Top essentials for your next adventure trip

Hitting the road, sea or snow for an adventure is sometimes just what you need to reset. For me, the further away from people I can get, the more I feel at home. But this does mean I need to be smart about what I take with me.

My trips can range from off-roading in my 4WD Ford Ranger, camping under the stars or sailing around the world where sometimes international space stations are my closest ‘human contact’.

If you’re an avid adventurer like me, here’s the top essentials that I never leave home without.

Off roading in a 4WD

For those weekend escapes with an off road trek, being prepared can be the difference between fun and an emergency call.

The key here is knowing your terrain and preparing gear that sets you up for an epic adventure.

Here’s what I take:

Recovery tracks: Whatever terrain you come across, recovery tracks are a necessity. There’s nothing like getting stuck with no phone signal, don’t try it. Whether it’s sand, mud or snow, recovery tracks provide the grip to keep moving.
Tyre pressure maintenance kit: Off roading is not about smooth sailing, and you’ll be coming across different surface areas – sometimes quite rocky. You’re not always going to have the luxury of a petrol station nearby to check your PSI. Your own tyre pressure kit means you’ll be able to manage it on the go.
Batteries: Pack enough batteries so you can keep your handheld devices powered for the length of your trip. Consider rechargeable options as they can be more long lasting, plus you avoid the need of carrying lots of replacements with you. This way, you’re just packing a charging cable.
First aid kit: A reminder not to forget the basics. Along other necessities like drinking water, tool kit and sunscreen, a first aid kit is a must. Anything from ankle sprains to snake bites, a first aid kit will give you that breathing space to find medical help.
Two way radio: Phone coverage is a hit and miss when you decide to go off road. If I’ve got another mate also off roading, it’s a nice way to check in and also a good alternative for calling for help.

Sailing and boating trips

Anyone who knows me only knows too well how I love anything sea and surf. Being from a boating family, I spent most of my childhood and teens in the water. Why my parents thought it'd be a good idea to travel for weeks with my sister as a toddler and me still in primary school is still crazy to think about.

But it was these boating trips that inspired the USYNC battery journey. When you’re at sea for days or weeks, batteries become very much a dear friend.

My biggest tip when it comes to sailing and boating trips is to have them fully stocked and ready to go. If you have a liferaft, make sure you don’t store any single use batteries in the raft. I’ve heard too many occasions where a raft has been damaged because of the acid in the battery leaked (yep, it happens all the time).

Here’s my list of essentials for a fun-filled sailing or boating trip:

Solar power bank
Rechargeable batteries in multiple sizes
Fishing hooks
Fishing line
First aid kid
Handheld radio
Water purifier
Torches
Handheld lamp

Snowboarding and cross country skiing adventures

There’s just something about jumping on my board and hitting the slopes, even more so when you can cross country ski to get there.

For these kinds of trips, you need to pack light with the necessities. Top of the list is food and water with the right ski gear and clothing.

In particular, make sure you pack weatherproof jackets and pants with thermals. Insulated winter boots are a must, along with warm gloves and a beanie. Being warm enough gets you on the right foot to an enjoyable experience, so don’t skimp on this.

In terms of my other priorities, here’s what I always have with me:

A headlamp with rechargeable batteries
Safety equipment
Sun protection with your preferred chapstick (don’t overlook snow burn)
A knife or multi-tool
Repair supplies, the times I’ve seen duct tape come in handy is crazy

Camping, hiking and outback adventures

Camping under the stars is an all time favourite of mine, and we are definitely spoiled for choice here in Australia.

While it’s not about comfort, there are key must-packs that can be the difference between an adventure and an emergency.

The big ones for me:

Food and water. Trust me, after two days of protein bars, you’ll want real food. It’s worth investing in a compact camping stove and cooking gear. After all, you’ll be using them again.
A compass and map are a must as coverage isn’t always available, even in the areas I’ve been told should have it.
Handheld radio along with rechargeable batteries and my solar-powered battery pack.
Matches or a lighter.
Torch with rechargeable batteries.
Pocket knife and a first aid kit.