Essentials to Go
Among handy items to pack, you'll find that Ziploc bags are very useful—good for wet items, medication, shampoo bottles, soap and dirty laundry. Consider wrapping a couple feet of duct tape around a pen or marker. This works great to fix broken sandal straps, luggage handles or for any other unexpected repairs. Avoid camera calamities and pack extra batteries in addition to extra film. Pick up some wet wipes for washing your face, wiping hands, and cleaning sand or dirt off of personal belongings. None of these will add much weight or take up a lot of space in your baggage. The Society of American Travel Writers lists other items every traveler should carry: photocopies of your credit cards (carry copies separately from your cards), photocopies of prescriptions for necessary medicines or eyeglasses, Imodium (for diarrhea), a pocket flashlight, and your address book.
Pack a "Daytime Bag"
If you're planning a rafting vacation or any other trip that involves packing away the bulk of your belongings and keeping a day bag with you that contains essential items, try this. Pack all the items you'll need access to during the day (sun block, camera, raingear, medications, etc) in a separate bag and pack it near the top of your main bag. When it comes time to decide what you want to keep with you during the day, you will have already made the decision. This will be much easier, quicker, and you'll be sure not to forget any essential items.
Carry a Carabiner
For any adventure trip, it's nice to keep your important gear easily accessible. One of the best ways to do this is with a carabiner. The carabiner's oval-shape and simple gate mechanism allow you to quickly and easily clip your water bottle, cup, or camera nearby. Carabiners can be purchased at a local recreation or climbing shop or you can buy a carabiner online.
Don't be a Pack Rat
Sharpen your packing skills and save yourself loads of travel stress. Choose lightweight apparel. Make sure that some of your clothing does double duty: a sarong can be used as a skirt and beach cover-up. Convertible pants work as both a pair of shorts and a pair of pants - not to mention their versatility in temperature fluctuations
Dress in Layers
If you're participating in any outdoor adventure, you will be most comfortable if you are able to adjust layers of clothing according to the temperature and weather conditions. We suggest you prepare for three weather scenarios—cold or wet days, hot days, and cool evenings and mornings in camp. Much of our apparel is made from lightweight, quick-drying, moisture-wicking materials like polyester, nylon, polypropylene, capilene or fleece. You may occasionally find a cotton T-shirt comfortable on hot, sunny days, but cotton clothing is best saved for evenings and mornings when you are not involved in active adventure.
