An empty water bottle (preferably not cool-type water but a sports drink if you’re going to be on the plane a long time, or even liquids you’re taking with you on the plane that will melt quickly), hairbrush, travel mirror or flashlight, workout clothes, ear plugs, toilet paper, packing cubes, extra socks, a couple pair of loose-fitting workout shorts or pants (for lounging around), a long-sleeved shirt or jacket (to put on once you get off the plane), and lightweight tennis shoes for early morning hikes.
Next time you travel, consider flying on the occasional tourist flight, which always provide a better flight experience, even when you’re in the economy cabin (even with the seemingly endless overhead bags). If you’re in business, use a cabin bag for your carry-on, which limits the number of things you can bring onto the plane and makes it easier to keep track of your belongings once you get to the destination. Remember the trick we learned years ago of carrying out-of-date toilet paper in your checked bag and then stashing it next to your passport in your carry-on for an easy grab at the security line? Worked great on a recent trip where we flew to the Big Island of Hawaii in business class on Hawaiian Airlines and went through security in plenty of time to head to our connecting flight.
If you’re flying to a destination for a multi-day hike or hiking trip, especially if you’re planning a multi-day hike, pack your hiking boots, hiking shoes, rainwear (if you plan to travel in rain, rain gear is a must), extra gloves and maybe even a rain coat (if you’re going to hike in places where it’s muddy, wet, or icy). Make sure to get a hiking backpack or daypack for all of the gear you’re going to need in the mountains. A daypack that has two water bottles, a water bottle opener, a water bottle holder for water, some small zip bags for your trail snacks, and a hydration system with two bottles is always a good idea (even if it’s not required at your particular destination). A hiking backpack that fits perfectly and holds just what you need for a multi-day hike is a must for comfort on the trails (and for less pressure on your shoulders).
Know Where You’re Going
This may sound super-obvious, but not planning in this way and with this kind of detail could have you sitting with some hefty extra charges you didn’t plan for. It can be as simple as not being able to try out those new casino sites you were eyeing because of different cross-boundary laws, or something a lot more serious…
The sooner you start planning your big vacation, the more you’ll be able to budget and plan your route (or route in terms of walking miles and miles in one direction to get to your destination). Here’s a great reference guide to planning your next hike or climbing trip (you can find it for free on pages 6-7 of Mountain Trails magazine). Follow it and you’ll save hundreds of dollars and plenty of time on your next hike or climbing trip.
