6 Basic Pieces for the Explorer Style Archetype

The Explorer Style Archetype is one that's close to my heart, especially because there's so many variations! You have jet-setter explorers, hikers, campers, boat lovers, you name it! Each adventure requires its own set of tools and clothing. No matter what you're packing you're doing it in service of something greater: the experience of seeing the world.

It's easy to get extra nerdy about what you pack when you're an Explorer Style Type, so I've tried to narrow the Explorer Style Basics to just six categories. Each category is broad enough that you can tweak it for your next adventure, but hopefully also specific enough that you can discover something important.

6 Basic Pieces for Explorer Style Archetypes

As a heads-up, my personal flavor of discovery is mountain hiking, or flying to different big cities with museums and tons of restaurants. If that's not your gig please feel free to use these categories as a basic jumping-off point rather than a field guide.

Multi-Functional Pieces

Whether they're a backpacker or a jet-setter, the Explorer Style Archetype knows that space is a precious commodity. They know exactly how much space they have in their bags, how much it weighs, and they need clothing that fit the bill.

The Explorer Style Type is another archetype that will thrive with a capsule wardrobe. Narrowing down their closet to a handful of tried and true pieces will work like a charm. But another fun way of approaching clothing is to look at multi-functional designs. We're talking reversible shirts, removable sleeves, and zip off pant legs to save you space and keep you ready for any weather. Explorer Style Types also know the value of a scarf, and how a good one will dress up any outfit while also keeping them warm and dry.

Fabrics That Will Hold Up Against Anything

When an Explorer Style Type is out there, discovering new foods and seeing new sights, they don't want to have to think about their clothes. That's why they need to make sure they're wearing things that will hold up even in the worst conditions.

I am a big believer in the classics, like cotton, bamboo, linen, and especially merino wool. All of these fabrics are lightweight and breathable, plus merino wool is moisture-whicking and doesn't retain odor (perfect for your socks!). However nylon and polyester doesn't tear as easily, and is also breathable if you get the right kind. My water-repelling raincoat has saved my butt on at least one hike, even if I don't like the swish sound it makes.

The fabrics you choose will depend on your destination, so do your research before you head out. Normally I'm not a "wear brand names" kind of person, but in this case I'm making an exception. Patagonia and North Face do a lot of research into their fabrics, so you'll get what you pay for.

Practical Accessories

Explorer Style Types will develop their own arsenal of practical accessories as they go. They might pack a hat, a blanket scarf, or a carabiner with that keeps their keys and their water-bottles safe. Maybe they want a box for their pills and their snacks.

Whatever you end up packing, you can find cute containers and bags to keep them in. My husband uses a pouch I picked up in Thailand to pack his camera accessories, and it's been an essential part of his go-kit for years.

Some times you have to think outside the box. In my go-kit you'll often find a water-proof phone bag, compression socks, and an old glasses case I've filled with different lip balms. I also carry an extra bag, my water bottle, plus a travel bottle of Excedrin and Briotech. Use what you have first, and save your money for your next trip.

Comfy Socks and Solid Shoes

If an Explorer Style Type is going to drop big money for their wardrobe, it needs to be on their socks and shoes. You're not going anywhere if you're in pain, so your shoes need to be comfortable and appropriate for your destination. Americans used to be the only ones wearing tennis shoes on their vacations, but that's no longer the case. Nikes and Adidas are the go-to accessories across the world, so make sure you get ones you can walk around in.

For the more outdoorsy explorers, I know there are so many hiking shoes out there, and I'm sure they're all great. If you have a pair you swear by, power to you. My go-to boots are an old pair of broken in Doc Marten's. The rubber sole has the kind of grip I need to feel safe hoping around on rocks, and as long as you take care of the leather they'll last forever.

No matter what shoes you're wearing, though, it's important to get the right socks to go with them. Again, merino wool socks are perfect for moisture-whicking and they don't hold onto odors. I also enjoy Bombas socks, but other friends have recommended Innotree hiking socks.

A Good Travel Bag

Similar to a good pair of shoes, a solid travel bag is worth its weight in gold (sometimes literally).

When it comes to backpacks, I'm still using the Kanken I bought 10 years ago. I've had to get the extra padding for the shoulder straps, but it's still the most useful thing I've purchased. I usually pack an extra tote bag, or I use my cross-shoulder bags for more city-oriented trips.

Do your research when picking out a suitcase. I prefer sticking to the basics: a smaller neon green suitcase with 360* wheels. The color makes it easy to spot in the airport, and I don't have to worry about accessories like cupholders or charging ports that will get damaged over time.

My husband has a similar suitcase that zips open for extra room, but we still ended up having to check it on some of the smaller airlines. It defeated the purpose of only having the one bag. In the future, with prices being what they are, I'm just going to have us check in one big suitcase and keep the smaller ones with us. This way we'll have any extra room we need for souvenirs or art we want to take home.

Patches, Pins and Other Meaningful Accessories

I'm a sucker for a gift shop, as I'm sure many Explorer Style Types are. But unless you find a really sweatshirt that you have to have, it's hard to buy souvenirs that won't take up any extra space in your bag. That's why I collect patches and stickers from the places we visit. My husband is a fan of pins, and we'll both put our souvenirs on our bags. It makes them easier to spot at the airport, plus it's a fun way to remember our trips.

If you have a little more room, try to find something unique. My friend collects tiles from the Middle East to put in their garden, while another friend brings home cocktail rings from local markets. I have a locket I bought from an Italian flea market that still has the old photos in it. I could replace them, but it's honestly more fun to show off the Italian couple on my necklace.

Regardless, don't be so worried about how much room you have in your bag that you don't bring anything home. I know memories are more important than things, but meaningful tokens from your trips can comfort you when you're in the thick of your 9-5. They can also inspire you to go out and explore again!

Final Thoughts

Explorer Style Types will happily get into the weeds when they're planning their next trips. This can easily include obsessing over what you're packing, and trust me, I get it. I once packed an entire month of clothing into a carry-on, and I've been chasing that high ever since.

It's also easy to get overwhelmed by what you think you need, so you spend a lot of money and energy on being prepared. If that sounds like you, let me remind you that nothing you wear is as important as what you're about to go experience. You want to be comfortable, absolutely, but you'll never be as cool or dress as awesome as the people you'll meet on your travels. These people live in the places you're visiting, so they'll automatically seem more chic than you.

Don't sweat it! Just pick out the stuff you know you feel comfortable in, and let what you learn about yourself be the real souvenir you take home.

If you're looking for more guidance, please check out my posts on Your Style Journey. If you want more inspiration, sign up for the Hero Looks Newsletter!

Until next time, stay curious and stay hydrated!