With so little space in a backpacker’s portable closet, every item must be picked, purchased and stashed wisely. The right travel packing list is key to a light bag and a successful trip. It doesn’t matter where you go, as long as you’re prepared for the journey.
Tiptoeing over the slippery rock precipice of a waterfall? Tick. Inching across a turbulent river bed? Tick. Snorkeling in shallow tide over a coral bed? Tick. Dodging a tentacle of lava as it wiggles down an erupting volcano? Tick. (Probably . . .)
So maybe I haven’t tested the last example, yet; but aqua socks are so adaptable, I’m hard pressed to imagine any environment in which you won’t be glad you packed them.
Typically made out of neoprene, the same synthetic rubber material used in wetsuits, these awkward looking slippers perform well in water and on land. Their thick rubber soles provides traction for climbing around coastal rocks (or into bamboo boats during a tropical storm); the breathable neoprene keeps excess water (and dangerous sea creatures) away from your toes; and, though they’ll be covered in sand at the end of a day on the beach, just give them a rinse and leave them out to dry.
Best part? They smash down into a forgotten pocket of your backpack, and the cheapest pair from a neighborhood Walmart costs less than $20.
My boyfriend and I purchased our Taiwanese-made SaekoDive socks from a local store in The Philippines. Reviews online suggest a hundred other companies that make equally good aqua socks. Start your shopping at a nearby sports store, dive center or Amazon.com
Further reasons to bring them on the journey:
- Aqua socks are the only footwear allowed in many water theme parks, such as Six Flags.
- Coral cuts (easy injuries to get on feet and hands while swimming, snorkeling and diving) are extremely painful and can often result in infections, such as MRSA. Avoid prolonged suffering by tucking your feet into these cozy booties!
- Though few people dispute it’s unattractive look, fashion designers such as Vera Wang and Gareth Pugh have used neoprene in their runway outfits.
- Neoprene is also used in Halloween masks, fly fishing waders, laptop sleeves, latex gloves, horse saddle pads and as a liner in landfills. So many purposes for a single material prove just what a versatile and efficient addition aqua socks will make to your long-term packing list.
What’s on your long-term packing list?
Ready to work and volunteer your way around the world? Follow me on Facebook, Twitter and RSS/email. Until the next adventure! ~ Kelli