It is no secret, we love outdoors! All of our tours focus on spending time outdoors and discovering hidden gems of mother nature. If you have done a few hiking tours or spent time in nature in your day to day life, this blogpost might be just a good reminder. But, if you are new to nature based, adventurous travelling, you might want to take some notes down. Remember, this is a general list of things we think you should pack when you are going on a guided nature-based tour such as our Black Sea Uncut. if you are going on a hiking tour by yourself- you would need a more comprehensive list for that.
1. A day backpack
When you go on an outdoor tour, we highly recommend having a small backpack with you packed with items you might need during the day. A private car or minivan is always at your service when you are travelling with Hidden Wonders’ tours but we take you to lots of places that don’t have vehicle access so your backpack will be handy for those spots. You get a little gift pack from us when you begin your tour and that should be enough to carry a few of the items we will talk about soon.
2. Socks
Not the most exciting thing to think about when it comes to travel but you will be glad you packed extras especially if you don’t have waterproof shoes or your feet tend to get sweaty. Pack two pairs for each day at least. Depending on the weather you are travelling, you might want to choose thicker/warmer ones for colder seasons and thinner ones for summer. Try to choose socks that has a mix of natural fibres (i.e. wool) and synthetic fibres to prevent smell and give you comfort.
3. Clothes
The key point when it comes to nature tours is to be prepared for all weather events as much as you can. Especially up the mountains of Black Sea of Turkey, the weather is changeable so pack two short sleeve tops for each day as a base layer and a warmer, long sleeve top to put on when it is colder. Layering is highly recommended by all outdoor adventure experts as it gives you options. You might want your jumper on first thing in the morning as the day starts but you will get warmer after climbing up steep hills and you want to have the option to be able to take it off. We also recommend choosing a water-resistant outer layer.
Bonus clothes tip: DO NOT wear jeans on a hiking trip. It may feel like a good go to option especially if you are used to wearing them in your daily life, but jeans don’t dry easily and once wet become very heavy and uncomfortable.
4. Shoes
Pack shoes that you know won’t hurt your feet on the first day and sturdy enough to last you the whole trip at least. If possible, go for a water-resistant pair as you might be walking through puddles or little streams. Overall, purpose made hiking/walking shoes are a safe option. If you got new shoes, pack extra band-aids or try to ‘break them in’ before you begin your journey. And remember to pack another pair for the evening. Go for a casual/smart one to cover all basis and save yourself space.
5. Underwear
We recommend quick drying ones that are comfortable, maybe an activewear type. Similar to socks, we advise to pack what you need and couple of extra pairs.
6. Water
And of course, water! Keeping hydrated will make a big difference to your experience. So, take a water bottle with you. Most outdoor trails have water fountains and spring waters that you can use to fill up your bottle. Keep water treating tablets handy if you are worried about the safety of the water. Your tour guide is the best person to ask for specific info on water safety. You will have the option to buy bottled water before you start your day, but we try to avoid single use bottles to help a little with preventing waste.
7. Food
When you are in the nature, hiking or walking, chances are, there won’t be a restaurant or a shop next to that waterfall or cliff. Some people like to eat frequently and even if you don’t, it is always a good idea to have a little snack in your day backpack, just in case. All days on our tours are inclusive of breakfast except your first day. Turkey is famous for its breakfast and Black Sea region is no exception. So, we think a big breakfast should keep you going until lunch time.
8. Sun protection
Hat, sunscreen and sunglasses are essential for any outdoor tours. If you will be exposed to sun for long hours, it is also a good idea to consider wearing light clothing to cover arms etc that offers UV protection. Some also prefer to pack a small umbrella for protecting from the sun and the rain.
9. First aid kit
When you are travelling with Hidden Wonders’ boutique tours, your tour guide will have a first aid kit with them. But it is always good idea to have your own little kit with you with your essentials such as any prescribed medication, blister plasters, pain killers, antiseptic gel or wipes etc.
10. Electronics
Yes, when you are in nature you don’t want to be distracted by your devices. We also know lots of people also love taking photos of places they are visiting to share with family, friends or complete strangers. Some places may not have power, so it is a good idea to keep a powerbank handy if you don’t want to be caught without battery when you are just about the capture that perfect moment. And of course, converting adapters if you are travelling overseas
11. Swimwear
Hidden Wonders’ tours take you to hidden swim holes, rivers and waterfalls. The tours take place on the Black Sea region mostly, so you won’t be too far from the beach on most days. Depending on the season you are travelling, you may want to go for a swim or a quick dip. We recommend taking your swimwear in your day backpack alongside a small towel and plastic bag to put your wet swimmers in afterwards.
General tips:
Lots of people roll their clothes before packing to save room. Some people also find ‘packing cubes’ save space. There are several options on the market for these little handy things. Below are a couple of different ones we like.