August 19, 2011

Leaders of the pack: gap year travel must-haves

From anti-jellyfish sun cream to the perfect crumple-free dress, here's our pick of what to pack when you're low on space

Travel gap year gallery: Zilch barefoot sports sandal — Zilch barefoot sports sandal, £70, Teva, teva.co.uk. These are good for travellers because they are very light (7oz), they roll up to save space, and have a rubber sole with good traction. Good for watersports, the pool or beach and gentle walks. Photograph: PR

Travel gap year gallery: Tan tile-print draped dress — Tan tile-print draped dress, £46, Topshop, topshop.com. In case of a job interview, or being invited to a wedding or other formal event while you’re on your travels, it’s a good idea to have one really versatile piece that’s hardy, that stains will wash out of, and that won’t easily crumple or rip – and make sure you keep it in its own bag. Photograph: PR

kit gallery: Twister beach towel — Twister beach towel, £12.89, Firebox.com. Break the ice with your new travel chums with a hilarious game of Twister on the beach. And if you don't have chums you can always dry yourself. Photograph: PR

Travel gap year gallery: Planet sleeping bag — Planet sleeping bag, £47.50, Vango, vango.co.uk. This new range of sleeping bags incorporates a mosquito net that also stops other insects too, including bedbugs … There are three different bag thicknesses, costing £47.50 (black or treetops green, pictured), £52.50 (red) or £57.50 (blue). Photograph: PR

Travel gap year gallery: Trekmates hidden pocket belt — Trekmates hidden pocket belt, £7.99, Gap Year Travel Store, gapyeartravelstore.com. It’s no good for hiding the family silver from thieves, but good for money and tiny bits of jewellery. You could always customise it too by stitching on some beads or feathers, or pinning on badges. Photograph: PR

Travel gap year gallery: Fleece-lined blue hoodie — Fleece-lined blue hoodie, £44.99, Grenade, bargainboards.co.uk. Take one really warm tech fleece hoody from a snowboard brand and even if you’re not doing a ski season it’ll see you right on cold journeys, hikes, after surfing, whatever ... Photograph: PR

Travel gap year gallery: G Star Marc Newson naive T-shirt — G Star Marc Newson naive T-shirt, £50, Asos, asos.com. Take a few crazy T-shirts with you on the road, like this crew-necked graphic print from denim gurus G star – then you won’t get bored wearing them. Photograph: PR

Travel gap year gallery: Snake print fabric headband — Snake print fabric headband, £8.50, Miss Selfridge, missselfridge.com. Pack one silly accessory for parties, crazy nights out and festivals, as a fun talking point and to give you a chance to dress up ... this funky print fabric headband is also pretty good for distracting attention away from greasy hair. Photograph: PR

Travel gap year gallery: Sparkle & Fade fair isle leggings — Sparkle & Fade fair isle leggings, £28, Urban Outfitters, urbanoutfitters.co.uk. Fun patterned leggings don’t just look good, they’re comfy for road trips, you can wear them under a dress to stop mozzies or when in countries where bare flesh attracts attention, under trousers on a cold hike, or as pyjamas. Photograph: PR

Travel gap year gallery: Vaude Cimone 55 + 8 backpack — Vaude Cimone 55+ 8 backpack, £149.99, UberGear, Ubergear.co.uk. If you think you can get away with a smaller pack, this one is pretty stylish, and designed specifically for women – its shoulder straps and hipbelts, for example, have been created precisely for a woman’s anatomy. The top lid doubles as a removable wash bag.
COMPILED BY GEMMA BOWES Photograph: PR

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