An Adventurer’s Top 20 Essential Travel Items

An Adventurer’s Top 20 Essential Travel Items

Estimated reading time: 21 minutes

These 20 essential travel items are what we pack for every adventure!

Don’t leave the house without the following items if you’re serious about your adventure…

A Proper, Comfortable Bag

Choosing the right pack for your next adventure is a big decision and comfort and weight is key when it comes to making the right decision. A pack like the Lowe Alpine Airzone comes equipped with the company’s Airzone technology, an innovative suspension system that maximizes airflow while supporting up to 33 pounds of gear. Features such as the vented shoulder harness and the channeled padding in the back, minimize the contact areas along your spine and as a result, you’ll feel cool and comfortable even after several miles on the trail.

A well made and adaptive hip belt is key to comfortably distributing the weight of the bag when you’re walking as it takes the strain off your back. This bag also included a torso fit system which you can adjust to your body type and size, ensuring that the bag is perfect for you. Of course, if you’re going away for a few months, you’re probably looking for a fair bit of storage, and depending on the sort of traveling you’re doing, you may want more or less than this bag provides with 2,700 cubic inches of storage by itself and 3,300 cubic inches when expanded

Other details include a hydration pocket with a built-in tube exit, an elastic front gear attachment system, an ice axe/trekking pole attachment, side mesh water bottle pockets, a hideaway rain cover, a sternum strap buckle that doubles as a whistle, and an SOS panel imprinted on the underside of the lid with instructions for an emergency. Exactly what you’d expect from a top quality bag.

Daypack

If you’re going travelling then you’re going to be lugging around a massive backpack for days on end, so when you can, you want to leave that bag behind – that’s where a day pack come in. You’re invariably still going to have plenty that you want to carry around and the best way to do it is in a secure and small packback which is basically a miniature version of the one that you’re used to.

The Daylite (pictured and linked below) converts to a simple daypack with a buit-in/tuck away spacer mesh harness. Mesh covered ridged foam backpanel with central air chimney is great for cooling you down while you’re carrying it and the padding produces extra comfort which also doubles up as a pillow on long journeys. There’s a panel loader with front slash pocket w/ key clip, mesh side pockets, and front laced bungee compression too. 

Vacuum-Seal Travel Bags

This set of five compressible travel bags makes being on the go a lighter, more organized, and more streamlined packing for your bag. To use, simply add the items to be stored and, starting at the zippered end, roll the air out through the one-way valve to “shrink” the contents – often gaining up to twice as much overall storage space. The durable construction is airtight and waterproof for protection against dirt, moisture, mildew, bugs, and odors; and the clear design is perfect for airport security checks as well as at-a-glance reference of items inside.

ITW Space Bags travel bags are made of the same durable material that our regular space bags are made of so you can use them over and over again. Because of the clear see through film, you can keep your cloths organized for speedy security checks at airports. Not only can you pack twice as much in your suitcase now, but as you use your travel bags, they will keep dirty and damp cloths away from your clean clothes. When you’re all packed away, you’ll be surprised at how much more you can get in there. 

Combination Bag Lock

Keep luggage securely locked and easily accessible with this 2-pack of combination locks from Master Lock. This set includes two locks each in one of four distinguishable neon colors: green, orange, pink, and purple. The locks let you set your own easy-to-remember combination so you’re not left scratching your head at airport security. Approved by the Transportation Security Administration, the locks are easily opened by TSA screeners for inspection.

Valuables Pounch

This is part of the Rick Steves Travel Collection. Rick is the host, writer and producer of the popular public television series Rick Steves’ Europe, and the best-selling author of 30 European travel books. Developed by KIVA, the new Rick Steves Travel Collection incorporates the creative innovations reflecting the energy and spirit of Rick Steves’ travel philosophy – pack light, pack light, pack light. We think you’ll agree.

The great part about this bag is that you can hang it around your neck underneath your shirt and no one knows that you’ve got it on. It protects all your valuables such as your wallet, passport and credit card which takes a massive load off your mind as you’ll no longer be worrying about pickpockets trying to steal your valuables. I know that’s something I always worry about when I’m away and it’s nice to be able to just forget about it and enjoy yourself. 

Moleskin Notebook

The Moleskine Large Sketchbook is made with top quality heavy paper and is perfect for on the go drawings, sketches and tempera colors. Every Moleskine product is thread bound and has a cardboard bound cover with rounded corners, acid free paper, a bookmark, an elastic closure and an expandable inner pocket that contains the Moleskine history.

In fact, I actually planned out this post using this very notebook as the quality makes it easy to write on and I don’t have to worry about it falling apart if I sling it about everywhere. Every traveller should at least try to attempt a diary, if only to help pass the time on long over night bus journeys, where they can doodle away and reminisce about your travels so far.

Quick-Drying Towel

When you’re traveling, you can’t really afford to carry two towels just because the other one is still a bit wet from the last time you used it, and in that same vein, you don’t really want to stick a wet towel into your bag. Quick drying towels are a life saver when you’re on the road as they’re easy to wash and the waiting time for them to dry is very minimal, meaning that you’re forever feeling fresh.

Packed in a conveniently reusable mesh duffle, the Aquis Adventure Basic Camp Set includes: one Aquis Adventure Microfiber Towel, Graphite, Large (19 x 39-Inches); one Aquis Wash Cloth, Blueberry (10 x 10-inches) and 2 ounces concentrated all-purpose biodegradable camp soap. Aquis is made of Aquitex, a super absorbent material woven from ultra-fine microfibers. The technology behind our microfiber towel enables water to be drawn from hair and skin more quickly and thoroughly than other towels.

Lightweight Sleeping Bag

Whether you want to carry a sleeping bag when you’re travelling is completely up to you, but if you do, you’re going to want a really lightweight and well packed one like the one below. You may not see the point if you’re going from hostel to hostel through asia, but often you’ll find you want to sleep on journeys and that the sheets that you find in some hotels and hostels can be somewhat questionable, so it’s best to stick with that you know.

The Suisse Sport Adventure extra-small sleeping bag is ideal for long treks when a few inches or pounds can make the difference between a pleasant hike and an unbearable slog. The mummy bag is ultra-compact, compressing down to 12 by 7 by 7 inches when in the stuff sack. How small is that? Well, it’s petite enough to hold in the palm of your hand.The bag is warm and comfortable and the construction materials ad up to a 30-degree F temperature rating, making the bag a good choice for summer, spring, and fall camping trips. The bag is also machine-washable for easy cleaning.

Sensible Walking Shoes

Fashion sort of goes out the window a bit when you’re backpacking across the world, and is replaced by comfort and form. When you’re walking for hours on end, you don’t really want to be doing it in a knackered old pair on converse’s, or you’ll find your feet falling apart by the end of the week. Invest in a solid pair of walking shoes and you’ll find that you can go for hours.

Get the most out of light hikes with this rugged walking shoe from New Balance. The New Balance 967 is a rugged Country Walker featuring rich waterproof materials for outdoor activities and foul weather protection. Designed to keep your feet dry and comfortable during country walks, the 967 provides powerful stability, and serious cushioning to help make your outdoor adventures better than ever.

 

Swimwear

If you’re beach hopping this summer, then you need to find yourself some good quality swimwear that’s going to go the distance. Speedo and Quicksilver produce some excellent designs and quality and board shorts for men can double up as shorts, meaning you don’t have to pack so much. Protected against the sun, these swimsuits will keep you safe from the sun while you’re enjoying the beach and your travels. 

Waterproof Clothing

This versatile Dickies Jacket is made from Rip-Stop nylon with a water repellent finish and a fleece lining. There are two slash hand warmer pockets and one inside pocket. Zip front design, elastic cuffs and drawstring bottom insure easy function. Perfect for monsoon season in Vietnam, these clothes will keep you warm and dry all year round without weighing you down all the extra baggage.  

Head torch

If you’re staying in a hostel with other people and you’re trying to find your towel in the middle of the night, you can’t exactly turn on the lights at full, as it wouldn’t make you particularly popular. Use a head torch on the other hand and you’ll be able to see everything you need without the need to wake everyone up. It’s also great for long journeys in the dark when you want to try and read your book.

The Energizer TrailFinder 7-LED headlight is ideal for industrial professionals, outdoorsmen, and travellers. The TrailFinder offers four light modes–area, spot, flood, and red for night vision–so you have plenty of options depending on your activity. In addition, the TrailFinder pivots back and forth, making it easy to aim the light where it’s needed. Best of all, the light fits virtually any individual thanks to its adjustable soft elastic headband. Water-resistant, the TrailFinder runs for 16 hours on the maximum setting using three Energizer Max AAA batteries.

Multi-tool

I’m such a big fan of this multi-tool, when I lost mine, I actually replaced it with exactly the same one. Tough, reliable, and easy to handle, the Gerber Suspension Multi-Plier is engineered to tackle jobs in just about every situation you can imagine. Featuring a sleek butterfly design, durable stainless steel construction, and Gerber’s patented Saf.T.Plus component locking system, this affordable multitool packs 11 convenient tools that will quickly prove indispensable.

Features: Wire cutter. Wire crimper. Serrated knife. Fine edge knife. Needlenose pliers. Cross point screwdriver. Small flat blade screwdrivers. Medium flat blade screwdrivers. Ballistic nylon sheath. Bottle opener. Lanyard hole. Specifications: Overall length: 6.50″. Closed length: 4″. Weight: 6.7 ounces.

First Aid Kit

It would be irresponsible to go away to foreign countries without bringing a half decent first aid kit and this kit has everything you’ll need. Inside you will find: 3 Safety Pins, Splinter, Picker, Tick Remover, Forceps, 2 After Bite Wipes, Ibuprofen, Antihistamine and Diphenhydramine all in this handy and incredibly lightweight Aloksak Waterproof Bag.

Insect Repellent

I’m pretty lucky, bugs don’t tend to bother me as much as some of my friends, but I still have to use repellent to get the rest of the bugs to leave me along and when I do, I use 3M as their technology allows time released protection for up to 12 Hours. Splash & Sweat resistant to ensure consistent protection through all your outdoor activities it repels deer ticks that may carry Lyme Disease, and mosquitoes that may carry West Nile Virus. This stuff is so good, the lotion formulation was actually developed for and used by the US Military and is freeze-thaw stable.

Passport Cover

For less than $20, you can protect your valuable passport, which, in the US, is valid for 10 years for Adults. It’s smart to keep your passport protected, from nosy fellow travelers as well as the effects of wear and tear.Using this passport holder will help to keep your passport clean & as new as possible. The highly durable, sturdy leather enables the passport to stay protected and safe and inside there’s room for keeping some currency and a couple of cards too.

If you’re planning on traveling a lot in the next 10 years, or even just going away for the next few months, then your passport is going to go through a lot as it bounces around in your pocket with your other valuable. The last thing you want is to damage it so that when you arrive at an airport they assume that it’s a fake and hold you for a few hours for interrogation. It’s small, simple, cheap and effective and absolutely essential to your travels in my opinion.

Digital Camera

If you like to get out there and have fun, this is the camera for you. It’s rugged enough to handle whatever you can dish out, and smart enough to take incredible pictures while you’re doing it. Not only is it waterproof, freeze proof and shockproof, it’s packed with amazing technology like one-touch HD movie recording. You can take the camera down to 16 feet underwater, drop it from 5 feet and into temperatures of -10°C without breaking it, which is exactly what you need if you’re going to have it rattling around your person for a few months.

Dual Image Stabilization Forget about blurry shots with this 2-in-1 anti-blur solution. Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization compensates for camera shake to keep your shots steady while Digital Image Stabilization captures crisp, clear images in any situation. HD Video 720p A simple, one-touch button allows you to record movies with amazing clarity in high-definition, right from your camera.

Apple iPod

The new iPod classic comes with 160GB of storage in the same compact size, making it the take-everything-everywhere iPod. It’s available in quintessential silver or striking black. iPod classic also has plenty of battery life (up to 36 hours of audio playback or 6 hours of video playback), good looks (a sleek, anodized aluminum design), and other great features (Cover Flow and Genius playlists for creating perfect playlists). You can even rent a movie from iTunes and watch it on the go. When you’re travelling, it’s all about capacity, battery life and durability, and the iPod classic is the best at all 3. 

Netbook

If you’re like me and need your internet to check up on work and email, then you’re probably going to want to some sort of computer with you and this netbook is ideal for traveling as it’s less than 3 pounds, so it’s easy to carry in your backpack, purse, book bag, and more. The battery life is over 8 hours which is ideal for long journeys and it has just about enough computing power to take whatever you would want to throw at it while you’re traveling.

Photography is a big part of traveling for me and I would alway need a way of backing up my photos so bringing a netbook is great way of doing this. It’s not particularly ideal for editing as it’s only got a 10 inch screen, but that’s a good thing I reckon as it’ll stop me from spending too much time on it when I’m away. The 250GB hard drive is plenty of space for a few months photos and documents and if your camera holds and SD card then you can transfer your photos much quicker by inserting it into the SD card slot on the side.

If you’re missing home then have no fear as the integrated webcam will enable you to have video calls from wherever you have an internet connection, which makes traveling all that much easier. Some people may not want to carry this when they’re away, in fact some people probably couldn’t imagine going near a computer when they’re traveling, but for me, it’s an absolute must.

Portable Hard Drive

I’m a little bit fussy when it comes to backing up my content, especially when it comes to my photos, but that’s not really a problem now that we have such small and portable hard drives at our disposal, so we never have to lose a file again. Portable drives are a little bit more expensive than desktop ones but, they’re much more durable and a lot lighter to carry around.

Simply drag and drop to save files. Fast USB 2.0 performance makes transferring large music and video collections quick and painless. Built-in power management ensures energy-efficient operation—a big advantage when you’re on the road away from a power outlet. And every Seagate Portable drive is backed by a 1-year limited warranty for peace of mind.