January 12, 2012
Packing can be tough, especially if you’ve got limited space and you’re planning to haul your stuff around on your back. During my nine week backpacking trip in Nepal, I quickly found out that I brought items along that I would only need once in a blue moon. These ended up being stashed at a hotel in Kathmandu for the remainder of the trip.
But, which items am I thankful I didn’t leave behind? As a traveller I like to get off the beaten track, but stay connected when I can. I also need to be conscious of what I’m loading up on my shoulders when I have weeks or months of hiking to do. Light-weight is key, and so is comfort and reliability.
The Campsite‘s Top 5* Outdoor Adventure Travel Items:
1. Scarpa Kailash GTX – Anyone who has hiked with me knows that I have had a terrible time finding the right boots. But after years of blisters, hot spots and jammed toes, I finally landed on these hikers. Not only did they come out of nine weeks of sustained hiking unscathed, but they were the most comfortable boots I’ve ever owned. I didn’t have a single blister and could rely on these to get me from A to B without any pain. Superb for rugged trails. (Also made for men). $215.00 CAD
2. Bridgedale Women’s X-Hale Trail Diva - What good are hikers without great socks? These socks performed incredibly well. With targeted padding (where you can expect to experience rubbing) and ventilation, these light-weight socks are perfect for long days of hiking. They remain comfortable when sweaty and, best of all, didn’t fall apart even after 500 kilometres of hiking in them. These socks are made specifically for a woman’s foot, so they don’t bunch up in the wrong places. They also come in men’s. $17.00 CAD
3. Rocky Mountain Soap Company Travel Therapeutic Roll-On – Now for something a little bit different. Traveling can take a toll on the body and leave you feeling tired and achy. Here’s a quick fix you can toss in your carry-on and keep handy day-to-day. This 100% natural roll-on therapy contains calming and refreshing ingredients, such as eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender and grapefruit. $15.99 CAD
4. Amazon Kindle – There are lots of different models of Kindles out there now, but I have the Kindle Keyboard with WIFI. When you have to carry everything on your back, an e-reader is worth its weight in gold. Books are simply too heavy to take on a multi-day hike. The Kindle lets you bring along as many books as you like, as well as pdf documents (I transferred my travel insurance information, important travel documents and research documents onto it as well). All you need is a WIFI connection to download more books. The battery lasts up to a month, depending on use. $139.00 CAD
5. Acer Aspire One D255 Netbook – We live in a WIFI world and sometimes having your own computer is a lot easier than banging away on a keyboard at an internet cafe. Having a netbook on hand lets you connect with the world wherever you can find a WIFI connection. This makes it easier to keep in touch, make online bookings at hotels or hostels on-the-go, book flights, take notes, blog, download photos and much more. This particular netbook has a 10.1-inch screen and weighs 1 kg, making it light enough to carry in a backpack. $299.00 CAD
* It’s worth noting that none of these companies have sponsored this post or provided these products for review. These are purely and simply my own top choices.
Interesting that two electronic devices made your list! It’s cool to see the five things you’re glad you took with you as a writer and as an adventurer. Thanks for sharing!
I was surprised that the electronic devices made the list, too! And while not everyone would need a laptop, I highly recommend the Kindle. It even survived some pretty cold temperatures and extreme conditions. Thanks for reading !
Hi Meghan, I always wondered about taking the RM Soap co. roll-on with me in my carry-on, especially across the boarder. I always figured it would get taken away because they are so picky. Next time I take a long flight I’ll be sure to bring it on!
Hi Julie! Definitely bring it along, but be sure to put it in a Ziplock with all your other liquids if you are flying. No one even blinked an eye at it – in Canada, U.S.A, S. Korea or Nepal. You’ll be so thankful you have it handy.
Reblogged this on Meghan J. Ward – outdoor, travel and adventure writer and commented:
A piece I wrote for The Campsite about my top picks for items to bring along on outdoor adventure travels.