December is a good time for a gear post, because this is the month when we all buy each other stuff. And if your family is like mine, everyone is responsible for assembling their own wish list (and sometimes purchasing their own gifts). And if you travel full-time like me, you understand the dilemma — on the one hand, you DO want stuff, because yay new stuff. But on the other hand, the logical part of you is going like EEEEEK NO NOT MORE STUFF HALP, because more stuff = heavier luggage. Either that or leaving behind recently received gifts and feeling guilty about it.
So here is a list of things that adventure travelers need, the sort of things that not only will you bring with you, but that you’ll use every day.
Behind every great adventure is a little bit of preparation…
1. Carry-on luggage or a backpack that you love. And I mean LOVE. You can’t just like your luggage. You can’t be lukewarm about your luggage. You have to love it deep down in your heart of hearts, otherwise it will cause you far more misery than happiness. If you go the backpack route, make sure you get one that fits you properly. I know this is a “duh” moment, but seriously, you would be amazed at how many people pick out backpacks based on color. Personally, I prefer rolling suitcases, because there is less bothering around with straps and digging to get to the bottom involved, but there are some great backpacks for digital nomads out there as well.
For the past two years I’ve been using the Osprey Packs Shuttle 22, which is the largest possible carry-on size. And I love it. I mean, I really adore this pack. It’s light, which means I can bring more stuff, and the wheels are seriously heavy duty. I roll this guy over cobblestones, through muddy fields, and on one memorable occasion, through six inches of snow. It’s awesome. I have abused it in every way possible and it still comes through for me. Love your luggage, just do it.
2. A way to make coffee that will see you through the apocalypse. Back when I was a young buck (read: under 22 years old), I would occasionally go on trips without some way to make my own coffee. WORST IDEA EVER. I have finally learned that being prepared leads to better adventures, and being able to make coffee, anywhere, at anytime, under pretty much any circumstances, is crucial. I now travel basically everywhere with my Jetboil camp stove, a plastic coffee filter, some paper filters, ground beans and a travel mug. These are all pretty small things, but they make me all kinds of happy on a regular basis, so, totally worth it.
3. Go anywhere, do everything clothing. You don’t have room in your suitcase for ten different outfits if you’re planning an adventure trip. Space is sacred, so save it for fun stuff, and invest in some clothes that can do it all. My standbys are my favorite Patagonia dress (best thrift store find ever), and my Shredly shorts. Shredly is a small company out of Colorado that makes rad hiking/biking/everything shorts for women, all in spectacularly crazy patterns. You can surf in these, do yoga in these, mountain bike in these — and then go to the bar. It’s awesome.
4. Shoes that don’t hurt your feet. Every time I see a backpacker tramping around in ballet flats or some equally ridiculous type of footwear, I cringe and want to shake them until they promise to never do it again. This is largely because I have terrible feet and couldn’t walk ten feet in ballet flats without being miserable, and also, because wearing prissy shoes is a great way to limit the activities you are able to do on short notice. Wanna go for a hike? Yes, oh wait, nope can’t do it, because my shoes have no discernible sole. Bummer, unless you have hobbit feet and can hike in crocs, like my dear boyfriend.
Everyone’s feet are different, so what works for me, probably won’t work for the next person. The point is this — don’t sacrifice comfort for style, especially when, with all the awesome companies out there making cute outdoorsy shoes, you can actually have both no matter where you are hiking in the world.
These are the adventure gear items that I can’t live without — but what about you? Did I miss anything crucial? Share your ideas in the comments below!
Nothing worse than being stranded somewhere without a way to make your own coffee! Gahhh it’s making my head hurt just thinking about it!
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Great post! I’m 100% with you on the shoes, although my standards for coffee have dropped, as instant will now make the cut in a pinch =P
But a high quality daypack is my #1, outside of the obvious, such as my camera.
I actually just published a very similar article on my personal blog today, before noticing this in my feed. In case you wanted to give it a read: https://www.aaronramirez.me/travel-blog/10-essential-items-to-pack-for-world-travel
Oh man, GREAT call on the coffee! 100% spot-on.
Great list! I need to pass this on to my family for gift ideas. Thanks, Syd.
Have you found that the Osprey Shuttle 22 generally meets international carry on requirements?
Hi Laura,
The Osprey Shuttle is a standard carry-on size. You will have no problem in the US. Size-wise you will should have no issue internationally. I have carried it on in New Zealand, Italy, Chile, and Peru. However it is very possible to pack it too heavy for the 7kg limit that many international airlines have, so make sure you weigh it! I know this one from personal experience!
Cheers,
Syd
Very informative & suggestive post too as well! New comers always should have maintained these tips to have a smooth tour he/she would be thought.
Thanks Syd Schulz for sharing this nice post! I wish you’ll be continuing your post such one!
Best regards,
Saiful
I would definitely go with a portable iphone travel charger. Thing has saved my end so many times! Something like https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KEGYXRQ/
Wow!! Looks like you are having fun! The Osprey packs are indeed great – a wonderful traveling companion. Took mine on an excursion in the Sierra’s.
International Travel Blog
https://boxersadventures.com
I think one of those lifestraw things would be up there – make potable water where none exists … handy for the backcountry or a bottom 20 developing country!
ahhh. cofee. …i definitely need to get one of those things.
Nice list. Was just in need of a new backpack, thanks for the tips.
I totally agree about the shoes. It amazed me to see girls in pumps walking through Ephesus or on the flip side hiking through Canyonlands National Park in flip flops. Just makes me shake my head!
Totally Agree. Also amazing article and a great writing skills Loved it.
Thanx for sharing and happy New Year.
Hi — Is it possible to carry a camp stove with you on airlines? I thought that was a no-no, even if you aren’t carrying the fuel for it.
After a two month stint traveling across India and SE Asia, I came back with a huge pile of must-have travel faves, but the one that surprised me the most is my Sea to Summit Eye Shade. For someone who has difficulty sleeping in moving vehicles, this was a lifesaver for those 12-16 hour bumpy bus rides through the Himalayas. Another bonus was getting some shut eye and not having anyone around you bug you (when the shades are down, no one will approach you, it’s awesome when you just need some alone time). Highly recommend!!
https://www.backcountry.com/sea-to-summit-travellinglight-eye-shade
Amazing Article and tips which will help every traveler. Interesting way to make coffee is a great advice for the coffee lovers!
If I’d take a hike, I would certainly bring my Swiss knife 😉
That would be the top accessory I couldn’t go without.
Great!
Our life is too short but we can make it very happy with tour!