Traveling is a hobby and passion for a lot of individuals. The adventure of experiencing new cultures and meeting new strangers is exhilarating to many of us and could be a memory that lasts for a lifetime; hence, if you do have the chance to take up the opportunity to travel the world, seize the chance.
There are a lot of different modes of travel. From walking to biking to utilizing public transportation, it is up to your preference, budget, and comfort to get from one place to another.
One of the most popular methods of traveling is backpacking. For those, who do not know, backpacking is a low-cost, independent way of traveling. It usually involves staying at inexpensive accommodations and securing all your possessions in one big bag pack.
Backpacking requires only carrying the necessary items that are compulsory for your travel needs. Hence, we list the essentials you would need before going on the trip to ensure your survival and ease your travel journey.
1. Navigation
Modern navigation tools help maneuver your way around places you have never been. These tools consist of a map, a compass, and a GPS device.
Get yourself a map whenever you go on a trip that involves less than frequently visited nature trails. First, it ensures you do not get lost while enjoying mother nature. Then, combined with map-reading knowledge, equip yourself with a compass to complete the navigation package.
Additionally, a GPS device allows you to pinpoint your target location accurately. Most of the time, your smartphone’s usual built-in GPS device would suffice for typical travel. However, if you require something more rugged and waterproof, get yourself a GPS suited explicitly for those needs.
2. Headlamp
Being able to guide yourself through the night is essential. Hence, you always need to have a light source with you. A headlamp is the most preferred choice for travelers as it keeps your hands free for all other tasks, be it cooking or holding a camera. One thing to keep in mind is always remembering to carry extra batteries for backup.
A headlamp’s convenience will make you forget all about flashlights. When purchasing a headlamp, consider the battery life, beam distance, and that it features the red-light setting.
The red-light setting is amazing as the battery life last longer, you do not blind people when looking at them, and you would not wake up everyone else in the group when you turn it on. Additionally, getting yourself a waterproof headlamp would not hurt in the long run.
3. Sun Protection
High-quality sunglasses are indispensable as they protect your eyes from the sun’s damaging radiation.
It has been shown that UVB rays, the rays that are known to burn your skin, can cause cataracts in your eyes. It is why sunglasses are a requirement for your packing essentials. Additionally, if you plan to travel to a place surrounded by snow or ice, protect your eyes by getting extra dark glacier glasses.
Spending time outdoors for long hours will expose you to ultraviolet rays, which cause premature skin aging, skin cancer, and sunburn.
Thus, sunscreen can protect your skin from UV exposure. Get a formula that blocks UVA and UVB rays with a minimum of SPF 30 for total protection. Most importantly, do not forget to reapply your sunblock throughout the day!
Additionally, clothing can also be a way of protecting your skin without the need to slather on sunscreen. Much outdoor clothing manufactured these days comes with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating to indicate how useful the items are against UVA and UVB light. A hat with a full brim is the most common accessory to protect yourself against the sun’s radiation.
4. First Aid
Carrying a first aid kit with you during your backpacking trip is vital. Your kit will vary depending on the number of people you travel with and how long your trip is. Pre-assembled first-aid kits make the job easier; however, many individuals tend to cater the kits to their specific needs.
A first aid kit should always include treatments for blisters, adhesive bandages of various sizes, several gauze pads, adhesive tape, disinfecting ointment, over-the-counter pain medication, and pen and paper. Furthermore, it is always a good idea to carry a compact guide to deal with medical emergencies if one were ever to happen.
5. Knife
Every adult on a backpacking trip should bring a knife with them. This tool comes in handy for cooking, gear repair, first aid, or any emergency, making them essential for every outing.
A simple knife may merely feature a single foldout blade. However, more complex knives may comprise one or two flathead screwdrivers, a can opener, and/or a pair of foldout scissors. The more complex your requirements are (for example, leading a novice group), the more selections you’ll want in your knife.
6. Extra Food & Water
Always bring at least one additional day’s worth of food if your travel is delayed (such as an injury or bad weather). Packing foods that do not need cooking and have a prolonged shelf lifespan is a smart choice. Extra energy bars, almonds, dried fruits, or jerky are all terrific options. Consider packing more than just a one-day supply if you’re going on a long multiday trip or a winter expedition.
It is also critical to bring sufficient water for your trip. When deciding the amount of water to bring, keep in mind that most individuals require roughly half a liter each hour doing moderate activity in moderate temperatures.
Depending on conditions such as the temperature, altitude, type of activities, or emergency, you may need to bring more.
The item you might need for your backpacking trip might differ according to the destination you head to and for how long you will stay. We hope this guide will assist you in deciding what to bring for your next big adventure!
