Watch this video for help choosing your adventure luggage

I always recommend packing as lightly as possible. If you do check a bag, make sure that your essentials or hard-to-replace items are with you in your carry-on bag.

• Day pack:This will be your go-to, everyday pack. I recommend between 25-35L capacity, with breathable structure, water bottle pockets, and stable hip belt. (rec: Osprey Sirrus/Stratos or Talon/Tempest series series)
• Main Luggage: This piece is up to you, we recommend a waterproof adventure duffel, with or without wheels. (rec: Osprey Transporter duffel)
• Waterproof cover: Be sure to bring a securable waterproof cover for any and all packs you carry. (rec: Osprey Ultralight Raincover)

Do yourself a favor and get a bunch of packing cubes to organize everything!

Be sure to check what equipment might already be provided for your particular adventure and consider what specific gear you’ll need. For example: 

• Camping: sleeping bag, sleeping pad, pillow, sleeping bag liner, and travel towel
• Kayaking: dry bags, waterproof cell phone case
• Biking: helmet, bike gloves and shorts, water bottle, pannier v pack, etc.
• Running: running vest or belt for phone/keys/etc.
• Torres del Paine, Patagonia (or similar destinations): recommend adding Yaktrax or micro spikes for extra grip on potentially icy trails

• Passport – be sure it is valid for at least six (6) months after the date of your arrival (consider keeping a copy of your passport stowed elsewhere in your luggage)
• Cash – for personal expenses & guide/driver tips (I always bring emergency USD cash with me and plan to take local currency out of an ATM upon arrival)
• Credit cards – ideally with chip technology and zero foreign transaction fees (make sure your banks know you will be traveling) 
• Headphones – don’t forget airplane-compatible headphones for movies!

When it comes to adventure clothing, there are TWO important rules:

1. It is vital that all of your adventure clothes are synthetic or merino wool, not cotton. Remember that during physical activity “cotton is rotten!” and should only be used for evenings or for sleeping. Synthetics are ideal for physical activity as they wick away moisture from the body and dry quickly. Plan to re-wear much of your adventure clothing, and only change it up daily only according to weather/temperature. 
2. LAYERS ARE KEY. When you have the right layers, you are prepared for ANY weather.

Waterproof note: Waterproof gear may be essential in your destination. Make sure to test your gear ahead of your trip to ensure that it is indeed waterPROOF.

• 1-2 pairs long, lightweight hiking pants or tights (zip-off legs give you more options) 
• 1-2 pairs hiking shorts/skorts or capris
• 1 pair synthetic or merino wool base layer – pant and long sleeve shirt (for colder months)
• 1-2 sports bras for hiking AND comfortable bras for non-activity
• 2 short sleeve hiking shirts (synthetic is best – avoid tank tops because backpack straps will chafe unprotected skin) 
• 2 long sleeve hiking/sun protection shirts (synthetic is best) 
• Underwear (synthetic is best – if you don’t want to sink-wash underwear, bring enough for every day)
• Synthetic or merino wool hiking socks (again, if you don’t want to wash or re-wear socks (10/10 do NOT recommend), bring enough for every day)
• Compression socks for recovery (rec: CEP)
• Buff, bandana, headband for sun protection, cooling off, and staying warm 
• Trucker/baseball hat (want a fun new adventure hat?) 
• Warm hat (we have those too!)
• 1 lightweight, packable jacket or fleece (mid layer)
• 1 packable puffy or performance vest (synthetic is ideal for packing light)
• 1 packable puffy jacket for warmth
• 1 waterproof jacket
• 1 waterproof pants
• 1 pair waterproof hiking shoes/boots (rec: Oboz Sawtooth X)
• Gaiters (optional but I LOVE to pair them with low ankle hikers) (tall rec: Outdoor Research, short rec: Kahtoola)
• Thin gloves for warmth
• Waterproof shell gloves (rec: REI)
• 1 pair flip flops/sandals/crocs to wear for showers/around camps/lodges
• 1 cotton/merino wool pant/jogger for camps/lodges and sleeping
• 1 cotton tee or long sleeve shirt for camps/lodges and sleeping
• 1-2 casual outfits to wear during travel and non-activity days

Packing cubes for all of the above

• Headlamp (consider extra batteries)
• Backpacking pillow (small, compressible/inflatable pillow is recommended) (rec: Cocoon)
• Sleeping bag liner (silk is the lightest and smallest – avoid 100% cotton (therefore chunky) liners) (rec: Sea to Summit)
• Quick-dry ultralight travel towel (rec: PackTowl – make sure you select body size)
• 24-32oz reusable water bottle (If you prefer drinking from a water bladder, it’s fine to have one, but it’s less than optimal for refilling on the go and doesn’t work to keep it with you at camp/dinner, etc. – bring a water bottle even if you also have a bladder).
• USB battery power bank (rec: Anker – avoid the ones with an “input only” outlet)
• Type C outlet adapter, charging block and any cords that must be plugged into a wall (rec: Tessan Universal Travel Adapter)
• Sunglasses with retaining strap
• Extra pair of sunglasses and glasses/contacts
• Earplugs / Eye mask / Sleep aids as needed  (rec: Manta Sleep)
• 1-2 garbage or Ziploc bags or extra designated packing cubes/dry bags for wet clothes/dirty laundry, etc. 
• 1-2 12L+ dry bags for clothing or essentials inside your pack to be extra sure it stays dry in wet weather
• 10-12oz leak-proof coffee tumbler (optional)
• Protein bars/electrolyte snacks as needed 
• Trekking poles optional (lightweight, packable – you’ll most likely have to check your luggage if you bring these). (rec: Leki)

Packable/Stuffable daypack (these pack down super tiny and are absolutely brilliant to have on hand – we don’t travel without them). (rec: Osprey Ultralight Dry Stuff Pack)

Packing cubes for all of the above

• Standard toiletry kit (think absolute essentials in the tiniest containers possible)
• Deodorant (rec: Face Naturals Try-Me Sizes)
• Electrolytes (rec: nuun)
• Nail clippers
• Dry Shampoo (optional)
• Sunscreen & lip balm with SPF 30/50+
• Disposable shower wipes to refresh
• Personal medicines/prescriptions (consider Benadryl, Advil or Ibuprofen, Melatonin or sleep aids, etc.)
• Insect repellent
• Hand/body lotion
• Small squeeze bottle of hand-sanitizer gel 
• Blister care kit
• Garmin inReach or other satellite-capable messaging device (consider if you are going to be in the backcountry self-guided)

Packing cubes for all of the above

Good luck, have fun, and remember…

If you forget something, in most cases you can find it where you’re going.

JUST BOOK THE TRIP!