Published August 2, 2023 01:59PM
Seven Pieces of Barbie-Inspired Outdoor Gear
Bring the movie of the year to your local trailhead this summer
Barbie and Ken go camping in the trailer of the Barbie movie. (Photo: YouTube/Warner Bros)
At least half the fun of the Barbie movie is the brilliant costumes and satisfying set designs, featuring every shade of pink (just check out the photo above!). While we might not have Greta Gerwig and her team’s style and expertise when it comes to our wardrobes, fuchsia is the color of the summer and has even seeped into the outdoor industry. Many have a love/hate relationship with the color—for a long time, it was the only color women could find in outdoor apparel and gear—but we may be seeing a new era of pink. One that embraces femininity and also strength, one that is fun but also tough. Take a peek at our favorite Barbie-inspired outdoor gear of the summer.
Birkenstock Arizona Essentials Eva in Beetroot Purple ($50)
Barbie may have had to choose between high heels and Birkenstocks in the movie, but you don’t have to make the same compromise. Made from EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate), a high-quality, light, and elastic material with great cushioning, these sandals are waterproof so they’re perfect for the beach, watering your garden, or for sweaty feet post-workout. Plus, they’re modeled after the cork originals, so you get to keep that classic Birkenstock style.
Baggu Fanny Pack in Extra Pink ($52)
Every Barbie needs a bag, so it might as well be durable, sustainable, and—might I even say—fashionable. With two primary compartments and a zippered interior pocket, the Fanny Pack is great for storing your passport and snacks while traveling or keeping your phone and other essentials safe on the trail. Plus, all of Baggu’s nylon styles are made with recycled nylon filament yarn that was produced from pre-consumer waste. Hop on the hands-free bag trend with a company you can feel good about supporting.
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Youswim Poise High Waist Two Piece in Cosmic ($139)
Youswim has made waves in the swimsuit industry with its luxe, ribbed, and seamless fabric swimsuits that magically fit seven sizes in one. The suit adapts to your body, even as it changes and grows. This particular style offers medium coverage in a perfect pink colorway. I’ve owned a Youswim suit for a few years now and it’s the one I keep reaching for consistently. It’s comfortable, versatile, and sustainable. Youswim’s suits are made with European-sourced nylon and elastane and completely produced in England by their team—no sweatshops here.
Submission Biodegradable Glitter in Pink ($25)
While you might not think of glitter as outdoor gear, it adds sparkle and silliness to long days in the backcountry and hot laps in the resort with friends. I’m a big-time glitter fan myself, and have been on the search for the best biodegradable and plastic-free option. This pink glitter from Submission may be the winner, with its base made with cellulose from eucalyptus trees instead of plastic. This material creates a beautiful sparkle, without the use of toxic ingredients, and feels softer on the skin than plastic glitter.
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Beach Sounds Speaker in Candy Pink ($65)
At first glance, you might think the Beach Sounds speaker was taken from the set of the Barbie Movie itself. This candy pink retro-inspired speaker is sand- and water-resistant, and the ideal size for any outdoor adventure (listening respectfully, of course). Take it to the beach, on a raft, or poolside. It’s easily portable, compatible with any smartphone or tablet, and connects to Bluetooth.
Outdoor Voice Exercise Dress in Retro Haze ($80)
You’ve probably heard of the Outdoor Voices Exercise Dress and yes, the hype is absolutely real. As a proud owner of one, I do just about anything in it—hike, run, go to the gym, hot girl walks, and more. This Retro Haze color reminds me of my Barbie dolls I played with as a young girl. The Exercise Dress is flattering and also functional, with adjustable straps and a built-in shorts liner with sticky grippers on the inside hem to help them stay in place.
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Halfdays Nellie Packable Puffer Jacket in Peony ($195)
The Nellie Packable Puffer is the definition of fashionable and functional. The trendy, relaxed and oversized fit looks good year round—wear it alone or with layers underneath in the colder months. Made with a wind-resistant shell and a later of quilted insulation, this puffer cuts the wind while trapping warmth. It also features a back pocket for water bottle storage, and packs into itself once you’ve heated up. Plus, this jacket is made with 45 percent recycled nylon, and insulated by 100 percent recycled PET bottles.
Hoka Women’s Speedgoat 5 in Festival Fuchsia / Camellia ($155)
Hoka’s newly-revised Speedgoat is meant for hitting mountainous trails, with Vibram Megagrip rubber and five millimeter lugs for better grip on loose terrain. It’s got the same stack height and rocker profile as the previous version, but with a lighter midsole and a more durable body. You can rest assured that these shoes have been tried and tested—Karl “Speedgoat” Meltzer (who has won more 100-miler races than any other runner), launched his signature shoe in 2015, and has won many ultramarathons wearing his Speedgoats. And Hoka must’ve gotten the Barbie memo, because this color fits with just about everything else on this list. Plus, the upper is made from 34 percent recycled materials. Happy Trails!
