What to pack for a city break, hiking break or summer break

Article By: Dan Hill, June 2020

For the last 5 years or so, everytime I travel, I've been referring back to a travel packing list that I've been maintaining in the Notes app on my iPhone. The lists have evolved but they have served me well - now I rarely forget to pack something essential.

I've divided up the items based upon travel destination. Wherever I go, I start with the Travel, Accomodation & City Break packing lists, and build up from these (e.g. by adding the items on the Hiking or Summer break lists.

I've added links to example products for your convenience (many of which I have tried and tested) - and apologies that the clothing links to men's items - I plan to add links for women in the near future.

1. Travelling

No matter where you go, some things are always essential for travelling:

Passport
Driver's License
Travel and Health Insurace details
Boarding passes (paper or electronic)
Car hire details (location, booking reference, confirmations)
Accomodation details (address, booking reference, emails)
Travel luggage - cabin approved
Face masks for hygiene on planes and public transport
Hand disinfectant
Mobile Phone (with downloaded offline Google maps)
International USB charger & phone cable
Book / Kindle
Still the king of e-readers, you can cram loads of books and even your travel guides onto a Kindle, and be confident you'll probably not even have to charge it on your trip - the battery lasts for weeks, not hours (especially with WiFi turned off).
Playing cards
Headphones
I've owned a set of Sound Magic E10s for the last 6 years and I love them - comfy and the sound is great for the price. I still use them everyday for music or Audible audio books. They have received a lot of great reviews in the press, such as this 5 star review in What HiFi.

2. Accomodation

Toiletries bag
Tired of putting your toiletries in those little clear bags at airport security? Check out this see-through Toiletries bag.
Sun Cream
Tootbrush & Toothpaste
Deodorant
Nail-Clippers / Scissors
Going to be doing 20-30K steps a day exploring a city or hiking a mountain? Make sure you've got trimmed nails! Nail-Clippers are airport security friendly.
Ear plugs
Eye mask
Work-out clothes
Swim wear for the pool
Swiss army knife / bottle opener

3. City Break

My city breaks are generally characterised by day-time walking (a lot) around city streets and visiting outdoor locations (such as squares, monuments and markets) and indoor locations (such as galleries, museums and cafes). I might be utilising various forms of transportation including:

Walking
Scooters & Bikes
Taxis
Trams
Buses
Metros & Tains

Here's my list city break packing list:

Light-weight, 15L Backpack
On most breaks, a backpack goes everywhere with me. A light-weight, weatherproof backpack that's just the right size is the key - 15L capacity is perfect for me.
Water bottle
Light-weight walking trousers
Sunglasses
Hat
To keep the sun off and look stylish, it could be a good idea to invest in a decent hat. I bought a Toyo hat from Stetson about 2 years ago and couldn't be happier with it. I almost never leave the house without it these days.
Walking shoes
I'm now on my second pair of Salomon walking shoes after my Merrels unceremoniously failed on me after 6 months. I am really happy with the Salomons - and especially like the comfort and quick lacing system.
Walking socks
Packaway waterproof jacket
I actually own a different packaway jacket to this one, but the Regata packaway waterproof jacket gets great reviews so I'd go for that one next time. The principle, however, stands - I've had a packaway waterproof with me on all trips (city, hiking, summer) since I bought it 5 years ago in Scotland. It also lives in my car when I'm not travelling.
Packaway waterproof trousers
I bought these Berghaus Packaway Gore-Tex waterproof trousers about 7 years ago and couldn't be happier with them. They're breathable and I've used them hiking in Scotland, the Faroe Islands and Iceland, and I've cycled in them for miles without getting sweaty. They fold down well to fit in your backpack.
Plasters for blisters
Travel guide (if there's not already a great guide on MapADay for where you're going)

4. Hiking Break

I start with the Travel, Accomodation & City Break packing lists, then add:

5. Summer Break

I start with the Travel, Accomodation & City Break packing lists, then add

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