In Part II of our “Pack Like a Trip Leader” series, we zoom in on the gear and clothing that can make or break an active trip. Backroads Trip Leaders share the essential items that help you stay comfortable and prepared.
Every great trip begins with a smart packing list. And as our expert Backroads Trip Leaders will tell you, the wrong clothing and gear can mean the difference between a great adventure and a misadventure.
Every Backroads trip comes with its own Travel Planner and packing list tailored to the trip’s activities, whether biking, hiking and walking, or a combination of activities on land and in the water. I highly recommend checking out Part I of this series, “Pack Like a Trip Leader: Essential Advice for Your Active Trip,” for a bird’s-eye view of planning and packing. Here, we fly closer and zoom in!
The Game Changers: Don’t Leave Home Without These Items
A lightweight, wind-resistant jacket is one of those hero items that punches above its weight. It plays well with others and works well in different temperatures, making it an essential go-to layer for all types of weather. Kyle Hancher loves this jacket because it packs down so small it practically disappears. Bernat Pujol Alemany likes a lightweight wind-resistant jacket for cycling in coastal and beach areas for both the wind and sun protection it offers.
Long-sleeved sun protection shirts are on many of our leaders’ lists, not only for protection against the sun but also from insects. Plus, the technical fabric efficiently manages perspiration to keep you cool during long days on the trail, in the saddle or in the water. This Patagonia sun hoodie is both a leader and guest fave, according to Teryn Stewart.
“If you must pack extra shoes, fill them with socks.”
—Ben Lilly, Backroads Trip Leader
In Part I, we talked about the importance of good footwear, but for hiking and biking, the right shoes won’t help you if you have the wrong socks. Merino wool rules the day, and the takeaway is simple: Don’t skimp on socks. Cara Nestor is a firm believer in good quality socks—she also recommends bringing a few extras. Kyle Hancher puts it plainly, “You can survive having wet shoes at the start of the day, but wet socks are an instant source of misery.” The lesson? Always bring extras.
Hilary Lex gets right to the point about one item everyone should pack for a Biking Trip: “Let’s talk saddle sores and chafing.” And honestly, who wants to deal with that on vacation? She believes one of the biggest mistakes first-time Backroads guests make is not investing in padded biking shorts. Cole Burchiel chimes in with a visual: a good pair of chamois shorts “is the difference between a rewarding day in the saddle and an uncomfortable walk to dinner.”
The Fabric of Our Active Lives
Backroads Trip Leaders are all about a base layer. And who doesn’t love a comfy cotton Tee? But Ruby Woodruff advises against cotton layers for an active trip; technical fabrics made from synthetic fibers, such as nylon and polyester, are better choices. These materials have moisture-wicking properties and UV protection to help regulate your body temperature and keep you dry and comfortable. Poly-cotton blends feel softer and breathable, but they won’t dry as fast as a technical fabric.
If you prefer natural fibers, another popular fabric is merino wool. This is not your grandfather’s bulky, itchy sweater—it’s just the opposite. Loved for its softness, breathability and performance, merino wool has the added benefit of being odor-resistant. It’s highly recommended by Backroads leaders, including George Walker, especially for socks. Simone Boccaccio calls a merino T-shirt a “game-changer” and “a must-have for hiking.”
When it comes to rain protection, Gore-Tex has long been the most recognizable name in waterproof gear. An accidental discovery, this material first made its way into consumer products in 1976. Gore-Tex is durable, lightweight and breathable, making it a worthwhile, long-term investment. Barry O’Doherty observes, “So many guests have old layers that either never were or are no longer waterproof.” There are Gore-Tex alternatives available, each with different characteristics and durability, so invest wisely. And keep in mind that water-resistant properties degrade over time, so if you’re bringing gear that you already own, make sure it can still do the job.
Small But Mighty: Some of Our Leaders’ Favorite Things
Bandana or Buff: You’ll always find a cotton bandana in Eleni Schvaneveldt’s bag. (She’s partial to the bandana, but a buff works too!) You can MacGyver a solution to many uncomfortable situations with this small piece of fabric. A wet bandana on the back of the neck provides relief on a hot day; a dry one protects from the sun. Dust kicking up on the trail? Instant face covering. Small and surprisingly useful, Eleni has seen it used for everything from a headband and sweat towel to a fashion accessory in places with “a little unexpected cowboy energy.”
Extra Water Bottles: Backroads provides a water bottle for every guest on all of its trips, and leaders routinely remind guests to stay hydrated throughout their activities. But having a second bottle on hand never hurts and can actually make a big difference on a hot hike or long ride. Benji Cohen advises that on long hikes there are often few water refill opportunities, so you’ll never regret packing that extra bottle.
Daypack: A well-fitting, comfortable backpack is one of those essentials that can make a big difference. Carlos Salto Ruiz maintains that a small daypack “is a must.” The right backpack will store all your essentials (e.g., phone, camera, snacks, sunscreen, extra layer, rain gear, water bottles, etc.) without making your shoulders and back pay the price.
Hip and chest straps make the difference. Ben Rockman typically sees guests with 10–25L backpacks, a good range, in his opinion. Backroads provides rear rack bags to hold items on Biking Trips, so you don’t need to bring a separate backpack for the ride. However, having a small foldable daypack or waistpack to toss your important items into when exploring off-bike isn’t a bad idea.
Personal Medicine Kit: No one wants or expects to get sick when traveling. But if you do, it’s comforting to have OTC medications from home. That’s why many of our leaders recommend bringing a small kit containing familiar pain relievers, cold and allergy medicines—maybe even vitamin C and magnesium.
Faith White says, “Guests are often surprised by how different medication brands, dosages or availability can be overseas, so having a small personal medicine kit can make a huge difference.” Backroads Trip Leaders carry first-aid kits with them at all times with many of these items but they may not be around at the moment you really need that acetaminophen.
The List
- Lightweight, wind-resistant jacket
- Long-sleeved sun protection shirts
- Good quality socks
- Padded biking shorts
- Bandana/buff
- Extra water bottles
- Daypack
- Personal medicine kit
Here’s to smooth travels… and dry socks all day long!
Need to gear up for your trip? Visit the Backroads Gear Shop for more leader-approved picks.
