Ready, Set, Summer! Elevate Your Bag Game With These Pro Tips

Summer is here, bringing the opportunity to make some sun-soaked memories with friends and family. For the best stress-free trips and adventures, plan for the local conditions in and around your destination before you head out. With changes in the weather, you’ll need to adapt your clothing and carry items to stay calm and cool wherever you find yourself.

Whether you're embarking on a hiking trip, planning a weekend getaway, or jetting off with just a carry-on, Vanquest offers a wide range of versatile bags and packs to suit everyday carry (EDC) needs. You can keep your essential items organized, easily accessible, and enjoy a stress-free travel experience.

Here are our summer tips on choosing your perfect pack, making a warm weather checklist, staying hydrated and functional, and a seasonal gear check to keep the fun in the sun going!

Your summer pack selection will depend on what you're doing, where you're going, and how much you are bringing. The most popular summer/year-round sized bags for those looking to add an extra pocket to store daily essentials while you take a swim are cross-body slings.

Compact options like the DENDRITE-Small sling bag keep your keys, phone, and daily carry secure around your waist or cross-body for easy on-body access. For longer outings and bolder adventures, the DENDRITE-Large sling is your helpful carry companion for a beach bike ride or epic hike with friends.

To support your digital devices, tablets, and gaming units, step up to the TEKKO-4 or TEKKO-6 sling bags for weatherproof protection. These tech slings adapt to your lifestyle with multiple carry options for your devices and EDC in a manageable bag, helping to organize your life.

Going up in size to the daypacks: we now have two shoulder straps for comfortable carry and the support of a suspension system. Both the KATARA-16 sling backpack and the JAVELIN-18 sling backpack offer enough space for your daily loadout, plus a laptop or hydration bladder, to explore new trails and places. These sling backpacks convert effortlessly into cross-body slings, providing you with more carry and access options.

For daily carry or a weekend trip, the TRIDENT-21 backpack features ample padding and dividers to protect and organize your valuable belongings, including photo/video equipment. If you need something more spacious, consider the TRIDENT-32 backpack with its 32-liter capacity. There’s space for 5+ days of clothes, travel essentials, and electronics when packed efficiently. The TRIDENT backpacks also feature both water bottle pockets and hydration bladder support to keep you fully hydrated on the move.

Taking some time to consider what supplies are best suited for each activity and season helps you bring more of what you need and less extra inside your bag. Making a checklist of season-specific essentials is a great way to prepare physically by shifting out last season’s gear and mentally by getting focused on the adventures ahead and the key supplies needed. Make sure to check and stay current with the overall conditions of your destination to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Here is a great starter list: (1) Water bottles and hydration bladders, (2) Sunscreen and wearable sun protection, (3) First aid kit, (4) Snacks and food, (5) Tissues/wipes, (6) Camera/electronics, (7) Power bank/ charging kit.

For your extended sunny adventures add these: (1) Trash/reusable bags, (2) Insect repellent, (3) Navigation tools, (4) Extra clothing and rain gear, (5) Flashlight, (6) Travel Toolkit.

Being properly hydrated is important all year round, with extra attention needed in the warmer months and temperatures when we sweat out our vital electrolytes and salts. Notice our gear checklist starts with water/drink containers as they are the simplest way to stay hydrated, which helps regulate body temperature, support brain function and mood, and keep our joints lubricated for peak personal performance.

Staying hydrated might seem more obvious on the trail or while working out, but any activity you are doing, especially in humid and hot conditions, will leave you dehydrated. Remembering to replace your electrolytes and drink water throughout the day is easy with built-in hydration bladder support, found on almost every Vanquest backpack, like the IBEX-26 backpack. If you prefer bottles and tumblers for flexible drink options, then the day trip-sized MOBIUS 2.0 sling bag or full-size MARKHOR-45 backpack have two bottle pockets ready to use.

If you want to carry a bottle, flask or canteen, you can attach the modular HYDRA water bottle holder onto any MOLLE webbing or wear it on your belt. It adjusts for height and width, and with elastic retention on top, fits all common bottle sizes and shapes. Bring those bottles, tip them high, refill, and repeat!

Routine cleaning, inspection, and maintenance of your trusted gear are surefire ways to keep it in its best shape. Before heading out, take some time to inspect and clean bags (tips here: product care), bottles, and bladders so you know before you go if they are trip ready. Going through your kits also lets you swap out old, unused items for new ones and slim down extra bulk.

This is also good practice for those who prefer to carry handy hygiene and personal care kits using a few thoughtfully designed organizers & pouches. Items in these kits can be season-specific, most being single-use units designed to be swapped out. Double-check these for any loose caps or leaks and always replace them if in doubt.

Being prepared for everything your adventures hold also means taking emergency medical preparedness into your own hands when seconds count! Now is the time to open your medical & first aid kits for pre-trip inspection, inventory, and replacement of expired and used gear. This is an area where everyone can benefit from refreshing or updating their first aid/trauma medical training to become more confident in handling unseen emergencies.

Summer is here, so let’s take some time to prepare your gear and bags to ensure you are ready for your best adventure. From choosing the perfect pack and making a checklist covering sun protection and hydration, to conducting seasonal gear checks and proper maintenance. Routine updates of your first aid kits further ensure you're ready for any situation.

These essential tips plus our versatile bags & packs can help you stay organized and stress-free. Embrace the summer with confidence! Keep your gear in top shape and your essentials covered, so you can fully enjoy the fun in the sun.