From Himalayan treks to strolls through Arizona’s red rock wonderland, REI understands adventure travel better than most. We partner with expert planners at Intrepid to bring you some of the world’s best domestic and international trips, all guided by experienced local leaders.
But what do you pack on a multiday hiking trip punctuated by stays in mountain lodges? Or on an inn-based national park tour? To answer these questions and more, we consulted expert-level travelers to create the ultimate adventure travel packing list below. More than a simple laundry list of items to toss into your bag, it's meant to help you curate the perfect kit of gear for your next awe-inspiring journey.
My Expertise: I’m a dual-citizen and lifelong traveler who took her first international flight at 3 weeks old. In addition to being (at times) hilariously type A and nerdy about organization, I’ve also spent the last seven years as a full-time adventure travel writer. I’ve trekked the Annapurna Circuit, kayaked Alaskan fjords, hiked in Antarctica, backpacked the John Muir Trail, summited numerous 14ers, and had a run-in with a curious grizzly bear in Gates of the Arctic. I love making people’s wildest travel dreams come true by helping them find the best gear for the ride.
Use the links below to jump to the sections most relevant to your trip:
- Documents, Money and Travel Info
- Packs/Luggage and Organizing Gear
- Clothing & Footwear
- Electronics and Tech Essentials
- Toiletries, Medications and Personal Items
- Travel and Camping Gear
- Miscellaneous and Fun Items
- Pro Tips for Packing
Editor's Note: This checklist was updated on March 18, 2026 with more information about what to pack and why.
Documents, Money and Travel Info
You'll have more fun and be able to relax if you figure out logistics ahead of your trip. To avoid unnecessary hiccups at the airport and on arrival day, double-check that essentials like itineraries and your passport are packed in a purse or carry-on bag where you have easy access to them.
- Passport or REAL ID: You’ll need a passport to travel internationally, and most countries require that it be valid for at least six months beyond your travel date, so check the expiration date. Within the U.S., a REAL ID or passport is required to board domestic flights.
- Driver's license: Even if you aren’t flying, you’ll likely need a driver’s license or other official identification to check into hotels and book tours.
- Money: Consider bringing a credit card, cash for tipping and local currency, especially in countries where credit card payment isn’t always available.
- Travel insurance: Many U.S. health care plans don't cover you abroad. It’s a good idea to nab an affordable travel insurance plan to cover any gaps while you’re adventuring. Some countries may require travel insurance for entry or for longer stays.
- Entry visa (or any required paperwork): Check visa requirements for international travel as soon as you book your trip so you have time to complete applications and gather paperwork. Research recommended vaccinations for the country where you are traveling and bring related paperwork with you.
- Photocopies of important documents: Carry copies separate from originals, in case they get lost or stolen. (If you know you’ll have reliable access to the internet, you can keep copies in a cloud storage service.)
- Printed itineraries: Bring printed backups of your trip itinerary, flight information, backcountry permits, and reservation confirmations (guided tours, hotel, rental car, etc.).
- List of key phone numbers: Print out a list of important phone numbers (family, partner, doctors) to bring with you, in case your phone is lost or stolen.
Packs/Luggage and Organizing Gear
Consider your trip style—whether hotel-based or self-supported trekking—when choosing a bag. Wheeled luggage can be a breeze at airports, but may be cumbersome on cobblestone streets, up stairs or along rough terrain. Meanwhile, multiday travel backpacks and duffels make for more seamless transitions between camps and small villages but may cause physical strain.
- Travel pack, overnight backpack, wheeled luggage or duffel bag: Rolling suitcases are convenient for hotel-based trips, but a travel pack or backpack can help you stay nimble in towns, on gravel roads or on public transportation with limited storage. Read more about How to Choose Luggage, Packs and Bags.
- Daypack or waist pack: A lightweight daypack is useful for carrying essentials like your phone, camera, snacks, and a water bottle for day activities.
- Packing cubes and organizers: Packing cubes keep clothing organized; compression cubes help save space by cinching items down.
- Pack raincover or pack liner: Many brands have fitted rain covers; a pack liner (or a large garbage bag) adds protection.
- Dry bag: Handy for separating wet and dry clothes or protecting gear like a sleeping bag from rain.
- Resealable plastic bags: Useful for snacks, leftovers and waterproofing small electronics.
- Luggage locks: Helpful on buses or trains where your luggage is stored separately. Choose TSA-approved locks, and attach your favorite luggage tags for easier bag recognition on the carousel.
Guided trip vs. self-supported
For trekking and self-supported trips, pay attention to the weight of each item. While you might enjoy having a big daypack, laundry bag and packing cubes on hotel-based trips, those items may feel unnecessary and heavy on a backpacking trip.
Clothing & Footwear
When possible, choose quick-dry clothing that packs small, wicks sweat, dries fast, and won’t wrinkle. Look for clothes that can serve more than one purpose, and base your choices on the type of trip, length of stay, and weather conditions you expect for the month or season you’re traveling in.
Hiking footwear, sandals and other footwear
- Hiking shoes: Good-quality, comfortable hiking or trekking shoes are essential for trips that involve active days on your feet. Look for stable construction and grippy outsoles. If you're buying a new pair, break them in ahead of time. Ankle support and waterproofing are nice to have, but not deal-breakers.
- Sandals: Lightweight sandals make a good second pair for relaxing around camp or at lounging at the end of the day.
- Casual shoes: Depending on your itinerary, you may want a third slightly dressier option. Choose simple flats or loafers that match a variety of outfits and are comfortable to walk around in at museums and temples.
Clothing
- Socks: Choose synthetic or wool hiking socks for trekking. They offer hike-specific padding and arch support, and are often designed to help minimize blisters. Avoid cotton. For mountain trips, pack a thicker pair for sleeping.
- Underwear/sports bras: Pack at least three pairs of moisture-wicking underwear (or one per day for inn-based trips) and two bras that are comfortable for hiking and active movement.
- Moisture-wicking shirts: For quick-drying action, you can’t go wrong with synthetic fabrics. Wool is also moisture-wicking and naturally antimicrobial, meaning that it won’t stink up as quickly.
- Pants/shorts: Look for synthetic bottoms that dry quickly and resist wrinkles, so you can wear them over and over again (or do a little sink laundry). Neutral colors double nicely for town days.
- Long-sleeve shirts (for sun, bugs): Long-sleeve sun shirts protect against sun exposure and insects.
- Lightweight puffy jacket: A lightweight insulated jacket packs down small and will keep you comfy if temperatures plummet.
- Rainwear (jacket and pants): Grab a good rain shell and rain pants, and they’ll last you for years of outdoor adventures.
- Sun-shielding cap or hat: A cap or brimmed hat helps protect your face and neck when the sun is strong. A chin strap is useful for windy conditions.
- Sleepwear: Choose whatever you like to sleep in, whether it’s pajamas or a simple T-shirt.
- Swimsuit: Pack a swimsuit or swim shorts if your trip includes hot springs, swimming or time near water.
- Town outfits: Many tours (even trekking ones) host a welcome and a closing dinner. Consider a simple travel dress or nice trousers and a button-down shirt.
- Bandana or neckwear: Shields the sun from your neck and even makes a great impromptu pee rag.
- Base layers: Merino wool or synthetic base layers wick moisture away while keeping you insulated. These can double as toasty sleepwear on tent-based trips.
Lightweight fleece or jacket: A puffer or similar midlayer is a versatile choice for colder conditions. Read more in Layering Basics.
Gloves or mittens: Waterproof gloves are ideal for cold or wet conditions; liner gloves work for high-output activities like trail running.
Warm hat: A beanie that packs down small and covers your ears adds warmth.
Electronics and Tech Essentials
These days, it’s hard to escape modern technology, even on a rustic camping trip. GPS devices, high-quality cameras, and smartphones have become staples for navigation and international treks. Here are the key electronics to consider for adventure travel.
Cellphone: About as essential as it gets. Use your phone to snap photos, look up information on the fly, navigate roads or trails, or translate foreign languages.
Charging and power: Double-check that you have the right charging cables, plugs, converters, portable power banks (charge them first), and electrical adapters for the region you are visiting. Pack extra batteries in a resealable plastic bag. Learn more in our guide, How to Choose to Travel Power Adapters.
Headphones: A lightweight, wireless pair is ideal for airport days and listening to music before bed.
Camera: If you aren't not relying on your phone, pack your camera in a padded case or camera cube for protection. A gallon-size resealable bag offers easy waterproofing. Action cameras are another option.
GPS watch: If you don't want to constantly check your phone for navigation, consider a GPS watch, portable GPS device or paper maps. Download maps before leaving home in case Wi-Fi isn't available.
Toiletries, Medications and Personal Items
Personal items are, well, personal. While many backpackers might skimp on the creature comforts and cut off half of their toothbrush to save weight, other travelers might find their bedtime routine soothing and worthy of the extra weight and packing space. Here are the main items to remember.'
Medications
- Prescription medications: Make a checklist and pack everything in its original bottle, in case of airport restrictions. A pill case can be nice once you arrive, to help you stay organized.
- Spare eyeglasses or contact lenses: The last thing you want is to not be able to see the place you traveled to.
Toiletries
- Hand sanitizer: Get a TSA-size bottle or spray to stash in your purse, carry-on, or daypack. Use after the bathroom and before camp meals.
- Skin lotion or balm: Some climates might be much drier than you’re accustomed to. Pack travel-size lotion to keep hands from cracking, or opt for lightweight moisturizing balm.
- Earplugs and eyemask: Great travel hacks for sleeping on the airplane (or under the midnight sun).
- Travel clothesline and travel packets of detergent (for longer trips): While you should never use soap to wash clothes in a natural stream or lake, having something you can easily string up in a hotel or hostel shower can make your packed clothes go a lot further.
- Toiletry bag: To keep small items separate/organized.
Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, shampoo, conditioner, cosmetics, face wipes, tissues or toilet paper, deodorant, brush/comb, razor, nail clippers, feminine products
Health and Safety:
First-aid kit (see our First-Aid Checklist): A simple one- to two-day backpacking first-aid kit is often enough for self-guided trekking. Include over-the-counter pain relievers and bandages in a variety of sizes. Guided trekking and backpacking trips typically have large first-aid kits carried by the guide.
Sunglasses or glacier glasses: Protecting your eyes is important in wilderness environments, where the sun can beat down for hours. Don't forget sunglass straps, especially for river trips or windy conditions.
Sunscreen: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or above and water-resistant. Double-check that it’s reef safe if you plan on jumping into the ocean.
SPF-rated lip balm: No one wants blistered lips. This is important for ski and snow trips.
Insect repellent: Whether you prefer DEET or other alternatives, research the insects in the area you’ll be traveling and come prepared. Insect bite treatment can be useful, should you miss a spot.
Travel and Camping Gear
Whether you sleep in a tent, bed down in a comfy hotel or stay in a traditional Moroccan riad after a fabulous day of hiking and rafting, there are a few assorted items that every adventure traveler needs.Hotels vs. mountain huts
A “mountain hut” means different things in different countries, and you might be surprised at the camping gear you’ll need in these cabin-adjacent lodgings. For example, you might need a zero-degree sleeping bag in Nepal’s unheated alpine guesthouses, a cooking kit in Iceland’s remote shelters, and nearly nothing in Switzerland’s mountain huts, if you’re paying for half-board, which often includes a prepared breakfast and dinner.
- Sleeping bag or quilt: Down sleeping bags offer the most warmth for the weight and pack down small. Remote guesthouses and huts may require that you bring your own sleeping bag.
- Sleeping pad: Self-inflating pads are bulky and cumbersome. Pack a lightweight closed-cell foam pad or an air pad that rolls down small. Most cabins and developed mountain huts do not require a sleeping pad, though rugged shelters, like those found along the Appalachian Trail, might.
- Camp cookware: Many guided trips require that you bring at least a travel plate, spork and mug. For self-supported treks, pack a portable stove and purchase fuel after your flight. You cannot fly with gas or compressed fuels in a commercial aircraft.
- Food, day snacks, and treats: Even on a guided trip, it’s nice to bring a few of your favorite chocolates or energy bars. Plan and purchase meals in advance.
- Trowel and toilet paper (if self-supported): Pack a lightweight, slim trowel and toilet paper. Bring along an extra resealable baggy or two to pack out dirty TP when you’re done.
Miscellaneous and Fun Items
These items won’t make or break your trip, but they can go a long way in keeping you happy and comfortable.
- Water bottle or hydration reservoir: This is crucial for staying hydrated on long flights, while hiking and at altitude.
- Water treatment system or tablets: If you’re trekking self-supported or traveling in a country where the water might not be safe to drink, having a system to kill harmful viruses and bacteria is essential.
- Headlamp or flashlight: Great for those late-night moments when nature calls, or reading in a shared space after hours.
- Binoculars: Excellent for wildlife watching, route finding or birding.
- Trekking poles: Excellent for reducing knee strain on long downhills.
- Knife or multi-tool: If you know you like to hike or camp with a trusty blade, just be sure to pack it in your checked luggage before flying.
- Carabiners: Useful for clipping wet or bulky gear to the outside of your pack.
- Entertainment: Wind down with a book/reading material, a lightweight game or deck of cards, or a well-worn journal or sketchbook. A local language phrasebook or app can also be a fun challenge in your down time.
- Travel towel: Find a small, lightweight microfiber towel for drying off after river crossings, visiting hot springs or jumping in a lake.
- Sleep sheet (or sleeping bag liner): This can add great comfort if you want a little extra warmth from your bag or you’re renting a bag from your trekking company.
- Travel pillow: If you know, you know. Nothing is more vital while traveling than sleep, and a packable travel pillow can help ensure you get some much-needed slumber.
Pro Tips for Packing
We consulted the pros for some of their tried-and-tested advice on smart packing for adventure travel. Here’s what they suggest.
- When in doubt, pack lighter. You'll often need less than you think you. Select items that serve multiple functions, like dark-colored trekking pants that can double as in-town slacks or a bandana doubles as a towel. Learn more in How to Pack Light for Traveling.
- Keep important documents on you. Carry passports, IDs, and key paperwork in a secure, concealed pocket. Store paper copies and/or digital photos of important documents in a separate, retrievable place in case the originals are lost or stolen.
- Use your carry-on wisely. Pack toiletries, chargers and a change of clothes in your carry-on bag, in case your checked bag gets lost or delayed. Be sure to place all essential documents (IDs, flight reservations, itineraries, etc.) in your carry-on, as well.
- Don't forget The Ten Essentials. If your adventure takes you to the backcountry and you're not traveling with a guided group, remember to bring The Ten Essentials.
- Know the rules before you go. Consult your destination's customs regulations and TSA's What Can I Bring?
- Maximize space. Roll clothing or use compression sacks to squeeze out unnecessary air and save precious space in your luggage.
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