May 25, 2025, by Romy Schouten

The outdoor packing list

May 25, 2025, by Romy Schouten

The outdoor packing list

Are you a seasoned outdoor enthusiast? Then this packing list is probably nothing new to you. But for many of us (hi Randstad!) a walking, hiking or camping holiday is not an annual tradition.

So: the fact that you end up here? Hip hip hooray: you're going out the door, into nature, towards an adventure. But yes, what do you take with you? And yes, we also like to look a bit smart... don't worry, this list does not include woolly socks or Jesus sandals.

Shoes

Walking

Hiking is also allowed. Then you need sturdy walking shoes. In the summer we swear by Tevas. They walk wonderfully, come in all colours and prints, and have comfy models for both adults and the littlest ones. A big plus: they are waterproof. So crossing a stream? No problem. Annoying pebbles on the beach? No problem either.

you got them with firm grip for the rougher work, or just as a light original slipper variant. In this gladiator style is also mega fun!

For the winter we are fans of Blundstones. Not necessarily because they are the very best hiking shoes, but because they are always suitable: a walk in the woods, a light mountain trail, into town, out for dinner. You name it. And let's be honest: the space in your suitcase is not infinite. Multifunctional is exactly what you want. Also resistant to rain.

Water fun

Tevas are great, but sometimes you just want to get in quickly. Flip-flops are your best friend: you can put them on in no time, they are super light and take up virtually no space, not in your big suitcase and not in your beach bag or daypack.

REEF is the OG surf brand when it comes to flip-flops and sandals, so you know: this is good. Our favorites:

Yeah, a bit of a gimmick. But hey, a fun campfire party trick.

Pack that stuff

Roller or duffel

What kind of bag you take depends entirely on how long you're going away for.

Are you going to your accommodation by car or taxi (and not sleeping in a tent)? Wheeled suitcase it is. Why make it difficult when it can be easy. A recommendation is the Allpa Roller Bag. No hard case, because it is heavy and difficult to store. Rather light, flexible and colorful! Because yes, most travel bags are so boring. But then we came Cotopaxi in return for. Finally! Cotopaxi makes wonderfully colorful bags and other outdoor gear.

38 litres = perfect for a weekend away. 65 litres = great for a week (or two). 100 litres = you're away for a few months but don't feel like lugging everything on your back. This is it. Ideal if you take cameras with you (yes: drone, SLR, all the trimmings). And enough space for extra nice sweaters and dresses. PS 100 liters is quite a lot. Just saying.

Is this just above your budget? A duffel bag is also a great option. No wheels but super multifunctional and ideal for a weekend away or a day at the beach. Then check out the Ligera 45L Duffel bag.

And of course, not to be missed, whatever bag you have: packing cubes! Super handy to keep everything neatly organized. If you are going to a rainy country (yes, some countries have a rainy season), then a rain cover strip card you can also book a must-haves.

Rain or not to rain

About that rainy season. Yes, those tropical beach photos on social are absolutely correct, even during the rainy season. Hello Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Costa Rica, Peru and Sri Lanka. It is often dry all day, until suddenly - usually late afternoon - a tropical downpour breaks loose. For one to two hours all hell breaks loose (literally). Without a raincoat and rain cover you are soaked to the last millimeter. Trust us, we've been there.

The backpack

Then the 'real' backpack. If you move around a lot - think: a multi-day hike or (almost) a different destination every day - then you prefer a backpack and therefore not to take too much with you. Because yes, you have to carry it all yourself. Tip from the seasoned traveler: don't buy a bag that is too big. Because full = full, and that is a good thing - for your weight and your back. And believe us: you will always find a place for that one top that is really really nice.

Here again about the same, but a bit lighter. 20 liters = perfect for a weekend away. 42 liters = great for a week (or even two). 50 liters = you are going away a bit longer or you just take a bit more with you. No judgment here!

The Allpa Collection

A day trip

Okay, so you've got all your luggage sorted. Now you're off for a nice day of hiking. Water, snacks, maybe lunch - but we're not big fans of lugging too much stuff around. The Allpa Mini Travel Pack of 20 liters is ideal, especially if you also want to take a sweater. This one of 16 liters is also great - maybe as hand luggage?

Are you not going for too long or can you leave that sweater at home? Then we are fans of the All 8L Sling. Not only handy for a hike, but also perfect for the city. Water bottle, wallet and your lunch? It all fits.

Or the fanny pack is of course also an ideal. I mean: every festival goer walks around with it for a reason. The Kapai 3L is nice and compact – water bottle in hand and the rest fits fine.

Fanny packs from Cotopaxi

Outdoor proof clothing

Outerwear

To be honest: you can't see the forest for the trees with all those jackets. One for wind, the other for rain. Insulated, Gore-Tex, hybrid, quickdry… Yes, all those materials have their function. But it's actually simple: think in layers.

Base layer. Mid-layer. Outerlayer.

Outer layer

Wind and waterproof jacket (hardshell or softshell, depending on destination)
Optional: a raincoat or poncho (compactly foldable, fits in your daypack) and rain trousers if you are planning really wet adventures.

Mid layer

Fleece or thin down jacket (lightweight, warm, compact) such as this insulated jacket, or a nice fleece
Sweater or cardigan (preferably something you can also wear in the evening by the campfire or out for dinner)
Optional: Bodywarmer or down vest (for layering without bulk)

Baselayer

Breathable shirt (merino wool or other technical material – dries quickly, does not smell)
Thermal shirt if you are going to colder areas

Okay and a few extras!

Little things, big difference: a cap or hat is worth its weight in gold against bright sunshine or an unexpected rain shower. A buff or scarf? Lightweight, multifunctional and always handy for some extra warmth. And don't forget the gloves not – thin for chilly mornings, thick if you're heading for the mountains.

Camping

Are you going camping? Go you! Bring mosquito spray, firewood, marshmallows and a bottle of wine – and you’re almost there. Oh yeah, just the tent… no worries, we already have a nice and clear list of tents made for you. Astu.

No place to sleep yet? It won't surprise you, but we have a list for that too. Here you can find the best Dutch (children's) campsites.

The outdoor packing list