As the summer is drawing to a close, I have finally mastered the essentials that every fellow adventurer needs to carry with them at all times. As a gallivanter, I tend to end up in situations where certain items could be very useful (but not necessarily needed) to have fun. Here are some items you should have handy in case your spontaneity and adventurous soul puts you in a place of need.

1. A Hammock

Hammocks have been all the rage this summer. Whether you're feeling a little tired or have nothing to do, hammocking out at a park is the way to go. Hammocks are especially handy because they can be used alone or with a group of friends. They are also useful for spontaneous camping trips!

2. A pair of old Vans

Vans are the greatest shoe-- don't fight me on this. They are perfect for boarding, climbing trees, or wearing in the river. Unlike sandals or toms, they have laces to keep your lil feet safe. Everyone should have a pair of adventure shoes. You never know when you need to splash into a creek to cool off or walk through some mud. Keeping a pair of shoes to purposefully trash will keep your other shoes new and clean.

3. A swimsuit

This was something I had to learn the hard way, multiple times. When you and your friends decide that the heat is too unbearable to have fun, what do you do? You go to the nearest body of water. However, you don't want to go all the way home just to grab a suit. So you're left with one of three choices: you can stop by a Walgreen's to purchase something to swim in, sacrifice your dry clothes and be miserable the rest of the night (or the drive home), or you can go skinny dipping and risk the chance of getting caught by a cop (but it's worth it). So having a swimsuit around is always a great idea.

4. A change of clothes

Swimsuit being said, you're still going to want a change of clothes. You never know what could happen to your outfit while gallivanting. Mud, water, grass stains, tears, (pee?), etc. So keep an extra pair of gym shorts and a T-shirt just in case!

5. A board

Whether you're a penny person, a long board person, or a skateboard person, that's all up to you and your preference. But boards are useful to get around-- and fun. If you haven't learned how to ride a board, I would recommend you find someone to teach you because you're missing out.

6. A hearty snack

Keeping a protein bar or an apple with you will be helpful to settle your hangry self when you're out adventuring. Also, if you bag trail mix or a bag of chips that can be shared, you will make your friends.

7. Water

Staying hydrated is very important! I would recommend keeping around a reusable water bottle that will keep your water cold so that it doesn't heat up in your car.

I hope these things will send you on your way to successful last few days of summer (and future gallivants)! I like to keep these things in a backpack in my car, so they are with me whenever I need them! So learn from me, a fellow explorer, and don't figure things out the hard way.