How to Pack for a Spontaneous Adventure
Be ready to hit the trail whenever the mood strikes.
Ever looked outside, seen perfect weather, and wished you could just disappear into the bush for a day or two?
That was me after a Saturday afternoon shift. The weather was lush, my partner was home to take care of the dog, and for once, my calendar was clear for a couple of days. It was time for an unplanned adventure.
Being able to get home and then turn around and leave again for a few days is a skill I’ve honed over years of growing my business. These days, I don’t often have time for big, multi-day epics, but I can manage quick overnighters. And the secret? My adventure go bag.
Over time, I’ve collected enough gear to have the basics ready to go. But it’s not just about the gear. It’s about having a system and a mindset that lets me say yes when the opportunity to escape presents itself. I’ve made it easy to grab a bag and run.
I didn’t even think of it as an “adventure go bag” until I read this excellent article by Laura Killingbeck that gave mine a name.
So what’s in my go bag?
Here’s the backbone of it:
Tent, sleeping bag, and mat
Headlamp, and sometimes this brilliant Black Diamond lantern and battery pack combo
Small first aid kit (thermal blanket, NSAIDs, antihistamines, band-aids, bandages)
Small cooking kit: Jetboil, mug, and cutlery
Water and purification tablets, Hydrolyte tablets
Simple food, coffee, and tea bags
Toiletries: biodegradable wet wipes, travel toothbrush and paste, lip balm, biodegradable soap
Kindle
Sketchbook and pencil
Rarely: rain gear (thanks, Perth climate)
Depending on the adventure (bikepacking, hiking, climbing etc) I might add bike tools, repair kits, or trekking poles. But the core setup stays the same and keeps me ready to be fairly comfortable in nature for a few days at a moment’s notice.
How to Build Your Own
If this sounds appealing, here’s how to create your own go bag:
Start with what you’ve got. You probably own more useful gear than you realise. It doesn’t need to be the newest, lightest, or most expensive to get the job done.
Store it all together. Use a dry bag or backpack so you’re not hunting around the house every time the mood to escape hits.
Keep a checklist inside. It’ll save your brainpower next time you want to move fast.
Replenish regularly. Every few months, give it a once over to top up anything that’s been used or gone out of date.
Do a post-adventure review. As soon as you get home, jot down what you used, didn’t use, or wished you had with you, while it’s still fresh in your mind.
Don’t Forget the Safety Stuff
Always let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to be back. If you're heading out of phone signal, consider using a PLB, Spot Tracker. There are a range of GPS enabled apps with live location sharing so someone at home can keep an eye on you if that helps you feel more safe and secure adventuring.
Why It Matters
Life isn’t always about big hikes, big goals, or big adventures. Sometimes, a mini getaway is exactly what your nervous system needs. A little time outside, away from noise and structure, can be a powerful reset.
So here’s your nudge: think about how little you really need to get out the door. Build a system that makes spontaneous adventures possible. Then go be brave and make it happen.
(And tell me about it afterwards! I love hearing about other people’s adventures!)