Outdoor Sketch Kit
Summer time is outdoor time!
Sure, you can be outside all year round—of course.
But since I definitely fall into the (bavarian) category of “better sweaty than shivery,” I find myself spending much more time outdoors during the summer months.
Everywhere I go, I spot plants, blossoms, seed heads, and all sorts of beautiful bits of nature that are just begging to be captured in my sketchbook.
And wouldn’t you know it—once again, I’ve got neither my sketchbook nor any of my materials with me to record these little treasures.
But you know what? I’m getting better!
Not just by chance, but because I’ve put together a sketch kit that I can grab super easily whenever I head out on a whim.
And today, I want to show you exactly how you can put together your own kit—so you, too, can enjoy your creative spark whenever you're out and about.
Let’s dive into what absolutely belongs in your on-the-go sketch kit!
What belongs in your Sketch Kit
What do you actually need for such a Sketch Kit?
1. The Bag
A well-organized Sketch Kit starts with the right bag.
It should be spacious enough to store all your materials and have several compartments so everything has its place.
I recommend a bag with:
Pen holders and ample storage space: Ensure it can also accommodate your sketchbook.
Durable material: To protect your equipment and ensure the bag doesn’t easily wear out.
A bag with adjustable straps and padded compartments adds extra comfort.
2. Sketchbook
A small, robust sketchbook with good paper quality is the heart of your kit.
It should be small enough to take anywhere but sturdy to draw well on the go.
A small-format hardcover is perfect because it’s stable and fits easily into your bag.
My favorite sketchbook for on the go is the “Clairefontaine Fontaine Watercolor Sketchbook,” but there are other excellent sketchbooks available.
You can find a selection of other brands and models in my article “The Best Watercolor Sketchbooks.”
3. Pencils and Eraser
Pencils aren’t a must in my Sketch Kit.
However, I do enjoy adding details with a pencil, planning the layout of my sketchbook page, or making a quick pre-sketch of my subject if it’s something complex to paint.
You can either take a regular pencil (e.g. grade HB) and an eraser or a mechanical pencil with an integrated eraser.
For pre-sketches, I also always have a kneaded eraser with me to lighten overly dark lines.
But that’s absolutely not a must; start simple!
4. Fineliners / Ink
For details and outlines, fineliners in various thicknesses are excellent.
I like to use Staedtler Pigment Liners, Pigma Micron Fineliners, and Uni Pin Fineliners for this.
Ultimately, it depends on which colors and line sizes you prefer to use.
If you’re using them with watercolor, they should definitely be waterproof.
Extra: Instead of fineliners, you can also take a fountain pen or a nib and ink, depending on how extensive you want your Sketch Kit to be.
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Checklist for your perfect Sketch Kit!
Goodbye chaos!
Goodbye “too much hassle”!
Hello “fun in the sun”!
Just click on the image or the button below.
5. Watercolors and Brushes
Now we come to the colorful part of your Sketch Kit: watercolors.
In my kit, there is a small travel watercolor set with my basic colors from Schmincke Horadam.
I usually take my watertank brushes with me. This is a perfect combination for on the go.
For more on “brushes for on the go,” you can check out the article on outdoor brushes, where I introduce my go-to variants that you can easily replicate, including the sock trick by John Muir Laws.
Not confident with watercolors yet?
Then just take colored pencils with you.
They can be regular school-grade colored pencils or special artist pencils like Faber-Castell Polychromos.
With these materials, you’re well equipped to get started!
Summary
I hope this article helped you put together your own sketch kit.
With a sketch kit by your side, you’re all set to capture nature in all its beautiful forms.
Always ready.
So go ahead—grab your kit and let nature inspire you!
