the weekend.

3. Make the itinerary + packing list ridiculously clear

I LOVE when an event gives me an itinerary and packing list ahead of time.

I know what to bring. I know what we’re doing. And if I’m arriving late or leaving early, I know when I’ll actually be able to find everyone.

You don’t need a minute-by-minute schedule.

Just give people an estimated timeline with:

• arrival + departure windows

• meals

• main activities

• hike mileage/difficulty

• swimming plans

• weather expectations

• what they need to bring

The more information people have beforehand, the more comfortable they’ll feel showing up.

4. Give people choices

This is especially important with a group of different abilities and comfort levels.

Our waterfall hike could be anywhere from 3 – 7 miles.

People could hike to the first waterfalls and turn around, or keep going for more waterfalls and swimming holes.

Nobody had to “keep up” to participate.

Optionality makes group adventures so much more enjoyable.

5. Food is part of the experience

Feeding people is one of our love languages.

And camp food does NOT have to mean everyone eating a sad hot dog over the fire.

We wanted the meals themselves to feel like part of the weekend, but we also didn’t want to spend the entire trip cooking.

Our solution?

Prep almost everything at home.

Dinner Menu Night 1

• Grilled steak, chicken, veggie dogs, and vegetable kabobs

• Homemade grilled pita bread

• Watermelon slices

Breakfast Menu Morning 1

• Homemade pancakes and blueberry muffins

• Freshly prepped fruit salad

• Homemade cold brew

• Big batch vanilla latte

Dinner Menu Night 2

• Grilled Portland Edelweiss sausages + condiments

• Watermelon slices

Breakfast Menu Morning 2

• Freshly prepped eggs + toast

• Grilled bacon

• Blueberry overnight oats

• Homemade chocolate peanut butter granola

• Yogurt

Almost everything was chopped, mixed, marinated, baked, or portioned before we left home. At camp, we mostly just had to heat or assemble.

Future me will ALWAYS thank past me for doing the prep.

6. Add one or two completely unnecessary things

This is where a camping trip becomes a curated camping trip.

Not because you bought matching camp chairs or created a Pinterest tablescape.

But because you added something completely unnecessary that made everyone laugh.

For us, that meant a competition board, team camp games, and making ice cream in bags.

Were any of these necessary? Absolutely not.

Did our camp competition become far more serious than expected? Absolutely.

Whimsy is allowed outside.

7. Plan for the slow moments

You don’t need an activity every hour.

Actually... please don’t plan an activity every hour.

Some of my favorite memories from the entire weekend came from sitting in the creek for hours talking.

Leave space for people to wander. Nap. Read. Swim. Sit around the picnic table.

You don’t have to manufacture every memory.

8. Ask for help

We wanted to host most of the weekend ourselves, but we still asked friends to bring extra coolers and help replenish ice.

In hindsight? I would’ve delegated even more.

Hosting outdoors gets overwhelming quickly when you’re responsible for the food, activities, gear, logistics AND making sure everyone is having a good time.

Ask someone to handle breakfast.

Someone else can bring ice.

Your friends probably want to help. Let them.

9. Have a weather + comfort backup

Just 24 hours before our camping weekend, we finally made the call: It was on.

We’d been constantly checking wildfire and smoke conditions leading up to the trip.

Outdoor plans always come with variables you can’t control, so prepare for the ones you can.

Bring extra layers. Bug protection. Rain gear. Lighting.

We also brought a large portable battery so everyone could charge phones and watches, plus extra camp mugs and utensils for anything someone inevitably forgot.

You don’t need to anticipate everything. Just enough that one forgotten item doesn’t ruin someone’s weekend.

10. What Hosting Taught Me

Detailed information is worth the effort.
Multiple friends specifically told me how much they appreciated the itinerary and packing list. I’ll absolutely do that again.

Smaller can be better.
You don’t need to invite everyone you know. Even with 11 of us, there were moments when the group felt big. A smaller group leaves more room for intimate conversations and shared memories.

Delegate more than you think you need to.
I would’ve saved us a lot of work by assigning a few friends to help with meals.

Release the responsibility for everyone else’s experience.
This was probably the hardest one for me.

When I host, I naturally notice whether everyone else seems happy.

Are they having fun? Do they feel included? Is someone bored?

But you can create a thoughtful experience without being responsible for how every person experiences it.

Not everyone will be fully present. Not everyone will have the best weekend ever. And that’s okay.

Choose somewhere you know.
Being familiar with the area made everything easier. We already knew where to hike, swim, explore, and spend our downtime, which meant we could actually curate the weekend instead of figuring everything out as we went.

A question for you

What’s one thing that makes a camping trip with friends feel extra special?

💌 Leaving Notes

I’ve spent a lot of my 20s wishing I had a big outdoor community.

Friends who’d say yes to sleeping in tents for a weekend.

Friends who’d hike to waterfalls, play ridiculous camp games, sit in a creek for hours, and somehow turn making ice cream in a bag into a competitive sport.

What I’m slowly realizing is that sometimes the community you’re looking for doesn’t just appear.

Sometimes you have to create it.

Invite people. Make the plan. Give everyone way too detailed of a packing list. Add something silly.

And then leave enough room for the weekend to become whatever it’s going to become. Because ultimately, the perfectly curated part isn’t the food or the itinerary or the activities.

It’s creating a space where people can make memories together.

And I think that’s worth all the prep.

💙 If you’re looking for the exact camping gear I use, you can find all my favorites here.

Chat soon,
Lauren (@laurensbigadventure)

it's worth taking a second to appreciate what's happening right now

Hi Friend! Welcome back to the Big Adventure Club.

I truly can’t believe August is already here. Before long, it’ll be back-to-school this, pumpkin spice that. And truthfully, I’m never ready for summer to end.

I look forward to these months all year, and then they somehow slip away faster than any other season.

So before we rush ahead, I want to take a minute to remember what made July so good.

This week, we’re breaking down my July top five: memories I want to keep forever, products I used to the very last drop, favorite trails, outfits I actually wore, and the habits that made my days feel better.

Think of it as part monthly favorites, part summer scrapbook, and an excuse to appreciate the season while we’re still in it.

Memories

July felt like one giant highlight reel.

1. Summer sunset series

2. Backpacking with cousins

3. Eloping!!!

4. All my girls runs

5. Running my first 50k

I'm not sure another month will top this one for a while.

Trails + Routes

If I had to recommend five adventures from July...

1. Embarcadero → Golden Gate Bridge

2. Point Reyes Coastal Trail

3. Castle Crags State Park

4. Three Sisters Wilderness Backpacking

5. Mt. Bachelor Summit

Every single one reminded me why I love living in the PNW.

Outfits

1. Bend Date Night

2. Mt. Bachelor Summit Hike

3. Castle Crags Hike

4. Evening Trail Stroll

5. Presidio of San Francisco Hike

And a special shout-out to my Keen Jasper Zionics for somehow carrying me through city walks, road trips, coffee shops, and light trails all in the same month.

Product Empties

If I finished it...

There’s a good chance I’d buy it again.

1. Obagi Professional C Serum

2. Tarte Tubbing Mascara

3. Prequel Barrier Therapy Rich Skin Protection Cream

4. Supergoop Glow Screen

5. Tower 28 BeachPlease (Magic Hour)

Daily Habits

This category might actually be my favorite.

Because these tiny routines quietly made every day feel better.

1. Swapping shows for reading in bed.

   I’ve been washing up around 8, climbing into bed, and reading until 9 or 9:30. I look forward to this every evening.

2. Sleeping 8-9 hours.
   I might not always sleep the entire time, but at least I tried!

3. Daily post-run river plunges.

   SO refreshing.

4. Simple repeatable evening supplement stack:
   creatine & probiotics.

5. Morning dynamic + static stretches.

   5-10 minutes of stretching before the day begins makes a bigger difference than I ever expected.

   ---

Leaving Notes

One thing I’ve been trying to do more often is pause before jumping into the next season.

It’s so easy to immediately think about what’s coming next.

Your next trip. Your next race. Your next goal.

But it’s worth taking a second to appreciate what’s happening right now.

July gave me memories I’ll carry for the rest of my life. And before I start chasing everything August has in store...

I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for following along. For reading these little letters every Wednesday.

For cheering me on through races, adventures, and now somehow... marriage.

I hope you’re taking a second to celebrate your own July too.

What was your favorite memory from this month?

💙 If you’re ever looking for the gear, nutrition, and adventure pieces I actually use, you can find them all here.

Chat soon,

Lauren (@laurensbigadventure)

The best days rarely go according to plan.

Hi friend! Welcome back to the Big Adventure Club.

Surprise... we eloped 🤍

After nearly eight years together, Anders and I finally got married.

There were a lot of reasons we chose to elope. Family dynamics, finances, and honestly... neither of us wanted to spend months planning a wedding.

We wanted a day that felt like us.

Once we had everything packed into the car and left Bend, I thought the hard part was over.

Then, about two hours into the drive, my phone lit up with weather alerts.

Thunderstorms.

Not just a chance of them, a forecast calling for lightning every few seconds during the exact time we were supposed to say our vows beside an alpine lake.

Thunderstorms are incredibly rare in this part of Eastern Oregon.

Of course they decided to show up on our wedding day.

For the next hour, we sat in the car refreshing weather apps, looking at maps, and trying to figure out if there was any way to salvage our original plan.

Eventually, we made the call.

The Plan Changed

We canceled the backpacking ceremony we’d been dreaming about.

Instead, we shifted everything to sunrise on the Alvord Playa.

It wasn’t the day we’d planned.

But somehow...

It became exactly the day we needed.

My bouquet of wildflowers somehow survived two days in the desert heat.

The curls I’d done before leaving Bend somehow lasted through two nights of camping.

I got ready at 3 a.m. with nothing but a tiny mirror, a headlamp, and the pitch-black quiet of the desert around me.

Instead of celebrating afterward with grilled steaks and a Newport Market OMG brownie, we celebrated two nights before.

And then the sun came up.

The desert turned pink. And gold.

The mountains glowed.

Looking back at the photos, you’d think we’d planned to get married on the playa all along.

Funny how life works sometimes.

I spent so much energy worrying about our original plan falling apart.

Instead, it made space for a day we’ll never forget.

This was only part one of our wedding celebrations. Next up is celebrating with our families this weekend, followed by a camping weekend with our friends.

I wouldn’t change a thing.

A few weeks ago, I shared all the unconventional “wedding rules” we decided to break, and why choosing a celebration that felt like us mattered so much more than following tradition. If you missed it, you can read it here.

💌 Leaving Notes

Adventure has taught me this lesson over and over again: the best days rarely go according to plan.

Trails close. Storms roll in. Routes change.

You can spend all your energy wishing things had gone the way you imagined...

Or you can stay open to what the new plan might become.

Sometimes life asks you to let go of the picture you had in your head.

And every once in a while, what you find instead is even better.

I hope the next time your plans fall apart, whether it’s on a trail or somewhere in life, you remember that sometimes the detour becomes the story you’ll tell for years.

💙 If you’re looking for the exact backpacking gear I use, you can find all my favorites here.

Chat soon,

Lauren (@laurensbigadventure)

The best gear is the gear that helps you focus on the trail instead of your feet.

Hi friend! Welcome back to the Big Adventure Club 💙

After running my first 50K, one question kept popping up in my DMs:

“What gear did you end up wearing?”

The truth is... none of these choices were made the week before race day.

Every piece was tested over months of long runs, trail adventures, and plenty of trial and error.

Some things worked so well I wouldn’t change them.

Others taught me exactly what I’ll do differently before my next ultramarathon.

So here’s everything that made race day.

Shoes

Training

Brooks Cascadia 19

If you looked at my Strava leading up to race day, these were on my feet for almost every long trail run.

They’re stable, predictable, and inspire a lot of confidence on technical terrain.

I don’t think they’re the fastest trail shoe. But they’re one of the most reliable.

Perfect for building miles.

Race Day

The North Face Altamesa 500

I wanted something with a little more energy return than the Cascadias.

The Altamesa has noticeably more bounce while still feeling stable enough for moderate trails.

Since my race was mostly hard-packed dirt with rocks, roots, and only light technical sections, they were exactly what I wanted.

Would I wear them on really technical mountain terrain? Probably not.

But for smoother trail races... Absolutely.

Running Vest

Salomon Adv Skin 12

If you’ve followed me for a while...

You already know I love this vest.

The women’s-specific fit hugs your body without bouncing, even when the flasks are completely full.

The amount of storage is honestly wild.

Everything I needed for five hours fit comfortably.

Shorts

LSKD Accelerate Shorts

These have quietly become my most-worn shorts.

Road runs.

Trail runs.

Backpacking.

This race.

They’re lightweight, dry quickly, and never feel restrictive, even after hours on the trail.

Like every flowy running short I’ve tried, they do bunch up a bit between my thighs. Thankfully, with a little anti-chafe, it’s never been enough to bother me.

Sports Bra

LSKD Sports Bra

Simple.

Comfortable.

That’s honestly all I ask from a sports bra.

The band did start to chafe around mile 26, but to be fair, every sports bra I've worn has done that eventually. At some point, I think that's just part of running an ultramarathon.

Hat

Ciele Running Cap

A breathable hat is one piece of gear I never skip.

It keeps the sun off your face, sweat out of your eyes, and is one of those small things that makes long runs noticeably more comfortable.

GPS Watch

I actually own two watches.

COROS Apex

This has been my everyday training watch for years.

Running.

Trail running.

Backpacking.

Hiking.

It’s reliable, intuitive to use, and the battery lasts long enough that I’m rarely thinking about charging it. If you’re looking for a watch that simply works and tracks your adventures well, it’s hard to beat.

Suunto Vertical

This is the newest GPS watch I’ve been testing, and it’s packed with features for bigger adventures.

If you regularly backpack, explore off-trail, or spend long days in the mountains, this watch really shines.

The battery life is exceptional, it has a built-in flashlight (which has come in handy more than once), and like the COROS, it offers breadcrumb trail navigation to help keep you on route when exploring.

I actually ended up gifting mine to Anders because I didn’t need two GPS watches, and he’s never owned one before. I figured if he was finally getting one, it should be one I’d genuinely recommend.

Heart Rate Monitor

COROS Heart Rate Monitor

This might be one of the least exciting pieces of gear...

...but it’s one of my favorites.

I’ve used chest straps.

I’ve used wrist-based sensors.

Nothing has been as consistently accurate or as comfortable as wearing the monitor on my arm.

After a few minutes, I honestly forget it’s there.

Headphones

Shokz OpenRun Pro2

Open-ear headphones you can actually hear through? I’m sold.

I love being able to listen to music or a podcast while still hearing runners coming up behind me, mountain bikers, wildlife, or cars if I’m running on the road.

The 12-hour battery life easily gets me through long training days, and unlike earbuds, they stay securely in place. I also prefer the single-band design because there’s no risk of one earbud popping out and disappearing into the dirt mid-run (trust me... that’s the worst).

Anti-Chafe

Megababe Thigh Rescue

If you read last week’s newsletter...

You already know.

This anti-chafe gel continues to be one of my MVPs.

Apparently I just need to remember to apply it to more places next time.

Trail Poles

I didn’t use trekking poles for this race.

Normally, I absolutely love running and hiking with poles, especially in the mountains.

For this course, though, the climbs weren’t steep or sustained enough to justify carrying the extra weight.

On mountain ultras with bigger climbs and descents, my Black Diamond Carbon Trekking Poles are absolutely coming with me.

They help take some of the load off your legs, improve stability on technical terrain, and make long days in the mountains feel a little more manageable.

Accessories

Hair Bow
This might be the least “essential” thing on my gear list, but it’s one of my favorites.

I’ve worn a hair bow since my high school cross country days, when our team raced with white ribbons decorated with little paw prints because we were the Wildcats.

Over a decade later, it still makes race day feel like race day.

Face Sparkles
I’ve always loved adding a little sparkle to race day, but these gold freckle tattoos take it to another level.

They stayed on through five hours of sweat, countless aid stations, and crossing the finish line. If you’re looking for a fun way to add a little personality to race day, these are it.

Bandana
One of the most versatile pieces of gear I carry.

I wear one hiking, backpacking, and trail running. It catches sweat, wipes off sunscreen and dirt, and on hot days I’ll soak it in a creek and wear it around my neck to cool down.

Leaving Notes

One of my favorite parts about endurance sports is that you slowly discover what works for you.

There’s no perfect gear list.

Only the gear that helps you spend more time outside, move more comfortably, and enjoy the adventure a little more.

This is simply the setup that carried me through my first ultramarathon.

I’m sure it’ll evolve with every race, and I’ll keep sharing what I learn along the way.

If you have any questions about trail running gear, leave them in the comments. They might inspire the next edition of Granola Girls Don’t Gatekeep.

💙 If you’re ever looking for the gear, nutrition, and trail running pieces I actually use, you can find them all here.

Chat soon,

Lauren (@laurensbigadventure)

You don't have to feel ready. You just have to start.

Things I’m Not Afraid to Admit About My First Ultramarathon

Hi friend! Welcome back to the Big Adventure Club 💙

Last Sunday, I ran my first 50K ultramarathon.

That’s 31.1 miles.

Going into race day, I honestly wasn’t sure I could finish.

Five hours and four minutes after crossing the start line...

I crossed the finish line.

And while my legs were exhausted, my brain immediately started collecting all the little lessons I wish someone had told me beforehand.

So here’s my honest race recap.

I hiked. A lot.

And honestly? I loved every second of it.

Every hill became permission to catch my breath, look around, and reset before running again.

One of my biggest realizations is that ultrarunning isn’t about proving you never walk.

It’s about moving forward.

I didn’t feel ready.

I didn’t have the perfect training block.

I missed runs.

I cut long runs short.

Some days life got in the way.

Other days the trail did.

I kept wondering if I’d done enough.

Or if my ankle would hold up.

Turns out...

You don’t have to feel completely ready to do something hard.

I smiled way more than I suffered.

This one surprised me the most.

Yes, it was hard.

But it was also genuinely fun.

Running through forests.
Talking with strangers.
Cheering people on.
Watching everyone quietly chase their own goal.

There was so much joy packed into those 31 miles.

I fueled terribly...

...and I paid for it.

Around mile 20, I completely lost my appetite.

Every bite made me gag.

I knew I needed calories.

My body wanted absolutely nothing to do with them.

Lesson learned.

Next time, I think I’ll rely much more heavily on drink mixes, gels, and squeeze pouches instead of chewable foods.

I found new places to chafe.

Every race teaches me a new lesson in Body Glide.

This time?

My neck.

Along my sports bra band.

The liner of my shorts.

But thankfully, my thighs survived the burn.

I got bored.

This might be my hottest take.

Five hours of running through similar forest scenery started feeling... repetitive.

I realized I really love routes that keep me curious.

Give me alpine lakes.

Mountain views.

Rocky ridgelines.

Anything that makes me forget I’m running for hours on end.

I got lonely.

For the first two-thirds of the race, I spent so much time chatting with other runners.

It was one of my favorite parts.

Then the field spread out.

The last third became a much quieter experience.

And I realized how much I love sharing hard things with other people.

I want another one almost immediately.

Me during the race:

“Why did I sign up for this?”

“This is ridiculous.”

“Never again.”

Me that evening:

“Okay... what trail race should I do next?”

Apparently, this is a universal ultrarunner experience.

My 50K Kit

A lot of you asked what I raced in.

Rather than cram it all into this newsletter, I’m putting together a full breakdown of every piece of gear I trusted for my first ultramarathon, why I chose it, and what I’d change for next time.

👀 Coming soon.

Or, if you’re impatient...

You can browse my complete race kit here

💌 A question for you

What’s something you finished that made you immediately think...

“Okay... I’d actually do that again.”

I’d love to hear your answers.

Leaving Notes

One of my favorite things about trying something new is realizing how often reality is different from the story we tell ourselves beforehand.

I thought an ultramarathon would be about running.

Instead, it was about patience.

Curiosity.

Problem solving.

Community.

And trusting myself to keep moving forward, even when things got uncomfortable.

Sometimes we don’t need perfect preparation.

We just need the courage to start.

💙 If you’re ever looking for the gear, nutrition, and trail running pieces I actually use, you can find them all here.

Chat soon,

Lauren (@laurensbigadventure)

Backpacking teaches you how little you actually need.

Hi friend! Welcome back to the Big Adventure Club 💌

3 Rules I Always Follow When Packing for a Backpacking Trip

July is just heating up, and somehow I’ve already found myself on nearly 10 backpacking trips this year.

Over the past seven years, I’ve backpacked thousands of miles and spent well over 100 nights sleeping outside.

And while my gear has changed a lot over the years, one thing has stayed the same:

A well-packed backpack can completely change how enjoyable your trip feels.

It’s not about squeezing every last inch of space out of your pack.

It’s about making life easier once you’re actually on the trail.

Here are three packing rules I follow on almost every backpacking trip.

💌 If you have a question you want answered in a future newsletter, you can submit one anonymously here.

1. Pack by when you’ll need it... and where the weight belongs

Instead of organizing by category, I organize by timing.

Things I won’t need until camp go on the bottom:

• sleep system

• extra clothes

Things I’ll likely need throughout the day stay near the top:

• tent

• food bag

• rain jacket

One rule I always follow: keep your heaviest items close to the middle of your back, between your shoulder blades. On most trips, that’s my tent or food bag.

Keeping the weight close to your body makes your pack feel more stable and comfortable, instead of pulling you backward all day. It also helps with balance on uneven trails and makes the load feel lighter than it actually is.

Once you start packing this way, it’s hard to go back.

2. Keep trail essentials outside your pack

If I have to stop, take my backpack off, and dig around every time I need something...

It’s probably packed in the wrong place.

My side pockets and hip belt pockets are reserved for things I grab constantly:

• water

• water filter

• snacks

• sunscreen

• lip balm

• sunglasses

• camera

The fewer times I have to stop and unpack, the smoother my hiking day feels.

3. Bring fewer clothes than you think you need

This one gets easier with experience.

Backpacking isn’t a fashion event.

No one notices if you’ve worn the same shirt for three days.

I usually pack:

• one hiking outfit

• warm layers

• rain gear

Personally, I don’t bring a separate sleeping outfit, but a lot of backpackers swear by packing one dry, cozy set of clothes just for camp and sleeping.

I simply rewear everything except my underwear.

The less clothing you pack, the lighter your backpack feels, and after a long day on trail, you’ll be grateful for every pound you left at home.

A question for you

What’s one thing you always pack for a backpacking trip?

Practical or completely unnecessary, I want to hear it.

💌 Leaving Notes

One of my favorite parts of backpacking is how simple life becomes.

You quickly realize how little you actually need.

And strangely, having fewer choices often leaves more room to enjoy what’s around you.

Maybe that’s part of why I keep coming back.

💙 If you’re looking for the exact backpacking gear I use, you can find all my favorites here.

Chat soon,

Lauren (@laurensbigadventure)

→ Shop my top picks
→ Browse all REI sale items

Hi friend! Welcome back to the Big Adventure Club.

Last week was what I’d call a dream week.

Two backpacking trips with girlfriends.
My third 200+ mile relay race.
Camping with teammates.
A road trip to San Francisco.

It was exhausting.

And somehow, I came home feeling more energized than I have in weeks.

That got me thinking...

Why do some of the hardest things we choose end up becoming the experiences we’re most grateful for?

When I’m 22 miles into a 24-mile trail run, every part of me wants to stop.

My legs hurt.
My lungs hurt.
My brain starts negotiating.

“You’ve done enough.”
“Nobody would blame you.”
“Just walk.”

And every time, I remind myself:

Get comfortable being uncomfortable.

Not because I enjoy suffering.

But because I’ve learned something surprising.

Every time I do something hard, I leave believing I’m capable of more than I did before.

As it turns out...

There’s actual neuroscience behind that feeling.

1. Your brain literally builds new pathways

Doing difficult things forces your brain to adapt.

It’s called neuroplasticity.

Just like muscles grow after challenging workouts, your brain forms stronger neural connections when it has to solve new problems or push through discomfort.

The hard thing isn’t just building fitness.

It’s building your brain.

2. It builds real confidence

This is honestly the biggest reason I keep chasing big adventures.

Every hard thing you finish becomes evidence.

Evidence that says:

“I’m someone who can do hard things.”

And that’s where confidence actually comes from.

Not positive affirmations.
Not waiting until you feel ready.

But proving to yourself, over and over again, that you’re capable.

That confidence starts spilling into every part of your life.

At work.
In relationships.
Trying something new.
Speaking up.
Taking bigger risks.

You stop asking yourself, “Can I do this?”

Because you’ve already answered that question on the trail.

💌 Got a question you’d like answered in a future Big Adventure Club newsletter?

Whether it’s hiking, backpacking, running, friendships, confidence, or building a life you love, you can submit it anonymously here.

It might inspire a future newsletter.

3. It makes everyday life feel easier

A cold lake.

A steep climb.

Running another mile.

Camping in the rain.

None of those things are comfortable.

But every time you voluntarily choose discomfort...

You become a little less intimidated by life’s involuntary discomfort.

That’s one of my favorite gifts the outdoors has given me.

4. You get the “I actually did it” feeling

There’s almost nothing better.

You finish the race.

Reach the summit.

Cross the creek.

Set up camp.

And suddenly...

The version of you that didn’t think you could?

She’s gone.

💌 Leaving Notes

The older I get, the less interested I am in making life as comfortable as possible.

I’m more interested in making it meaningful.

The best memories in my life rarely started with something easy.

They started with saying yes to something that scared me a little.

A long hike.
A solo trip.
Moving to a new city.
Running farther than I thought I could.
Doing hard things hasn’t just made me stronger.

It’s made me believe in myself more.

And I think that’s one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves.

If you’re ever looking for the exact gear, clothing, and pieces I actually use, you can find all my favorites here.

Chat soon,

Lauren (@laurensbigadventure) 💙

Hi friend! Welcome back to the Big Adventure Club 💌

This week feels a little like a pinch-me moment.

The kind of week where you stop and think:

“Wait... is this really my life?”

Over the course of the next seven days, I:

• get to go on two backpacking trips with friends

• race my third 200+ mile relay race

• road-trip to San Francisco

And somewhere between sleeping in a tent, running mountain roads, and laughing with friends around camp, I keep finding myself feeling incredibly grateful.

Because if you had met me a few years ago, you would’ve met a very different version of me.

Post-college was one of the loneliest seasons of my life.

I felt lost.
Disconnected.
Unsure where I belonged.

I wanted adventure.
I wanted community.
I wanted people who loved the outdoors as much as I did.

And honestly?

I wasn’t sure I’d ever find it.

But over the years, I kept showing up.

Run clubs.
Community events.
Group hikes.
Awkward first conversations.

And slowly, the life I hoped for started taking shape.

Now I look around and think:

How lucky am I that I get to do these crazy adventures with people I genuinely care about?

Anyway... before I get too emotional, let’s talk about hiking shorts 😂

Because after thousands of miles on trail, I’ve become extremely opinionated.

There are plenty of hiking short reviews online.

But most reviewers aren’t wearing them for 20-mile days, multi-day backpacking trips, trail runs, river dips, and everything in between.

These are the shorts I reach for over and over again because they’re both practical and cute.

They also pass two of my biggest tests:

• they don’t limit my range of motion

• they’re easy to pull over my hips

(You’d be surprised how many hiking shorts fail one or both of those.)

For sizing reference, I wear a Medium in nearly everything featured below.

LSKD Accelerate Shorts

These have quickly become my most-worn shorts.

Running.
Backpacking.
Travel.
Hot girl walks.

They’re on heavy rotation.

What I love:

• quick drying

• lightweight

• comfortable all day

• no chafing on long days (with anti-chafe)

My one complaint?

They do pill fairly quickly.

Even with that downside, they’re still one of my favorite hiking shorts.

They come in both:

• low-rise

• high-rise

Backcountry Ripstop Shorts

If I don’t know exactly what conditions I’ll be hiking in, these are usually the shorts I throw in my pack.

I’ve worn them from the Grand Canyon’s desert heat to the humidity of Olympic National Park, and they’ve never let me down.

Durable on trail. Cute around camp. Hard to ask for much more.

Bonus: they’re actually on sale right now 👀

REI Trailmade Shorts

If you’re looking for a more traditional hiking short, these are a great option.

Why I like them:

• lightweight

• breathable

• quick drying

• UPF 50+ sun protection

• six pockets (yes, six)

The pockets alone deserve recognition.

I don’t always need six pockets.

But when I do, I’m grateful they’re there.

Bandit 5” Compression Shorts

These started as my favorite marathon racing shorts.

Then I started hiking in them.

Then backpacking in them.

And now they’re one of my favorite all-around adventure shorts.

The same features that make them great for endurance racing make them great for hiking:

• breathable

• anti-chafe

• quick drying

Plus they have side and back pockets that actually fit things, like your phone!

A rare and beautiful quality.

Outdoor Voices RecTrek Shorts

If you’re looking for something that feels a little more lifestyle-oriented, these are a great option.

The belt fully unclips, which makes them surprisingly easy to get on and off.

And Outdoor Voices consistently nails the color options.

They’re practical without feeling overly technical.

💌 If you have a question you’d like answered in a future newsletter, you can submit one anonymously here.

A question for you

What’s one piece of outdoor clothing you’ve purchased that ended up becoming an absolute staple?

I’m always curious what other girls reach for over and over again.

Leaving Notes

A few years ago, I thought I was looking for adventure.

What I was really looking for was community.

The adventures are incredible.

But sharing them with people you care about makes them even better.

And if you’re still in the season of finding your people, keep showing up.

Sometimes the life you’re hoping for takes longer to build than you expected.

But that doesn’t mean it isn’t on its way.

💙 If you’re ever looking for the exact gear, clothing, and pieces I actually use, you can find all my favorites here.

Chat soon,

Lauren (@laurensbigadventure) 💙

Hi Friend! Welcome back to the Big Adventure Club.

In just three weeks, I’ll be running my first 50k.

This past week was peak training week:

• 60 miles

• 5,300 feet of elevation gain

• 12 hours on my feet

Including my longest training run yet: 24 miles through the mountains outside Bend.

And for almost every long climb?

I had hiking poles in my hands.

Which is funny because a few years ago, I thought trekking poles were for “serious hikers.”

Or older hikers.

Or people who needed extra support.

Definitely not me.

Then two summers ago, everything changed.

I had a random knee pain flare-up right before a backpacking trip.

The trip was already planned.
Permits were booked.

So I grabbed a pair of hiking poles hoping they’d help me survive the weekend.

I was shocked.

Within a few miles I understood why hikers swear by them.

Now I bring them backpacking.

I bring them hiking.

I even bring them trail running.

And I don’t care how uncool that sounds.

Why you’ll love hiking poles

They save your knees on descents

If you’ve ever finished a long downhill and felt like your knees aged 40 years...

Hiking poles help absorb some of that impact.

Especially when you’re carrying a backpack.

The longer the day, the more noticeable the difference becomes.

They turn hiking into a full-body workout

Most people think hiking is all legs.

But hiking poles allow you to recruit your upper body too.

Instead of your legs doing all the work, you can spread the effort across your entire body.

On long days, that energy savings adds up.

Personally, it allows me to balance high mileage running & hiking.

They make sketchy terrain feel way less sketchy

Loose trails.
Rocky descents.
Creek crossings.
Side-hill sections.

Poles instantly give you more stability.

They’re basically extra points of contact with the ground.

And I’ve yet to meet someone who enjoys unexpectedly eating dirt.

They’re secretly amazing on flat trails

This one surprised me.

Most people think poles are only for steep climbs.

But if you plant them slightly behind you and push forward, they can help maintain momentum on flatter terrain too.

Sometimes I feel like they function as tiny turbo boosters.

My trekking pole recommendations

Budget

Ascend Trekking Poles

Honestly one of the best beginner options.

Mid-range

REI Co-op trekking poles

A great balance of durability, comfort, and value.

Lightweight / trail running

Black Diamond Carbon Trekking Poles

These are what I reach for when weight and packability matter most.

The wrist strap mistake almost everyone makes

For the longest time, I used my poles wrong.

Most people grab the grip first and then put their hand through the strap.

Instead:

Put your hand up through the bottom of the strap first.

Then grab the handle.

This allows the strap to support your wrist and carry some of the load.

Your hands stay more relaxed and your grip doesn’t fatigue nearly as quickly.

Once I learned this, hiking poles became dramatically more comfortable.

Bonus: Your poles can help pitch your tent

If you’re using a trekking-pole-supported shelter, your poles literally become part of your tent setup.

And even if you aren’t, they can help secure guylines when rocks or trees aren’t available.

One more reason they’re worth carrying.

If you’ve been curious about hiking poles, consider this your sign.

I resisted them for years.

Now you’ll have to pry them from my hands.

A question for you

What’s a piece of outdoor gear you resisted for way too long... only to end up loving?

I’m convinced we all have one.

Leaving Notes

One of my favorite things about spending more time outside is realizing how often I’m wrong.

About gear.

About trails.

About what I think I’ll enjoy.

Sometimes the things we resist the most end up becoming our favorite parts of the adventure.

And for me?

That’s definitely hiking poles.

If you’re ever looking for the exact gear and pieces I actually use, it’s always linked here.

Chat soon,

Lauren (@laurensbigadventure) 💙

you don’t have to fit the stereotype to belong outside

Hi friend! Welcome back to the Big Adventure Club 💌

I just got back from a 10-day road trip through Northern California.

Ten days of tent life.
No service.
No showers.
Just lake dips, camp meals, and reading for hours every evening.

I hiked and backpacked more than 70 miles between Lassen Volcanic National Park and the Trinity Alps Wilderness.

The hardest part of coming home wasn’t unpacking.

It was giving up the simplicity.

No notifications.
No endless decisions.
Just waking up, making coffee, walking all day, swimming in alpine lakes, and falling asleep tired.

When you’re hiking for hours every day, your brain has a lot of time to wander.

And somewhere along the trail, I started thinking about all the things people assume about “outdoorsy girls.”

The truth?

I don’t fit all of those stereotypes.

And maybe you don’t either.

I still get scared exploring alone.

People are often surprised when I say this.

But solo adventures don’t mean fear disappears.

I still get nervous sometimes.

Like during last week’s solo 20-mile trail run. A storm rolled in and suddenly the forest felt dark, quiet, and a little spooky.

The difference is that I’ve learned how to work with fear instead of letting it stop me.

A little fear is healthy.

It keeps you paying attention.
It helps you make smart decisions.
It reminds you to prepare.

Confidence isn’t the absence of fear.

It’s knowing you can handle yourself when fear shows up.

I have absolutely no desire to live in a van.

I know.

Granola girl card revoked.

But being transparent…

Part of my childhood was spent living in an off-grid trailer without running water, electricity, or internet.

Imagine sleeping in a closet. Frigid temperatures. Water dripping from the ceiling. No internet. No heat. Just books and your imagination for entertainment.

Because of that, I’ve never romanticized tiny-space living.

I love road trips.
I love camping.
I love sleeping outside.

But I also really love having a clean home to come back to.

Practicality will always win.

I love cute outdoor clothes.

I love fun colors.
I love feeling confident.

But when I’m trail running or backpacking 20+ miles, practicality wins every single time.

The older I get, the more I appreciate gear that quietly does its job.

No blisters.
No chafing.
No smell.
No regrets.

I love being disconnected a little too much.

One of my favorite parts of backpacking is losing service.

Not because I don’t love the people in my life.

But because for a little while, nobody needs anything from me.

There are no emails.
No notifications.
No pressure to respond.

Just mountains.
Books.
Camp dinners.
And whatever thoughts decide to wander through my head.

I always come back feeling lighter.

I love alpine lake swims... and I’m scared of water.

This one feels particularly contradictory.

I love jumping into rivers.
I love floating in alpine lakes.
I love the feeling of washing off trail dust after a long day.

And yet...

I’m not a very strong swimmer.

Dark water freaks me out.

I’m convinced there’s something lurking in every lake.

Leeches.
Mysterious underwater creatures.

I’ve had a complete crash out when one of Olympic’s lakes was infested with tadpoles.

I was so scared to squish one or get them tangled in my hair.

And if I can’t see the bottom?

Even worse.

Yet somehow I still keep getting in.

Maybe because some of the best experiences happen while holding two truths at once:

“I love this.”

And

“This scares me a little.”

If you have a question you want answered in a future newsletter, you can submit one anonymously here.

A question for you

What’s something about you that doesn’t fit the stereotype of a hobby or community you belong to? I’d genuinely love to know.

Leaving Notes

One of my favorite things about getting older is realizing you don’t have to become a stereotype to belong somewhere.

You don’t have to be fearless to hike.

You don’t have to live in a van to love road trips.

You don’t have to fit anyone else’s definition of outdoorsy.

You just have to keep showing up.

And that’s enough.

If you’re ever looking for the exact gear and pieces I actually use, it’s always linked here.

Chat soon,

Lauren (@laurensbigadventure) 💙

Hi friend! Welcome back to the Big Adventure Club.

I’m writing this from my cozy blue couch.

Pooky is sitting in the window watching birds (even though he should obviously be in my lap), I’m drinking a giant mason jar of water (take a sip!), and slowly working my way through a peanut butter chocolate fudge sundae.

I’m pretty sure I eat ice cream almost every night at this point.
I think life is better when you let yourself enjoy little things fully.

Most years, Memorial Day feels like the unofficial start of summer.

Longer days.
Warmer evenings.
Snow melting off the mountain trails we wait all winter to access again.

That feeling of finally pulling your backpacking gear back out after months away.

This Memorial Day weekend actually marks my 8th anniversary of backpacking, which feels kind of wild to say out loud.

Back in my senior year of college, I decided to try backpacking for the first time with basically zero guidance.

That first trip was:

• slightly miserable

• deeply character-building

• and somehow still magical enough to make me keep coming back

(If you want the full story someday, let me know because it’s honestly kind of hilarious.)

Since then, I’ve backpacked thousands of miles and spent hundreds of nights sleeping outside across the U.S. and internationally.

Over the years, I’ve slowly dialed in my pack weight. Most trips now land somewhere around 12.5–17 pounds.

I pack pretty minimally…

…but I still always leave room for a few silly little things that serve almost no practical purpose besides bringing extra whimsy, comfort, and joy to camp.

And honestly?
I think that matters too.

Fairy Tent Lights

These weigh just 1.6 oz, and yet somehow completely transform camp.

They softly flicker at night and make your tent feel less like survival and more like a tiny cozy home in the woods.

They’re also surprisingly useful when camping with friends because you can instantly spot your tent after sunset.

Tiny luxury. Massive joy.

Pool Floaty

Target genuinely has the best pool floaties.

For about $5 and 2 pounds of questionable backpacking logic, this gummy bear float has joined me on alpine lake adventures more than once.

Entirely unnecessary?
Absolutely.

Worth it every single time?
Also absolutely.

There’s something deeply healing about floating in freezing mountain water surrounded by peaks.

Packable Chair

I used to think backpacking chairs were overrated.

Like… the ground exists?

Then someone gifted me one.
I brought it on one trip.

And now I fear I get it.

There’s something luxurious about drinking your camp coffee while sitting in an actual chair watching the sunrise.

Mine technically says it supports up to 250 lbs… but even at 150 lbs I sometimes feel like I’m testing its emotional limits.

My Squishmallow

Meet Omachi the Squishmallow.
(Also lovingly known as Danny the Dino.)

He’s come on almost every backpacking trip with me since I got him for my birthday in 2020.

Does he serve much practical purpose outside of being an extra pillow?

Not really.

But his tiny smile genuinely brings me comfort after long days outside, and honestly… that feels practical enough to me.

Acrylic Paint Pens

Something about backpacking always makes me feel more creative.

Maybe it’s the slower pace.
Maybe it’s the lack of screens.
Maybe it’s just being surrounded by beauty all day.

I usually bring 3–4 acrylic paint pens and little cardstock pieces and just paint whatever comes to mind around camp.

Tiny landscapes.
Flowers.
Random color combinations.

It makes camp feel even more memorable somehow.

A question for you

What’s one silly little thing you bring camping or backpacking that sparks joy?

I want to know all the tiny, weird camp luxuries.

The Outside Girls Club.

This summer, I’m finally bringing something to life that’s been on my heart for a long time:

The Outside Girls Club.

Think:

• after-work hikes

• sunny picnics

• slow outdoor evenings

• campfire hangs

• making new friends outside

A space where you can come alone and leave with people you’re excited to see again.

The kind of community I spent years hoping to find when I first moved to Bend.

Nothing intimidating.
Nothing overly serious.

Just good people, fresh air, and more reasons to romanticize your life outside.

Our first event is already brewing 👀

💌 Leaving Notes

I used to think backpacking had to look a certain way.

Ultralight. Efficient. Serious.

But the longer I do this, the more I think the best outdoor experiences are the ones that still leave room for softness and personality.

Fairy lights.
Tiny dinosaur pillows.

A little whimsy can make the outdoors feel even more like home.

If you’re ever looking for the exact gear and pieces I actually use, it’s always linked here.

Chat soon,
Lauren (@laurensbigadventure) 💙

Hi friend! Welcome back to the Big Adventure Club.

I recently got back from a week in New York.

One night was a red-eye flight.
Two nights were spent with my management team.
And another two were spent solo, wandering the city with nowhere specific to be.

Subways. Coffee shops. Long walks. Tiny corner stores. Strolling through Central Park longer than necessary just because it felt nice outside.

And somewhere between walking all over Manhattan and accidentally hitting 25+ miles in a few days…

I realized I finally found my new go-to travel shoe.

And with Memorial Day right around the corner, it officially feels like camping, trail running, backpacking, and road trip season are fully back in swing again.

Which also means REI’s biggest sale of the year is happening right now 👀

So if you’ve been eyeing new hiking, camping, backpacking, or travel gear, this is genuinely one of the best times to grab it.

Tap here to browse all the savings 💙

Because honestly?
I’ve had a bit of a shoe dilemma lately.

My Converse have been my ride-or-die lifestyle shoe for years. But after countless trips, coffee runs, and airport days… they’re officially entering their hole-y retirement era.

And since I only buy one pair of lifestyle shoes a year, I tend to overthink the decision a little.

I want something that feels:

• comfortable enough for all-day walking

• versatile for travel

• outdoorsy without looking overly technical

• cute with both hiking clothes and city outfits

So after thinking about them for months, I finally ordered the:

Keen Jasper Zionic

Tap here to shop them

Literally right before my flight.
And they completely live up to the hype.

I ended up choosing the Jasper Zionic specifically because they have:

• better grip

• more support

• and feel a little more capable for travel days that turn into accidental adventures

Which feels very on-brand for how I travel.

I walked everywhere in these.

Through NYC sidewalks, parks, light trails, airports, coffee shops, and long aimless city walks where you accidentally end up 10 miles from your hotel.

And my feet genuinely still felt good at the end of the day.

What I love about the Keen Jasper Zionics:

• super comfortable right out of the box

• lightweight and easy to walk forever in

• grippy enough for outdoor adventures

• distinctive “gorpcore but cool” look

• somehow work with so many outfits

I also get compliments on them constantly.

I think people love the iconic Keen silhouette mixed with the springy light purple colorway. They stand out in the best way.

And if you’ve been eyeing them too…

They’re currently 25% off during REI’s Memorial Day Sale 👀

Unfortunately, I did not know to wait for this sale and paid full price… so save for both of us.

Tap here to shop the Jasper Zionics while they’re still on sale 💙

Outfits I styled them with:

Leaving Notes

I love gear that makes life feel easier to say yes to.

Shoes you can wander a city in all day.
A backpack that makes you want to camp more.
A jacket you throw on without thinking twice.

The older I get, the more I realize the best gear isn’t always the flashiest.

It’s the stuff that quietly becomes part of your everyday life.

And with Memorial Day weekend right around the corner, it officially feels like the start of adventure season again.

So if you’re looking for camping, backpacking, or hiking inspiration, I’ve linked a few of my favorite past Memorial Day trips and guides below:

Have a question you want answered in a future Big Adventure Club newsletter? You can submit one anonymously here 💌

Chat soon,
Lauren (@laurensbigadventure) 💙

Hi friend! Welcome back to the Big Adventure Club 💌

I’m currently writing this from a hotel room in New York City.

This week has been filled with:

• crowded sidewalks

• late-night walks

• draft lattes

• subway rides

• the kind of energy that makes you want to stay outside longer just because everyone else is

And honestly? I forgot how much I love being surrounded by people.

Not in an “I want to know everyone” kind of way.
But in a feeling connected to the world around you kind of way.

One thing I’ve realized while being away from Bend this week is how much I miss my communities back home.

And that feels significant because… for a long time, I didn’t really feel like I had one there.

When I first moved to Bend, it honestly felt hard to break into.

Everyone already seemed to have their friend groups. Their people.

And I think a lot of women quietly experience this, especially in outdoor towns.

You move somewhere hoping for connection… and then realize community actually takes intention to build.

But over the last few years, things slowly started changing.

Not all at once.

Just through small repeated moments.

Trail Kooks

One of the biggest shifts for me was realizing:

You don’t have to wait until you already have outdoor friends to start showing up outside.

Sometimes the community comes after the consistency.

Trail Kooks became one of those spaces for me.

A place where:

• people waved at each other

• you catch up every week

• showing up mattered more than being impressive

A lot of friendships start with simply becoming a familiar face somewhere.

Climbing Nights & Ski Days

A lot of outdoor community isn’t built through one big magical moment.

It’s built through:

• weekly climbing nights

• random ski chairlift conversations

• post-run coffees

• saying yes to things even when it feels slightly uncomfortable

The more I’ve leaned into recurring activities, the more connected I’ve felt.

People become familiar.
Then friendships slowly follow.

Hosting Dinners

This has probably been one of the biggest lessons for me lately:

Sometimes you have to become the thing you wish existed.

So instead of waiting for invitations, I started hosting more.

Small dinners.
Backyard hangs.
Inviting people camping.
Post-adventure meals.

Nothing Pinterest-perfect.

Just spaces where people could actually spend time together.

And almost every time, people are grateful someone made the effort.

Making Friends Outdoors

I think outdoor friendships can feel especially meaningful because you meet people while:

• struggling uphill

• sitting around campfires

• watching sunsets

• doing things that make you feel alive

There’s less pressure to perform.

You’re just sharing an experience together.

And sometimes that becomes the beginning of a friendship.

From Our Community

I wanted to share this recent win from someone in our community because it made me so emotional reading it:

“I hit three personal goals last year that I never thought I would achieve. I ran my first race at Big Sur (11-miler), then decided to do the Monterey Bay Half Marathon, and finally hiked my longest backpacking trip around the Tahoe Rim Trail!”

I think one of the coolest parts of outdoor community is watching people slowly become versions of themselves they never thought possible.

And getting to cheer each other on while it happens.

A question for you

How do you build community?

Or maybe a better question:

What kind of community are you craving right now?

If you have a question or topic you want explored in a future newsletter, you can submit one here.

It might shape a future Big Adventure Club edition.

The Outside Girls Club.

This summer, I’m finally bringing something to life that’s been on my heart for a long time: the Outside Girls Club.

Think after-work hikes, sunny picnics, slow outdoor evenings, and making new friends outside.

A place where you can come alone and leave with friends.

The kind of community I spent years hoping to find.

💌 Leaving Notes

I used to think community was something you either had or didn’t.

But now I think it’s usually built slowly.

Through consistency.
Through invitations.
Through awkward first conversations.
Through showing up again.

And sometimes, through simply being willing to go first.

If you’re craving connection lately, I hope this reminds you that there are other people looking for it too.

If you’re ever looking for the exact gear and pieces I actually use, it’s always linked here.

Chat soon,
Lauren (@laurensbigadventure) 💙

Hi Friend. Welcome back to the Big Adventure Club!

Spring adventures are officially here, and Memorial Day (May 23-25) weekend is right around the corner.

Which means it’s time to start planning the annual camping or backpacking trip.

There’s something about this weekend specifically that always feels like the true start of outdoor season again. Sleeping outside. Dirt under your shoes. Long golden evenings. Waking up cold in a tent and making coffee anyway.

A reset button in the form of a long weekend.

Just enough time to get off-grid, calm your nervous system outside, and still make it home in time to unpack before Monday ends.

And honestly… I think we all need that a little right now.

If you have a question you want answered in a future newsletter, you can submit one here

It might shape a future Big Adventure Club edition 💕

April Favorites

Shoes

Keen Jasper Zionic

I’ve owned these shoes for less than 24 hours and already gotten so many compliments on them.

I wanted a spring travel shoe that could handle:

• walking 30k+ steps

• road trips

• mountain towns

• easy hikes

…but still looked cute and a little different from the usual outdoor shoe.

These immediately scratched that itch.

They feel like the perfect blend of gorpcore, comfort, and “I accidentally ended up on a trail.”

Clothing

Patagonia Outdoor Everyday Shorts

Remember when these were sitting in my shopping cart last month?

Well… I got them. And I’m fully in love.

These are about to become my go-to shorts for:

• hiking

• camping

• coffee runs

• road trips

They somehow feel put together and functional, which is honestly the dream.

Clean Skincare

Car Camping Skincare Routine

Sometimes I rough it and skip the self-care.

But after spending 30+ nights a year sleeping in tents, I’ve realized something:

The better I take care of myself outside, the longer I actually want to stay outside.

This post was from a quick dispersed camping stop on my drive to Portland to break up the Bend-to-Portland drive.

Nothing fancy.
Just me, Anders, the back of the car, and the tiny rituals that help me feel like myself again before crawling into my sleeping quilt.

Intention

“Rich because I’m the first in my bloodline to truly do whatever I want and I refuse to waste that privilege.”

This thought stopped me in my tracks this month.

Not because I think freedom means doing whatever all the time. But because so many of us grew up watching people survive instead of actually live.

And sometimes building a beautiful life looks like:

• slowing down

• taking the trip

• going outside

• resting

• choosing joy without guilt

Adventures

April felt like waking up from winter hibernation.

A month of remembering how good life feels outside again.

Highlights:

• Camping on Mount Hood

• Backpacking with friends (something that’s literally been on my vision board for years)

• Lots of overnight early-season backpacking

• Getting back into running post-injury

We also crossed running 500 miles for the year!

Slowly feeling like myself again.

Who else is so ready for road trips, camping weekends, and spontaneous adventure season?

Good Eats

Ube Brown Sugar Oatmeal Packs

These have been my current camping/travel breakfast obsession.

Ingredients:

• 100g (1 cup) oats

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 2 tbsp milk powder

• 1 tbsp ube powder

Mix everything together in a to-go container or reusable bag.

Perfect for:

• camping

• road trips

• travel mornings

• lazy breakfasts at home

Comforting, filling, and slightly nostalgic in the best way.

Artist on Repeat

Tame Impala

The soundtrack of my month.

Windows down. High desert roads. Sunset drives. Spring energy.

Top 6:

💌 Leaving Notes

I think one of the best parts of spring is remembering you’re allowed to start again.

New routines.
New habits.
New energy.

You don’t have to have everything figured out to begin enjoying your life again.

Sometimes it starts with something as small as planning a camping trip or sitting outside for 10 extra minutes after sunset.

And somehow, those little moments slowly bring you back to yourself.

If you’re ever looking for the exact gear and pieces I actually use, it’s always linked here.

Chat soon,
Lauren (@laurensbigadventure) 💙

Hi friend, welcome back to the Big Adventure Club!

I’m writing this from Lone Pine, sitting outside with an iced latte and a warm liège waffle (toasted, obviously).

And this one feels a little more like a girl talk.

Maybe even a little TMI.
But honestly, I wish I had an older sister who told me this sooner.

Yesterday, I got my period.

And every time it happens now, I feel… grateful.

Not for the cramps.
Not for the random emotional spirals.

But because my body is finally doing what it’s supposed to do.

I got my first period when I was 13.

I was the scrawny, always-moving kid.
Basketball practice, track, constant energy.

But even after I started menstruating, my period was never consistent.

It would show up randomly… maybe 2–3 times a year.

And for a long time, I was told that was normal.

My pediatric doctor called it hypothalamic amenorrhea.
But she also told me it was just part of being active.

That I’d get a regular cycle “once I stopped running.”

So I didn’t question it.

I just kept going.

I always held this quiet question:
what if I never wanted to stop running?

But it wasn’t normal.

And it wasn’t harmless.

It was quietly putting me at higher risk for things I didn’t fully understand at the time.
Bone health. Hormones. Long-term reproductive health.

It wasn’t until I saw a gynecologist in my 20s who actually listened that things shifted.

After testing, it was clear:

My hormones weren’t cycling the way they should.

Low estrogen.
Imbalanced progesterone.

My body didn’t feel safe enough to function properly.

And her advice was simple. But not easy.

Eat more.
Move less.

So I did something that felt completely opposite to who I was.

I stepped back from running for a year.
I let my body gain weight.

About 20–25 pounds.

And slowly… things started working again.

My cycle came back.
And then it stayed.

I had always been the “naturally skinny” one.

So this was the first time I had to intentionally change something about my body.

And it didn’t feel natural.

There was resistance.
Even from people close to me.

Comments like:
“You’re only this skinny once”
“You look great, why change anything?”

And I get where that came from.

But it wasn’t what my body needed.

What my body needed was to feel supported.
Fueled.
Safe.

I’m sharing this because I know I’m not the only one.

Especially in running and outdoor spaces.

So many women are told:
“This is just part of being active.”

But missing your period isn’t a badge of fitness.

It’s your body asking for something different.

If this is something you’ve experienced, or are going through right now…

I just want you to know:

You’re not alone in it.

And your health matters more than staying small.

A question for you

Have you ever felt like your body was trying to tell you something…
but you didn’t know how to listen yet?

Have you ever had to change something about your body or routine that felt hard, but ended up being exactly what you needed?

Share anonymously

If this brought something up for you, or there’s something you’ve been navigating quietly…

You can submit it anonymously here.
It might shape a future newsletter, and help someone else feel less alone in it.

Leaving Notes

Your body isn’t something to fight or control.

It’s something to learn.

And sometimes, the strongest thing you can do…
is respond to what it’s asking for.

If you’re ever looking for the exact gear and pieces I actually use, it’s always linked here.

And as always, come say hi on Instagram.

Chat soon,

Lauren (@laurensbigadventure) 💙

If you read this and thought of someone who needs to hear it, send it to them.
You never know who’s quietly going through the same thing.

Hi friend, welcome back to the Big Adventure Club!

This weekend, Anders and I took our friends Hannah and Collin on their first backpacking trip in Oregon.

We had this whole alpine vision.
Lake swims, fishing, slow mornings reading by the water.

And then… April snow said absolutely not.

So we pivoted to the desert. Think Fossil / John Day energy. Sunny, quiet, wide open.

And honestly? It reminded me of something:

The best trips aren’t always the ones you planned.

They’re the ones where you adapt and still go anyway.

It was also my first time testing some updates to my backpacking setup…

…and I don’t say this lightly, but they made a huge difference.

The “Big 3” (and why they matter)

If you’re new to backpacking, the “Big 3” =
your pack, your shelter, and your sleep system

They’re the heaviest items you carry, which means:

They have the biggest impact on how your trip feels.

Lighter Big 3 = more enjoyable miles
Heavier Big 3 = you feel it… fast

For context:

• Ultralight base weight: ~10 lbs or less

• Average: ~15–25 lbs

• Heavy: 25+ lbs

My total ending pack weight last trip came out to 12.9 lbs!

Sea to Summit Telos TR2 Tent

This is the tent I keep coming back to.

After almost 3 years, it’s held up through:

• multiple multi-hour rainstorms

• windy alpine nights

• a lot of “this better not fail right now” moments

And it hasn’t.

What I love:

• 2 doors (non-negotiable for 2 people)

• extra headroom so you’re not hunched over

• ventilation that actually helps with condensation

• easy solo setup when Anders is busy

There’s some wear showing now (a few mesh patches), but honestly, it’s earned that.

Gossamer Gear Mariposa Backpack

This was a deep dive decision. Like hours of research…

I loved my Gregory Maven, but I was ready to cut weight without sacrificing comfort.

I looked at:

• Durston Kakwa 55

• Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 55

• REI Flash 55

• ULA Circuit

…and still landed on the Mariposa.

This is now the pack I grab when I want things to feel easy.

Standouts:

• The pockets. So many pockets. Everything has a place.

• A hipbelt that moves with you instead of against you

• 60L capacity without feeling bulky

• Lightweight (just over 2 lbs)

Best for:
Lighter trips under ~25 lbs total pack weight

I went with a Medium, and it fits perfectly.

🛏️ REI Co-op Sleeping Pads (Helix vs Traverse)

I tested both of these recently, and they’re surprisingly similar. Size, weight (lb 5 oz), and both include repair kits.

The one I keep reaching for:

Helix Insulated Air Pad

Because after a long day hiking, I want to sleep sleep.

• 3-inch thickness = no hip/shoulder pressure when side sleeping

• R-value of 4.9 = warm enough for most conditions I’m in

It’s one of those things you don’t think matters… until you sleep well in the backcountry.

REI Co-op Magma 30 Down Quilt

This is what converted me from sleeping bags.

A quilt + liner setup is:

• lighter

• less restrictive

• way more comfortable on your skin

The liner keeps everything clean and adds a little warmth, which means I don’t have to baby the quilt as much.

Weight: just over 1 lb

And it packs down so small.

A question for you

If you’ve gone backpacking (or want to)…

What’s the one thing you’re most unsure about?

Gear? Safety? Where to go?

I’m pulling from your answers for upcoming guides, so I’d love to know.

Would you ever try backpacking for a night?

Drop it in the comments. Or submit one anonymously here, and it might shape a future newsletter.

Leaving Notes

You don’t need the perfect setup to get outside.

But having gear that works with you instead of against you
makes it a lot easier to go again.

And that’s really the goal.

To make getting outside feel simple enough that you keep choosing it.

If you’re ever looking for the exact gear and pieces I actually use, it’s always linked here.

And as always, come say hi on Instagram.

Chat soon,

Lauren (@laurensbigadventure) 💙

Hi friend! Welcome back to the Big Adventure Club.

If you’re planning a summer trip to Bend, you’re probably expecting amazing food to match the mountain views…

And I’m going to be honest with you.

Bend is not a foodie city.

There are a lot of places that are just okay.
I’ll try most spots once, but not many I feel excited to go back to. Either they’re not worth the price, or they just don’t stand out.

But the spots below?

These are the ones I actually return to. The ones I’d take a friend to. The ones that have earned a spot on our running list.

(Yes… Anders keeps a full restaurant ranking list, and these are the ones that have made it into the A/B range.)

So if you want to eat well while you’re here… start here.

🥪 Casual Lunch & Dinner (the real MVPs)

These are the places you’ll go to again… and again.

Farmers Deli

Get the ASMR-ster. Thick carved turkey, cranberry, maple aioli, apple, and cheddar.
Ask for it grilled. Non-negotiable.

Pho 88

The kind of place you crave after a cold run or long day outside.
Go for the pho or vermicelli bowls.

Kitchen Window Pizza (to-go only)

Order the chicken parm pizza, then take it to Drake Park for a picnic.
This is peak Bend behavior.

Ken’s Artisan Pizza

Get the prosciutto pizza + add burrata.
Simple, but done really well.

Americana
I order the classic (no cheese. I don’t like American…).
Trust.

Active Culture

My go-to: Eastern Trade Winds bowl (add lentil burger)
Or the burrito with Slammin’ sauce.

Healthy-ish, but still satisfying.

Taco Pihuamo (food truck)
Tacos or burrito, and don’t hold back on the avocado salsa.
Messy, casual, perfect.

🥐 Bakeries (worth the stop)

If you’re doing a slow morning in Bend, these are the spots.

Sparrow Bakery
M’s Bakery
Café Des Chutes
Thump Coffee
Bo’s Bagels

Each has its own vibe, but they all hit in that cozy, post-run, coffee-in-hand kind of way.

🍷 If You Want to Splurge

For when you want a night that feels a little more special.

Kanpai

Go all in with the omakase experience. You won’t leave hungry.

Bos Taurus

Do the tasting menu and sit at the bar if you can. The wine experience is next level.

RBC (Rancher Butcher Chef)

Only order one thing:
the steak.

💬 Community Question

If you’ve been to Bend…

What’s one place you’d actually go back to?

I’m always looking to update this list (because Bend restaurants change fast).

Drop your favorites in the comments, and I might include them in a future guide.

💌 Leaving Notes

Bend might not be a food city…

But it is a place where you grab a sandwich after a trail run, eat pizza in the park at sunset, and end the day with friends around a table after being outside all day.

That kind of food experience hits differently.

If you’re coming to Bend this summer, I hope this helps you skip the misses and go straight to the places that are actually worth your time.

If you’re ever looking for trails, gear, or local recs, it’s all linked here.

Chat soon,
Lauren (@laurensbigadventure) 💙

Hi friend! Welcome back to the Big Adventure Club.

March felt like the bridge between seasons: snowy mornings, sunny afternoons, and just enough warmth to start dreaming about spring adventures again.

It was a month of getting outside whenever I could, leaning into simple routines, and finding a lot of joy in the in-between.

So today I’m sharing everything that made this past month feel good. From gear I actually used to small moments I want more of.

If you love a mix of outdoor life, everyday favorites, and the habits that make things feel more intentional, you’ll love this one.

March Favorites

Clean Skincare

Salt Stone Deodorant

Clean deodorant that actually works.

As someone who does get BO (keeping it real), I’ve repurchased the Santal scent multiple times. It keeps me smelling fresh, doesn’t leave white marks, and holds up through workouts, long days, and everything in between.

A small upgrade that makes a big difference in feeling put together.

Makeup

Tarte Tubing mascara

This one surprised me.

It gives that long, lifted, almost lash-extension look, but the best part is how it removes. It literally slides off with warm water. No smudging, no tugging, no raccoon eyes.

If you’ve ever hated taking off mascara… this changes everything.

Clothing

The North Face Full-Zip Hoody

This has quietly become one of those pieces I reach for without thinking.

It’s come with me on trail runs, to the gym, on coffee walks, and just around the house. The fabric is incredibly soft, but still durable enough to handle movement and sweat.

One of those items that ends up being worn way more than expected.

Intention

Say yes to the life you say you want.

It’s easy to talk about the life you want.

Harder to actually choose it in the small moments.

Saying yes to the plans.
Going outside when it’s easier to stay in.
Showing up even when it’s not perfect.

March felt like practicing that.

Adventures

March felt full in the best way.

• Cross-country high desert backpacking

• My first time trying uphill skiing with friends

• Hot springs camping

• Hiking Black Butte & Smith Rock

Winter slowly melting into spring always feels like possibility.

Like you’re shaking off stillness and stepping back into movement.

Cozy Hobby

Hosting!

This month was full of it.

Pooky’s birthday party, at-home coffee shop mornings, dinners with friends who feel more like family.

Hosting takes effort. Planning, cleaning, coordinating.

But there’s something really special about being the person who brings people together.

It turns ordinary mornings and nights into something memorable.

Good Eats

Farmers Deli, Downtown Bend

Best sandwich in town. No question.

My go-to: ASMR VT-STER

Thick carved turkey, cranberry compote, maple aioli, fresh arugula, crisp apple, and Tillamook cheddar.

Ask for it grilled.

Trust me.

Artist on Repeat

Clairo

Soundtrack of my month.

Top 4:

<Descrition… Play this while driving alone at sunset and tell me it doesn’t hit.>

💌 Leaving Notes

March reminded me how much of a good life is built in the in-between.

Not the big trips or milestone moments, but the random Tuesday dinner, the last-minute hike, the coffee you take outside just because the sun is finally out.

The things that don’t seem like much… until they’re everything.

So if there’s something you’ve been wanting more of lately, more time outside, more movement, more connection, this is your sign to lean into it.

Even in small ways.

I’d love to know: what’s been making your days feel good lately?

A place, a person, a routine, something tiny you’ve been loving.

Drop it in the comments. I always end up getting the best ideas from you.

Or if you have a question you want answered in a future newsletter, you can submit one anonymously here.

If you’re ever looking for the exact gear and pieces I actually use, it’s always linked here.

Chat soon,
Lauren (@laurensbigadventure) 💙