mood photoClothes · Salomon or Hoka
Trail shoes broken in at home
For you if you will walk more than ten kilometres in a day.
Trade-off new shoes on a trek are the number one reason people stop; wear them for two weeks before you fly.
Guide · for holiday travellers
Adventure trip essentials
Rafting, surfing, a volcano hike or a week on a trail. Buy the things that touch your body and your data; rent everything else where you go.
the whole list0 of 8 packed
Ticks are saved in this browser only.
Adventure travel is growing fast on Pinterest, and the gear lists that come with it are enormous. Most of that gear can be rented at the destination for less than the baggage fee to bring it. What you should own is small: the shoes, the layers, the first-aid kit and whatever keeps your phone and camera alive.
This list is split into own and rent. Every own item has a trade-off.
Own
start here ↓mood photoSee it at Salomon →
mood photoHealth · Adventure Medical Kits
Compact first-aid kit
For you if you will be more than an hour from a pharmacy.
Trade-off the bought kits are padded with things you will not use; add blister plasters and your own painkillers.
mood photoCamera · GoPro or DJI
Action camera
For you if you want the rafting footage.
Trade-off batteries last an hour in the cold and the footage takes an evening to edit; many people are happier with a phone in a waterproof case.
mood photoOutdoor · Peak Design
Capture clip for camera or bottle
For you if your camera is in the bag when the moment happens.
Trade-off it adds weight on one strap and does not suit every pack.
mood photoHealth · Grayl or LifeStraw
Filter water bottle
For you if tap water is a question where you are going.
Trade-off heavy, and the filter is a consumable; for a week in one place, bottled water is simpler.
mood photoInsurance · SafetyWing or World Nomads
Insurance that covers the activity
For you if you will do anything above a walk.
Trade-off many policies exclude altitude, motorbikes and some water sports unless added; read the sport list, not the summary.
Rent or book there
then this ↓
mood photoActivity · GetYourGuide
Guided rafting, surf lessons, treks
For you if you want the gear, the guide and the permit in one booking.
Trade-off platform prices include a cut; local operators at the door are sometimes cheaper but harder to vet.
mood photoOutdoor · REI (US) or local rental
Outdoor gear for a one-off
For you if you need a tent, poles or a wetsuit once.
Trade-off rental gear is used gear; inspect zips and seams before you sign.
What to leave at home
lighter alreadyskip:A 70-litre backpack for a week
Forty litres is enough if you rent the big items.
skip:New technical clothing for every day
Two sets, washed in the sink.
skip:A drone
Rules, batteries, weight. Unless it is your job, leave it.
Save this guide for the next trip
two pins, pick oneLists change as we swap out items that stop earning their place. The pin always points to the current version of this page.
