Hiking the Dolomites in Italy for my 50th birthday was an epic trip! Words can’t describe how amazing the landscape truly was. If you love nature as much as I do, a trip here should definitely be on your bucket list!!
All The Hiking Clothing I Wore for Different Conditions
- PrAna Hiking Pants: These are my favorite hiking pants. They’re breathable, lightweight, and have cargo pockets that are great for stashing Kleenex, hand wipes, and my phone. They’re wide-leg, which I love, but extra roomy… so definitely size down. At just under 5’5”, I also got the shorter length, which fit perfectly over my boots.
- Arcteryx Hiking Pants: These trending hiking pants are super durable, have a wider leg, a built-in belt to cinch the waist, and are water-resistant. Again, I love all the pocket options!
- Base Layers: I packed two base layers for the Dolomites, this long sleeve Smartwool top and this REI midweight half-zip top.
- Sun Hoodie: This lightweight hoodie is great for sun protection and easily layers over sports bras or tanktops. Ivo loves having the hoodie up on top of his baseball cap for added neck and face protection from the sun.
- Puffer Jacket: I got this puffer jacket for a steal ($25!!) before my trip to Greece/Turkey earlier this year. If the size you need is sold out, here is the updated version of the same jacket.
- REI Rain Jacket: Many of you may remember this rain jacket from my Alaska trip. I still love it and used it in both Venice and the Dolomites when the rain appeared out of nowhere. It’s lightweight, packable, and easily layers over a puffer jacket or base layer.
- La Sportiva Hiking Boots: I absolutely LOVED these hiking boots (Ivo is obsessed with his as well). The sole is sturdy, yet cushioned, it has a wider foot bed (though also comes in a wide width if you need it), and the traction on the bottom gave us stability when others were slipping on gravel and wet limestone rocks. Initially, I was unsure if we needed the higher rise, but we were so grateful for the extra ankle support while hiking. 10/10 for sure!
- Sports Bras: I packed both my favorite Athleta interval sports bras (I have these in so many colors) and these new-to-me Lululemon energy longline bras, which I also love.
- Asics Trail Running Shoes: While I wore my hiking boots the majority of the time, I packed these (which I’ve used for years) for light trail walks. While they weigh less than the boots, they’re not waterproof, which is something to note if you’re hiking during inclement weather.
- Darn Tough Merino Wool Socks: Good hiking socks are just as important as good hiking boots, and after trying a few brands, I’m now a huge fan of these Darn Tough ones (also in these fun stripes). Because my boots were a smidge big, I wore the full cushioned boot socks (which means the entire sock is thicker and padded). But you can also grab the light hiking sock, which has extra cushion just on the bottom. Those are perfect for when using trail running shoes.
- Icebreaker Merina Wool Underwear: These are my favorite undies for hiking! They’re lightweight and quick-drying, which is much appreciated when hiking on hot days. If you prefer more coverage, you can get the hipkini version.
- Head Coverage: While I’m a baseball cap girlie, Ivo swears by his ultra adventure hat. It has a UPF 50+ protection rating and a 6-inch cape to protect his neck from the sun.
Essential Hiking Gear
- Osprey Daylite Backpack: I’ve had this backpack for years and it’s perfect for day hikes with a comfy, meshed back for ventilation. It fits my hydration bladder, puffer jacket or fleece, my favorite protein bars, battery backup for my phone, emergency hiking kit, and other miscellaneous items.
- Kureida Hydration Bladder: Pro tip: Do not spend $40 or more on a hydration bladder! This is something that you’ll replace more often, when it’s gotten a bit nasty after numerous hikes. And this 2-liter one is under $10! While you can pack water bottles, I find a hydration bladder encourages me to drink more.
- Black Diamond Trekking Poles: I talked to several REI employees and tested out a few poles in store before deciding on these. While I initially thought carbon fiber would be better, I learned that the weight difference is negligible, but the durability of these aluminum ones is far superior. The adjustable height, packability, and grip comfort are also key, and I loved the ergonomic cork grip on these.
- Emergency Hiking Kit: I’m a safety girl and always like to be prepared, so I keep this lightweight emergency kit in my backpack. It has a little bit of everything for bumps and scrapes. I got the 2-person kit for the Dolomites, but you can get larger kits for families as well.
- Leukotape P: OMG, this soft and flexible medical tape is a miracle worker at preventing blisters. Hiking experts swear by it, but I’d never tried it until this trip. Now, I’ll never hike without it. Especially as I’m prone to shearing blisters under my big toes (which aren’t due to shoe fit but rather the biomechanics of my wonky, narrow flat feet). If you’re hiking the Dolomites, Mont Blanc, the Camino de Santiago, or other strenuous trails, make sure this is in your backpack!
- HikeGoo: If you don’t get blisters but do get “hot spots” from rubbing, this hiking goo adds a protective petroleum-like layer between your feet and socks. This is good for short hikes, but for longer hikes I’d default to the Leukotape P.
- Headlamp: If you’re doing a sunrise or sunset hike, a headlamp is a necessary tool. It provides bright light on the trail when you need it most and keeps your hands free. It’s also great if you’re exploring caves!
- Magnesium Oil Spray: This does double duty to relieve sore muscles AND help you sleep! Many of you know that I’ve used this magnesium spray for years to help with my sleep.
I’ve Been Loving These Sunscreens and Toiletries When Hiking
- EltaMD UV Sport Sunscreen: This is the body sunscreen I use when hiking. It’s SPF 50, water and sweat-resistant for 80 minutes, and absorbs quickly. Similar to the face sunscreen below, it’s a combination chemical and mineral sunscreen, which means it has great broad-spectrum protection without the greasy feeling or white cast.
- EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen: This dermatologist recommended sunscreen is a combination chemical and mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide for added protection. It’s SPF 46, and I love that it doesn’t have any white cast from the zinc oxide. Wear this under your makeup or on its own.
- Colorescience Total Protection Face Shield: This is my go-to makeup when out in the sun all day hiking. It’s a 100% mineral makeup foundation with SPF 50. I use the “light” color, which goes on white, then turns to a light beige that blends seamlessly into my skin. It’s also a semi-matte finish, so you won’t be shiny. This has great protection on its own, though I do often layer it over the Elta MD UV Clear Face sunscreen.
- NARS Tinted Moisturizer: This is what I’ve used for my daily foundation for a decade or more (my color is “Alaska”). I love that it’s lightweight and moisturizing, with a very natural coverage, and SPF 30. This is more moisturizing and dewy than the Colorescience, so I find myself wearing this more often on non-hiking days (aka – not in the blazing sun all day). When I want the added SPF protection, more buildable coverage, and a matte finish, I use the Colorescience.
- Merit Makeup: I started using Merit this year and have been loving the concealer stick and cream blush. Both have a super creamy, luxurious texture and blend seamlessly.
My Dolomites Itinerary
Here is my exact personal itinerary and notes, with stays in Cortina d’Ampezzo and Ortisei. Note that it’s not formatted as a recommended itinerary, so please use it as a general guide as you plan your trip. And if you happened to miss my special 50th birthday cake recipe, check out my baked Alaska!