When backpacking anywhere, there are some items that simply must be carried. Those who have a couple of journeys under their belt can list these items effortlessly while newcomers might struggle to prioritize correctly. This is why it is important to establish a common ground that people can refer to in order to check if their backpack content will guarantee safety and success during the voyage.
First Aid
As backpacking often takes place on rough terrain, injuries might be inevitable. Regardless of the extent of physical damage, every cut, scrape, or bruise should be treated carefully. Failing to do so can open doors to dangerous infections, especially when one is surrounded by nothing but nature.
Maps
Though technology can help, it also often fails. Lack of reception or a drained battery can put an end to one’s navigation tools if a smartphone is all they rely on. This is why it is almost mandatory to possess a water-protected, hard copy of the map. That way, any technical difficulties can be easily fixed by using the old-fashioned map reading!
Illumination
Whether someone plans on spending the night outdoors or gets stuck doing so, they must have light. Setting up a tent, looking for supplies, or analyzing the area at night is virtually impossible without a flashlight. The majority of the backpacking regions are not known as the brightest spots on earth anyway, which is why some form of light (besides a smartphone) should be a “must-have” item.
Sun/Heat Protection
People seldom backpack in areas where temperatures fall below a reasonable threshold. Going on a journey during extremely hot days, on the other hand, is not uncommon. Many first-time travelers underestimate the everlasting power of sun and heat, especially when someone has to be on the move. Thus, carrying a sunscreen or a hat is necessary to stay safe.
A Knife
Having a knife can help with hundreds of things. The versatility of such a small tool is what makes it great. People can use it to help set up their camp, cut through the grass or branches, leave marks as means for finding the way back, and much more. Not to forget that it can be a very effective weapon of self-defense.
Hydration
Going off of the aforementioned heat, staying hydrated is probably the most important thing one can do. During long hours of walking, the body will sweat a lot of the fluids that must be replenished. The only way to do that is to bring enough water supply to last throughout the journey.
Shelter
In case someone does need to spend the night in the middle of nowhere, they should have a tent or a sleeping bag of some sort. It is often advised to create those items using a shiny or reflective material so that signaling for help can be done.
The list depicted has no particular order as all of the items can be crucial for survival. Still, changes can be made depending on the nature of the trip. Someone going to an area where temperatures are below average can probably replace the sunscreen with an extra blanket. Therefore, the customizability when it comes to the backpack has no limits!
