Outdoorshopping Blog

Part of the joy of traveling comes in the preparation. Wiping away the dust from old equipment and packing your bags builds excitement for the trip to come. While you’re gathering your accoutrements for your outdoor adventure, make sure to check off these 10 must-have items for your trip!

Shop our extensive inventory for your traveling needs at Outdoor Shopping.

Packing

1. TRAVEL BAG: As we’ve just mentioned, the type of bag you use for your trip will differ based on your needs. Here are a few varieties that we highly recommend to suit a plethora of situations.

• Backpack : For those planning to hike or camp, a backpack is absolutely essential. There are a ton of options to choose from, and it all depends on your comfort, your needs, and desired features. Here are some points to consider:

• Trip Length/Backpack Capacity : Generally, backpacks are categorized by how many liters they can hold, and the size of your pack will determine how many items you can carry with you. Logically, the larger the cavity, the better suited it is for longer trips.
  

• Type of Trip : While most backpacks are versatile enough for several types of outdoor trips, there are specialty packs designed for climbers (example pictured right). These fit snugly to the body and allow for more movement for the climber.

• Measurements : Every person has different individual measurements that can affect the comfort of your backpack. Waist size, gender, and torso length can all shift your needs.

• Frames : Backpacks can be frameless or have an external or internal frame. The majority of backpacks sold at Outdoor Shopping are body-hugging internal frame packs that are designed to keep a hiker stable on uneven, off-trail terrain.

• Carry Bag : Traveling by plane, train, or automobile demands luggage that is compact and easy to carry. As the travel goods industry has evolved, there have been many innovations designed to make packing a carry bag easier!

• Rollers : Many bags are designed with easy-roll wheels and retractable handles, allowing users to pull their bag behind them with ease.
  

• Travel Cases : In addition to a carry-on bag, travelers are allowed to bring their personal effects with them as well. Many times, this consists of electronics and personal documents. Travel cases are a type of carry bag designed to protect these crucial items for easy, safe travel.

While your luggage itself is an important choice, packing your bags appropriately can make a world of difference. Different accessories can help you pack your bags for a snugger fit and more efficient organization.

• Packing Cubes and Compression Sacks : If wrinkles aren’t of concern, then investing in packing cubes and/or compression sacks are the way to go. Essentially, you stuff your items into these bags and vacuum out the air, compressing items into neat, condensed cubes or flats for packing.

  

• Liquid Tubes : Whether you’ve got shampoo/conditioner or specialized body washes to take along, you’ll want to ensure that your liquids stay contained and aren’t at risk of explosion during travel and air pressure changes.

• Toiletry Bags : Keeping all of your toiletries packed in one easily-accessible bag is the best way to travel, so choose a travel bag that can contain all of your essentials.

Camping

Camping is a great way for folks to enjoy the outdoors for more than just a quick walk. But spending one night or several nights away from civilization can be dangerous if you aren’t fully prepared. There are two must-have items specifically for folks looking to stay out for a night of camping under the stars.

2. TENT: Camping outside requires some form of shelter, and for those who opt out of the mobile home or cabin, camping in a tent is a great option. A tent is an investment in your comfort and your safety, so keep some of these options in mind when you’re perusing our selection at Outdoor Shopping:

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  Capacity : The first option you’ll need to flesh out is how many people will need to fit within the confines of your tent. You can purchase additional space/pods for gear, dogs, or friends, but nailing down your core group requirements will filter you to the general size requirements your tent will need.

• Season : Tents are generally categorized into 3 season (the most popular), extended season, and 4 season tents. The needs of a casual camper during the mild spring months will differ drastically from someone planning a climbing excursion to the chilly mountain peaks, so tents are designed to reflect those differences in needs.

• Other Options : From tent materials to accessories, there’s a world of possibilities for tent customization. Be sure to pay attention to your tent’s peak height, style (cabin or dome), pockets, and other options to ensure that you’re choosing the right tent for you.

3. SLEEPING BAG: Your comfort while sleeping can impact the day ahead, and camping out in the elements - even if shrouded by a tent - can take a toll on your rest. Like all outdoor items, sleeping bags come in many varieties that are all designed to create the perfect sleeping environment.

• Temperature Rating: The temperature rating listed for sleeping bags can help you determine whether or not it’s suited for the temperatures you’ll be facing. For instance,  when a bag is described as a "20-degree bag," it means that most users should remain comfortable if the air temperature drops no lower than 20°F. Summer season, 3 season, and winter season bags are categorized as such based on their temperature ratings.

  

• Shape : Camping sleeping bags versus backpacking sleeping bags boils down to the differences in dead space - that is, the space between your body and the bag. Camping bags are roomier than backpacking bags for greater comfort, with the tradeoff being less efficient warming of this dead space.

• Insulation, Shell, and Lining : The composition of your sleeping bag will determine comfort and warmth, so choose wisely! As a tip, most sleeping bags utilize synthetic insulation, and the outer shell is typically made of a ripstop nylon or polyester for durability.

Survival Gear

While camping requires that you pack some sort of survival gear, even the casual hiker should come prepared for emergency situations. Here are some of the basics to keep in mind:

4. WATER BOTTLE: While many folks choose to carry a water bottle on a regular basis, choosing the right bottle for your trip can improve your experience.

• Styles: The type of bottle opening, capacity, and insulating factor of your water bottle are designed with different purposes in mind. Choose a style to fit your needs.

• Filter : Wide-mouth bottles are typically compatible with water filters, but even someone carrying a narrow-mouth bottle may need to filter water as well. Choose a filter from our extensive selection for your outdoor trip.

5. LIGHT: Even a well-planned day-trip can go awry, causing one to get stuck out in cloudy or dark conditions. Always remember to carry some type of light source, as takes up little space but can be a life-saver in many situations. They can even be used as a signaling device, should the need arise.

• Flashlight : Beam distance, run times, output, and water resistance can all play a role in the effectiveness of your flashlight. For someone who plans to be out past dusk, choose a  high-powered light with a long run-time. For those who are simply taking a day trip or short hike, a compact but durable light will do the trick.

• Headlamp : As with flashlights, headlamps will vary in lumens (output), beam distance, run time, and other factors. Ideally, campers who plan to be pitching a tent at night or runners who plan to run at dusk will carry a lightweight headlamp for lighting purposes.

• Lighter/Candles : The simplest of options may in fact be the most versatile. Carry a lighter and/or candles with you for not only light but a source of fire for cooking, signaling, or keeping warm.

7. COOKWARE: Even a day trip could demand a warm meal, and our line of cookware has got you covered! You can purchase a full cookset or invest in single pieces to suit your needs. Keep in mind that cookware comes in a variety of material compositions and sizes. Don’t forget the utensils!

8. FIRE STARTER: We glossed over this briefly when we discussed packing a lighter, but even lighters may fail. Magnesium fire starters and flint strikers are easy to carry, as many of them are designed to clip to your pack like a key fob. Consider a fire starter tool kit to cover the basics of what you’ll need to start a fire in any situation.

Accessories

Your trip - if it involves the outdoors - may require more than the survival basics. There are endless possibilities for accessories to make your trip memorable. Here are just a few.

9. CLIMBING GEAR: Accessories for outdoor exploration can take you to new heights, literally! If you’re not sure where to start, consider our beginner’s climbing kit to get you going.

• Carabiners : There are carabiners designed for different climbing situations and scenarios. Whether you plan to belay, speed climb, or dabble in some ice climbing, we’ve got the carabiner you need at Outdoor Shopping.

• Ropes : Different climbing ropes are designed for different styles of climbing or hauling, so outfit your pack with the style you need for your excursion.

• Harnesses : The harness is your attachment point to your lifeline on the crag, so make sure you’re investing in one that’s tailored for you.

• Helmet : Safety first! Climbing helmets are designed to protect you from falls or falling overhead debris, and they save lives. Consider a helmet to be essential safety gear and the surest way to keep your gray matter intact. 

10. CLOTHING: We wouldn’t assume that you’d make your trip in your birthday suit, but for the outdoorsman or woman, there’s specialized clothing to make your exploration more comfortable. From footwear to face masks, make sure you’re outfitted appropriately to face the elements!

At Outdoor Shopping, we’ve got you covered for any type of trip. Shop our extensive selection today.