The 9 Travel Essentials for Harsh Conditions 

Whether you’re treating your dad to a fun, outdoorsy Father’s Day or taking your kids on a camping trip to kick off summer, we all plan our vacations with the best of intentions. But sometimes, unexpected harsh weather conditions force you to turn a corner.  

Luckily, there are some essentials you can pack that’ll help you weather the storm, so to speak. And, if a natural disaster occurs or Mother Nature wakes up on the wrong side of the bed, you’ll be ecstatic you prepared.  

 Topographical Map and Compass 

When faced with tough weather in the wilderness, it can be difficult to keep track of your location. Traveling with a compass and topographical map can help guide you if the circumstance is dire. This, of course, is specific to those who want to adventure in the great outdoors.  

Warm Clothing 

Prepare for the rain, snow, and cold by packing warm clothing –especially if you know it’s winter. Bring waterproof and weatherproof hats, gloves, and boots. Don’t forget that your feet, hands, and head are important to keep warm, as they can dictate your overall temperature. If you don’t know where to start, both wool and long-sleeved polyester are great options when facing cold temperatures.  

In terms of what not to do, don’t rely on cotton-based clothing. Cotton doesn’t insulate well and dampens easily, which puts you at greater risk of hypothermia in rainy or snowy weather. Also, try to bring clothing with reflective material. In the case that you’re stranded, it’ll be easier for someone to spot you.  

Survival Kit 

You can never be too prepared for harsh weather on a summer outdoor trip, and purchasing the best survival kit on the market will guarantee that you’re ready if disaster strikes. Not everyone questions how to survive a hurricane, but when you travel through areas prone to natural disasters, it pays to be prepared. Whether you need hurricane survival equipment or need items for when you’re lost in the woods, you want to find a survival kit that’s durable, waterproof, weather-proof, and has ample storage space. Typically, you can expect to find items that provide:  

• Warmth – handwarmers and thermal blankets 
• Fire – matches and a fire starter that work despite wet conditions 
• Light – flashlights and glowsticks  
• Face Protection – goggles and air filtration masks  
• Versatile Accessories – multitools, paracord, and duct tape 
• Technology – hand crank radio for updates on weather and relief efforts, and a multipurpose charger for your smartphone and various devices 
• An SOS Signal – whistle and flare gun 

Tent 

As the night rolls on and the temperature drops, it’s crucial to establish a safe place for you and your family to get a warm, comfortable night’s sleep. Preferably, this tent should be waterproof and insulated, engineered to weather harsh conditions. Most wilderness tents offer these features now, but it’s important to check first. 

First Aid Kit 

Harsh weather conditions create more opportunities for injury. This is commonsense and something that needs to be take into consideration. If you know that you’re going to be traveling somewhere that yields mercurial weather patterns, bring a first aid kit. Preparing for an injury isn’t a bad omen, it’s intelligent traveling.  

 Ideally, your medical kit is going to contain the following:  

• Adhesive Bandages 
• Gauze 
• Antibacterial wipes 
• Sunscreen 
• Antiseptic ointment 
• Ibuprofen 
• A splint 

Food and Water 

This might be heavy-handed, but given that human beings are only capable of surviving for three days without water, it’s worth reminding travelers to pack a surplus of H2O. If you’re trying to be self-sustainable on your trip, water can be the most important part of your packing list. You never know when you’re going to be stranded far from a water source.  

To that end, food is important too. Say you’re going on a hiking adventure, then you’ll want to bring plenty of backpacking meals.  

The Proper Footwear  

When your body experiences a drastic drop in temperature, blood rushes from your arms and legs to your core. This is your body’s way of protecting what’s most important; your vital organs. That’s why keeping your extremities warm is a lesson passed down for generations. And what’s furthest from your core? Your feet.  

If you know that you’re going to a place with harsh climates, then invest in insulated footwear. When in the cold, it’s imperative that they stay warm.   

Enjoy the Great Outdoors with Peace of Mind 

Preparing for harsh weather conditions can lessen the affect they have on you. And lots of what you’ll bring isn’t robust, meaning it’s packable, portable, and lightweight. If you’re to find yourself in the heart of a storm, or in a temperature below zero, you’ll marvel at the initiative you took to safeguard against the elements.