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Travel like a pro! This is our go-to list of absolute favourites, a selection of items that will always come in handy.

Regardless of your style of travel or your destination, these never-fail essentials will see you safely through your next adventure. There will be no space wasted, nothing so bulky to cause you consternation, nothing you’ll regret packing because it never got used.

This is your new ultimate packing list, for any trip.

Travel essentials

1. Head torch

head torchHead torch

A torch is always a handy travelling companion, but none is more versatile than the humble head torch. Perfect for early starts on trek, night time toilet excursions, lighting the way back to camp after you’re done stargazing, even helping you find the thing you lost at the bottom of your kitbag.

They’re great simply because they free up your hands, so you can get on with whatever it is you need to do.

2. Plane pen

Let’s be honest, we’ve all been caught out at immigration with an unexpected disembarkation form. Avoid the faff by stashing a black biro in your hand luggage – don’t get caught out trying to find one to borrow.

3. Packing cubes and compression sacks

Packing cubesPacking cubes

Hate rummaging through suitcases? Bored of unpacking and repacking every night? Us too.

That’s when we discovered packing cubes. These lightweight fabric cubes break down your packing into simple sections so you can store your personals more effectively.

You’ll be able to find things faster, especially when you’re moving often. If you want to keep your bag small, upgrade even further to compression sacks which will shrink down your clothes to take up less space.

4. Dry bags

Packing cubes not robust enough? Boost this with waterproofing dry bags.

With their tough waterproof exterior and roll down tops to stop any wetness sneaking through, they’ll see you safe through any adventures, whether you’re kayaking all day, fording the rivers or just dealing with a bit of inclement weather.

5. Refillable water bottle

rucksackRucksack

Whether you’re rocking up mountains or bimbling through the backstreets, your go-to travel rucksack should be sturdy and well-suited to the job.

Go for something between 20 to 35-litre capacity, small enough to get through the airport as hand luggage but with several compartments to keep things organised.

12. A pack of cards and a bag of Haribo

Ice breakers, conversation starters – whatever you call them, these two items are “good for children and grown-ups alike” assures Exodus Marketing Director Jae Hopkins.

Get to know people over a game of whist, befriend with offers of Haribo on a long journey or halfway up a hill alike, and generally ensure you’re a friendly face.

Now you know which essentials you need, browse our adventure tours below and plan your trip.