Essential Travel Equipment (My Comprehensive List for Journeys Away)
Travel Gear List for 2023: Essential Equipment for Long-Term Adventure Travel
For those embarking on long-term adventure travel in 2023, having the right gear is crucial. Whether you're trekking, hitchhiking, or exploring rainforests, this gear setup balances function, durability, and weight for diverse environments.
Backpack and Carrying Gear
A medium-sized lightweight backpack (around 24-40L) is ideal to balance capacity with mobility for day hikes and multi-day treks. Options like the Atom Packs Pulse or Osprey Hikelite 26 are well regarded. Consider trekking poles such as Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork for stability on varied terrain.
Clothing
Breathable, quick-dry, and layered clothing is essential. Lightweight tops, shorts, gaiters, and rain/wind shells are a must. Merino wool layers for insulation, gloves, and hats for colder or humid environments are also recommended. Proper hiking shoes or trail runners with good grip and support, such as HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat or Norda 001, are advisable.
Camping and Shelter
Ultralight tents or a breathable emergency bivvy to keep dry and warm without condensation issues are essential. Lightweight sleeping bag liners and compact sleeping bags rated for the expected temperature (e.g., Katabatic Palisade 6’ 900FP Expedry) with a good sleeping pad (Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT) are recommended. Emergency and safety items such as whistles, duct tape for gear repair, and water treatment tablets should be packed.
Food and Hydration
Nutritionally dense snacks like nut and fruit trail mix, ProBars, and electrolyte chews help maintain energy and electrolyte balance during long days. Water purification options (tabs or filters) are critical in remote areas like rainforests.
Photography Equipment
Compact and durable camera gear suitable for rugged conditions is essential. While specific gear wasn't detailed, minimalist camera setups such as mirrorless cameras with weather-sealed lenses, lightweight tripods, and protective cases are advisable. Consider minimal camera gear to reduce weight but ensure quick access and protection from humidity and rain in rainforest environments.
Additional Tips
- Pack minimal but multifunctional gear to keep weight manageable.
- Prioritize breathable, moisture-wicking materials to handle humid rainforest conditions.
- Include insect protection such as head nets and insect-repellent clothing.
- Safety gear like SOS devices and headlamps are recommended for emergencies and low-light trekking.
For the travel photography side of their business and traveling with kids, the author checks a bag for travel. They travel with up to 3 different bags: a rolling suitcase, a hiking backpack, and an airplane carry-on camera daypack. The author's favorite lightweight travel suitcase is the Victorinox suitcase, which has a strong locking zipper, a tough outer shell, quiet 360-degree wheels, and can take plenty of airport abuse.
The odds are very high that a checked bag will be waiting at luggage claim. Losing a bag for a day is not a crisis, and checking a bag is not the end of the world. The author has only had their checked bag lost 4 times in 10 years of regular travel, with only one instance taking a week to be returned.
Remember, this gear setup is designed for long-term adventure travel. For shorter trips, a more compact setup may be more suitable. Happy travels!
For those seeking a well-rounded lifestyle blending travel, home-and-garden, and home-office setups, the author suggests a lightweight travel suitcase like the Victorinox for ease in transit and a durable home setup. On extended trips, a more versatile home-and-garden solution, such as a modular multi-purpose portable unit, could make a home-away-from-home, balancing function, portability, and a comfortable working space for a home-office environment.
After an exciting day of exploration, investors in the home-and-garden market may find joy in creating their own home-and-garden oasis by implementing landscape designs inspired by destinations visited during their travels, such as tropical rainforest flora or Balinese-inspired bamboo garden elements, adding a touch of their adventures to their lifestyle back home.
){kind=link}