Traveling the great outdoors is an awesome way to connect with Mother Nature. It is also the best way to destress, relax, and become more self-aware and reliant. Outdoor traveling will help you embrace change, take on new challenges, adapt to unfamiliar environments and situations, and become more open-minded. In return, this can help you develop a stronger, more positive mindset.
Trips generally can boost your mood, and even just anticipating them can boost your serotonin levels. Traveling outdoors for long periods from time to time is very beneficial; however, these trips are very hard to prepare for. Don’t worry, though; this article will be your guide on how to travel the great outdoors for a long amount of time.
The Weather and the Altitude
When it comes to clothes, it is always important to take the weather into consideration when packing. If you are not traveling too far from home, you may think that you have the weather aspect covered. However, you have to keep in mind the altitude of the place you will be visiting. Plus, the weather can quickly change across different locations in the country, and it tends to get chilly around nighttime. To be fully prepared, you should research the temperature and weather conditions in the region, and look at expected weather changes throughout the day so you can pack accordingly.
Packing and Picking Suitcases
Clothing Essentials
Try to pack as lightly as possible, and stick to the essentials. Avoid jeans and denim clothes, as they become heavy when wet, and pack wind- or waterproof clothes instead. Pack long- and short-sleeved shirts; it is important to pack both because even if it is a little chilly, you might start to feel hot when moving around during the day. Even if it is warm, you might start to feel slightly cold around noon, so it’s best to pack both to be on the safe side. You also need to pack a breathable or synthetic jacket or hoodie that will wick away sweat and moisture. If you expect to be caught in a rainstorm, depending on the area you’ll be exploring, bring a raincoat along. Choose shoes that are suitable for the type of activities you will be doing; lightweight hiking boots are apt for various activities. If you will be coming in contact with water, you will need water shoes.
Backpack and First-aid Kit
Make sure to pack a few OTC painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, disinfectants, insect repellents, bandages and band-aids, SPF-rated sunscreen, flashlights, headlights, batteries, food, and a reusable water bottle. You should consider buying a suitcase generator so that you can charge your phone or any other electric appliances. Your suitcase, or preferably backpack, should be lightweight so you can walk around comfortably without overburdening yourself. It should have internal compartments or pockets to keep your belongings organized. When packing, keep in mind that the backpack might not necessarily feel heavy at the moment, but it will definitely feel heavier when you carry it around for hours.
What to Bring Along
You should also pack a highly absorbent, fast-drying, lightweight towel. The best ones are usually made out of viscose or microfibre. Consider taking a Swiss Army knife with you, not only for protection from any potential threats but because it can also serve as a useful, multipurpose tool; you can use it as a fruit peeler, a can or bottle opener, or a corkscrew.
You will need a sleeping bag or a bag liner. Silk ones are compact in size and can keep you comfortable in different weather conditions. To maintain good hygiene, you need to pack travel-size toiletries, including shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, and a toothbrush. Don’t forget to pack toilet paper as well.
Traveling outdoors for long periods of time has many advantages that can improve both your mental and physical wellbeing. In addition to bringing you closer to nature, which has various benefits on its own, you can engage in a wide array of activities and excursions that can teach and train you to become more self-reliant. It is a great way to help you think outside the box when faced with new challenges. However, with all of those benefits, outdoor travel also presents a few challenges. Not knowing what to pack can be a real dilemma. It can feel impossible to pack all the essentials without packing too much. This is when our guide comes in handy, so be sure to keep the above tips in mind before heading out there.
