Packing tips and tricks to keep you organized, warm and safe
I often hear friends and relatives complain about traveling for work. Airport layovers, cheap hotels, email news chains, pointless meetings. You know, classic “Office Space” type
shenanigans. For me personally, I am so very fortunate that when I’m travelling for work it means I’m going fishing!
Regardless of where or why you’re traveling I believe how you pack can directly dictate how much you enjoy a trip. Packing is something I never overlook when mapping out my game plan
for my next adventure .
I see it all the time in Alaska! A client is here experiencing their “once in a lifetime” vacation. Years of planning with friends, saving up money, and LOTS, maybe even too much youtube have
been put into this adventure. They are chomping at the bit to get out on the water. What they didn’t realize is how rainy Alaska can be. Especially in August! One mistake of not bringing a worthy enough jacket and after day one, mentally their trip has been ruined. All they think about at dinner is how cold and wet they were today. They can’t focus on casting as water seeps into
their base layer by 9am on day two! After day four or five they can’t wait to get back home! As a guide you do everything you can to accommodate them. Even give them your own jacket! But
we know nothing’s worse than being cold and wet on the water. A simple packing error has totally changed the trajectory of this “Once in a lifetime” vacation.
When it comes to packing I am a very “Type A” OCD person. Here are some of my most crucial but simple packing tips so that when you look back at your adventure you don’t only remember being cold!
Tip 1: Map it out!
Map it out Magellan! Sit down with a pen and paper and walk yourself through your travels. What will you wear while traveling? What will you wear while you’re there? While you’re sleeping? Ask yourself these questions and come up with a game plan. Make an inventory list of each item and start the list early! Weeks before the trip I like to start putting gear together. Jotting things down as I go. I guarantee if you try to remember everything rushing around the night before, even if you make a list, you will forget something! Start early and as you pack, check them off! This way there is no second guessing if you remembered to pack something. I can’t tell you how many times when I was younger I’ve gone on trips where I have nothing
comfortable to sleep in. Sometimes you can get away with it. A simple pair of underwear of course can be all you need! But having to sleep in damp blue jeans and a soggy puffy jacket to stay warm in the back of your truck while on a February steelhead mission out in Washington is really not ideal and totally avoidable!
Tip 2: Be efficient and maximize space.
So often do you hear people say pack light. While I agree with the sentiment, especially as an archery elk hunter out here in Montana. Depending on where you’re going and what you’re
doing sometimes that’s not possible. There is nothing light about waders, boots and rod tubes. More so than just packing light, being efficient is key! Learn how to fold! (Google how to Ranger Roll your pants) Take the time to lay things out, fold them up and pack your bag. Then unpack it and try it again another way. This sounds ridiculous but learn how to maximize your bag space and take advantage of every inch. Do NOT just stuff your clothes in your bag. It’s lazy and depending on the material of the item it’s irresponsible and can damage it. Take care of your gear and it will take care of you. When I leave for my Alaska season every June I’m embarking on a four month journey out in an extremely harsh environment where I will experience three out of four seasons in the course of 120 days. Between fishing gear, packing two of everything for waders, jackets and boots, along with bringing enough clothes to last four months with limited
access to washers, there is nothing light about my pack. It’s why I choose to use my Watershed Mississippi 111L duffle!
Tip 3: Road Trip Safety!
This is specifically for traveling by car, as I do a lot of road travel. It’s probably my favorite way to get around. Having your car prepared for travel both mechanically and emergency ready is very important especially in winter driving conditions. Now, I am NOT telling you to trick out your 4runner so you can survive the apocalypse, Ok! But what I am saying is, get the oil changed before you leave! Top off your fluids and carry an extra bottle of each fluid in your car (Liter of Oil, radiator coolant, windshield wiper fluid) While you need to be cautious, traveling with extra fuel if you can do it safely is never a bad idea. Especially if you know you’re headed to areas with limited fuel stations. Make sure your headlights work (Fogs, Hi and Lo Beams, hazards etc) Carry some extra bulbs in your glove box, or at least know what type your car takes. Jumper cables, spare tire with jack, socket set and a proper first aid kit are a necessity in your car no matter where you’re going in my opinion. In the winter time you should never road trip without a blanket, water, flares and a shovel in your car. The Watershed Goforth or Small Survival Equipment bags are great for holding all of your gear for your car. The survival bag is especially great as it comes with the Hi Vis reflectors which is great for catching the eyes of oncoming traffic in the case of emergencies. Living in Montana I’ve learned it’s important you have these simple items. Little things like this could save you from being stranded on the side of a mountain pass in a snow storm with no cell service. While none of these things are earth shattering tips, it’s really just what being a responsible vehicle owner and traveler looks like. A simple car ride really can turn into an uncomfortable situation faster than you think. Be smart, travel with friends and be prepared.
Truckbed
For the adventurous type, traveling is food for the soul. It feeds the mind and the body and allows us to enrich our lives. As an outdoorsman and a guide I get to feed my soul everyday and I’m so grateful for that.
In review you should give yourself time to prepare, maximize space and prepare for all conditions. Don’t let a forgotten item or a lack of preparation ruin an adventure. I hope these simple tips help you on your next endeavor! Be safe, enjoy your friends and pick up your trash! Cheers.
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