Functional Outdoor Travel Packing Guide for Women
Sick and tired of fashion bloggers suggesting “cute booties” for your next trip? If you’ll be hiking and not just walking out to the lookout point for your next insta-worthy photo then this article is for you. Don’t worry though, we haven’t completely sacrificed fashion for function.
Who’s Up for an Adventure?
Calling all adventure seekers! Those who skip the lounging beach days for the thrilling excursions and the trips that get your heart racing. On our trip to Vietnam, we not only chose to travel on motorbikes through the rocky terrain, but Tim also took us on a 4 day trip through the Vietnamese jungle. Wading through chin-deep waters in the dark and sleeping in the open air on the banks of a snake filled river. If that’s not adventure, I don’t know what is.
While spontaneity is definitely an element of the thrill, here are some items to pack to ensure that you’re covered for your adventure.
NOTE
Wherever your adventure may take you alters this list a bit. You may choose to pack more shorts for the tropics or a couple of extra layers if the mountains are calling.
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Base Layers
Ladies, hear me out. The most important item for you to pack for your adventure is appropriate undergarments for your activities.
Comfort is key and there’s no way anyone is going to be comfortable in underwire. Get yourself a solid sports bra like the UA Rush by Under Armour and you’ll be all set for whatever your trip throws at you.
Once you’re all secured up top, get yourself a solid pair of socks as well. While you’re at it, grab another pair. From experience, you can never pack too many socks. Check out the Trino Quarters from Allbirds for a quality pair of lightweight socks.
Material Matters
Material is super important when planning what to pack for a trip full of adventure. You want to be sure you’re packing items that are durable while also not being too heavy or stiff. Nice, breathable materials are going to be your best bet. Merino is the name of the game here - check the “ingredients” and make sure your hiking socks are made with some or all merino wool. (Water-wicking and SMELL proof). Don’t limit youself to just merino socks - all types of garments are available in merino wool. They’re pricey though, so keep it to your essentials you’ll wear all the time.
Keep colors in mind too! As obvious as it might be, don’t pack whites if you know you’re going to be getting dirty. Dirt is part of the adventure, so pack accordingly!
Tops
As we recommend for any trip, layering will help you be prepared while not overpacking. Especially if your adventure includes changes in altitude or climate, you’ll want to stick to layering for promised comfort.
Grab a tank top like the Iselle Tank from Prana. It’s simple and goes easily under top layers.
For top layers, I like to stick to zip-ups. This helps make taking layers off easier and are usually tighter fighting to help minimize the bulkiness of layering. The Shanti Jacket from Athleta is super stretchy and breathable without being too tight.
Keep it minimal
Basic t-shirts and tank tops are always a good idea to throw into your carry on especially if you’re packing for an adventure. They’re easy to throw on, layer with, and go with everything! With these items, there’s no need to go out and buy super expensive tank tops that will probably end up getting torn by a tree branch or sweat stained.
Target is a great place to look at for items like basic tees. Check out the JoyLab workout tees from Target. So comfy!
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Bottoms
Halle Convertible Pant by Prana
Cosmic Jogger by Athleta
Standing at 5’11”, I have spent my life in search of pants. I’m here to tell you it has been found. When it comes to what to wear on bottom, you want something durable, stretchy but holds shape, wrinkle-resistant, and breathable (and fits your inseam).
Here she is…
The Halle Convertible Pant by Prana. It’s the perfect pair of pants for an adventure. They are moisture wicking and convertible, AND come in long and petite. What more could you want? My favorite part is if you get too warm or if the bottoms get wet, a whole new pair are just a zip away.
If you’re looking for more of a legging style, the Notion SP Pant from Black Diamond or the Cosmic Jogger by Athleta are also great choices.
Don’t overdo it
It’s hard to really know what all you’re going to need, especially when packing for an adventure. Remember that wearing a pair of pants more than once during a trip is A-Okay. Most moisture-wicking materials dry quickly so if you wash them they should be good to go overnight. Most places have laundry facilities or even a laundry service. This will help you to not overpack!
Shoes
Packing shoes for an adventure-seeking trip is not easy. Hiking boots are heavy and clunky and packing equipment isn’t easy. Pro Tip: Always wear your heaviest pair of shoes on the plane to save room in your carry on.
It’s important to keep your footwear versatile so that you’re not lugging so many options around with you. Find a comfortable hiking shoe that is perfect for your adventurous day plans, but don’t look half-bad with a pair of jeans either. The Terrex AX3 by Adidas have worked out great for me and come in quite a few colors and styles.
After spending hours in your hiking shoes, you might want to air out those toes a bit with a pair of nice waterproof sandals. Waterproof sandals are great to have in your pack in case your adventure takes you along some unplanned wet terrain.
It’s important that these sandals still give you plenty of support like the Chaco Z Cloud Sandals or the ECCO Sport X-Trinsic Strap Sandal. Even if your hiking boots are “waterproof”, sandals are a nice option to have.
Check them out in action:
See the Adidas Terrex shoes and Arcteryx rain jacket in effect on our rainy hike to the Tea House in Banff National Park here.
Pack for Preparedness
That thin line between feeling prepared and the $50 TSA Fee
Like we mentioned, keep climate in mind when packing for your trip. You might want to add a winter or rain jacket or a light fleece if you’re heading somewhere with a higher altitude. Your activity level will also make a difference in what gear you’ll be needing as well.
The Under Armour 3-in-1 Jacket has a water-proof shell, a thermal layer, and a cozy fleece zip-up all in one! Perfect way to keep items to a minimum while also feeling like you’ve got it together.
I travel with the Arcteryx Women’s Hybrid Gortex Jacket. At this steep steep price point, it’s not something we would typically recommend. I do love it - and since adventure travel is our life - and I’m 5’11” and have quite a time finding things that fit - that how I justified the price.
Carry-On is Possible!
The last thing you’ll need before jet-setting off on your next adventure, is a way to stay organized while traveling carry on style. Compression cubes are a great way to be able to comfortably fit all of your necessities into one bag without having to have you or your travel partner sit on your pack for you. Check them out at TRIPPED Travel Gear. Happy packing!