Choosing what to bring on a backpacking trip might be a difficult task. It’s a little tricky to determine what backpacking necessities to bring and what to leave at home. Mainly since you most likely have limited storage space and you have a lot of things you want to bring.
You can’t possibly bring everything on your trip. Hence, it’s a good practice to have only the essentials with you every time you travel for a backpacking trip. These things are even useful on day walks.
Indeed, you may only utilize a handful of them or none at all. When anything goes wrong, you’ll realize the importance of having these goods on hand, which might be critical to your survival. So brace yourself, adventurer, and prepare these things before going out for your journey.
A Backpack
Of course, you have to bring a backpack if you go on a backpacking trip. A backpack is where you put your other nine essentials in safe and dry. It will not hurt to invest in the best backpacking backpacks for a smooth backpacking journey. It should be durable and comfortable for you to carry throughout your trip.
Your needs for the entire trip will be inside your backpack. So, choosing the appropriate travel bag is crucial. You’ll be living out of it for the duration of your journey. Now, remember, it will depend on your travel type. Do consider that in buying your backpack.
Smaller Day Bag
Imagine exploring the city or out there to buy something. It might be a little bulky to carry your backpack around. So, equip yourself with lightweight and durable day bags so you can freely tour the city or a remote area with much ease.
Maps and Navigational Tools
You have to bring maps and other modern-day navigational tools with you during your backpacking trip. You can use a topographic map to feel old school, and you are on a short journey with a commonly traveled nature walk.
Along with your map-reading skills, it is wise to carry with your map a standard compass. All smartphones indeed have compass apps and maps, but these electronic devices may run out of battery. A compass is not battery-operated, so it’s a great backup option.
Universal Travel Adapter
Speaking of electronics, you must carry a universal travel adapter to charge your devices. So you will not have to think about your device not matching the available outlet port. There are a variety of sizes for power adapters.
First-Aid Kit
It is critical to have and understand the contents of a first-aid kit. Store-bought first-aid kits save the time of creating your own, while many people customize their kits to meet specific needs. These kits usually contain blister remedies, sticky bandages, gauze pads, disinfecting treatment, and pain meds.
Toiletries
Taking a shower may be a little more challenging on a backpacking trip, so make sure you pack your toiletries in one compact bag. Toiletries can include your shampoo, conditioner, and soap. Just because you’re backpacking, it doesn’t mean you have to smell. You might as well put sunscreen and deodorant in your toiletry bag.
Extra Clothes
Environments in the outdoors might unexpectedly become wet, windy, or chilly, or an accident can result in an unplanned night out, so carry extra clothing in addition to your trip. When deciding what to pack, consider what you need to survive an extended period outside. For chilly journeys, include insulation for your body.
Knife
Knives are helpful for gear maintenance, preparing meals, first aid, and other emergency requirements. Therefore, it’s an absolute must for every trip. A knife may merely have one foldout blade, although more complicated knives may contain screwdrivers, can openers, and even tiny scissors.
Fire Starting Gear
In times of emergency, you must have dependable resources on hand for lighting and keeping a fire. A disposable lighter is ideal, but matches will also work if kept dry. Convenience shop matchbooks are frequently too fragile to be relied on for usage outdoors.
Food and Water
Always bring an extra stash of food in case of a delay in your travel. It’s good to bring products that don’t need to be cooked and have a longer shelf-life. Extra energy bars, almonds, dried fruits, or jerky are terrific options.
Lightsource
It is necessary to explore the woods at night, therefore keeping a light source with you at all times. A headlamp is more convenient since it frees up your hands for other tasks like cooking or clutching trekking poles. Always have additional batteries on hand.
Takeaway
And there you have it, the essential tools for your backpacking journey. Remember to not only have fun when backpacking but also to be mindful of our natural resources. As always, be cautious and prepared in the event of an accident in the wilderness.
