The Perfect Kit for Adventure Travel

Made with fully recycled TPU-coated nylon and featuring Marie-Kondo-worthy organizational system (seven pockets, including laptop and tablet sleeves), the bestselling Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack is a tried-and-true companion for weekend getaways and longer trips. Just ask REI senior operations specialist Emily Schrick, who counts it as her go-to bag. “The dividers in the pack are perfect for organizing clothes without needing extra packing cubes, and the zippered top-front compartment is perfect for stowing a toiletry bag,” she says. Cotopaxi updated the Allpa 35 with better weight distribution and an exterior water bottle pocket, but this hauler still features a three-sided zipper for open-and-lay-flat access.

If your adventure travel involves ample time rolling around airports and paved city sidewalks, the Thule Aion Carry-On Spinner Wheeled Luggage is a primo companion. It boasts a handy 35 liters of volume (so it meets most airline carry-on size restrictions) and comes with a compression packing cube, perfect for cinching down clothes until they’re truly tiny. The bag’s exterior is made with recycled bluesign®-approved waxed polyester canvas so it’s lightly weatherproof, and its front pocket makes storing quick-grab essentials, like a jacket and travel documents, easy. 

Wheeled duffels are all the rage right now. The Osprey Farpoint Fairview 36 is an ideal hybrid of an airport-friendly roller bag and a backpacker-style pack. Its 36 liters of space meets carry-on size limits for most airlines and it has stowable shoulder and hip straps that make it perfect for brief sightseeing stints or short transfers on both cobblestone streets and unpaved paths. It’s the ultimate adventure companion for when you arrive and want to see the sights before strolling over and checking into your hotel.

For travelers who need more space and don't mind checking a bag, the REI Co-op Big Haul 34” offers the roomy capacity of a traditional duffel, oversize wheels and a water-resistant recycled ripstop nylon exterior that protects the contents from light rain and snow. Two external pockets make grabbing small travel essentials, like a rain jacket, quick and painless, while exterior compression straps help keep your load compact. 

Essential for staying organized (and fitting everything into your travel pack), these compression packing cubes feature straps or extra-strong zippers to squish your clothes, shoes, and everything else into a smaller, more packable space. These packing cubes from Thule are semi-transparent, so you can easily tell the difference between your underwear and sweaters when on the go.

The REI Co-op Sahara Hoodie is a favorite travel piece because it’s lightweight, versatile and works well in a wide range of conditions. From backpacking Joshua Tree National Park or paddling Alaska's bays, pull on this sun shirt to wick moisture and protect yourself from the blazing sun without having to constantly lather on sunscreen. It's breathable, comfortable and soft enough to wear all day.

Stashing a couple of pairs of quick-drying, synthetic hiking pants in your bag is always a great idea. The prAna Stretch Zion pants are built to handle big miles, while still looking hip enough to wear into town for a craft beer with your crew when you’re done. Plus, they sport an UPF rating of 50+ to help protect your skin from the harsh sun. 

Perhaps you’re traveling to a climate where it’s hot and humid, or you want a set of trail shorts that pack down small and can double as swim trunks. The Trailmade Shorts from REI Co-op have a comfy elastic waistband, zippered security pocket, and a cord loop to quickly hang a hat or sunglasses. They’re also made of quick-drying bluesign®-approved nylon and spandex.

For days when the forecast is questionable, pack these durable REI Co-op Activator soft-shell trail pants. Made from four‑way stretch fabric, these pants offer an excellent combination of wind resistance, water repellency and breathability. They’re also lightweight, stretchy and quick-drying enough to hand wash, and they have key travel-pant features, like three secured zippered pockets for small essentials.

Not all trails are created equal. When you’re heading to a new locale, it’s pretty darn likely that you’ll encounter new terrain that might be wetter, drier or simply more rugged than you’re used to. Salomon’s X Ultra 5 Mid Boots are revered for their stability, grip and waterproofing, helping you stay dry and focused, wherever your adventures unfold. $190

The lightweight and windproof, the Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket is a dependable choice for travel. This synthetic layer packs down small and delivers reliable warmth even when wet. The shell is made from 100% recycled ripstop polyester with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish for just enough protection in light rain. Available in sizes XXS–XXL. For travelers looking for additional sizes, the REI Co-op Microtrek Insulated Hoodie is available in 1X—3X.

No one wants to be caught off guard when bad weather rolls in. The REI Co-op XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket weighs just 11.3 ounces (for a women’s medium) and packs down into its own small pocket, so it’s easy to stow in your pack. Pit zips let you ventilate where you need it most, should you get caught in a storm on a big walking day, while a built-in hanger loop makes for easy drip-drying when you’re back at camp or the lodge.

Are you the type of traveler who’s always getting errant cords and chargers tangled in a heap? We know the feeling. The Cotopaxi Viaje Tech Organizer keeps unruly cables and power banks securely stored and organized for easy access in your carry-on luggage. $60

Weighing just over a pound, the BioLite Charge 80 PD Power Bank packs loads of charging capacity into one seriously petite package. Its impressive 20,000 mAh (74 Wh) is enough to fully charge a laptop from empty, but we recommend spreading out its power load to a handful of smaller essentials, like your phone, headlamp, camera, or portable GPS device. This device comes equipped with one USB-C and two USB-A outlets. Just make sure you have the right adapter for outlets in South America, Europe and other destinations.

You don't have to be an influencer to appreciate the new tech packed into this popular action camera. Weighing around 5 ounces (without batteries), the Insta360 X5 is easy to pack so you can capture immersive, detailed footage on your next adventure. The X5 has a longer-lasting battery, better lenses and an improved microphone compared with the X4. Shoot in 360° and edit shots and angles later.

As big-time adventure travelers, we tend to keep our dopp kits at the ready, so we don’t forget toiletries when we’re rushing to the airport. The Peak Design Wash Pouch neatly fits bathroom essentials like toothpaste, shampoo, and floss into pint-size compartments that help you stay organized every step of your journey. 

There’s no reason you can’t tote your favorite conditioner or face cream with you on your next travel adventure. This three-pack of TSA-compliant squeeze bottles by humangear is reusable and easy to fill. So, go ahead. Keep yourself feeling (and smelling) fabulous on your epic excursion.  

Wearing compression socks on long flights and active itineraries is a science-proven way to reduce leg fatigue and support circulation. The Sockwell Circulator series is made with a blend of merino wool, stretch nylon and bamboo rayon, so the socks are naturally lightweight and sweat-wicking, helping you transition from plane to pavement comfortably. 

Take it from a professional traveler: It’s far easier to sleep on planes and in unfamiliar hotel rooms with a good sleep mask and comfortable earplugs. Lightweight (just 1.1 ounces) and featuring a cooling liner for comfortable wear in any climate, the Matador Blackout Sleep Mask and Earplugs fit the bill.

If you’re checking a bag, it can be helpful to have a daypack that folds down flat or a carry-on that can double as a hiking backpack once you reach your destination. The REI Co-op Trail 25 Pack fits both needs nicely, all while offering day trip essentials like water bottle pouches, a hydration-compatible sleeve and plenty of space for snacks and extra layers. We also love that it’s well-suited for a wide variety of body types.

Lightweight wool hiking socks are an ideal way to keep your feet feeling fresh on long trips. Not only are these merino wool socks from REI Co-op naturally breathable and anti-microbial, they’re also great at wicking sweat, helping your tootsies stay dry and blister-free on long days of exploring.

Maybe you’re embarking on a more village- or city-based trip to another country, and you aren’t sure if the water (or ice!) is safe to drink. The LifeStraw Sip model is compact and ultralight, fitting handily into a purse or a pocket for quick and easy use in restaurants and hotels.

Weighing just 8 ounces, this Nomadix microfiber towel is a road trip and adventure travel must-have. It’s about the size of a regular bath towel (54 x 30 inches), therefore perfect for impromptu picnics, hostel shower time and drying off after a hot spring soak. Want something even more petite? The brand’s Bandana Towel boasts the same uber-soft fabric in a teeny-tiny, backpacking-friendly size.  

It’s hard to overstate the importance of a good sun hat with a chin strap for boat trips, trail rides, and windy days. The Sahara Guide Hat from REI Co-op has a UPF rating of 50+ and features breathable mesh side panels that help shed heat on scorching days spent trekking or strolling through village markets. At only 2.8 ounces, it’s an ultralight and ultra-packable way to keep the sun off your face.

A warm, lightweight hat is essential to staying comfortable on chilly days at altitude or rollicking nights by the campfire. Made with a soft blend of merino wool and acrylic fabric and a cloud-like polyester fleece lining, the hip Arc’teryx Bird Head Toque adds a touch of pizzazz to any cooler weather adventure.

No traveler’s day pack is complete without a piece of multifunctional neckwear. For starters, it’s a great way to keep the sun’s harmful rays off your neck while you’re out hiking, kayaking or cycling. This Buff can also double as a headband, keeping sweat beads out of your eyes on big uphill climbs. Want to cool down in a pinch? Simply dip it into a creek or lake and wrap it back around your neck for instant, all-natural air conditioning.

Whether you’re setting off in the dark to catch a sunrise photo op or trekking through a snowy landscape, you’ll likely want a pair of light fleece gloves to help you avoid numb fingers. These REI Co-op Flash Power Stretch Gloves are abrasion-resistant and ready for rugged runs and active vacations. Rubberized palms make it easy to handle trekking poles or grab items from your pack.