Packing doesn’t have to be a nightmare. A little bit of guidance and a few tips will get you a long way. Now get out there and have the best outdoor adventure.
Whether it’s touring the desert, hiking a mountain, or camping, going on an outdoor adventure is the perfect opportunity to explore a destination better. These holidays help you realize how expansive and beautiful the world is and give you the chance to connect with it out in nature.
Packing correctly and sufficiently for the outdoors is a critical part of a trip. Having the right equipment makes such a difference. It’s about quality over quantity when you pack. Keep reading for some advice on how to decide what you should pack. PLUS, a list at the end.
Do your research
Firstly, research the places you’re wanting to visit thoroughly. Make sure to check the weather conditions, amenities, and facilities you will have access to. Will it be wet, or dry? How many hours of sunlight do you have per day? Will you have electricity? Are there park rangers and emergency services available if you need them? Will you have access to food besides what you pack?
Answer a thorough list of questions like this to help you lay the foundation for what you’ll need to pack.
Pack light
Packing light will not only make your trip way easier but will also save you some money. Many airlines are changing their policies when it comes to bag sizes. If you are flying to your destination, check baggage size and weight before you fly. Get the right backpack to avoid unwanted surprises at the airport.
You should invest in a quality technical backpack that can handle all the demands of airline and outdoor travel. The last thing you want to worry about is a tear in your bag or a broken zip. For a 5 day long trip you’ll want about a 55-liter bag.
Remember, you don’t want to carry more luggage than what you need. Ask yourself at least once before packing an item if you really need this during your trip?
Take another bag
Pack an additional bag into your bag. Something like a Premier Outdoor Gear Waterproof Dry Bag is perfect as it is easy to pack. Use it for your dirty clothes, shopping, or as a day bag during excursions.
Practical fashion
Leave your fancy clothes at home. Go practical.
You need a comfy pair of sneakers for relaxing and a sturdy waterproof pair of hiking boots if you’ll be hiking for more than 5 hours a day. You will need to pack specifically for the region you will be entering into. If it is cold you’ll need shirts and underwear that dry quickly, a warm jumper made of a breathable fabric like merino wool, and a packable raincoat that is both waterproof and acts as a windbreaker.
Accessories like sunscreen and a hat are far more useful than perfume and makeup. Don’t waste space and add unnecessary weight.
Be organized
Start the packing process by creating a list at least a week before going. This gives you time to add and remove items as you pack. Help yourself out by laying what you have and don’t have on your bed or on the floor so that you can see everything and changes you might need to make.
When filling your bag put heavy items at the bottom, and have separate pockets for things you need to access quickly (emergency kits and some electronic gadgets). Separate your dirty clothes from your clean clothes. Put them at the bottom of your bag. Rolling your clothes instead of folding them will help you save space and keep your bag a bit more organized.
Pack for the unexpected
An emergency kit is a must on an outdoor holiday, but you don’t need to pack the whole pharmacy. You can buy ready-made outdoor emergency kits that have all of the necessary supplies you might need in the case of an emergency and are convenient and easy to carry around.
Be smart with your smartphone
A smartphone is an all-in-one gadget. It is a notepad, alarm, lamp, camera, phone, offline map and so much more. Not only does it serve as the biggest backup in the case of an emergency, but it also saves you a ton of space.
Today many national parks have their own app, turning your smartphone into an incredibly powerful travel guide.
A dead smartphone is a useless smartphone. Put the power bank at the top of your packing list.
A packing list to get you pumped!
Clothing
- Sneakers
- Outdoor hiking boots
- Socks x3
- Undies x3
- Shorts
- Baggy t-shirt
- Warm mid-layer
- Down jacket
- Waterproofs
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Gloves
Sleeping
- Tent
- Medium weight sleeping bag and liner
Electronics
- Solar panel
- 4-way charger
- Adapter
- Satphone
- Head torch
Navigation equipment
- GPS
- World balanced compass
- Maps of area
Cooking
- Dehydrated Meals
- Cooking pot
- Tupperware and spoon
- Water filter
- Fishing gear
Miscellaneous
- Paracord
- Speedy stitcher
- Machete
- File
- Lighter
Medical
- First Aid Kit
- Other important medication
Photo by Pars Sahin on Unsplash
Packing doesn’t have to be a nightmare. A little bit of guidance and a few tips will get you a long way. Now get out there and have the best outdoor adventure.
Main photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash
