When an outdoor adventure is on your agenda, it is always thrilling to plan your adventure: being in the mountains, on a weekend visiting twenty-five friends who are camping, or on a road trip through beautiful backdrops. Yet, in case you forget, say, one crucial thing, your experience can be transformed into the realm of the uncomfortable in a few seconds.
I have had plenty of travel experiences to understand what is a must-have and what is a nice-to-have. This is why I have compiled the lists of 10 travel requirements that are essential when one is traveling outdoors. These are not random recommendations but central items that you will always be glad to have packed wherever your outdoor adventure will lead you.
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1. A Future-Proof Backpack
A place to put all your equipment, this backpack is also where your mobile base is located. The bad one can provide you back pains, leave your equipment on the mercy of the weather or just break in the midst of your expedition. Good outdoor backpack must be light, strong with good resistance to weather and should consist of several compartments to store your gear in so as to be easily accessible.
What to watch out:
- Comfortable padded shoulder and hip belt
- Pockets — it has pockets
- The waterproof fabric or a poncho
- A lot of storage rooms
- The volume that is appropriate according to the duration of your trip (30L day trip; 50L+ multi-day hikes)
When hiking or camping, consider spending on a backpack that is weight-distributing. You do not want to go cheap on it.
2. Navigation Tools
Maps on your phone are tempting, but when you hit the great outdoors, both reception and battery life is spotty. Good old-fashioned navigation tools come into play there. A compass and a physical map of the region can quite literally save ones life. And when you are going into strange places far away a GPS device is worth its weight.
The points to the suggested navigation instruments:
- Area topographic maps
- A compass (study prior to your trip)
- Handheld or wrist-based GPS software device
- Downloaded Offline maps in your phone
Other hikers carry a whistle or signal mirror as well in case of emergency. Not overkill, but a smart planning.
3. Proper Footwear
Shoes can be a killer or a success. The landscape may be enticing, but do not be fooled after several hours of walking, every stone and slope will count. Select shoes appropriate to your destination.
- Hiking: Take a sturdy pair of hiking boots, ankle support and waterproof.
- In the case of camping or road trips: May be more practical — trail shoes or hiking sandals.
- When travelling in winter: Warm, waterproof boots are not a choice.
Break them in prior to your travel — do not find out the hard way with painful blisters in the middle of nowhere.
4. Portable Shelter
Make sure you have a tent to stay overnight in case you are doing so. No matter how simple your shelter is, be it a tent, hammock + tarp, or even a bivvy sack it keeps you out of the environment and will provide a secure place to sleep.
Shelter options:
- Tent: Most all-rounding. Find one that is waterproof, lightweight and easy to rig.
- Rainfly/hammock: Ideal in forests, and in very hot climates.
- Bivvy sack: Fit sized, good for lean journeys, however claustrophobic.
You should also remember about a sleeping bag and a sleeping pad. Your sleeping bag must be the right size to your anticipated temperatures and the pad is an added buffer against the cold and added comfort.
5. The First Aid Kit
Nobody plans a nice trip and expects to have injuries, yet accidents may occur. A minor scrape, a sprained ankle or allergic reaction may not seem like much, but a first aid kit is always recommended to help ensure a frightening moment does not escalate into serious condition.
What to comprise of:
- Sticky plastics and gauze
- Ointment, antibiotic and antiseptic wipes
- Intensive pain killers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
- Tweezers and Miniature scissors
- Weird drugs (anticlotters, antihistamines, etc.)
- Blister pads
- Medical tape
- Personal medications
A ready made kit is available or you can make your own. All you need to do is to make sure that you check it and refill it before every journey.
6. Food and Water (And How to Purify)
You do not require a fancy cooked meal out there, yet you do require calories, what is even more essential is water. Out on a hike in the sunlight dehydration can creep on you quite easily especially when you are not prepared and this may spoil your entire adventure.
Food tips:
- Carry snacks that are high energy food such as nuts and jerky, energy bars and dried fruit
- When travelling long, carry with you light-weight food (dehydrated or freeze dried)
- Bring a little more than you know you will need
Water tips:
- Have 2 liters of water per individual every day
- Carry a water filter, purification tablets or a UV purifier
- Be aware of water sources in advance (and put them on your map)
Never presume a stream or river is potable, it may appear clear but may remain loaded with bacteria or parasites.
7. Weather-Appropriate Clothing
You may be convinced that you have checked out the forecast and are good to go. Weather is unpredictable though, particularly in highlands. It is important to always dress in layers and have in mind rain, wind, and change in temperatures.
Layering basics:
- Base layer: Something moisture wicking (not cotton) so that the sweat does not cling to your skin
- Mid-layer: Insulating — a fleece, or down Jacket
- Outside: Outer shell, water and wind proof shell
Also pack:
- A beanie or a hat
- Gloves
- Extra socks
- Hot climate: sunglasses and sun hat
A single pro tip: never go without a spare set of clothes in a dry bag. It is the worst when everything is wet and there was nothing dry to change.
8. It Could Be a Multi-Tool or Knife
Good multi-tool is your pocket toolbox. Rope cutting, can opening, fixing gear, or merely having a problem with an unexpected issue; a knife or multi-tool comes in handy almost anywhere.
Seek to find tools that comprise:
- A pointed knife
- Screwdrivers
- Scissors
- Pliers
- Can/bottle opener
There is a reason many people favor Swiss Army knives and Leatherman tools since they are easily pocketable, durable, and multifunctional.
9. Lighting
When the sun sets you would be happy you did not forget your light source. You may not intend to hike at night but being able to light up your tent when setting it up or when cooking or even when looking to the toilet is a bonus.
Light to bring:
- Headlamp: The most convenient to use with hands free
- Flashlight: Useful when searching in a particular location
- Lantern: Wonderful to illuminate your entire camp ground
Never forget some spare batteries, or a power pack, in case your lights are rechargeable. Having a mini reserve light with you in your emergency kit is also intelligent.
10. If You Can Take Care of Your Personal Hygiene and Manage Your Waste, You Will Far Better Off
Not the most glamorous thing in outdoor travel but making sure to keep clean and disposing of waste is highly essential — not only to your comfort but also to nature. You are not supposed to have a complete bathroom arrangement but you need a few essentials.
Bring along:
- Biodegradable soap
- Toothpaste and travel-toothpastes
- Quick-dry towel
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and/or Wipes
- Digging a cat hole using a trowel in absence of restrooms
- Pack-out trash bags to pack out all waste
When camping in a well frequented location, observe all signs pertaining to where and how to dump waste. It is not a slogan, rather a task.
Bonus Tip: Personal Safety and Communication
This is not a single item but deserves a passing comment. It is important to always tell someone your whereabouts plan. When you go off-grid, make sure you carry a satellite communicator or a personal locator beacon (PLB). It may seem to be excessive, yet when you are miles without assistance, it can take your life.
Final Thoughts
Traveling is one of the most satisfying things that you can do with your life however this requires preparation particularly when it comes to outdoor travel. The 10 key outdoor travel necessities are more than gear, they are your lifeblood, your comfort and your sanity when you are out there exploring this world.
That is why before you put your pack on your back and go hit the road or the trail, you better have this list doubled-checked. Proper preparation may be the key to whether a particular excursion will turn out a stressful experience or an experience of a lifetime.
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