15 Must-Have Accessories for Adventure Travelers Over 50
Eight years ago, as I left my home country to explore the world, I meticulously dedicated several months to preparing for the unknown ahead. My choice was to do a lot of adventure traveling and not stay in 5-star hotels. Deliberating on the various destinations and climates I anticipated exploring, I curated a collection of essentials to bring with me. Each item was carefully selected to serve a purpose, providing me with a sense of security and confidence.
Here’s an abridged account of the accessories that initially accompanied me. Over time, as my experiences unfolded, certain items emerged as indispensable while others not so much, prompting me to refine and adjust my kit accordingly.
- Comfortable Backpack – Invest in a lightweight, ergonomic backpack with padded straps and ample compartments for organizing essentials.
- Compact First Aid Kit – Include essential items like bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal medications.
- Quality Walking Shoes – Opt for sturdy, comfortable walking shoes with good traction to navigate various terrains comfortably.
- Collapsible Walking Stick – A collapsible walking stick provides stability and support on uneven terrain, especially during long hikes or treks.
- Quick-Dry Clothing – Pack lightweight, quick-dry clothing that wicks away moisture and dries rapidly, ideal for unpredictable weather conditions.
- Wide-brimmed Hat – Protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays with a wide-brimmed hat that shades your face and neck.
- Waterproof Jacket – Invest in a breathable, waterproof jacket to stay dry during unexpected rain showers or windy conditions.
- Multipurpose Tool or Knife – Carry a multipurpose tool or knife for various tasks such as cutting, opening cans, or repairing gear.
- Compact Travel Blanket – Stay warm during chilly evenings or unexpected overnight stays with a compact travel blanket.
- Quick Dry Towel – Compact and useful for adventure traveling.
- Insect Repellent – Ward off mosquitoes and other insects with a reliable insect repellent to avoid bites and discomfort.
- Smartphone with Travel Apps – Travel apps can keep you informed, and safe, and help you navigate unknown territory.
- Portable Power Bank – Keep your devices charged during your travels with a portable power bank to stay connected and powered up.
- Waterproof Dry Bags – Protect your belongings from water damage by storing them in waterproof dry bags, especially during water-based activities.
- Headlamp – A headlamp is a versatile and invaluable accessory for adventure travelers.
During my travels, an incident occurred at an airport in Ecuador involving my strangely shaped water filter bottle catching the attention of security agents. Although the situation was swiftly resolved after I explained its purpose, the experience prompted me to reconsider its practicality for future travels. I quickly found that bottled water was readily available in all the places I was visiting, so I no longer needed it. I gave it to a fellow traveling teacher who was venturing into lesser-traveled territory than I was.
Always bear in mind the importance of tailoring your accessories to your specific destination and activities. This is crucial for ensuring your safety and comfort during your adventures.
Accessories for Adventure Travelers Over 50
These are some accessories that you can consider packing if you are going on light to moderate adventures. The items linked are either the ones that I bought and was pleased with or that I would purchase now that I have more experience.
Comfortable Backpack
Invest in a lightweight, ergonomic backpack with padded straps and ample compartments for organizing essentials.
When it comes to backpacks, I trust the Osprey brand. They are renowned for producing backpacks that consistently deliver durability and comfort, making them a reliable choice for adventure travelers.
Osprey FAIRVIEW® 55 TRAVEL PACK
Cotopaxi is a brand that is trending at the moment. I recently adventure traveled with super stylish friends who had matching Cotopaxi backpacks, packing cubes, and fanny packs.
Allpa 42L Travel Pack – Del Día
Want to learn more about backpacks? Read 7 BEST BACKPACKS FOR WOMEN OVER 50.
Learn how to use packing cubes to maximize and organize the space in your pack – read BEST WAY TO USE PACKING CUBES – YOU’LL NEVER TRAVEL WITHOUT THEM AGAIN!
Compact First Aid Kit
Create your own first aid kit with essentials that you think may come in handy. Include essential items like bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal medications.
Protect Life First Aid Kit on Amazon is a good starter kit. You can remove what you feel isn’t necessary and add items that you think are more important to you.
I visited a travel clinic before heading off and got the necessary vaccines and medications that I may need while traveling. Since I was traveling to high-altitude locations, I included altitude sickness medicine in my first aid kit.
Quality Walking Shoes
Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes with good traction to navigate various terrains comfortably will be your best friends when you’re on an adventure trip.
I’ve owned these Merrell hiking shoes for multiple years, and they’ve maintained their excellent condition while still offering reliable traction.
Read BEST WALKING SHOES FOR SENIOR WOMEN.
Collapsible Walking Stick
A collapsible walking stick (or two) provides stability and support on uneven terrain, especially during long hikes or treks.
I didn’t pack these, but I have met many adventure travelers over 50 who rely on them.
REI Co-op Trailmade Trekking Poles – Pair
Quick-Dry Clothing
Pack lightweight, quick-dry clothing that wicks away moisture and dries rapidly, ideal for unpredictable weather conditions.
Columbia is my go-to for functional clothing that packs well and is designed for adventures.
Women’s PFG Solar Stream™ Long Sleeve Shirt from Columbia
Women’s Silver Ridge Utility™ Convertible Pants
Other brands that I trust for adventure travel clothing are Patagonia, The North Face, Arc’teryx, and REI Co-op.
Wide-Brimmed Hat
Protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays with a wide-brimmed hat that shades your face and neck. I purchased my Tilley hat approximately a decade ago, and it has accompanied me on numerous adventures since then.
Tilley T3 Classic
Waterproof Jacket
Invest in a breathable, waterproof jacket to stay dry during unexpected rain showers or windy conditions.
Women’s Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket from Patagonia
Multipurpose Tool or Knife
Carry a multipurpose tool or knife for various tasks such as cutting, opening cans, or repairing gear.
This is the one that I purchased and have been finding it super useful. The corkscrew wine opener sealed the deal for me! ;)
Remember: You can’t travel with a knife in your carry-on. You have to pack it in your checked bag.
Compact Travel Blanket or Large Scarf
Stay warm in cold airports or during chilly evenings out with a compact travel blanket or scarf.
I always travel with a large scarf that has multiple purposes. I use it as a blanket or a pillow while traveling, a sarong at the beach, a cover-up or a wrap when in culturally modest destinations.
CARO VISCOSE-CASHMERE LAYERING SCARF at Banana Republic
Quick Dry Towel
A quick-dry towel is an indispensable companion for adventure travel. It offers the convenience of rapid drying times and compact storage, making it ideal for on-the-go adventures and outdoor activities.
Even when I’m not on the go, I rely on this microfiber towel for drying my hair post-shower. Its exceptional absorbency effectively removes excess water while maintaining gentleness on my hair.
Insect Repellent
Ward off mosquitoes and other insects with a reliable insect repellent to avoid bites, discomfort, and diseases. Choose the right amount of protection for the area you are traveling to.
During my camping trip in Atlantic Canada last summer, I soon realized the necessity of using the maximum DEET concentration to fend off the relentless mosquitoes and ensure a comfortable stay. However, in different destinations, natural repellents such as citronella may suffice to keep insects at bay.
Smartphone with Travel Apps
At this point, I’m pretty sure everyone has a smartphone. Make sure to download travel apps that will help you stay safe and navigate new locations.
Read 20 ESSENTIAL TRAVEL APPS FOR WOMEN OVER 60.
Portable Power Bank
Keep your devices charged during your travels with a portable power bank to stay connected and powered up.
Choose a power bank that is lightweight and not bulky.
INIU Portable Charger, Slimmest 10000mAh 5V/3A Power Bank
Waterproof Dry Bags
Protect your belongings from water damage by storing them in waterproof dry bags, especially during water-based activities.
SealLine Skylake Dry Pack – 18 Liters at REI
Headlamp
Whether hiking at dawn, setting up camp after sunset, or navigating through caves, a headlamp provides a reliable light source, leaving your hands free to perform tasks. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry.
I have been through a few of these over the years. I have no idea why, but this is the accessory that I lose the most while traveling.
Black Diamond Astro 300 Headlamp at Rei
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Do you like to adventure travel? What are your go-to accessories for adventure traveling? What accessories would you never travel without? Tell us about it in the comments below.
Another useful item that I bring on long-distance hikes as well as on city trips is a foldable/collapsible clothesline. I can wash my quick-dry clothing that dries overnight so I can bring fewer clothes.
Very good packing tips. I use most of your listed items. Have the Fairview pack in a 40L but use my 30L hiking backpack for most of my long trips. I pack minimally and just wash out clothes as needed. With my 30L the weight is never over 20 pounds so I can always do carry on and on some airlines they are strict with weight even in a backpack. And cubes are such a plus for packing backpacks.
My opinion is the backpack needs a waist/hip strap. Then weight sits on hips not shoulders. Back packers definitely know this. That is why I never bought the cotopaxi pack. No bottom strap unless they have added it now. Love to travel light, hands free.
This is the one I use. The backpack zips onto the main rolling bag, so you can easily move around weightless with them. Then unzip it to use the backpack as your one personal item, and the rolling bag fits into the overhead compartment. I just looked and didn’t see it on Amazon which is where I think I bought it (I’ve had it a long time so ?), but it’s available on other sites. You can put a lot in there between the two of them. I love mine.