Here's all the gear you need for a Pokémon Go adventure

Pokémon Go is hotter than a Charizard right now, but the game asks a lot from players. It’s a huge battery hog, and long sessions require a lot of physical endurance. Here’s what you need in your Go bag to make your time in the field last, based on my year of experience playing Ingress, its predecessor.

It all starts with the bag. You don’t want something huge, just a bag that’s big enough to carry your essentials and light enough to be comfortable to wear for hours at a time. I’m a fan of Chrome’s Kadet messenger bag, but this is really dealer’s choice.

The next most important thing is an external battery. For long expeditions, I’d recommend the Anker PowerCore 20100, a beast of a battery that balances weight with power. You’ll get multiple charges’ worth of power out of it, without having to worry about losing power at a critical moment.

I carry one of these instead of a battery case because they allow me to walk around without adding bulk to my phone when I don’t need it, and they carry more power for less price than a battery case.

Next, pack relevant weather protection. On these summer days, that means sunscreen and sunglasses, while nights usually call for a sweatshirt. You want to make sure that you’re up for weathering whatever’s out there.

While you’re at it, pack a reusable water bottle. It doesn’t have to be huge, just something that can carry enough water for you to stay hydrated. Training is thirsty work! You may also want to bring some snacks in case you get peckish. (I like dried fruit and energy bars.)

I always carry a pair of headphones with me, for listening to music, podcasts and taking phone calls. That said, you want to make sure to remain aware of your surroundings while playing Pokémon Go and listening to something at the same time.

And whatever you do, don’t forget your phone! It’s the most important part of this whole ensemble. Now, get out there and Go.

(Still confused? Here's our beginner's guide to playing Pokemon Go, and some helpful real-world maps of Pokemon locations to guide you.)