Heading to the great outdoors for a weeklong trip or more is an amazing way to get out of your normal routine. While some people take vacations to cities and spend their time shopping, others enjoy getting away from the hustle and bustle and experiencing places that only your feet can take you.

You can explore remote trails, discover interesting birds, and meander through the forest to find hidden lakes and waterfalls. There is so much beauty to be found in the great outdoors. It’s the perfect way to relax and refresh your body and mind. One of the most important ways to prepare for your trip is to pack the right things. Here are some packing tips to help you the next time you plan an outdoor adventure.

Waterproof Backpack

Everything you need for your trip is in your backpack. This means that you need to do your best to protect these items from the elements. You don’t want your matches to get soaked or your clothing to be damp. A waterproof backpack is essential for outdoor enthusiasts. You can use them when you’re hiking through the mountains, kayaking down rivers, or biking down steep trails. Invest in a great backpack so you can continue to go on adventures for years to come without needing to buy a new backpack every few years.

Sturdy Pants

Most avid hikers and outdoor enthusiasts won’t change their pants daily unless needed. This means that you need a durable pair of pants to take with you on your outdoor adventures. One of the best ways to pack for an extended trip is to use items that can pull double-duty or that you can wear more than once before you wash it. There are many athletic and casual pants for men that work well for outdoor adventures. Whether you plan to hike, bike, or climb, find the perfect pair to suit your outdoor adventuring needs.

Lightweight Jacket

When you’re camping and hiking, even in the summer, you may need a lightweight jacket. You want something that won’t take up a lot of space but is made from materials that are water resistant and can keep you warm when the temperatures drop suddenly. There are plenty of options on the market. It’s important to find one you like and has all the features you need for your outdoor adventures. A good lightweight jacket is worth the investment especially if it’s versatile.

Portable Foods

Eating is necessary. While some areas have small stores where you can buy food daily, you might need to pack more than you’d think. Beef jerky, dried nuts and fruits, and even crackers are all good options when you’re going to be out in the woods. In some areas, you can hunt for a small game which you can use to supplement your food options. Bring along a good hunting knife if you plan to do this to ensure you can gut and clean your food appropriately.

Pack Creatively

Packing for a week in the wilderness is much different than packing for a week in a hotel. You’ll need to consider how to keep your clothing dry, what to do with dirty clothes, and even how to fit everything you need into one backpack. One of the ways that many outdoor adventurers do this is to roll their clothes. By rolling them into compact tubes, you can fit more into your pack. Additionally, sealing each day’s outfit into a plastic bag adds a layer of safety to keep your clothing dry. In the event of a rainstorm or you drop your backpack into a lake or a river, you’ll find that this method helps tremendously.

Bring Water

Water cannot be emphasized enough. While it’s unlikely you can carry enough water on you for a week away, you can bring along a variety of options to filter and clean your water. Some people use tabs that sanitize the water by killing bacteria and parasites. Others bring a small pot to boil water. Others will bring some type of charcoal filtration device. No matter which method you use, water bags are more portable and easier to carry around with you when you’re hiking for an adventurous trip.