Our friend Harriet Ridley, one of the pair on the 3RD ROCK expedition to Madagascar, gives her insider tips on her favourite items to pack in her travel suitcase.

Light and practical are what I strive for when packing for travel, but this can be hard when I have numerous adventurous activities planned. Packing minimally for hiking, running, climbing and city exploration can be tricky! As such, I value clothes that are multi-functional and practical but that look and feel great. Luckily, 3RD ROCK clothing is not only designed for movement and comfort, but is also adaptable and versatile. In this article I’m going to list my top 3RD ROCK picks for adventure travel, giving a low-down on fit, practicality and what I like to use each item for.


The Luna Bra in Neon Peach

ALL ROUNDERS FOR ALL PLACES

Wherever I go, I will always throw in an Eclipse Vest, whether I’m travelling for multiple weeks or just going away for a few days. I find them invaluable and it isn't hard to understand why this item is a 3RD ROCK best seller. The built-in shelf bra is comfortable and supportive for medium activity, like hiking, climbing, biking or yoga and means you save space by leaving extra bras at home. The Eclipse also doubles perfectly as a vest top under regular clothes and looks great paired with jeans. The ultimate in versatility!

Likewise, the Eclipse's sister, the Luna Bra, is also a top choice for me, as I can use it as an active sports bra or even a top in the right environment. I’m happy to run in the firm support Luna, although I appreciate some women may feel differently about this and it will be specific to bust size and personal preferences. It certainly work wonders at the crag and sits well under regular clothing, meaning it can replace a conventional bra in your suitcase.  

 
Harriet wearing her Skye Botangle 

© Jacques Van Zyl

SUNNY AND SWIMMY DESTINATIONS

Made of recycled polyamide and printed with eco-friendly, water-based inks, the new Skye Bra is probably the most beautiful garment 3RD ROCK have made to date. It’s supportive enough for medium intensity activities and provides enough coverage for a good downward dog. It also easily doubles as a bikini top for swimming, as it’s chlorine resistant, or for deep water soloing. I really like that the material is resistant to sunscreen and oils, so you can stay safe in the sun without worrying about the top discolouring or being stained. 

A nice alternative to the Skye bra is the Breeze, a great combo of the Skye Bra and a billowing lightweight top, providing good support for activity in an attractive all-in-one top that I would wear out to dinner, as well as out climbing. It’s worth being aware that both the Skye and Breeze come up a touch smaller than the other bras and are only available to fit busts up to a D cup. If you’re on the margin between two sizes, I would advise sizing up for a more comfortable fit. You can still expect the same degree of support from a larger size.

TRAVEL TO HOT PLACES

When travelling in hot countries I’ll always take a couple of t-shirts with me to provides some protection from the sun and to offer more modest options if I’m somewhere where baring lots of skin isn’t appropriate or advised. Luckily there’s a huge number of 3RD ROCK t-shirts to choose from. Two of my favourites are the soft and colourful, natural modal Monstee and the 100% organic cotton Digit Tee from the Earth Collection.

 
Harriet in front of the Tsaranoro walls in her Rise leggings © Jacques Van Zyl

Of the numerous 3RD ROCK leggings, when in warmer climates I’d choose the three-quarter length, recycled Rise Leggings. They are both flattering and comfortable and look awesome whether climbing, running, doing yoga or city hopping (and dry quickly if you are caught in a shower!). I particularly like the RISE leggings teamed with the Breeze. In cooler climates I would be tempted to instead pack one of the styles of full-length Titan Leggings, for a little more warmth.

Now, I don’t own a pair of Boom Light Pants, but on our recent trip to Madagascar I was insanely jealous of fellow 3RD ROCK ambassador Alice Hafer’s three-quarter length Boom Light Pants. They just looked so comfortable! The waistband and leg cuffs allow you to adjust the length of the trousers, from three-quarter length capris to ankle-skimming trousers, making them really versatile. These also dry really quickly and I would consider them an essential travel item!

Harriet belaying the first pitch in her Edens © Jacques Van Zyl

PACK FOR EXPLORING

The Eden Pants are my go-to 3RD ROCK trousers for climbing and travel. They’re a looser fit than their sister Skat Pants and that roomier style is invaluable, especially for long days of travelling. The diamond-cut crotch, articulated knees and curved leg seam allow for complete freedom of movement when climbing and the double-layered knee panels offer extra protection from the rock and make the trousers more durable. The Edens also come with lots of pockets, including a zip side pocket on the leg, which is perfect for storing snacks, phone or accessories when climbing multi-pitch routes or out exploring.

The Edens do run rather big. This combined with the cut, means that you may want to consider sizing down, especially if you fall between sizes. Made from organic cotton the Edens don’t dry particularly quickly, so if it’s raining or going to be wet, I’d opt for some quick-drying leggings.

That just about covers my top picks and the most versatile items I enjoy from 3RD ROCK. Hopefully won’t be long before I’m packing them up again to enjoy some winter sun!

-Harriet 

 All Madagascar images by © Jacques Van Zyl