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Stay nimble, do more: tips on cultivating an adventure mindset<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
(Photo: Fj\u00e4llr\u00e4ven)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Published July 16, 2026 08:44AM<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Everyone understands the value of packing light. You can go faster or farther or both, or simply enjoy a little more comfort. But it\u2019s all too easy to focus on gear\u2014literally the stuff you carry\u2014and forget that there\u2019s so much more than pounds and ounces when it comes to cutting weight. For starters, there\u2019s your mindset: How do you think<\/i> about adventure?<\/p>\n
Your attitude is the most important piece of gear you carry. That\u2019s something Meghan Young<\/a>, a hiker, climber, mountaineer, and Fj\u00e4llr\u00e4ven ambassador, knows all too well. Weather happens. Trail closures happen. Plans change. A nimble attitude can help you prevent a rainy day from becoming a canceled trip and turn it into a different kind of adventure. Young, who explores in the Pacific Northwest\u2014where the weather can be, um, temperamental\u2014understands the power of thinking light as much as anyone.<\/p>\n\u201cAdaptability is key for planning adventures in the PNW,\u201d Young says. \u201cYou have to shift your perspective: Weather changes are a feature, not a bug.\u201d<\/p>\nMeghan Young<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nSeeing the constantly shifting weather as an asset to adventure, not a hindrance, opens up a whole new realm of possibilities, Young says. She says there are two key elements to thinking light:<\/p>\n\nHave a backup plan.<\/b> There are a million reasons why you might not make your first objective and weather is just one of them. Downed trees on roads, permits sold out, overcrowding, gear forgotten\u2026 If you already have a plan B it\u2019s easy to switch and still have just as much fun.<\/li>\nGo anyway<\/b>. You won\u2019t always get clear views from a summit, but you might get a completely different sight, like a thick mist draping over a lush valley. \u201cWith the right gear and hot drink, even the gloomiest day can be a win and I always feel better when I\u2019ve spent some time outside,\u201d Young says.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\nGear Picks<\/h2>\nAs for what constitutes \u201cthe right gear,\u201d Young prioritizes solid rain protection, quick-drying layers, and a leakproof tent. She relies on the Bergtagen GTX Lite Jacket<\/b><\/a> as her daily rain jacket because the three-layer Gore-Tex construction can handle the elements but doesn\u2019t have to be babied like some less-robust two-layer options. And the Abisko Hybrid Trail Trousers<\/b><\/a> have become her go-to pants because they\u2019re light, moisture resistant, stretchy, and durable enough for \u201cbushwhacky\u201d situations. The integrated ventilation zippers on the thighs make them super breathable, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\nBergtagen GTX Lite Jacket<\/span>Fj\u00e4llr\u00e4ven<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBottomline: Go ahead and cut ounces where it makes sense. But don\u2019t compromise on critical performance features or durability that will ensure you\u2019re getting out when and where you want to. Because if you think light, your gear will follow.<\/p>\n\nIn 1960, \u00c5ke Nordin founded <\/i>Fj\u00e4llr\u00e4ven<\/i><\/a> in his basement in the town of \u00d6rnsk\u00f6ldsvik in northern Sweden. Today the company\u2019s timeless, functional and durable outdoor equipment enjoys a global presence and can be found in over 70 countries. Fj\u00e4llr\u00e4ven\u2019s product range comprises outdoor clothing and accessories for men and women as well as backpacks, tents and sleeping bags. As a company, Fj\u00e4llr\u00e4ven makes every effort to act responsibly towards people, wildlife and the environment and to encourage people to take an interest in outdoor life.<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\u201cAdaptability is key for planning adventures in the PNW,\u201d Young says. \u201cYou have to shift your perspective: Weather changes are a feature, not a bug.\u201d<\/p>\nMeghan Young<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nSeeing the constantly shifting weather as an asset to adventure, not a hindrance, opens up a whole new realm of possibilities, Young says. She says there are two key elements to thinking light:<\/p>\n\nHave a backup plan.<\/b> There are a million reasons why you might not make your first objective and weather is just one of them. Downed trees on roads, permits sold out, overcrowding, gear forgotten\u2026 If you already have a plan B it\u2019s easy to switch and still have just as much fun.<\/li>\nGo anyway<\/b>. You won\u2019t always get clear views from a summit, but you might get a completely different sight, like a thick mist draping over a lush valley. \u201cWith the right gear and hot drink, even the gloomiest day can be a win and I always feel better when I\u2019ve spent some time outside,\u201d Young says.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\nGear Picks<\/h2>\nAs for what constitutes \u201cthe right gear,\u201d Young prioritizes solid rain protection, quick-drying layers, and a leakproof tent. She relies on the Bergtagen GTX Lite Jacket<\/b><\/a> as her daily rain jacket because the three-layer Gore-Tex construction can handle the elements but doesn\u2019t have to be babied like some less-robust two-layer options. And the Abisko Hybrid Trail Trousers<\/b><\/a> have become her go-to pants because they\u2019re light, moisture resistant, stretchy, and durable enough for \u201cbushwhacky\u201d situations. The integrated ventilation zippers on the thighs make them super breathable, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\nBergtagen GTX Lite Jacket<\/span>Fj\u00e4llr\u00e4ven<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBottomline: Go ahead and cut ounces where it makes sense. But don\u2019t compromise on critical performance features or durability that will ensure you\u2019re getting out when and where you want to. Because if you think light, your gear will follow.<\/p>\n\nIn 1960, \u00c5ke Nordin founded <\/i>Fj\u00e4llr\u00e4ven<\/i><\/a> in his basement in the town of \u00d6rnsk\u00f6ldsvik in northern Sweden. Today the company\u2019s timeless, functional and durable outdoor equipment enjoys a global presence and can be found in over 70 countries. Fj\u00e4llr\u00e4ven\u2019s product range comprises outdoor clothing and accessories for men and women as well as backpacks, tents and sleeping bags. As a company, Fj\u00e4llr\u00e4ven makes every effort to act responsibly towards people, wildlife and the environment and to encourage people to take an interest in outdoor life.<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Seeing the constantly shifting weather as an asset to adventure, not a hindrance, opens up a whole new realm of possibilities, Young says. She says there are two key elements to thinking light:<\/p>\n
As for what constitutes \u201cthe right gear,\u201d Young prioritizes solid rain protection, quick-drying layers, and a leakproof tent. She relies on the Bergtagen GTX Lite Jacket<\/b><\/a> as her daily rain jacket because the three-layer Gore-Tex construction can handle the elements but doesn\u2019t have to be babied like some less-robust two-layer options. And the Abisko Hybrid Trail Trousers<\/b><\/a> have become her go-to pants because they\u2019re light, moisture resistant, stretchy, and durable enough for \u201cbushwhacky\u201d situations. The integrated ventilation zippers on the thighs make them super breathable, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\nBergtagen GTX Lite Jacket<\/span>Fj\u00e4llr\u00e4ven<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBottomline: Go ahead and cut ounces where it makes sense. But don\u2019t compromise on critical performance features or durability that will ensure you\u2019re getting out when and where you want to. Because if you think light, your gear will follow.<\/p>\n\nIn 1960, \u00c5ke Nordin founded <\/i>Fj\u00e4llr\u00e4ven<\/i><\/a> in his basement in the town of \u00d6rnsk\u00f6ldsvik in northern Sweden. Today the company\u2019s timeless, functional and durable outdoor equipment enjoys a global presence and can be found in over 70 countries. Fj\u00e4llr\u00e4ven\u2019s product range comprises outdoor clothing and accessories for men and women as well as backpacks, tents and sleeping bags. As a company, Fj\u00e4llr\u00e4ven makes every effort to act responsibly towards people, wildlife and the environment and to encourage people to take an interest in outdoor life.<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Bergtagen GTX Lite Jacket<\/span>Fj\u00e4llr\u00e4ven<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBottomline: Go ahead and cut ounces where it makes sense. But don\u2019t compromise on critical performance features or durability that will ensure you\u2019re getting out when and where you want to. Because if you think light, your gear will follow.<\/p>\n\nIn 1960, \u00c5ke Nordin founded <\/i>Fj\u00e4llr\u00e4ven<\/i><\/a> in his basement in the town of \u00d6rnsk\u00f6ldsvik in northern Sweden. Today the company\u2019s timeless, functional and durable outdoor equipment enjoys a global presence and can be found in over 70 countries. Fj\u00e4llr\u00e4ven\u2019s product range comprises outdoor clothing and accessories for men and women as well as backpacks, tents and sleeping bags. As a company, Fj\u00e4llr\u00e4ven makes every effort to act responsibly towards people, wildlife and the environment and to encourage people to take an interest in outdoor life.<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Bottomline: Go ahead and cut ounces where it makes sense. But don\u2019t compromise on critical performance features or durability that will ensure you\u2019re getting out when and where you want to. Because if you think light, your gear will follow.<\/p>\n\n
In 1960, \u00c5ke Nordin founded <\/i>Fj\u00e4llr\u00e4ven<\/i><\/a> in his basement in the town of \u00d6rnsk\u00f6ldsvik in northern Sweden. Today the company\u2019s timeless, functional and durable outdoor equipment enjoys a global presence and can be found in over 70 countries. Fj\u00e4llr\u00e4ven\u2019s product range comprises outdoor clothing and accessories for men and women as well as backpacks, tents and sleeping bags. As a company, Fj\u00e4llr\u00e4ven makes every effort to act responsibly towards people, wildlife and the environment and to encourage people to take an interest in outdoor life.<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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