How do I manage inventory when preparing for a long sailing trip?

Preparing for a long sailing trip in Valheim requires careful inventory management to ensure you have the necessary supplies while maximizing storage space. Sailing is a high-risk activity, as you may encounter storms, serpents, or unexpected landfalls, so planning ahead is crucial. Start by crafting a Karve or Longship, depending on your progression. The Karve has 4 storage slots, while the Longship offers 18, making it the better choice for extended voyages. Always prioritize building a Longship if you have the resources (100 Iron Nails, 40 Fine Wood, 10 Deer Hide, and 40 Bronze Nails).\n\nBefore setting sail, organize your inventory into essential categories: tools, weapons, food, building materials, and emergency supplies. Tools should include a Hammer, Hoe, and Cultivator for quick repairs or base-building if you land in a new biome. Weapons like a bow and melee weapon are essential for defending against sea serpents or hostile creatures on shore. Food is critical for maintaining stamina and health; bring high-tier options like Serpent Stew, Lox Meat Pie, or Blood Pudding for long-lasting buffs.\n\nStorage optimization is key. Use the ship''s storage for heavy or bulky items like building materials (Wood, Stone, and Core Wood) and ores (Copper, Tin, or Iron). Keep your personal inventory for lighter, frequently used items such as food, arrows, and tools. If you''re transporting metals, remember that they cannot be teleported, so plan your route carefully to avoid unnecessary detours. For example, if you''re mining Iron in the Swamp biome, sail directly to your main base to smelt it.\n\nTo save space, consider pre-crafting items like portals. Bring portal materials (20 Fine Wood and 2 Greydwarf Eyes) to quickly establish a connection back to your base if you find a new biome or need to resupply. This is especially useful in the Plains biome, where resources like Black Metal and Flax are abundant but dangerous to farm. Always carry a Workbench and enough materials to repair your ship mid-voyage, as storms and serpents can cause significant damage.\n\nCommon challenges include running out of food or encountering unexpected threats. To mitigate this, bring a stack of 50-100 arrows for your bow, as serpents are a frequent hazard. If you''re low on food, consider fishing during calm moments or foraging on islands. Additionally, always have a backup plan for storms; if the weather turns, head to the nearest shore to wait it out. Storms can capsize smaller boats, so avoid sailing in them unless absolutely necessary.\n\nFinally, practical tips for long sailing trips: always mark your route on the map, carry a spare set of armor in case of emergencies, and avoid overloading your inventory with non-essential items. Use the ship''s storage efficiently by stacking similar items and keeping your personal inventory light. With proper preparation, you can explore distant biomes, gather rare resources, and return safely to your base.\n\nIn summary, managing inventory for a long sailing trip involves careful planning, prioritizing essential items, and optimizing storage space. By following these steps, you can ensure a successful and safe voyage across Valheim''s vast oceans.