What I Didn’t Need vs What I Couldn’t Live Without Whilst Travelling

By Saskia Geraghty

If you’re anything like us, then prepping for a big adventure means laying everything you own on the floor and convincing yourself you’ll need it all. Fifty outfit changes? Essential. A 10-step skincare routine? Obviously. Netflix downloads? Who even survives without them?

Well… turns out the wilderness has other ideas. Over time, we’ve worked out what actually deserves a spot in the backpack, and what ends up being just dead weight. Here’s our breakdown of the things we thought we couldn’t live without (spoiler: didn’t touch them) versus the gear that genuinely made all the difference out there.

Didn’t Need: 50 Changes of Clothes

We get it, outfit repeating at home might feel like a crime. But on the trail? Nobody cares. In fact, you’ll probably find yourself living in the same combo for days on end, and loving the simplicity. Less clothes = less weight = more energy for the good stuff (like chasing sunsets instead of socks).

Didn’t Need: Elaborate Skincare

Listen, we love a serum as much as the next gal. But out there? All you really need is a solid cleanser, moisturiser, sunscreen, and maybe some wipes for those “shower-optional” days. Everything else just takes up space you’ll wish you’d saved for snacks.

Didn’t Need: Netflix

Yes, we too thought we’d spend evenings curled up watching our latest binge. Instead, we found ourselves mesmerised by starlit skies, swapping stories by the fire, and drifting off to the soundtrack of crickets and rivers. The wild really does serve up better entertainment than any screen.

Didn’t Need: A Stack of Books

This one hurt to admit. We lugged along half a mini library thinking we’d read every spare moment. Reality check? Between hiking, setting up camp, and soaking in the scenery, those books barely made it out of the bag. One good paperback or a lightweight Kindle is more than enough.

Couldn’t Live Without: A Headtorch

This is non-negotiable. Midnight toilet trips, post-sunset hikes, or rummaging through your pack in the dark … having a hands-free light feels like actual wizardry. Trust us, don’t skip this.

Couldn’t Live Without: A Water Filter

Because hydration is life. Having a water filter means you can drink confidently from rivers, streams, or camp taps without a second thought. It’s freedom in a bottle.

Couldn’t Live Without: Lots of Underwear

This one might sound silly, but it’s a game changer. When showers are scarce, nothing makes you feel more like a new woman than fresh underwear. Pack more than you think, you’ll thank yourself later. If you can, invest in some quality Merino Wool ones, which keep you warm and dry, plus bonus: they don’t end up smelly so you can always flip them inside out in an emergency. 

Couldn’t Live Without: Solid Hiking Boots

Blisters are the fastest way to ruin an adventure. A sturdy, well-fitting pair of boots makes every step smoother and saves you from days of hobbling misery. If you’re going to splurge on anything, let it be these. Also make sure they are waterproof, your feet and sanity will thank us later. 

Couldn’t Live Without: A Good Quality Backpack

This is your portable home. The right pack distributes weight, holds everything you need, and doesn’t dig into your shoulders by day three. Get this right, and the whole trip feels lighter (literally and metaphorically). You want to look for a pack that has features like the following:

• Women-specific fit + adjustable suspension: A backpack built to follow your curves (shoulders, hips, torso length) so the weight stays off the wrong places. Bonus points for mesh-backed, ventilated support to keep you cool and comfy

• U-zip front (suitcase-style) access: No more digging around like a raccoon. Everything is accessible from the front

  
  

• Stowable rain cover: For those travel mishaps (or surprise storms), this feature lets you protect your pack on flights. You can always purchase one separately but finding one that has it inbuilt is great. 

  
  

• Lots of smart pockets: Hip-belt pockets for quick snacks, zip-up top pocket for sunnies or chapstick, side stretch mesh for water bottles, and a multifunction sleeve that handles anything from a hydration bladder to your tablet, or even a laptop wrapped in padding 

  
  

• Lightweight, durable, and eco-friendly construction: A tough outer shell that’s lightweight and made from recycled materials if possible. So you’re not just carrying your stuff, you’re carrying it responsibly

The wild teaches you fast: it’s not about having more, it’s about having enough. Stripping back to the true essentials is liberating, and it leaves room for what actually matters: connection, adventure, and the joy of being out there.

So leave the Netflix, pack the headtorch, and get ready to discover just how little you need to feel truly alive.