Congratulations! You’ve finally decided to go on an adventure, and that’s a huge accomplishment by itself. Seasoned adventure seekers already have their outdoor packing game on lock, but if it’s your first time or if you have some experience and are looking for other ideas on how to be more organized, then you’ve come to the right place. The right things in your pack can either make or break your trip, so it is important to make good choices.
If you’re going on a thrilling adventure, that means that you’ll be away from civilization, possibly in the middle of nowhere where there’s just you and nature. It’s no place for a wheelie stroller, so it’s already expected that you’d lug your own baggage.
It is a good idea, then, to carry as little as possible. However, you should also bring the utmost essentials. Confused? Read the tips below.
Make a List
Getting all the things on your list is easy, but it’s the coming up with one that is hard. It can be overwhelming to think and rethink what to bring when you’re going on an adventure. This is especially true if you’re new to thrilling escapades and you want to be prepared as possible.
Making a list isn’t as easy as sitting down one day and checking off all the activities plus the gear you need. You need to do it in advance, and you’ll possibly need a couple of days, especially if you want to take advice from more experienced adventurers. It is also a good idea to check weather reports to see if you need to include anything else.
Layer Clothes
Clothes are a necessity, and less is more especially when you have the responsibility of carrying it on your back. It is recommended to layer up your clothes, and if you think that you may carry too much, it is a good idea to invest in quality clothes rather than quantity. If you have good-quality clothes, they will do their job of protecting you from the elements because of their durability.
They should also be comfortable and versatile for use. This way, you can reuse them as clothes and for their features, like being waterproof. You can use this item of clothing for when you need to cross a body of water and you don’t want to worry about getting your clothes wet. There are clothes designed for adventurers, and these clothes are super lightweight and easily dry so you can easily reuse them when you need them.
Depending on what kind of thrilling escapade you’re going to, the clothing basics include T-shirts, underwear, pants, shorts, a jacket, long-sleeve shirts, a swimsuit, and a hat. You can add more as needed, like rainwear or linen socks and some casual clothing for when you need to sleep at night comfortably. It helps to know what activities you’ll be doing so you can pack accordingly.
Footwear Is Important
Shoes are critical, but they’re one of the weirdest items to pack because they can be bulky and out of place when you put them in a bag. That is why it’s a good idea to pack just a couple, and they should do a good job of serving whatever their purpose is. If you’re on a winter walking hike, it’s good to have boots that are waterproof, lined to keep your feet warm, and light enough that you won’t tire after a few hours on the road.
If you’re going through a jungle, it’s a good idea to pack appropriate footwear. Boots are good, but they can’t be heavy, and if you will be in the tropics, they should be breathable. Another decision you will come across will be how high it will be as it should provide adequate protection from snakes and other on-the-ground predators.
Survival Gear
There are some things you just can’t compromise on, and one of them is your survival gear. This comprises the equipment you need to bring in order to survive in the wild. If it’s a thrilling escapade that’s more than a few days, you need to carry a tent, sleeping bag, mat, stove, canteen, and of course, food.
Apart from the essentials, you will also need navigation items as well as others that will keep you safe. Some nonnegotiable items include a compass, first aid kit, sunblock, insect repellent, a device with GPS, and many more.
If your escapade involves some nighttime activity and you want to be safe or at least warn other people that you’re there, a LED reflective safety belt is handy to have as it illuminates your person and that of your companion, if they have it as well.
Quality Gear Can Be Expensive
You shouldn’t put a price on safety, but sometimes you have to weigh if it’s better to invest in quality gear slowly or get the cheap ones for a fraction of the price. Whichever you choose and whether you will postpone the thrilling adventure or not, it shouldn’t stop you from exploring places as an option entirely.
With potentially lifesaving gear, you don’t have to spend on the best of the best. In fact, you can have reasonably priced products for less if you know where to look.
What is on your packing list? Share your suggestions in the comments section below.
