AUGUST 2025

Packing is the first step of any expedition - the point where planning meets anticipation. A well-packed backpack determines comfort, safety, and endurance in the field, whether you’re hiking across ridgelines, sleeping in boreal forests, or paddling along a remote coastline.

This guide offers practical field logic: a combination of experience-based packing, energy planning, and situational awareness.

Responsible travel goes beyond equipment. It means respecting terrain, ensuring team safety, and maintaining communication discipline. Always leave a route plan with someone at home and define a “check-in time.” If contact fails, they must alert rescue services.

What to Pack for a Summer Mountain Hike

High-altitude environments are as demanding as they are beautiful. Proper preparation reduces risk and keeps you focused on movement, not discomfort.

Clothing – Layering Principle

• Hiking boots (broken-in)

• Gaiters for mud, snow, and loose rock

• Base layer: moisture-wicking synthetic or merino

• Mid layer: fleece or wool

• Outer shell: waterproof and windproof jacket

• Hat, gloves, sunglasses

Essential Gear & Safety

• Paper map and compass (always carry physical backup)

• GPS device or offline navigation app (Locus, Gaia GPS, mapy.cz)

• Headlamp with spare batteries

• Fully charged phone and power bank

• Multitool, knife, and repair tape

• First aid kit and emergency blanket

• Water filter or purification tablets

• Compact rations: freeze-dried meals and FRONTIER QRR bars (ready-to-eat, 400 kcal per 100 g)

• Thermos with hot water

• Spork and waste bag

What to Bring for Forest Camping & Overnight Hikes

A night in the forest requires self-sufficiency and discipline. Fire, shelter, and food form the triangle of survival — if one fails, comfort disappears.

Core Equipment

• Tent or tarp

• Sleeping bag (rated for season) and sleeping pad

• Stove and gas, cookware

• Firestarter and matches

• Headlamp with spare batteries

• Power bank and phone

• Meals: freeze-dried options for stationary meals, QRR bars for meal on the go 

• Water and purification method

• First aid kit, insect repellent, knife

• Waste bags and navigation tools

Extra Field Tips

• Verify local rules for wild camping (e.g. “Zanocuj w lesie” or Nordic Allemansrätten)

• Light fires only in authorised zones

• Secure food to avoid wildlife contact

Kayaking Equipment Checklist

Water routes demand attention to weight and waterproofing. Cold exposure and fatigue build faster on water than on land.

Day Trips

• Dry bags (for electronics and clothing)

• Lightweight thermal layer

• Waterproof jacket and pants

• Water shoes or neoprene boots

• Sunscreen and hat

• Microfibre towel

• Nutrition: freeze-dried meal and / or FRONTIER QRR bar (fits easily in PFD pocket)

• Thermos with hot water

• Waterproof first aid kit and map

• Power bank and flashlight

Multi-Day Expeditions

• Tent and sleeping system

• Stove and cookware

• Biodegradable soap, towel

• Waste bags

• Repair kit

• Cash, ID, emergency contacts

What to Eat Outdoors: Fuel That Works

In the field, food is both fuel and morale. A good meal can restore focus, thermoregulation, and decision-making.

Choose Field Food That Is:

• High in calories (energy dense)

• Compact and durable

• Quick to prepare (hot water only)

• Nutritionally balanced

Freeze-Dried Meals – reliable for full meals, long shelf life, low weight.
FRONTIER QRR – ready-to-eat, no water or heating required, ideal for movement phases or cold conditions where stopping is impractical.

Example field day:

• Morning: coffee + QRR bar (on the move)

• Midday: freeze-dried meal or 2 QRR bars (rest phase, or active to cover ground)

• Evening: Freeze dried or equivalent hot meal before rest

Reducing Weight and Bulk

Every unnecessary item adds weight = fatigue. Smart packing improves endurance.

• Use modular packing sacks

• Choose multipurpose gear

• Limit redundancy (“one is none” only applies to mission-critical gear)

• Replace cans and heavy meals with compact food (QRR)

Packing Your Backpack: The Start of Every Mission

Packing is a system. Weight high and close to the spine; essentials accessible; food central for balance. Think through your sequence of use.

Reliable nutrition - whether FRONTIER QRR or a freeze-dried meal - ensures sustained cognitive clarity and operational readiness. In cold, wet, or dark conditions, that reliability becomes survival.

Emergency Numbers in Key Outdoor Regions

Country	General Emergency	Mountain Rescue	Water Rescue	Notes
Norway	112	113	120	“Hjelp 113” app (offline capable)
Sweden	112	112	112	Unified emergency number; GPS sharing via SOS app
Finland	112	112	112	112 Suomi app sends location
Poland	112	GOPR/TOPR 985 or 601 100 300	WOPR 601 100 100	“Ratunek” app for rescue services
Germany	112	Bergwacht	112	Provide precise coordinates
Austria	112	140	130	“Bergrettung” for mountains
Switzerland	112	1414 (REGA)	117	REGA app provides GPS position
France	112	17 / 18 / 15 (SAMU, Pompiers)	CROSS 196	“112 FRANCE” app
Italy	112	118 (mountain rescue)	1530	“Where Are U” app

 

A good adventure begins long before the trailhead - in how you prepare, pack, and plan.
Carry light, stay sharp, and choose food that sustains.

TEAR. FUEL. CONTINUE.