Buy: Worth the Investment
Some kit is simply worth investing in. When it comes to comfort, safety, and durability, these items will serve you well on your adventure and beyond.
1. Boots
Your boots will make or break your trek. They need to be comfortable, broken-in, and suited to the terrain you’re tackling. Buying a pair that fits your feet properly is non-negotiable, especially since ill-fitting or low-quality boots can lead to blisters, sore feet, and ruined experiences. Spend the money and time on a solid pair—your feet will thank you later.
2. Nalgene Water Bottle
It may seem like a small thing, but a good reusable water bottle like a Nalgene is a travel essential. They’re virtually indestructible, BPA-free, and can handle everything from freezing cold to boiling water. Plus, they help reduce single-use plastic waste. Invest in one, and you’ll be using it on every trip (and probably every day at home too).
3. Sleeping Bag Liner
A sleeping bag liner is worth buying for any trip where you’ll be using communal bedding or renting a sleeping bag. It adds an extra layer of warmth, helps keep things hygienic, and is much easier to wash than a full sleeping bag. Liners are lightweight and pack down small, making them a no-brainer investment.
Rent: Why Buy When You Can Borrow?
For kit you won’t use often or items that are bulkier to travel with, renting makes sense. Not only does it save you money, but it’s also a more sustainable option—reducing the demand for new gear that might only see the light of day once. You might also want to check-out second hand options if you’re into preloved stuff to help cut down on waste and overproduction.
1. Sleeping Bag
Unless you’re planning regular expeditions, renting a sleeping bag is usually the way to go. High-quality bags for cold or high-altitude environments can be expensive, and you can easily rent top-tier, clean, well-maintained sleeping bags in most adventure destinations. Plus, it saves you from lugging one around when you’re only going to use it for a week.
2. Trekking Poles
If you’ve never used trekking poles before, consider renting them. They’re great for balance and reducing strain on your knees, especially on descents, but they’re not essential for everyone. Renting them lets you try before you buy—if you end up liking them, you can always invest later.
3. Down Jacket
A down jacket is a must-have for cold climates or high-altitude treks. That said, unless you’re constantly travelling to chilly destinations, it’s not something you need to buy brand-new. Renting a jacket or buying one second-hand is a smart, sustainable choice, as down jackets tend to hold their quality for years. Just make sure the one you’re renting or buying has the right warmth rating for your trip.
Ditch: You Won’t Need These
When packing light and smart, there are always things that seem like a good idea at the time but end up being unnecessary dead weight. Here’s what you can confidently leave at home:
1. Camelbacks
Maybe it’s a personal thing but we’ve never got on well with drinking out of a tube. While camelbacks are convenient, they’re not always the best option for trekking. They can be tricky to clean and prone to leaks. Stick with a solid water bottle like the Nalgene and top up regularly. It’s more practical, and you won’t need to faff around with fiddly tubing.
2. Too Many Gadgets
You might be tempted to bring a tablet, extra camera gear, or multiple devices—but resist the urge. For most treks, a phone and a good camera (or your phone camera) will do the job. Additional gadgets take up space, add weight, and leave you juggling batteries and chargers. A smart-phone and a Kindle has proven plenty for us in the past.
3. Bulky Towels
Forget packing a full-size towel. They take ages to dry and eat up precious space in your bag. A quick-dry, travel-sized towel is more than enough for any adventure, whether you’re staying in a teahouse or taking a dip in a mountain stream.
Final Thoughts
Packing for an adventure is all about striking the right balance between comfort, practicality, and sustainability. Some items are worth splashing out on because they’ll be with you for years to come, while others can be rented or skipped altogether. By making informed decisions on what to buy, rent, or ditch, you’ll not only save money but also make a positive impact by reducing waste and promoting responsible travel.
At Earth Dog Travel, we’re passionate about helping you travel smart, light, and sustainably—without compromising on comfort or adventure.