Since we’ve been in the adventure travel business for almost two decades, we’re asked quite frequently about what’s the best travel gear to bring on one of our adventures. We’ve pulled together a few recommendations below- though certainly not an exhaustive list, it’s a great place to start. (Please note: Zephyr Adventures has not been compensated by any of the mentioned brands, the opinions and recommendations are our own.)
Here are 5 travel accessories that we think make life on the go a little easier:
Packing Cubes – It is such a simple concept yet so effective – varying sized zipper containers to organize your clothes, gear, documents, etc. that can be packed into your luggage or backpack. We find these to be handy, especially when you are on a trip where you are staying at a different location each night. You can organize by type of clothing such as you trekking clothes vs your going out to dinner clothes, or even by day – however you want to organize, these will help keep your luggage in order. Our team is partial to Eagle Creek‘s packing cubes, but there are many other brands available.
Convertible pants – The North Face Convertible Pants are durable, long-lasting, stain-resistant, quick-drying, functional and comfortable. Feel like jumping into that river on your walk to dinner? No problem, take off your pant legs, have someone hold your phone and wallet, and jump. Your shorts will be dry before you get the menu. Getting an early start on your hike to the summit? These pants allow you to take the legs off when it starts to get warm and put them back on when it gets cooler at higher elevation. The pants have no metal so they won’t set off any metal detectors and the thigh pockets are large enough for your passport. The small zippered hip pocket is also large enough for your passport, a phone or iPod.
Down sweater – The Patagonia Down Sweater, or similar clothing, is a great piece to bring on any trip. This lightweight item provides a layer of insulation that ensures that you are always the right temperature. It can be great on cold weather trips or even warm weather trips when you go into a restaurant or building that has their AC cranked too high! It can also be compacted to be small enough to fit into a backpack or purse. Bonus: every one of Patagonia’s down products come from birds that were not live-plucked or force-fed.
Google Translate – If you are heading out on one of our adventures, speaking another language isn’t a requirement… but being able to communicate with the natives is always helpful! Though you can’t really “pack” it, having something like the Google Translate app allows you to quickly look up words or phrases in whatever language you like. On almost all of our trips, we allow time for our guests to venture out on their own. A language translation app or book can make those excursions go a little smoother.
Super light and compact backpack – Even if you’re not going on a hiking or trekking trip, having a light, compact day pack can be really useful. For example, the REI Stuff Travel Daypack is durable and light weight, and folds into its own zippered pocket so it can be stowed when your not using it without taking up much space. It’s perfect for a day of light hiking or even exploring a new city.
Still not sure what you should bring on one of our upcoming adventures? We send out a packing list before every trip but feel free to contact us with any questions! Shoot us an email at Info@zephyradventures.com.