My favorite outdoor memory is a summer camping trip to the Republic of Khakasia on the southwestern edge of Siberia. Traveling to the lake, it was fascinating to watch the landscape transform from dense Siberian forest to vast Central Asian plains peppered with beautiful lakes. The lake we camped on the edge of, Lake Belyo, is a cool saltwater lake full of the clearest water I’ve ever seen. It was a perfect spot for roasting shashlik and midnight swims. The unspoiled beauty was worth every moment of the 60 hour train ride and 6 hour drive it took to get there.
I think travel is one of the most enriching experiences out there, but there can definitely be some misadventures, especially as you gain experience. I’ve found having the right gear and packing light and smart, makes all the difference. Below are a few items that I won’t leave home without.
$300 (see store for sale price)
If you’re going to own one piece of luggage, hands down, this is the piece to own. It’s perfectly carry on sized and soft sides maximize space, so you can easily pack everything you need in one space. It easily transforms from a piece of rolling luggage to a backpack, a feature that I love when it comes to riding public transit.
The detachable daypack is a perfect lightweight take along for day hikes and eco tours. I like to combine urban and outdoor exploration on my trips, so I love that I can bring a daypack without it taking up any extra space and still have room for a shoulder bag for the city.
$150
I’ve worn Keen Boots for years and found them to be virtually indestructible and both supportive and comfortable for all day wear. I love the Morrison Mid’s relaxed, yet classic, styling. It’s easy to dress up for dinner, but also pairs well with jeans. It’s shorter height also means that it takes up less space in my suitcase. The 59 boot from Keen is a great day to night option for men.
Free Fly Bamboo Fleece Pullover
$70
After a few frigid flights, unseasonable cold snaps, and an unexpected night in a train station (that’s a good story, always double check your tickets), I’ve learned to never travel without a cozy layer, regardless of season. This hoody from Free Fly is exceptionally soft and plush + it has my favorite feature, thumb holes. Bamboo rayon also makes a fantastic fabric for travel, due to its natural moisture wicking and odor management properties. It’s also available in a 1/4 zip for men.
$85
The perfect travel pant. They’re cute enough for city wear, but they are made out of Prana’s classic Stretch Zion fabric and are tough enough to take on a hike or even rock climbing. They’re Scotch Guard treated to resist stains and dry quickly, should you need to wash them. My favorite feature is the 4-way stretch which makes them comfortable enough for a long layover. My husband also swears by the men’s version.
Exofficio Give N Go Sport Mesh Underwear
Hipkini style shown, $24
No suitcase would be complete without a couple pairs of Exo undies. They dry extremely quickly and feature an antimicrobial treatment to fight odors, making them ideal for handwashing on the go. The comfortable weave of the sport mesh fabric makes them so comfortable you might forget you’re wearing them. They’re also available in several cuts and colors for men and women.
This bag is lightweight, folds flat, and can be worn cross body for security. I like to pack it in my carry on and use it to hold my essentials while exploring the city, it’s surprisingly roomy and perfectly fits a wallet, phone, iPad mini, and a map.
