Whether I’m traipsing through Seattle for the weekend, on a month-long road-trip through Scotland, or exploring Alaska’s White Mountains for an afternoon, there are a few items that have become an essential part of both my day-to-day and extended travel routine.
These items are usually the first things I pack, no matter how big or small the adventure. Since I’ve had to cancel my travels until further notice, I’ve had some time to re-assess my gear and have been ordering some new goodies as well (this week in the form of gaiters and snowshoes- trying my best to maximize springtime in Alaska!).
If you’re stuck at home daydreaming of travel or looking forward to exploring your own backyard this spring, maybe this list of my tried and trues will give you some inspiration to do the same. I mean hey, let’s do our part and keep the economy afloat from the comfort of our own homes, right?
Here are my staple recommendations to gear up for your future adventures, and each piece of gear is linked to Amazon for added ease of purchase- just click the image!
Item #1: Daypacks & Bags
If you follow my Instagram or have browsed through the gallery, chances are you have seen my CamelBak daypack slung over my shoulder. I originally bought this pack with hiking in mind, but it has become one of my top go-to items no matter the occasion and is easily my favorite carry-on option!
Purchased in May of 2016 from REI, this pack has held up amazingly well and holds a surprising amount of stuff! The water bladder is a great option for both hiking and long flights but it can be easily removed from the interior pockets, where I also like to tuck books or my iPad.
The exterior zipper pouch that you see in the photo above is perfect for a small first aid kit, which has become a permanent part of my pack. There is also an exterior net pocket on the opposite side and a zipper pouch in the pack’s lid, which is where I usually keep essentials like wallet, keys, and chapstick!
Beyond a small tear in the bottom of my pack, I’ve had very few issues. I fixed the tear with a few quick stitches and it has caused no problems for me since. At one point one of my chest straps also fell off, but I’m hoping that CamelBak will replace it! Water resistant, light, and versatile, there’s a reason this pack goes everywhere with me!
In addition to my CamelBak, reusable pouch bags are a must. They are great to have in a pinch, plus the fact that they are so compact makes them super convenient. I’ve used these for just about everything, from becoming a second carry-on after an unplanned purchase to bagging my groceries at an open market or even housing my dirty hiking shoes to keep the rest of my belongings clean. Speaking of which, you can throw them in the wash and they’re good as new!
In addition to my own bags, my boyfriend and I recently went through the process of finding his version of the perfect daypack! Once he saw my CamelBak and I in action, he was bound and determined to find an equivalent for himself (even if his was a little spendier). We picked up Sitka’s Ascent 12 daypack at the Sportsman’s Warehouse in Fairbanks and it has enabled him to be more organized and travel lighter.
Item #2: Fueling Up
Truth be told, I’m terrible at hydrating. That being said, I recognize that I’m terrible at it and I try to be better! I first discovered filtered water bottles when someone gifted me a Bobble before I studied abroad in Spain. I’ve also tried Brita’s version, and whether it’s a filtered bottle or my regular Nalgene, I almost always have a water bottle with me if I don’t have my Camelbak (ironic, since I’m terrible at remembering to hydrate, I know). When looking at my purchase list for this spring, I did a little research and decided I will be upgrading to this version, made by LifeStraw.
I first purchased my bamboo cutlery set at Anchorage’s Natural Pantry after seeing a friend’s and I cannot tell you how many times it has come in handy! When you’re on the go and feeling munchy this little kit can be a lifesaver. Whether there’s no cutlery to be found or you’re trying to reduce the single-use plastics in your life, this little bundle is worth every penny! Plus, it comes with chopsticks.
Item #3: Power Banks
I had no idea that power banks even existed until I was gifted one and man they are a life changer! Whether you’re taking a lot of photos, out on a multi-day hike, or just spending too much time on you’re phone (let’s be real, we all do it at some point!), these little guys are great back-ups. They also come in handy if spotty service or cold weather saps your battery faster than usual! Plus, the fact that they are about the size of a deck of cards makes them super convenient.
Item #4: Layers
Although I’m featuring this awesome jacket by Joules, layers have become a way of life for me way beyond rain gear. I almost always travel with a scarf and chambray shirt in my daypack and there’s nothing better than a light pullover for hiking. I have a super thin fleece one made by Under Armour that I found in the bottom of a clearance bin at an outlet and I swear I’ll probably wear that thing until it’s in tatters.
But more about this amazing jacket! A friend and I picked ours up in Seward at the Mermaid Co. Boutique and we love them! Not only are they light-weight and breathable with adorable patterns, they also are a great length and provide a little extra cover for your backside if you go to sit down on a potentially damp surface. Plus, they fit into their own pocket! That’s right, this whole thing packs up into a tiny little pocket packet and it is the best!
Boyfriend is also sold on the foldable jacket concept, and we’ve got this one from Eddie Bauer on his spring shopping list.
Item #5: Sorry fellas, this one’s for the ladies
After investing in a Dutchess Cup, I will never go back! There were a variety of reasons that I was initially interested in testing it out: 1) saving the environment one less tampon at a time 2) saving money monthly by not buying disposable alternatives 3) convenience. Let me talk a bit more about that last one for a minute. It is so amazingly freeing to not need to worry about toxic shock, running out of stuff, or having to buy things if you get caught off guard. These are so tiny and convenient to keep in your bag and they come in a little draw string pouch.
The best part about all of this gear? Every item in this list would fit into one of the daypacks and you’d still have room left over! Bonus: They are all under $100, so there’s no need to break the bank! Double bonus: If you’re someone who cares about the environment as much as I do, a lot of these items are pro-sustainability!
My afternoon project is to finish up my own list of new items to order, and now that my gear-junky boyfriend saw this post that list may or may not have magically doubled! Plus REI just released an article about giving your gear a “spa day.” Prep tasks for summer adventures are endless when it comes to gear, and honestly I can’t wait!