Your Ultimate Adventure Travel Gear Guide
The old adage says there’s no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothing. While this sentiment probably won’t brighten your day if you’re caught in the midst of a monsoon, you will feel a lot happier if you’re dressed in clothing that keeps you dry.
With this in mind, we take a look at a selection of clothing items well-suited to the demands of adventure travel, from a hat to keep the sun off to boots to keep your feet dry, via self-cooling T-shirts, high-tech jeans, and sweat-proof socks.
On your head: Tilley Airflow Hat
When undertaking outdoor pursuits in warmer regions, it’s essential to keep the sun off your head to minimize the risk of heatstroke and the dreaded sunburnt nose. With its wide brim providing sun protection for your neck and ears, a strip of mesh ventilation, and an unmistakable likeness to Indiana Jones’ iconic fedora, the Tilley Airflow is well-suited to intrepid travel. Two cords hold this hat firm in high winds, and it even floats should you find yourself enjoying an impromptu plunge. Well-made, stylish, and durable; this could be a hat for life.
- Plus points: moisture-wicking sweatband
- Worth noting: secret inside pocket is a nice touch
- Cost: US$90, £70
- Rating: quality 9/10; practicality 9/10; value 8/10
- More info: tilley.com
Outer shell: Fjallraven Keb Jacket
If you get your travel kicks from tackling wind-whipped trails rather than lounging on golden beaches, then you’ll need an outer layer that can stand up to the elements. We tested the Fjallraven Keb on a tough multi-day trek through Sweden and found it ideal for this job. The jacket is durable and warm yet also breathable and versatile, making it suitable for both strolling round town and hiking on tough trails. It’s worth noting, however, that the Keb is only water-resistant; the waterproof equivalent is the Keb Eco Shell Jacket.
- Plus points: no pockets on lower part of jacket to avoid obstructing rucksack waist belt
- Worth noting: water resistance can be enhanced by adding Fjallraven’s Greenland wax
- Cost: US$300, £260, €299
- Rating: quality 9/10; practicality 8/10; value 9/10
- More info: fjallraven.com
Inner layer: Chrome Merino Cobra Hoodie
Originally designed for San Francisco’s cycle messengers, the Cobra hoodie from Chrome is made from merino wool, offering a great warmth-to-weight ratio. This makes it perfect for a mid-layer when hiking or to throw on for chillier evenings in the city. The fabric is soft and very comfortable, featuring handy elements like thumb loops and a neat key pocket just above the wrist. However, it’s worth noting that some testers found the hoodie’s ‘athletic silhouette’ meant the garment was tight around the hips yet loose around the shoulders, cuffs, and neck.
- Plus points: two front pockets plus a cavernous rear cargo pocket
- Worth noting: merino wool is durable, naturally moisture-wicking, and odour-resistant
- Cost: US$180
- Rating: quality 8/10; practicality 7/10; value 8/10
- More info: chromeindustries.com
Close to the chest: Rohan Core Silver T & Fleet T
For beach breaks or summertime city slicking, a cotton T-shirt is a good fit, but for active journeys, it’s wise to invest in something more robust. The Core Silver T from Rohan is stretchy, wicks away sweat, resists odour, and features a special treatment that helps keep you cool in hot climates. In testing—which included several long runs and a camping trip—we found it genuinely effective. The women’s equivalent is the Fleet T, which boasts the same stretch and wicking properties, although testers found the fit less snug, thereby feeling less comfortable.
- Plus points: both T-shirts are light, easy to wash, and quick to dry, making them ideal for travel
- Worth noting: both options come in a choice of two different colours
- Cost: US$53, £39
- Rating: quality 9/10; practicality 8/10; value 7/10
- More info: rohandesigns.com
Below the belt: Boulder Denim 2.0 Jeans
Everyone has a favorite pair of jeans, but they can sometimes be impractical for travel—chafing in hot climates, clinging after rain, and restrictive when trying to squeeze into the back seat of a crowded bus. The 2.0 jeans from Boulder Denim are a different story. They’re designed for rock climbing, meaning they’re stretchy, lightweight, rugged, and comfortable—while still looking good. Features include very deep pockets for keeping cash and tickets safe, an internal zipped security pocket, and a broad waistband.
- Plus points: vegan approved and ethical manufacturing process
- Worth noting: available in slim/athletic cuts for men, and straight/skinny for women
- Cost: US$109
- Rating: quality 9/10; practicality 8/10; value 8/10
- More info: boulderdenim.com
Around the ankles: Mission Workshop Runbikehike Socks
Whether it’s from light packing or a lack of laundry services, dirty socks can be a concern for even the hardiest travelers. Hoping to end concerns about whiffy feet is Mission Workshop. Their Runbikehike socks are specially designed for outdoor activities and all-day wear, featuring high-wicking fabric that makes them ideal for travel. In testing, we wore them non-stop for several days and stayed dry, comfortable, and—crucially—odour-free.
- Plus points: suitable for city strolls as well as hardcore hiking and biking
- Worth noting: also available in blue and ankle length
- Cost: US$20, £17, €19
- Rating: quality 9/10; practicality 9/10; value 8/10
- More info: missionworkshop.com
On your feet: Keen The Rocker Boots
Footwear brand Keen is renowned for its range of hiking shoes and rafting sandals, and the Rocker boots are another excellent addition to their lineup. Thanks to their sturdy construction, emphasis on comfort, and lightness, these boots are perfect for hikes in the wilderness. With a quick wipe down, they also won’t look out of place when heading for dinner in a fine restaurant.
- Plus points: chunky sole, toe protector, easy-undo top lace eyelet
- Worth noting: available in black or brown
- Cost: US$160, £129.99, €159.95
- Rating: quality 9/10; practicality 9/10; value 8/10
- More info: keenfootwear.com
