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Are you planning your next trip and wondering what essential items you should carry with you? Whether you’re an experienced traveler or a first-time adventurer, having the right everyday carry (EDC) items can make a huge difference in your comfort, convenience, and safety.
From practical tools like an EDC knife to personal hygiene products, there are several items that you shouldn’t leave home without. Read this guide to explore some of the most important EDC items to consider for your next trip, helping you to be prepared for any situation and make the most of your travels.
1. Luggage Bags And Backpacks
Choose a good travel luggage that’s lightweight, spacious, and compact to accommodate all your essential items. Luggage bags have the upper hand over all other travel luggage because they have all the above features and more. Combine them with a duffel bag and packing cubes, and you’ll have the best packing experience for your trip.
If you prefer an EDC backpack, it should also be light enough and have built-in pockets to carry all your items. Of course, the best is that which caters to all your trip and packing needs.
2. Capsule Wardrobe
A minimalist capsule wardrobe is a term used to define a collection of outfits, shoes, and accessories that go together when mixed and matched. Research the weather of the place you’re traveling to and pack your capsule wardrobe accordingly.
Pack outfits of neutral colors and light fabrics, as they’re lightweight and can be worn in multiple layers. You can start by packing basic comfortable t-shirts, jeans, leggings, and inner garments.
A capsule wardrobe is a one-way ticket to minimalist packing. Pack enough outerwear sweaters and cardigans for layering to keep you warm and comfortable when traveling in winter.
3. Comfortable Footwear
Wearing and packing comfortable closed shoes is essential to avoiding foot pain, as well as maintaining your feet’ natural posture. Trips that involve outdoor activities like hiking or trekking will require a pair of hard-soled, tough boots in order to protect you from rocks. In addition, they improve air circulation as you conduct daily outdoor activities.
Pack a pair of simple, comfortable formal shoes like black pumps or nude heels for dinner parties. In addition, add a pair of flip-flops stored in a plastic bag whether you’re going on a beach vacation or not. This way, you can wear them to give your feet a breather or when your shoes are uncomfortable.
4. Charger And Powerbank
When traveling or on a trip, it’s important to have a portable charger for your electronic devices like your phone and camera. This way, if the battery runs out, you can quickly recharge it. A power surge protector is also important to protect your devices from high voltage and power surges, especially when traveling to another country.
During your trip, you use your phone to make calls, send and receive text messages, take photos of things that interest you, and look up information in order to learn more about what is happening around you.
All these activities may drain your phone battery. Hence, a power bank with a high battery capacity is handy for charging your devices in such cases and areas with no power.
5. First Aid Kit
First aid kits are essential to carry items in case of unforeseen or unfortunate accidents. In addition, bring a first-aid box to treat infections and any injuries that may occur. You don’t have to carry the whole medical kit, but only the essential ones that are vital for the trip.
The major items you’re required to pack in your first aid box include the following:
- Band-aids
- Cold-relief medication
- Antacid
- Antiseptic
- Bandage
- Painkillers
- Antiseptic
Furthermore, if you or your traveling partner is under medication, be sure to carry the prescription with you.
6. Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones Or Earphones
Traveling is often accompanied by airplane and bus noise, which can make it uncomfortable to listen to music. That’s where noise-canceling headphones or earphones come in. You can use them so that you don’t have to hear the sounds from your surroundings while listening to music. Remember to carry a charging case or cable for either earpiece to make them accessible for the entire trip.
7. Toiletries
Hygiene is very important on a trip that involves hiking, trekking, or any outdoor activity. Therefore, you should carry the following in your toiletry or carry-on bag:
- Bottle of shampoo
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Hand sanitizers
- Tissues
- Deodorant
- Disinfecting wipes
- Paper soap
- Sanitary towels
- Grooming items like shaving razors and shaving cream.
Using the above items will keep you fresh and clean during your trip. If you’re a skincare routine fan, take advantage of travel-friendly skin care products and pack them in reusable travel toiletry bottles to avoid leakage. Remember to carry only the essential skincare products to avoid carrying extra items in your luggage.
Conclusion
Packing for a trip is an activity that not most travelers are proud of. To make your packing experience fast and hassle-free, make a minimalist packing checklist to ensure you carry the essential traveling items. With the items listed above, you’re guaranteed to have pleasant and happy trips for a long time.