Unless you’re trekking in Nepal or Patagonia or traversing glaciers in Antarctica, wearing “adventure clothing” is mostly unnecessary. Sure, limited suitcase or backpack space may be prohibitive and multipurpose items like the aforementioned zip-off cargo pants may seem very practical. But if you were wandering the streets of your own city for the day, would you whip out the cargos and hiking boots? Think about that. If you’re in a city, dress for the city. If you’re at the beach, dress for the beach. Polar fleece isn’t an all occasion fabric. Nor are board shorts an all-occasion pant.
One of my most frequently asked questions about backpacks is about size. Everyone wants to know what the perfect size is. No one backpack size is better than another. What matters is that your backpack should be proportional to your body – that might mean a backpack that is 40 liters or 60 liters. If your backpack is too big or too small, the weight won’t be balanced properly and will cause back pain or maybe even make you topple over. You don’t want a skyscraper rising up from your back, but you also don’t want a pack that is clearly too small and overflowing with your stuff.
Multiple compartments – A good bag must to have multiple compartments. This way, you can break up your belongings into smaller sections so it’s easier to access and find the stuff you need. For example, my clothes are in the main compartment of my bag, my umbrella and flips-flops in the top, and my shoes in the separated side compartment (that way they don’t get everything dirty). It saves having to dig around your bag.
Hiking gear : In terms of the t-shirts and long-sleeve hiking shirts you should go for a lightweight breathable fabric like merino wool or polyester. As you will be sweating a lot each day, you want a shirt that dries quickly and performs well in moist / wet environments. You do not want to trek in cotton as it is hydrophilic and inhibits moisture transfer. Nylon is okay but does not breathe as well as merino or polyester.
Backpacking Essentials : Sleeping Bag: After packing my food and camera bag into the main compartment of my backpack I take the sleeping bag and stuff it into any open spaces. This allows me to easily stuff my sleeping bag into places that would be wasted space otherwise & protects my camera gear and food from getting damaged while hiking & climbing. Don’t use the sleeping bag stuff sack, it wastes space! Next I’ll shake the backpacking bag up and down. This allow all the gear to compress and settle into place for efficient volume and weight distribution. Hiking shoes : Backpacking boots: These are designed to carry heavier loads on multiday trips deep into the backcountry. Most have a high cut that wraps above the ankles for excellent support. Durable and supportive, with stiffer midsoles than lighter footwear, they are suitable for on- or off-trail travel. Materials impact a boot’s weight, breathability, durability and water resistance. Full-grain leather: Full-grain leather offers excellent durability and abrasion resistance and very good water resistance. It’s most commonly used in backpacking boots built for extended trips, heavy loads and rugged terrain. It is not as light or breathable as nylon/split-grain leather combinations. Ample break-in time is needed before starting an extended trip.
Wear your most comfortable pair of jeans or leggings-preferably in a dark color. Top off your look with a simple tee and a cozy sweater or relaxed blazer. Finally, twist on a scarf (or pack one in your carry-on). We all know that planes get chilly! I usually like to keep my jacket and scarf packed in my carry-on to cut down on the time I spend getting ready to go through security. If I already have these layers off, then I don’t need to worry about taking them on and off during the security screening. Once I’m through security, I usually pile these items on to prepare for the artic temps to come on the plane.
For more Holiday fashion checklist please visit Latest news about the fashion industry.