| You are seeking an adventure holiday that will inspire | | | | Sunglasses protect your corneas from ultraviolet light |
| your adventurous spirit and take you out of your | | | | year round. Sunglasses, glacier glasses, and goggles |
| comfort zone. That is wonderful! There are a few | | | | also can help prevent snow blindness from sunlight |
| things that you need to think about before plunging | | | | reflecting off snow. |
| straight in. | | | | Sunscreen should be at least 15 SPF (though 30 is |
| What kind of adventure holiday are you seeking? | | | | preferable), block UVA and UVB rays, and be applied |
| trekking in the Himalayas, white water rafting in | | | | anytime you go outside, even on cloudy days. |
| Borneo, elephant riding in Sri Lanka, exploring remote | | | | Reapply frequently, including lips, particularly if you're |
| villages in the Andes mountains of Peru? The world is | | | | sweaty or wet. |
| an adventure seekers paradise, so to discover your | | | | Clothes supply varying degrees of sun protection |
| limitless options, key in 'adventure holidays' or | | | | depending on their material, weave, color, and |
| 'adventure holidays for women' on Google, invest in a | | | | moisture content (a wet, cotton T-shirt is practically |
| relevant guidebook or magazine subscription, or visit | | | | useless). Some clothes are treated to absorb more |
| an adventure travel agent or tour operator. | | | | UV radiation and come with specific UPF ratings, |
| Before you settle on a holiday destination - | | | | which can be useful for desert hikes and other very |
| regardless of whether you're travelling independently | | | | sunny treks. |
| or with a company,some preliminary things to | | | | Hats are a must. A wide brimmed hat or at least a |
| consider: | | | | peaked cap for protection of your face from the |
| 1. check Visa requirements for your destination and | | | | sun. |
| make sure your passport has at least 6 months of | | | | First Aid |
| validity from the date of departure. | | | | First-aid kits range from the basic, suitable to treating |
| 2. check vaccine requirements and that the country | | | | blisters and minor cuts on a day hike, to |
| you're travelling to is both safe and politically stable. | | | | expedition-worthy kits geared toward extended |
| 3. consider travel insurance options, this is mandatory | | | | travel and large groups. You can make your own or |
| if you are travelling with a company | | | | buy a pre-packaged one, but at a bare minimum you'll |
| Fitness | | | | want: bandages in various sizes, gauze pads, |
| An adventure holiday needs a little more thought | | | | disinfectant, over-the-counter pain medication, blister |
| than a beach break. You will need to be fit for the | | | | treatment, and any prescription medications. |
| trip. Sport-specific training is key: mountain biking and | | | | Any first aid kit is useless without the knowledge to |
| trekking require leg and cardiovascular strength while | | | | use it. Consider taking a first aid course and |
| kayaking and rafting rely on a strong, upper body. | | | | periodically brush up on your skills. Even if you've |
| Check with your tour operator, or do your own | | | | already passed a course, a small first aid guide inside |
| research, to find out what preparation exercises are | | | | your kit will help you deal appropriately with medical |
| best for your chosen style of adventure. Being fit | | | | emergencies. |
| can - and often does - make the difference between | | | | Personalize your first aid kit to your individual medical |
| having a wonderful trip or not. | | | | needs. Include a pencil and paper. Store all first-aid |
| Different activities and sports make specific demands | | | | supplies in a waterproof container or pouch. |
| on your body, so it pays to know which muscles you | | | | The sicklist |
| are going to need and how to make them stronger | | | | · Consult a travel health specialist before |
| long before you leave home. | | | | travelling to overseas destinations and ensure your |
| If you've booked an entirely new experience - rock | | | | vaccines are up to date. |
| climbing, scuba diving, surfing or horse riding, for | | | | · Take a medical kit which includes treatment |
| example - it pays to get an introduction to the sport | | | | for nausea and motion sickness, diahrea and gastric |
| before you go. A taster session will give you an idea | | | | stop, take anti-malarial pills if necessary, insect |
| of the muscles you need to prepare, the clothes and | | | | repellent. |
| equipment you need to pack and the skills you may | | | | · Avoid mosquitos, flies and other biting |
| want to hone before travel. | | | | insects. |
| If your chosen holidays involves trekking, then the | | | | · Don't go near or touch local animals. |
| best preparation is to get out and start walking. Go | | | | · Eat and drink safely - boil it, peel it, cook it |
| for long weekend walks in hilly areas and gradually | | | | ... or forget it! |
| increase your pace. It is a good idea to walk with a | | | | · Have a check-up on your return if you've |
| backpack of a similar weight that you would be | | | | been sick |
| carrying on your trekking holiday. | | | | · Take out travel insurance. |
| Most adventure travel companies have their treks | | | | General Gear |
| graded from easy that involves about four to six | | | | Pillow |
| hours' walking a day, through moderate with the | | | | Many adventure travellers consider pillows a luxury, |
| occasional steep path to expedition grade. Different | | | | one usually left behind to save weight and space. But |
| tour companies use different terms. | | | | a good night's sleep can be worth a little space. So if |
| Packing | | | | you, and your neck, want to move beyond that |
| Only take what you need, but pack what is advised. | | | | rolled up fleece or stuff sack pillow, take a look at |
| Technical clothing, geared to your adventure, will | | | | the range of backpacking and camping pillows |
| enhance comfort and enjoyment, so is worth the | | | | available. |
| investment. A rash vest or wetsuit will be necessary | | | | Backpacking pillows come in two primary varieties: |
| for water-based activities, padded cycling shorts are | | | | compressible and inflatable, and some that combine |
| a must for mountain biking, and tried-and-tested | | | | the two. |
| hiking boots are essential for trekking, for example. | | | | Compressible pillows are filled with down, synthetic |
| Trip organisers should give you a checklist of | | | | fibers, foam, or a combination, and come in a range |
| compulsory items of clothing and equipment; pack | | | | of outer fabrics, such as fleece, cotton, and nylon. |
| them all to avoid regret. | | | | Just like in sleeping bags, down and synthetic fills |
| It is amazing how much space you can save in your | | | | each have their merits. Down is lighter, softer, and |
| bag by rolling your clothes instead of folding. I have | | | | more compressible (both for packing and under your |
| been rolling for years, clothes pack easier and crease | | | | head). Synthetic fills are firmer, bulkier, and more |
| less. | | | | affordable. Hybrids, which use both down and |
| When travelling with your spouse, partner or best | | | | synthetic fill, aim to combine the best attributes of |
| friend, split the contents of each travel bag/backpack | | | | each. Inflatable pillows offer the advantages of |
| so that you have some of their items and they have | | | | weight and space savings for a relatively large |
| some of yours. Then, if one of your bags goes | | | | surface area, and their firmness can be adjusted. |
| missing, you will have enough clothing to get by. | | | | Both compressible and inflatable pillows are available in |
| It is easier to travel light and take only one piece of | | | | a variety of sizes and shapes. |
| hand luggage. But always carry a spare fold-up travel | | | | Water bottle |
| bag for additional purchases. On the trip home, | | | | Backpackers, hikers, and climbers have always relied |
| check-in the spare bag with clothes and carry the | | | | on reusable water bottles. As the general public |
| treasured items onboard the plane. If your luggage is | | | | becomes more aware of the negative environmental |
| lost, the memorable souvenirs are still safe. | | | | impacts of commercial bottled water, they're turning |
| Zippered mesh inserts for the bags make packing | | | | to reusable bottles too. But, with health concerns |
| and sorting easier. They come in various sizes and | | | | about some plastics making the news, many are left |
| are suitable for a range of clothes such as | | | | confused. In what should you store your filtered or |
| underwear, T-shirts and so on. Keeping groups of | | | | tap water? And is that old polycarbonate plastic |
| clothes separate is great if you're travelling through a | | | | bottle safe, or is it leaching chemical compounds? |
| range of seasons or temperatures. They make | | | | Whether it's for a trek into the wild or a trip to the |
| packing and unpacking very easy and keep you | | | | shop, there are a growing number of aluminum, |
| organised on the road, minimising travel stress. | | | | stainless steel, and BPA-free plastic alternatives to |
| Clothing | | | | choose from, beyond the popular, but potentially |
| The way you dress can affect your safety. It can | | | | problematic, polycarbonate water bottle. |
| affect your social interactions. It can make or break | | | | Backpack |
| your travel adventure. (And, if you pack too much, | | | | Like most outdoor gear, choosing a backpack |
| carrying your bags can make you very tired, very | | | | depends on what you plan on doing with it primarily. |
| cranky and very vulnerable!) | | | | Consider how long you will be gone on trips (a day, |
| Remember that you are a guest where ever you go | | | | overnight, a week?), how much gear you'll need, or |
| so dress like one. Be modest, elegant and | | | | want, to bring along (are you a minimalist fastpacker |
| comfortable. The locals have had generations to | | | | or deeply attached to your creature comforts?), and |
| develop a typical dress that suits the climate and the | | | | when you'll be out (winter requires more and heavier |
| culture of their country. Take your cue from them. A | | | | gear). |
| smile and an open mind should be your constant | | | | Answering these questions will help you determine |
| accessories. | | | | the first factor in selecting a backpack. |
| Keeping warm with layers | | | | How Big? |
| Even if the weather calls for clear skies and warm | | | | Pack sizes vary between manufacturers and capacity |
| temperatures make sure to pack at least an extra | | | | needs depend on the individual. However, in general |
| layer, usually including wind and/or rain gear. Weather | | | | the following ranges are a good starting point: 30-40 |
| can change quickly, especially in mountain areas. | | | | litres - for hiking trips with a daypack 50-80 litres - |
| Practical | | | | for overnight and multi-day backpacking trips up to a |
| The practicality of T-shirts and pants made from | | | | week 80 litres and more - for trips longer than a |
| quick-dry material outweighs fashion in my traveller's | | | | week or winter overnights |
| wardrobe. | | | | Choose a backpack that will fit the greatest amount |
| Chiffon scarf | | | | of gear you'll need to carry. That said, don't buy a |
| When travelling abroad, always pack a very long | | | | pack that's bigger than you need. You'll be tempted |
| oblong chiffon scarf. It is the most versatile item. It | | | | to carry more than necessary or will end up with a |
| can dress up a simple black dress draped backward | | | | floppy, half-filled pack. Depending on your range of |
| around the neck for evening; it is useful as a head | | | | activities you may need more than one backpack. |
| covering for visiting shrines and temples and being | | | | Perhaps a large pack for multi-day backpacking trips |
| appropriately respectful, even if you're not quite sure | | | | and a small daypack for day hikes. |
| of the local protocols and traditions; in a pinch it can | | | | Fit and Comfort |
| be an evening wrap and it takes up no space in a | | | | You can select a pack with the right design, size, and |
| bag. | | | | features for your activities, but if it doesn't fit |
| Sarong Basics | | | | comfortably you'll regret your purchase in the long |
| Ladies, always take a sarong on trips, in your | | | | run. Most important, your pack should be adjustable |
| carry-on. It can be used as a sheet, towel, skirt, | | | | to fine-tune the fit to your individual body. While |
| dress, headdress (for mosques, etc), beach coverup, | | | | nothing beats the expertise of a knowledgeable pack |
| curtain, just about anything. Use your imagination! | | | | fitter, below are some tips to help you choose a |
| Boots | | | | backpack that fits you well. |
| How to fit trekking boots | | | | Size a backpack to your torso length, not your |
| Reviews and product information can help in your | | | | height. Don't assume you need the tall (or the regular |
| search for quality outdoor footwear, whether you're | | | | or the short) model just because of your height. To |
| in the market for lightweight trail shoes or sturdy | | | | find your torso length, have someone measure from |
| backpacking boots. But ultimately the most important | | | | the iliac crest at the top of your hipbone to the |
| aspect of choosing a hiking boot is a good fit. | | | | prominent bone at the base of your neck (the |
| Here are some tips to help you properly fit hiking | | | | seventh cervical vertebrae). The sizes of different |
| boots: | | | | manufacturers' frames may correspond to different |
| · Try on boots at the end of the day, when | | | | torso lengths, so check the pack's technical |
| your feet are their largest. | | | | specifications. For example, a 20-inch torso length |
| · Wear the socks and any insoles or inserts | | | | may mean a regular size in one pack and a large in |
| you would normally use with the boots. | | | | another. |
| · One of your feet is probably larger than | | | | Since it will be supporting your pack's weight, make |
| the other. Size boots to the larger foot. Better to | | | | sure the hipbelt provides adequate padding. Some |
| have one shoe a little loose than the other too tight. | | | | pack makers offer interchangeable hipbelts in |
| · Walk around in the boots for at least 15 | | | | different styles and in sizes for both men and |
| minutes. | | | | women for a better individual fit. During a fitting, load |
| · Toes should have a little room to wiggle, | | | | up the pack with weight (an amount you typically |
| and shouldn't jam into the toe box. | | | | would carry) to see how well the pack carries. Then |
| · Heels should feel firmly in place with no heel | | | | walk around with the loaded pack, practice taking it |
| slippage. | | | | on and off, make sure you can look up without |
| · Walk up and down an incline to check for | | | | whacking your head on the pack, and climb up and |
| heel slippage on the uphill and any toe jamming on | | | | down stairs. |
| the downhill. | | | | Shoulder straps, which control the fit of the |
| · Try different styles and widths. You may | | | | suspension system, should be well padded and |
| be a different size in different brands. | | | | adjustable. An adjustable sternum strap, which |
| · Women should consider footwear that's | | | | connects the shoulder straps, helps bring the load |
| built on a women's last, instead of models sized down | | | | weight forward, and off your shoulders. |
| from a men's last. · Boots should feel like | | | | Women and others with short torsos, like kids, should |
| they fit initially. Don't rely on breaking them in to | | | | consider backpacks sized for them. Many pack |
| make them fit. If they don't fit now, they won't | | | | manufacturers produce women-specific or short |
| stretch to fit later. | | | | torso versions. |
| · While you want to pick a boot that fits | | | | Illumination |
| from the start, you can tweak boots with custom | | | | It was supposed to be a short day hike with you at |
| orthotics and insoles (to fill up extra space), | | | | home before dinner, but somehow you found |
| professional stretching of the boot (to add space), | | | | yourself out after dark. A torch or headlamp can |
| and different lacing techniques (to reduce foot | | | | make the difference between an inconvenient |
| movement). | | | | nighttime walkout and an emergency situation. |
| · No matter how well they fit, don't forget | | | | Headlamps are extremely useful for their hands-free |
| to break in your boots around the house or on some | | | | design, compact size, and light weight. Even on short |
| easy day hikes before you embark on that weeklong | | | | day hikes a light should be carried; small emergency |
| trek. | | | | ones can be easily stashed in a pack. Always bring |
| How to care for your boots | | | | spare bulbs and batteries that fit your model of light. |
| Now that you've shelled out money for your new | | | | Making friends |
| boots, you want to make sure they'll support you for | | | | When on holiday, leave those formal business cards |
| countless miles on and off the trail. Below are some | | | | behind. Instead carry colourful postcards from home |
| steps you can take to help your boots last longer. | | | | and give your new acquaintances a glimpse of where |
| Periodically treat boots with a waterproofing | | | | you live. Relevant contact info can be printed on the |
| treatment (like NikWax) appropriate to the boot's | | | | reverse. |
| materials (full-grain leather, Nubuck leather, suede, | | | | Carry ball-point pens and small note pads for the |
| fabric, etc.) and according to the boot manufacturer's | | | | kiddies you meet. In some Third World destinations |
| recommendations and instructions. (Warning: oil-based | | | | young irresistible children will beg you for sweets. |
| products soften leather, which can lessen support.) | | | | Why help to rot their teeth? |
| Dry your boots between hikes. Don't try to rush the | | | | Keeping in touch |
| drying process though. Close contact or proximity | | | | A small net computer is extremely useful when |
| with heat sources, like a fire, radiator, or hair dryer, | | | | travelling, it is light and fits into your daypack |
| can permanently damage boots. | | | | comfortably. With a wireless Lan connection, it is |
| Keep them clean. Yes, we know you're going to take | | | | possible to connect to the internet in may hotels and |
| your boots outside and through rocks, mud, and | | | | hot spots. It also comes in handy as a word |
| streams. That's part of the fun. But after every hike, | | | | processor to take notes of your travels while the |
| brush that abrasive dirt and debris off your boots | | | | memory is still fresh in your mind. |
| (preferably when dry). If your boots are otherwise in | | | | Public email services with large storage capacities, |
| good condition, but need minor repairs or to be | | | | such as Gmail, are a useful resource. Mail yourself |
| resoled, consider the value of getting them repaired | | | | copies of all your travel documents and plans - that |
| rather than replaced. Check the warranty and repair | | | | way you can access them from anywhere in the |
| services offered by the boots' manufacturer, or head | | | | world from any internet-linked computer. |
| to an experienced cobbler. | | | | Pack a USB thumb drive. It's good for backing up |
| The outdoor kit | | | | digital information and you can take it to an internet |
| Sun protection | | | | café and post home some photos. |
| Sunglasses, sunscreen (for skin and lips), and | | | | Shopping Without Guilt |
| appropriate clothing is necessary for sun protection | | | | Conveniently forget to pack certain necessary |
| year round, but is especially important when on | | | | clothing - that way you will not need an excuse to |
| water, ice, snow, and at higher altitudes. The higher | | | | buy it when you reach your 'end' destination. It then |
| you go the more ultraviolet rays you're exposed to, | | | | becomes a necessity. It eliminates any guilt feelings. |
| increasing your risk of serious sunburn and skin | | | | A bit abstract, but it works for me! |
| damage, including cancer. | | | | |