While setting off on an adventure is certainly thrilling, packing for a trip where lack of cell service and backcountry travel is likely can feel daunting – even for experienced adventurers.
To give you a leg up, we put together a guide to packing for your next adventure. Let’s dive in.
1. Understanding Your Destination
Before you even think about packing, we recommend doing some research on your destination. What kind of climate and terrain will you be encountering? Having a good grasp on this sort of information will serve as a guide to the kind of clothing and gear you’ll need to thrive throughout your trip.
Additionally, our team has found great success reading about the adventures others have experienced in similar destinations. Reading up online, or checking out the expertise at your local gear store, are great ways to gather useful tips and tricks.
2. Essential Gear for Adventure Travel
Packing the right gear is important to any successful adventure. Here’s a breakdown of the essentials:
-
Backpacks and bags: If you’ll be backpacking, select a pack based on the length of your trip and the type of gear you need to carry. A 50-70 liter backpack is ideal for longer treks, while a smaller 30-liter pack will do for shorter excursions. Make sure your backpack has a good harness system to distribute weight evenly and reduce strain on your back.
-
Supportive footwear: No matter what your trip’s agenda is, you’ll likely be on your feet most of the time. That’s why it’s important to choose shoes that are appropriate for the activities planned, like waterproof hiking boots for treks or lighter trail shoes for easier terrain. We always recommend breaking in your shoes or boots well before your trip to avoid blisters.
-
Clothing: The number one rule of adventure travel is to dress in layers that can be easily added or removed depending on the weather. We recommend choosing a base layer that’s moisture-wicking and an outer layer that provides insulation and wind or water resistance. Don’t forget to factor accessories like hats, gloves, and belts into the equation – airport friendly belts, for instance, serve as an ally no matter the activity, keeping your pants in place and providing all-day comfort that’s worth the hype.
-
Navigation tools: A reliable GPS device, a physical map, and a compass will keep you on track, especially if you’re expecting to lose cell service.
-
Survival tools: Our team is always sure to pack a multi-tool, a portable water purifier, and fire-starting gear for emergency warmth or cooking. These items are lightweight, relatively inexpensive, and are likely to come in handy in a variety of circumstances.
-
First aid kit: When heading into the unknown, it never hurts to pack a first aid kit. At minimum, your kit should include pain relievers, antiseptic wipes, bandages, and any personal medications. Pick one up at your local outdoors store for added convenience.
3. Packing Tips and Tricks
Half the battle in packing for adventure travel is not only what you bring, but how you pack. We put together a few tips to make sure that you have easy access to the essentials when you need them:
-
Pack light: Focus on multipurpose gear and clothing to reduce weight. For example, choose a jacket that’s both water-resistant and warm instead of packing separate items for each.
-
Invest in organization tools: Use packing cubes, compression sacks, and dry bags to organize and condense your clothing and gear – maximizing space and keeping your items organized. We like to think of packing cubes as “drawers” in a dresser – shirts in one cube, pants in another, capisce?
-
Securing your items: Maps, electronics, and important documents are less than helpful if they’re lost or exposed to elements like water. Store these items in waterproof bags or containers to prevent damage from rain or accidental water exposure.
When it comes to packing for adventure travel, it’s all in the details. That’s why we recommend our non metal belts for airport security, belts that make travel a breeze while serving as a key piece of performance gear once at your destination. These plastic belts are built with a low-profile buckle and performance stretch webbing that remain comfortable and durable day in and day out, a worthy companion for any adventure.