Gear Up: Nomad Must-Haves for the Outdoors
When it comes to packing for a furnished house, outdoor gear might not be the first thing on your mind. However, if you're someone who relishes outdoor experiences or if it's the very essence of your nomadic journey, there are several key items that we've found indispensable and a few optional items that could enhance your experience if space allows.
Do:
Beach Bag with Towels: Living near a beach or lake town? Don't count on these essentials being provided. We carried our own and used them frequently. Nowadays, they're compact and versatile making them the top of the essential list.
Portable Speaker: Even compact models offer excellent sound quality. We used ours for porch sessions, fireside chats, beach outings, and entertaining at home.
Sunscreen and Bug Spray: These are easy to overlook but crucial on the road, especially in humid areas prone to mosquitoes. Having them from day one will make your warm-weather adventures more enjoyable.
Picnic Blanket: Opt for one that transitions seamlessly from beach to grass. Ours doubled as a cozy throw on lazy afternoons at home. Like beach towels, it's incredibly versatile.
Lantern/Flashlight: Invest in a collapsible, solar-powered option for compact storage and endless charging possibilities. We found it invaluable for camping, nighttime walks with the dog, and pretty much doing anything when the sun went down at 5pm and the neighbor doesn’t do street lights…
Cooler: A lifesaver for us, allowing us to carry refrigerated items, like condiments, from place to place, saving money and minimizing waste. From beach outings to grocery runs, it's a must-have.
Optional:
Beach Chairs or Camping Chairs: We swear by our Tommy Bahama collapsible chairs, perfect for beach days, community events, or simply lounging in the backyard.
Solo Stove: Once we introduced this to our setup, we never looked back. Lightweight and portable, it enhanced our outdoor evenings, especially when paired with our beach chairs.
Bicycle: If cycling is your thing, don't hesitate to bring one along. We regretted not having ours in certain locations.
Hiking Bag: Ideal for hikes and storing essentials between travels, our compact bag proved sturdy and versatile.
Outdoor Games: Look for compact, travel-friendly options to keep yourself entertained on the go if that’s your speed.
Sporting equipment: As tempting as it was to bring our golf clubs and snowboards, we opted to leave those behind due to their seasonality and size. We did eventually bring out snowshoes because they were compact and available for use for multiple seasons once we got to Montana.
Don't Bring:
Lawn Equipment: This should be the landlord's responsibility. Ensure it's provided or addressed in your lease agreement before signing.
