Packing List for Outdoor Adventure

National Geographic conducted a study in 2002 that showed adventure travel accounts for about 20 percent of the leisure travel industry. If you are part of the 20 percent who enjoy active travel options, then you'll need to know what to take with you on your trip. Packing for an outdoor adventure is vital for comfort, and sometimes for survival. There are some specific items you'll want to include in your outdoor gear.

  1. Protective Gear

    • Protective gear will help you stay healthy and alert while on your adventure. Depending upon the length of your trip and whether it is summer or winter, you may need items such as rain gear, a tent, sunglasses, sunscreen, a blanket and a jacket.

    Keeping Your Orientation

    • Knowing where you are at any given time can help avoid hours spent wandering in a forest or national park while you try to figure out which direction to head. A few items that may help you keep you stay oriented include a map, a compass and a GPS. It can be a good idea to take along some flares in case you get hurt and have to signal to others where you are located.

    Food and Water

    • Take enough water and food to last you through your trip, as well as some extra in case you spend more time on your adventure than you originally planned. Freeze-dried food carries well on a backpacking trip, as does jerky. According to Outdoor Adventures, you will need at least two liters of water per day per person. Experienced hikers and cyclists often leave gallon jugs of water in the car so they have a fresh supply before hitting the trail.

    Survival Gear

    • You'll also need some survival gear when you head into the great outdoors. For mountain climbers, this might includes ropes and knives. A hiker might need a Swiss army knife and a first aid kit. Some items that might come in handy no matter what sport or adventure you are partaking in are water purification tablets, AM/FM radio, flashlight and batteries, waterproof matches, survival whistle and leather work gloves.