Five things to take on a trip
It’s more important than ever to cut down on the amount of ‘stuff’ we buy, move away from ‘fast fashion’ and change our attitude towards disposable goods - that’s why making smart choices when it comes to what to take on your travels makes sense. Choosing good quality, flexible items means you need less stuff in the long run, which is better for the planet, and better for your luggage allowance. Good kit helps makes a good trip.
Five things we like to take on a trip here at Scout -
AWAY suitcase
A good suitcase or bag can make the difference between a smooth journey and a stressful one, something we’ve learnt the hard way. We really like luggage brand AWAY for their well designed, good quality cases - a lifetime guarantee makes the investment worth it and the “bigger carry on” size is the perfect companion for work or holiday travel. It even comes with a discreet battery pack so you can charge your phone or laptop on the move. We’re also fans of their travel zine, “Here” for thoughtfully written travel journals, photo essays and interviews with inspiring people. They’ve recently partnered with Pantone on these “Classic Blue” cases, and with Serena Williams.
The Bigger Carry On, £245, www.awaytravel.com
Photography by AWAY
Patagonia t-shirt
Is it just us or are the best t-shirts always made for men rather than women? The fabric usually seems to be a nicer, heavier weight, and they aren’t see-through! Patagonia’s cotton t-shirts and tops are ideal for travelling when you want to be casual - we like the classic men’s design in white. Short sleeved or long sleeved, it has a less fussy design than the women’s range (so often the case with outdoor apparel brands). They also do really good outer layers - perfect for a trip where you’ll be spending time in nature / out in the elements. Patagonia has a serious commitment to environmental and social responsibility, a truly inspiring sustainable business.
Patagonia P-6 Logo Responsibility Tee, £35, www.patagonia.com
Photography by Patagonia
Teva sandals
Hear us out on this one, will you? If you still haven’t made it to the Teva party, you’ll thank us when you do. Really! Once you get over the initial “grandad sandal” reputation these will be your travelling companions for life. You can swim and canoe in them, they are perfect for picking your way over a stony beach to the sea or clambering down rocks to a wild swimming spot, you can comfortably walk or cycle miles in them, they’re super light, take up no space, and they’re fast drying. They feel particularly delicious when slipping into them after a day in hiking boots. Choose a plain colour (utilitarian black is our choice) and you can wear them in the city too - as show below where model Sara Blomqvist wears Tevas outside the Autumn 2019 couture shows in Paris (Photographed by Phil Oh). The New York Times just wrote a feature called “Wow, Tevas got cute” - need we say more? You’re welcome!
Women’s Original Universal in black, £40, www.teva.co.uk
Photography by Phil Oh
REN Clean Screen SPF30
We all know sun protection is a must. Many sunscreens are full of chemicals though - opting for a mineral-based formulation is one way to minimise this. We like REN’s zinc oxide-based Clean Screen because it’s good for skin and a cleaner choice for the planet too. It’s effective at protecting the skin, doesn’t clog pores or irritate, and leaves the skin more matte than shiny. And it’s in a 50ml tube, small enough for hand luggage only.
REN Clean Screen SPF30, £30 for 50ml, www.renskincare.com
Photography by Ren
Turkish Hammam Towel
Have you ever used one of those micro-fibre travel towels on holiday and found its taken ages to actually get yourself dry, and then you’re stuck with a damp and let’s face it ugly towel? Us too! A top tip shared with us by a travel journalist years ago is to pack a peshtamal instead - one of those thin cotton towels used in Turkish hammams. They come in pretty colours, are super light weight but properly absorbent and fast-drying. Perfect for the beach, camping trips, picnics - choose a chic colour and you can wear it as a sarong or scarf in cooler moments too. We got ours at the brilliant Kili Ali Pasa Hamami in Istanbul - soft, stylish, practical and affordable. If you’re not planning a trip to Turkey any time soon there’s lots of choice online - www.cottonandolive.com has a great selection.
Turkish peshtamal, cost varies, www.kilicalipasahamami.com
Photography by Maria Dolores Vazquez