Off-the-Beaten-Path

For every path there’s a packing checklist, here are a few things to think about as you plan for your next trip.  Download our packing check list so that you can adventure further off the path less traveled - seek that inner explorer!

Pre-Departure

  • Passport/Visa(s)/Personal Identification
  • Cash & Credit/ATM Card(s)
  • Check expiration dates on Passport, Drivers License, and Credit Cards
  • Inform bank/credit cards companies if you’re traveling abroad
  • Travel & Medical Insurance Documents
  • Health Documentation/Vaccination Card
  • Prescriptions in original packaging
  • Student ID Card/Frequent Flyer Card(s)
  • Reservations & Itineraries
  • Hotel/Tour Contact Info
  • Hotel Loyalty/Hostel Membership Card(s)
  • Transportation Tickets
  • Printed copies of Tickets/Passports/ Emergency Information
  • Email yourself a photo copy of a your passport, drivers license, medical cards & itinerary

The Eagle Creek Travel System

Travel Gear

  • Main Travel Bag/Rolling Luggage
  • Backpack/Carry-on Bag
  • Money Belt or Security Pouch
  • Water Bottle or Bladder
  • Sleep Sac/Hostel Sheets
  • Headlamp/Flashlight & Batteries
  • Pocket Knife or Multi-Tool (pack in checked luggage)
  • Lightweight Binoculars/Compass
  • Water Purification System, SteriPen or Iodine Tablets
  • Permethrin-containing insect spray (for clothing, tents, bed nets)
  • Pots & Backpacking Stove
  • Lighter & Matches
  • Sleeping Bag & Pad
  • Trekking Poles

Everyday Basics

  • Lightweight, Moisture-Wicking, Easy Care Clothing (Consider bringing clothing with bug repellent or SPF protection properties)
  • Rain Jacket/Poncho/Umbrella
  • Outer Shell/Windbreaker/Fleece
  • Moisture-wicking Quick Dry Clothing/Wool Socks
  • Lightweight waterproof pants/shorts
  • Base Layers/Pack Clothes for layering
  • Flip flops for showering & travel
  • Camp Shoes/Travel Shoes
  • Waterproof Hiking Boots
  • Swimsuit (modesty based on region)
  • Brimmed Sun Hat
  • Water-resistant Gloves/Wool Beanie
  • Sunglasses
  • Head Scarf/Bandana

Everyday Accessories

Toiletries

Travel Health

*Consult your health center or physician for help in planning your trip’s medication needs.

  • Travel Health Information
  • First Aid Kit (Bandages, Gauze, Adhesives, etc)
  • Personal Prescriptions (and copies of scripts)
  • Pain & Fever Relievers/Thermometer
  • Children’s Strength Pain Relievers
  • Cold Medicines
  • Diarrhea/Laxative Medicines
  • Allergy Medicines
  • Hydrocortisone Cream (for allergic rashes)
  • Antibacterial Ointment
  • Throat Lozenges
  • Multi-Vitamins
  • Sunscreen/Lip Balm
  • Sunburn Relief
  • Insect Repellent/Mosquito Net/ Sting Reliever
  • Motion Sickness Pills/Bands
  • Hand Sanitizer/Towellets
  • Moleskin
  • Medicines & Vaccinations specific to the region/activity (ex: Malaria, Altitude Sickness Pills)
  • Oral Rehydration Salts
  • Energy Bars & Blocks

Home Checklist

  • Post Office to hold mail
  • Stop newspaper
  • Pre-pay bills
  • Empty refrigerator
  • Unplug appliances
  • Turn off heater/air conditioner
  • Turn down water heater
  • Turn off washing machine taps
  • Lock all doors and windows
  • Set up timed light system
  • Store valuables in a safe place
  • Leave house key and trip itinerary with a neighbor
  • Leave flight and hotel itineraries with a relative
  • Reconfirm/check-in online with airline

*If gone for more than 30 days check with homeowner’s insurance for specific directives

Suggested Gear

Luggage & Packs

When traveling to remote locations, a lightweight main bag with versatile carry options for flexibility is a top priority. Because your conditions and modes of travel may be unpredictable, stick with a backpack; typically around 65L. It’s best to pack light but also be prepared with gear for all kinds of weather scenarios.

Travel Pack – It’s important to find a bag that fits you well, is large enough for all you need, but small enough to keep you nimble. Try various silhouettes, from an alpinist-style to a traditional travel pack to determine what carry you prefer. A zip-away suspension is essential to keeps the shoulder straps and waist belt from getting damaged when taking multiple forms of transportation. Many have a zip-off modular waist pack or daypack too for convenience.

A Gear or Duffel Bag – A great choice for flexibility on the road if you’re not carrying your bag over long distances. Choose one with tuck-away backpack straps to give you multiple carry options.

A Convertible Wheeled Backpack - Great for those times when you may need to wheel it rather than carrying it on your back.

Pack-It™ System

The key to keeping your sanity when traveling off the map is organization. When carrying a soft-sided bag or backpack, packing aids are key.

Pack-It™ Cubes – a variety of sizes and colors help you organize gear and clothing for different activities and weather. Maximize packing space by rolling t-shirts, undergarments and shorts; these also work great for organizing accessories and daily snacks.

Pack-It™ Sacs – multiple sizes of sacs are great for toiletries, cords, extra batteries, a first aid kit, and headlamp. Keep all the little things together.

Pack-It™ Compression Sacs – compress a bulky jacket or store dirty laundry. These sacs compresses up to 80 percent of clothing’s original size.

Tip: Put together a Pack-It™ Cube for rain gear and one for an ultra sunny day to help keep you organized on the road.

Necessities

Since a pharmacy may not be en-route, you’ll need to really think through the essentials needed to say comfortable and well.

Ear Plugs – Never a bad idea...

Eyeshade – Since a dark room and comfortable bed may not be an option, make sure your eyes can have a dark and comfy place to rest.

Inflatable Pillow – Because you never know how long that bus ride is, really.

Packable Daypack - Collapse and stuff it into your luggage; it’ll serve as an indispensable carry-all for short day excursions and a great bag for shopping at local markets.

Camera, Memory Card & Solar Charger

Sleeping bag & Sleep Sac

Music Player & Headphones

First Aid Kit

Tissues/Toilet Paper

Hand Sanitizer

Day Travelers™

Your day bag should be sized right, accommodate your daily travel needs, and be organized and durable. Many travel packs come with a modular waistpack or backpack.

Backpack – Perfect for hands-free convenience and organization

Shoulder Bag – A small cross-body bag is great for the essentials.

Waistpack – Everything you need right at your fingertips