Spring is here, and what better time to go adventuring? Trees are in bloom, the weather is perfect and the world is wide open! Now is the time to try something new, step out of your comfort zone and have an exciting experience.
But adventures are always better, easier and safer with gadgets! We know that space is limited when you’re out and about on an adventure. But we also know that carrying a few carefully selected items with you can make your life easier and your experience more fun.
Here are our top 5 pieces of gear every adventurer must have when they’re in the middle of a quest!
Photo by Adrian Pelletier on Unsplash
A Backpack
You can have as many gadgets and gear items as you want, but you need somewhere to keep them! A high-quality backpack is very important as it will not only help you to carry your essential items but it will also keep them safe.
Backpacks come in various sizes. The one you need will depend on your preferred kind of adventuring. If you’re only planning on being out for a day, a 30 to 35-liter backpack should be sufficient.
For weekend adventures, a 40 to 50-liter pack may be better. This will allow you space to carry all your essentials, including clothing, sleeping bag, a tent, food, and even a small camping stove.
Backpackers can choose anything from 60 liters to over 100 liters. Usually, a 60-liter backpack will be fine for a backpacker, but remember to pack light! Anything above 100 liters is usually used for mountaineering trips and may be a bit much, especially for smaller adventurers.
Look for a backpack that's made of strong material and has external storage attachment points like pockets, webbing, hooks or straps. Some come with a built-in hydration system, which we highly recommend considering if you’re going to be on your feet with your backpack for an extended period of time.
Navigation Gear
If you’re doing any adventure that requires you being outdoors for an extended period of time, a navigation tool is a must. Not only is it just a cool piece of gear, but it also gives you some peace of mind. No matter where you are, if you know how to use your navigator properly, you can always find your way.
Topping the list of modern navigators are GPS smartwatches. Some are made specifically for hiking or even mountaineering. These include features like an altimeter, a barometer, a compass, and of course GPS.
If you want a more old-school, exciting navigation tool, invest in a real compass and learn how to use it! Using nothing but a compass can be an adventure in itself, especially if you’re interested in adventures of the survivalist type or going off the grid.
A Power Bank
If you aren’t a survival fan who wants to go completely off the grid, a power bank is an essential piece of gear to have with you. You don’t want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere with no way of contacting someone if you need help!
These come in a variety of sizes. You’ll see a number that ends in mAh. The higher this number, the more powerful the power bank is. That means you can charge more devices, or the same device more times.
A small device will be around 100mAh, and medium ones go up to about 5000mAh. If you want a serious power bank that will hold a lot of charge and be sure to see you through in an emergency, you can get one up to 12000mAh.
Obviously, you need to choose one that you’ll be able to carry around with you easily. In some cases, you may have to sacrifice power for physical size so you can slip it easily into a backpack!
A First Aid Kit
Safety can never be understated. You should never let irrational fears prevent you from having epic adventures! But being prepared for aches, pains, and small accidents is always a good idea.
You can buy a ready-made first kit or put together your own. Creating your own is a great idea, as you can pick and choose items that are more appropriate for the type of adventuring you’ll be doing. You can also find an appropriate container that will be easy to fit into your backpack.
We recommend adding the following items as a base:
- Disposable gloves
- Scissors & tweezers
- Alcohol swabs
- Band aids (of various sizes)
- Bandages (also of varying sizes)
- A triangular sling
- Sterile gauze
- An eye dressing
- Cream for insect bites or stings
- Antiseptic cream
- Antihistamines
- Painkillers
- Anti-nausea medication
It’s also an excellent idea to learn some basic first aid if you're planning on adventuring. You never know when you may need to use it on yourself, or you may even need to save someone else’s life.
A Multi-Tool
Adventuring is best done when you pack light! It can become difficult trying to pack two different types of knives, a screwdriver, a bottle opener and a pair of pliers into your backpack. Not to mention how difficult it would be to find them when you need them.
That’s why a multi-tool is an essential piece of gear for adventurers. You can get anywhere from just a few to 20+ functions on a multi-tool. This depends on which brand you choose, how much you’re willing to spend and what your needs are.
They come in various models and styles. The most well-known is a foldable style that opens up to reveal pliers with two handles, out of which pop many different tools. Smaller ones may have a single handle like a knife, with tools packed into it.
More convenient options include keyring multi-tools and even those which come in bracelet form, so it’s close at hand.
With one of these on your belt, you won’t need to worry. Whether it’s chopping through a branch to build something, making your own bait so you can catch dinner or opening a can of baked beans, you’ll be covered.
Conclusion
No matter what kind of adventures you prefer, these are the best pieces of gear every adventurer must have in their stash. They’re not just exciting gadgets or fun new items. One of these could actually save your life out in the wilderness!
You can find each one of these items in various sizes, styles, and price ranges. Shop around and find what’s best for you, but above all, have fun and stay safe!