Functional Outdoor Travel Packing for Men
Adventure is calling and it’s time for you to get out there! Finally there is a packing guide that focuses on what you’re truly going to need for your trip to the great outdoors. No frills here!
Here’s What You REALLY Need for an Adventure
The last thing you want to do when packing for your outdoor travel plans, is overpack. You’ll need the essentials, but the rest is just more for you to stuff into your pack. This guide will help you to decide what you’re really going to need as well as give some information on what we recommend! Trust us, we know adventure.
Base Layers
If your outdoor trip doesn’t include blood, sweat, and tears, did you even actually go? These items will help keep you protected so that whatever your adventure throws at you, you’ll be covered.
Activity filled trips means you are going to be sweating. This is great, as long as you’re prepared for it. Suit up in a moisture-wicking base layer made out of a nice, light material. The Tech Trail Short Sleeve by Columbia is a perfect choice!
While it might be tempting to throw in some old cotton T-shirts for your trip, you’ll regret it when your skin starts screaming for breathability.
Target is a great place to look for quick dry, breathable shirts. Check out the All in Motion collection at Target for lots of options that won’t break the bank.
Material Matters
Not to sound like a broken record, but remember to pick out materials that yet your body b r e a t h e. This is ESPECIALLY important when picking out your undergarments.
Under Armor Boxerjock is the best material for hiking and activity!
Lightweight, sturdy socks are a must. The Trino Tubers by Allbirds are a great choice.
Tops
Depending on where you’re off adventuring to makes a difference on how many layers you’ll need to be packing. This is why layering is so important. If you’re heading to the peaks, you’ll want to throw in a couple extra long sleeves along with your base layers.
Under Armour is a great place to find sturdy materials that don’t weigh you down. The Tactical UA Tech shirts are great and come in both short and long sleeve styles!
Another great lightweight long sleeve option is the Dome Pullover Hoodie from North Face. It’s as light as a regular long sleeve but hooded like a sweatshirt.
Zip-up sweatshirts are a great option for quick layer changes. No time to stop and take up bulky layers on the trail.
Columbia has the Tech Trail Hoodie which is also an interchangeable jacket! This is great for trips when you’ll have frequent temperature changes. You’ll be all set no matter what.
Bottoms
Pants are typically the move for outdoor adventures. They protect you more from the elements and can give you the same breathability as shorts as long as you pick pants made with the right materials.
Prana creates outdoor gear in the most comfortable, breathable, and water-wicking materials! The Stretch Zion Pants are perfect for hiking but don’t look too much like your typical “outdoorsy” pant. They not only great for your adventures, but can be worn to dinner or around town as well.
Don’t be that dude that has his boot cut pants bubbling out of his high ankle hiking boots. It’s not a good look, guys. Hiking pants also come in jogger styles so that this doesn’t have to be you.
Adidas Terrex Climb the City pants are a great choice if your boots come higher up your ankle. They tuck in perfectly but are still plenty roomy enough.
Lululemon isn’t just for yoga pants! They have quite a few pairs of hiking pants for men. Check out the Escape and Explore pair by them.
Shoes
Having a comfortable, solid pair of shoes is going to make or break your trip to the great outdoors. Pinched toes and sweaty feet are not the way to adventure. Here are some of our top picks to keep you on the trail.
The most important pair of shoes to take on your adventure are a good pair of hiking boots. Nothing too heavy, but they still have to be sturdy enough to keep you comfortable. The Oboz Bridger Low Dry hiking boot offers optimal support without making you drag your feet.
Depending on the climate where you’re off to, it might be more comfortable to do your hiking and adventuring in a pair of hiking sandals. These sandals are made for durability and traction so that you can keep up the pace while feeling the breeze between your toes.
Merrel has created the “Shandal” as they describe it. These Choprock Shandals are a neat hybrid between a shoe and a sandal. They’re super breathable but are covered in the front and back for extra security and support.
You can never go wrong with the classic dad sandal. Columbia has given them an upgrade with the Wave Train sandal. They’re nice for light, tropical hikes and come at a great price!
Stay supported
Everybody’s feet have different needs. If you tend to struggle with twisted or weak ankles, we recommend going for a hiking boot that comes up higher on the ankle to back you up where you need it most. Hiking boots typically have a pretty decent arch, but if you need more in that area, make sure to grab a pair of inserts to keep the arches of your feet supported. Cater this list to your needs to make sure you can keep movin’!
Hats and Extras
Hats were literally made for the outdoors. If you’re not bringing a hat along with you, then you’re not ready to adventure!
Tim loves a good headband. Can you blame him? Prana’s Organic Headband makes you look like you know what you’re doing and has you looking good while doing it!
If you’re not quite ready for the headband, look for a hat that has a mesh back like the Quick Silver Hinders Trucker Hat. This will help give your hair some breeze and keep you from getting all of the hat sweats.
… And You’re Off!
The last step of preparation when packing all of your necessities for your outdoor adventure, is finding a way to fit it all in your pack while staying organized. Compression cubes are a must for any trip! Tripped Travel Gear offers plenty of styles and sizes of compression cubes to pick from as well as awesome day packs to pack in!
Final Notes
Remember, this is your trip! Use this as a guide to ensure you have the necessities, but it all will vary based on climate and activity level.
Happy packing!
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