Create Your Own Adventure Bag

It happened all too often; I would leave for work under a grey sky with a forecast of rain lasting all day long to be met with a gorgeous and hot sunny day by closing time. It would be perfect weather for an afternoon at the local park or beach, but my bathing suit or summer clothing would be all the way at home. After a couple times of being caught unprepared, I created an adventure bag to keep in my car at all times for spontaneous after-work adventures, unplanned sleepovers, and unexpected getaways.

I now keep this bag in my car so that I am prepared for any adventure that may come my way.

What is in my bag:

• A bathing suit
• Wet bathing suit bag
• Sunblock
• A change of summer clothes for outdoor wear
• A warm sweater for chilly nights
• A sunhat
• Sunglasses
• An outdoor blanket
• Reusable water bottle
• A beach towel
• A life vest (kayaking, anyone?)
• A portable solar powered radio with a built-in flashlight and cell phone charger
• A comb
• Hair gel

Additional items you may want to consider when building your own adventure bag:

• Deet-free organic bug spray
• A tent
• A sleeping bag
• Pajamas
• A toothbrush and tooth paste
• Flashlight
• Hiking boots
• Water shoes
• Outdoor cooking equipment
• A book or travel magazine
• A small cooler
• Snacks
• Sport equipment (basketball, Frisbee, tennis racquet, baseball glove, etc.)
• Floaties for children
• A fishing pole
• First aid kit

Tailor your bag to fit your needs and your family. This way you will never have to turn down a ride on your friend’s boat or an invitation to the beach after work. You may find yourself driving home with a spontaneous idea to go for a hike or a swim in the local lake. You can also make an adventure bag for winter activities so you’re prepared all year long.

My adventure bag is my insurance to a fully-lived and engaging summer. Let me know what must-have items you keep in your bag.