Pack for adventure: The ultimate guide to this summer's travel essentials

Written by Sofie Jensen

There's something special about the feeling you get when the suitcase or backpack is ready by the door. Summer lies open before us, and new cities, unknown trails, and long days with the sun on your back await. But honestly, a good trip doesn't start at the airport or train station. It starts the day before, when you pack. And that's exactly where I see most people panic. They either end up with a suitcase that's way too heavy or a backpack missing the essentials. That's why I've put together my personal guide on how to pack smart for weekend trips, longer vacations, and spontaneous hikes in nature.

I've traveled quite a bit in the past few years, from interrailing through Central Europe to a rainy week in the Faroe Islands, and I've learned my lessons the hard way. This guide is not a big list of everything you should buy. It's a collection of the few things that really make a difference when you're in the middle of a downpour in Berlin or hiking up a hill in 28-degree heat. I also share the products I trust myself and that I believe you'll enjoy long after the season is over.

Why the right travel essentials make the difference

Let's be honest. You can travel without the perfect backpack or the best shoes. People have done it for decades. But there's a reason experienced travelers always come back to the same basic principles. When you have the right gear, you don't have to think about it. You can focus on the experience instead of juggling wet socks, a broken zipper, or sunglasses that keep sliding down your nose.

It's about freedom. Freedom to say yes to a spontaneous trip into nature because your backpack is already ready. Freedom to walk all day because your shoes don't give you blisters. Freedom to relax because you know your things are protected from rain and wear. That kind of freedom is priceless, and it starts with a few well-chosen products.

The packing philosophy I use every time

My rule is simple. Pack half the clothes you think you need, and twice the money you think you'll need. It sounds silly, but it works. You rarely use all three pairs of pants you carry, but you always appreciate having some extra space in your backpack for the souvenirs you find along the way. It's about choosing multifunctional items and investing in quality that lasts more than one season.

The backpack is the foundation

If I could only give one piece of advice to someone starting to travel more, it would be this: spend money on a good backpack. It sounds obvious, but I’ve seen so many people, including myself, struggle with cheap bags that either don’t have the right back support or get soaked at the first raindrop. A good backpack is not just storage. It’s your mobile wardrobe, your comfort on long days, and your protection against the elements.

For shorter trips and weekend getaways, the 50L waterproof nylon backpack for adventurous travels has become my regular companion. It’s big enough to hold everything I need for a week, yet compact enough to take as carry-on on most airlines. The waterproof nylon material is what really won me over. I’ve stood in a sudden summer rain in Hamburg and watched people around me frantically digging for rain covers, while my backpack just took it and kept everything inside bone dry.

The design is minimalist and practical. There are enough compartments to organize things in different sections, so you don’t have to unpack everything every time you look for the charging cable. I pack clothes in packing cubes inside the main compartment, keep toiletries in the side pocket, and use the top pocket for passport, phone, and small items. It sounds like details, but on a long day moving from hostel to train station, that kind of structure makes the day easier.

For longer trips and camping

When I plan something more ambitious, a couple of weeks hiking or a camping trip in the mountains, I switch to a larger model. The 70L Nylon Camping backpack with rain cover is built for the longer distances. The extra liters provide space for a sleeping bag, tent, and some food supplies, and the included rain cover means you don’t have to pack extra plastic.

I took it with me on a week in the Swedish archipelago last summer, where the weather changed between 25 degrees of sun and sudden showers several times a day. The shoulder straps have good padding, and there is a proper hip belt that shifts the weight down to the legs instead of hanging on the back. That’s the difference between looking forward to the next stage and wondering how far it is to the next rest. If you’ve ever walked five kilometers with a poorly designed backpack, you know exactly what I mean.

Shoes that can handle a whole day

Right after the backpack come the shoes. And here many get fooled. We think we can easily handle ten kilometers of asphalt in a pair of sneakers we’ve worn at home, but a whole day in a new city is different from walking to the bakery and back. You need shoes that can breathe, have a gripping sole, and don’t give you blisters after the first three hours.

Aaron breathable summer shoes have become my recommendation for everyone who asks me about summer footwear. The material is perforated so the foot can breathe even on the hottest days, and the sole has a pattern that grips both wet asphalt and loose soil. They are lightweight, which means your feet don’t get tired like they do in heavy leather boots. I’ve worn them on Lisbon’s cobblestone streets, along beach promenades in Mallorca, and on short nature walks, and they’ve held up every time.

What I especially appreciate is that they can be used for both city trips and light outdoor activities. You don’t need to pack four different pairs of shoes. One good all-round pair, a pair of sandals or flip-flops, and maybe a pair of sneakers for the evenings, and you’re well covered. It saves space in your backpack and makes packing much easier.

Always break in your shoes before departure

One small thing I want to emphasize. Never buy new shoes and pack them straight into your suitcase. Wear them at home for at least a week first. Even the most comfortable shoes need a few long walks to mold to your foot. I learned that the hard way in Rome, where I ended up with five band-aids on each foot after day two. It’s a mistake you only make once.

Sunglasses are not just an accessory

Sunglasses are where I see most people saving in the wrong place. They buy a cheap pair at a gas station or a beach stand, and they last a week. A good pair of sunglasses is an investment in your eye health and your comfort on long days outdoors. UV protection is not something you should compromise on, and there’s a reason doctors repeatedly remind us to wear sunglasses even on cloudy days.

I’ve come to like fashionable rimless square sunglasses. They have a timeless look that works with both a nice shirt and a t-shirt and shorts. The rimless design makes them comfortable to wear for hours without feeling pressure on the bridge of your nose. The lens shape is classic square, but with slightly softened corners, giving them a modern feel without becoming trendy in a way that quickly goes out of style.

The most important thing for me is that they’re sturdy. I have a bad habit of throwing them loosely into my backpack, and most cheap glasses break after a few months of that treatment. These hold up. And because the design is simple and elegant, you can wear them for travel, a lunch in the city, and a bike ride on a Sunday afternoon.

My packing suggestion for a one-week trip

Let me give you a concrete example of how I pack for a typical week-long summer trip, combining city stays with a few days in nature. It’s not a definitive list, but it’s a starting point you can adapt to your own style.

Clothing

Three t-shirts in neutral colors that can be mixed and matched freely. Two pairs of pants, preferably a pair of lightweight chinos and a more rugged pair for hiking. Two shirts, one short-sleeved and one long-sleeved for cool evenings. Underwear and socks for four days, then you wash along the way. A light jacket or a hoodie. A pair of swim shorts. That’s it. You rarely need more, and if you do, you can always buy something along the way.

Shoes

A pair of all-around shoes like the Aaron shoes I mentioned, a pair of flip-flops or sandals for the beach and hostel showers, and possibly a pair of lighter sneakers for evenings if you have space.

Accessories

Sunglasses, a good leather belt, a microfiber towel, a cap or hat. A refillable water bottle that can handle both flights and hiking. A small toiletry bag with the essentials, and remember to check liquid rules if you’re flying with carry-on.

Electronics

Phone, charger, a power bank with at least 10,000 mAh, and a universal adapter. If you work on the go, a lightweight laptop and its charger. Headphones. That’s it. You don’t need four cameras and three tablets. Less is more.

Tips that have saved me from many disappointments

I want to share some small things I’ve learned over the years. They’re not revolutionary, but these are the kinds of details that make travel easier.

Always pack an extra t-shirt and a pair of socks in your carry-on. Luggage gets lost. It’s rare, but it happens, and if it does, you’ll thank yourself for not being stuck in a foreign city without anything to change into. I always do it now, and although I rarely have needed it, the times it mattered have been invaluable.

Write a packing list once, save it, and use it every time. You might think you can remember everything, but the brain is a sneaky thing, and the night before departure is not the right time to trust it. A list takes five minutes to make and saves you hours of worry.

Take pictures of your passport, credit card, and travel insurance, and email them to yourself. If your wallet disappears, you have access to all the important stuff from any screen.

Use packing cubes or just some cloth bags to organize your clothes. It sounds like something for nerds, but it’s a game changer. You can find things without dumping your whole backpack, and you can lift a cube out into the hostel room without spreading your life all over the place.

Why I choose Concept Odense

I’m often asked why I prefer certain brands over the big chains. The answer is simple. Concept Odense has a style that suits me. The items are practical without being boring, the design is thoughtful, and the price is fair. When I buy a backpack or a pair of shoes, I want something that lasts and that I don’t have to replace every season. That’s sustainability in the simplest form—not through big words, but through products that just last.

I’ve often seen prices at bigger providers and been surprised at how much you pay for the name alone. At Concept Odense, you get the same quality, often from the same manufacturers, at a price that won’t make you regret the purchase the week after. And customer service is easy to reach, which is priceless if there’s ever a problem with an order.

The last thought before you pack

Travel isn’t about gear. It’s about the people you meet, the streets that surprise you, the quiet mornings in a new climate. But good gear lets you be present in those moments without being distracted by a heavy backpack or sore feet. Invest once, choose wisely, and then spend your money on experiences instead.

I hope this guide has given you some ideas on how to pack smarter and travel more comfortably this summer. Remember, the best packing list is the one you actually use, and the best gear is what makes the trip easier without taking up too much space. If you're looking for a place to start, I recommend checking out backpacks, shoes, and sunglasses first. These are the three categories that make the biggest difference in your everyday life on the go.

Have a good trip, and pack light.

Sofie Jensen writes about travel, fashion, and a conscious everyday life for Concept Odense.