Summer Adventure Checklist: What to Pack for a Weekend in the Mountains 🏞️🌄

Whether you're road-tripping to the Rockies, hiking up to that secret lake in Tahoe your friend swears is "life-changing," or joining Outside Life on this summer’s FAM trip, your mountain weekend is about to be one for the books. But before you chase waterfalls & hit that summit sunset, make sure your pack is ready to roll. Welcome to your ultimate Summer Adventure Checklist — built for thrill-seekers, nature lovers, and college students chasing epic memories in the mountains.

⛺ The Essentials

• Backpack: A solid daypack with padded straps for hikes, town strolls, or to lug snacks/drinks like you're the mountain mule.

• Water Bottle/Hydration Pack: The mountains are breathtaking… literally. Hydrate or die-drate in the altitude.

• Sunscreen + Sunglasses: Just because you’re at elevation doesn’t mean the sun is gentler. It’s way worse up there. Protect your skin!

🥾 Gear Up for Epic Daytime Adventures

1. Hiking/Backpacking 🥾

• Moisture-wicking clothes (bonus points for fun patterns)

• Hiking boots or trail shoes, plus sandals to slip on when you get blisters

• Hat, sunscreen & bug spray (especially if you're in mosquito territory)

2. Mountain Biking 🚴‍♀️

• Padded shorts (thank us later)

• Gloves, helmet, and energy bars

• GoPro

4. Cliff-Jumping & Swimming 💦

• Confidence

• Swimsuit that stays put & towel

• Friends to cheer you on (or film your flop for TikTok)

• Dry bag for your phone and snacks

🌌 Après-Adventure & Mountain Nightlife Must-Haves

You hiked hard. You biked harder. Now it’s time to party like a mountain legend.

Drinks: Whether it’s your daytime hike or night out, the drinks should be flowing. If you’re joining us on FAM, we’ve got you covered 😉

Flannel shirt or cozy hoodie or puffy coat: Because no mountain night is complete without a campfire ‘fit.

Portable speaker: Good music = good vibes.

Games/cards: Perfect for the condo/bar patio.

Pro Tips from Seasoned Adventurers

• Layer up. Mountain weather is more chaotic than your group chat. 80°F one minute, thunderstorm the next.

• Download offline playlists, maps. Internet-free zones are real, people.

• Snap those pictures.

• Leave no trace. Don’t trash the trails you came to enjoy.

There’s something about summer in the mountains that hits different. Maybe it’s the adrenaline rush from cliff-jumping, the peace of alpine lakes, or that late-night dance party at the bars with new friends. Whether you’re joining us on FAM trip or adventuring on your own, pack right & live big. Make sure to tag @outsidelifetravel during all your summer experiences & remember, life is best lived outside. ☀️