Are you planning an excursion? Yet, you are confused about what to pack for your excursions. Packing excursion essentials is important to make your trip comfortable and successful. These essentials can vary a lot depending on your choice of location for the excursion. No matter what you have planned, there are some common things that you can always put on your list for your next excursion..
Best Excursion Essentials List
Packing for excursion sounds exciting. But what should I pack? Well, there is no limit to that. But, you can take these front line items to make your excursion a memorable one.
1.Map and Compass
Your excursion may turn disappointing if you are lost in a hike for example. Wasting time on trying to find your way is a waste of the excursion.. This can be frustrating. So, it is wise to add navigation tools in your checklist.
The map keeps you on track to your target destination, and the compass makes sure that you are moving in the right direction. Both come handy when you are entirely lost in an unknown place. Yes your phone compass and map helps, but keep these handy just in case your phone dies or there is no cell reception for google maps to work.
2. Comfortable Shoes
Choose the best comfortable shoes for the excursion. You can take flip flops, sandals, boots or even running shoes. Make sure you have proper footwear for your excursion activity and the weather.. If you are going to a beach, then flip-flops are the best option. Walking shoes if you are going on a hike.
What you can do if you are not completely sure of the activity you will be doing at the excursion? Choose comfortable footwear that you can walk and run in and also won’t mind getting a bit dirty or wet with. You can always pack an extra set of footwear..
3. Sun Protection
You don’t really want a sunburn as your souvenir from an excursion.. So, sun protection items like sunglasses and Sunscreen are a must to pack. Other than that, you can choose long protecting clothes for places with the hot summer heat.
Sunglasses prevent UV rays from directly affecting your eyes. Also, they are trendy and stylish making those selfies pop on Instagram. On the other hand, Sunscreen avoids premature skin aging, sunburn, and possible skin cancer – so safety first!
Try Sunscreen with SPF 30 or above. That is better for outdoor excursions. Apply Sunscreen on your face, neck, arms and shoulders and any exposed part of your skin.. Some people only apply sunscreen on the face and leave the rest unprotected from the harmful UV rays. That does not help much in the scorching heat of the sun.
4. First Aid Kit
First Aid kit is a must-add item in the checklist. It is not unusual to cut, strain, scrap, or scratch your skin in the middle of hiking. You must take some quick medical actions for that. A first-aid kit comes handy here.
A first aid kit must have some common items in it. These include-
- Scissors.
- Medical tape.
- Sterile Gauze Pads.
- Antiseptic wash.
- Disposable gloves.
- Elastic bandage.
- Instant cold packs.
- Tweezers.
- Thermometer.
- Sterile Saline.
- Antibiotic ointment.
- And many more.
5. Pocket Knife
Knives are of real importance for first aid, food preparation, kindling, or any emergency condition. Take a lightweight pocket knife for an excursion. Choose a pocket knife like a swiss army knife. This can be handy in any tough condition.
There are knives with additional features. They can have a corkscrew, bottle opener, small blade, toothpick, reamer, tweezers, and many more. You can also take other items along with a knife if you are up for a camping adventure.
These items can be tent poles, duct tape, cordage, sleeping pad, snowshoes, crampons, skis, and many more. Again pack according to what the excurcion calls for.
6. Food and Water
Take some high-calorie light foods like walnuts, energy bars, dried fruits, etc. which can provide the energy you need on the go. Other than that, you should also carry some freshwater.
How much water should I carry for my adventure? It is better to carry at least a litre of freshwater. Other than that, do not take two to three sips at a time. Walk slowly and breathe to cut your water demand.
7. Fire Starter
Your excursion may require a campfire after dusk. Also, a campfire is important for cooking, or to get warm when it gets chilly out after sunset. A fire means you need a fire starter for that. You can take disposable butane lighter or a matchbox for that.
If you are up for a trip where there are least chances of getting firewood, then you can take skewers and smores for treats on the campfire.. In the case of a matchbox, try to keep it dry at all times.
8. Extra Clothes
It would be wise to take an extra pair of clothes on an excursion. Conditions can turn wet with an unexpected rain shower, or there could have been a situation where you cut your clothes.
You can also take extra items of clothing to keep you warm. Yes, a lite jacket, gloves, socks can insulate you from the cold wind. Other than that, carrying a hat can prevent sunburn and keep you cool in the scorching sun.
9. Binoculars
Binocular is amazing to view the natural scene from a long distance. Also, it is handy to locate your target destination from far. If you are cruising through a river, then this may come handy to enjoy some natural beauty.
Binoculars come with wide variations. Among those, there are six major types to look at while you are up for an excursion. They are-
- Roof prism binoculars.
- Porro prism binoculars.
- Night vision binoculars.
- Marine binoculars.
- Astronomy binoculars.
- Opera glasses.
10. Flash Light
This is important if your excursion leads to an overnight stay. Even in daylight, you may need a flashlight in a cave or under a tunnel. Most travelers take a headlamp or torch for that purpose. Make sure you have an extra pair of batteries for the flash light.
The excursion list can be long, depending on your needs. But, the above-listed items are the most common in every excursion. So, make a list and then pack your bag for an exciting excursion adventure. Now go make happy memories!
