The Essential Gear For A Surfing Road Trip

Luke Gartside

4 years ago

It’s September! And with the summer crowds thinning out and the Atlantic starting to stir, now’s the perfect time to stuff your mask into the glove box and hit the open road for a super-alert and socially distanced roadie.

For any successful surf roadie or camping trip, packing the right bits is essential. And while you don’t need much, the gear you choose has the potential to make or break your dreams of #vanlife bliss. Waking up freezing in the middle of the night, for example, or not getting to sleep at all because your bed is so uncomfortable, are rarely conducive to a good next-day shred.

The best thing to do, both for the planet and your own sanity, is buy quality and only what you really need from brands who use sustainable materials and make products built to last.

With that in mind, we’ve put together this handy guide of tried and tested gear, designed to make your next surf camping mission as enjoyable as possible.

Timberland Ecoriginal Recycled Jacket

If you’re going away for more than a day, even in the height of summer, you’d be mad not to take a jacket. This one from Timberland, made from 100% recycled fabrics, is light, thin and completely waterproof, ensuring you won’t be crawling back into your sleeping quarters dripping wet after an inevitable summer downpour or finding yourself baking hot if the sun pokes its head out.

SmartWool Merino T-shirt & Socks

This lightweight merino wool t-shirt is ideal for keeping you warm at night and comfortable while you’re out and about. It’s breathable, quick to dry and even offers an offset shoulder seam to prevent chaffing from your backpack, and ain’t that just the mark of a tee with your best interests at heart?

Plus this pair of tropical print Smartwool socks that offer the same warmth, comfort and quick drying durability for your feet.

Finisterre 10L Dry Bag

I’m sure we don’t have to tell you that when sharing a vehicle or tent with a well-worn wetty, you’re going to want to keep it in a sealed container. With Finisterre’s fully waterproof 10 litre dry bag you can stash your wet stuff away, or keep your clothes and valuables dry and sand-free. The roll down top also doubles as a handy carry strap, making it a breeze to transport even with a sled under each arm.

Jack Wolfskin Trail Mat Air

Ideal for summer hikes and camping missions, this mat is super lightweight, packs down really small and is quick to blow up and deflate. Most importantly, though, it’s also ridiculously comfy. As well as being a tent essential, it’s perfect for adding that extra bit of comfort to a campervan bed or car back seat, without any of the bulk of extra cushions or duvets.

Jack Wolfskin RE SMOOZIP 0

When it comes to getting a solid kip, the other vital component is a good sleeping bag. This one is made with 100% recycled materials, it’s silky-soft inside and the optimum thickness for summer and autumn overnight temperatures. It’s got a hood, that can either be used a pillow or sinched in with the drawstring to keep your head warm, plus insulation in cold-sensitive areas. On balmy nights, you can unzip it all the way and use as a duvet and unlike many we’ve had experience with in the past, it’s a doddle to pack away into its bag.

TOMS X Outerknown Flip –flops

For those less demanding ambles (or just the walk from tent to shower block) a good pair of flip flops is the only sensible choice. And what better than this stylish collab, crafted from a variety of earth-friendly elements including ECONYL regenerated nylon, which is created from discarded fishing nets and industrial waste, and BLOOM algae, a plant-based technology that restores the environment from which it’s harvested.

They’re comfy and hard-wearing, with good grip on the soles and a strap that doesn’t rub. You can get your hands on a FREE pair right now when you subscribe to our print edition for just £20.

Finisterre Nalgene Water Bottle

Stay hydrated with this one-litre water bottle, made from durable plastic, free of any nasty industrial chemicals, and with volume measurements on the side and a design that means you’ll never lose the lid, it’s really all you could ever want from a drinks bottle.

A Copy Of Wavelength

And of course, last but not least you’ll need a copy of Wavelength, filled with inspiring stories and excellent imagery from shores near and far, to keep you entertained between surfs or during flat summer days on your favourite secluded beach or headland perch.

Cover photo: @lugarts