The Essential Items To Pack For Any Adventure Trip (Don’t Forget Any Of These!)
Something that I get asked a lot is “what should I pack for my adventure trip?”. As someone who’s been on many adventures in the past, I know just how important it is to go prepared.
So, I’ve put together a quick overview guide on what you’ll need.
As a seasoned traveller, I prioritise investing in high-quality, lightweight gear that is built to last. The last thing I want on a long trip is an uncomfortable backpack or cheap electronics that fail after the first use.
The first important step is making sure you have good quality backpacks and luggage.
What you pack will depend on your travel style, the countries you’re visiting, the time of year, and the weather during your trip – So bear that in mind, but here’s a good starting point:
Clothing
I know this might sound a bit obvious, but it’s more about what type of clothes you’re packing.
Clothes likely take up the most room in your bag on a trip, so packing efficiently for all kinds of weather, social situations, and activities can be tricky—but it’s not impossible.
The trick is to pack a few high-quality pieces that can be layered for warmth. Layering is one of the smartest ways to be prepared for any conditions. Another clever strategy is to create a capsule wardrobe, where your clothes can be mixed and matched.
You can wear your adventure gear in casual settings, but also dress it up with a scarf or different shoes when needed. This method of mixing and matching outfits instead of packing individual ones will save you loads of space and is one of the best tips for any backpacker.
I’d recommend something like Scrubba for portable clothing washing, it means you won’t have to pack so many clothes.
Money
My advice when travelling is to try and avoid using currency exchange centres with their usually poor rates, and instead using an ATM upon arrival in your destination for cash in the local currency at a better rate. However, I do think it’s a good idea to take a little cash in the local currency with you, in case you can’t get to an ATM right away.
I opt for a bank travel card (I use Monzo), to save the hassle of carrying a lot of cash; You can use the card directly, with better exchange rates.
Electronics & Chargers
Tablets, e-readers, and phones are lifesavers on overnight buses or long flights, so make sure you have the cables to charge them. Just remember to bring a universal travel adapter. I’d recommend investing in a power bank as well.
It’s also a good idea to invest in an Apple Airtag, which you can leave in your bag-If it gets lost, you’ll be able to track it.
Consider also getting a prepaid SIM for your phone as well, they’re generally the best option for cheaper data roaming.
Travel Gear
Travel gear is dependant on the type of trip you’re taking, but an essential item in my bag for any trip is a reusable filtered water bottle.
It saves having to buy bottled water, which is the first bonus, but the specialised bottles with a built-in filter means you can fill up from any water source, and know that you’re drinking safe water.
Aside from that, you’ll need to pack essential equipment for your type of trip, like walking gear for hikes, for example.
Toiletries
To save space, you could consider buying toiletries once you’ve arrived at your destination, if it’s possible.
However, if you’re moving around a lot, it’s helpful to have the essentials on hand to freshen up whenever you need to. Keep your basic toiletries at the top of your bag so they’re easily accessible. This is also where you should pack any medications, so you can quickly grab painkillers, allergy tablets, or travel sickness remedies to make long journeys more comfortable.
Travel Documents
Sounds obvious, but don’t forget passport, insurance documents, visas (if needed) and flight tickets etc.. And make copies!
I store all important physical documents in a travel wallet or plastic folder to keep them organised and dry.
Consider carrying a list of emergency contacts as well as extra passport photos for any official matters that might arise during your trip.
Extras
What you consider essential depends on the kind of traveller you are. As you go along, you’ll find out which items you use most and which you can live without.
For example, if you’re visiting a city, it’s a good idea to be cautious about thieves. Carrying padlocks or carabiners can help keep your zips secure, providing peace of mind. These can also be useful in hostels or while camping to attach your bag to something while you sleep.
