From seasoned travelers to first timers, the question of what to bring on a backpacking trip is always relevant. In the case that you just recently pick up backpacking, this issue has become extremely important. You must plan how to carry all the necessary stuff yet still remain generally mobile. Well if you feel overwhelmed with the planning, I have a few tips you can use. Below are instructions about the essentials items which a backpacking trip needs to have. Follow them and you can save yourself a headache.
Through trial and error, you may finally come to the conclusion that you need to keep your backpack as light as possible. You don’t want to drag yourself forward with a huge and heavy backpack. That will seriously ruin your trip experience. The rule of thumb here is to select items that are versatile and durable. That will simplify your checklist before and after a trip. With an efficient arrangement, you can avoid overloading the backpack. If that is done then you can enjoy every aspect of a backpacking trip. So let’s see what you need to do here.
Select a suitable backpack
The bigger the better, right? No, you need one that fit will your statue and your needs. When you consider a backpack, pick it up and put that on your shoulder. Move around a bit to see if it sticks close to your body or not. If you feel that the backpack already sways too much when unloaded, it will be a nightmare when it’s fully loaded. Of course, the duration of the trip is also important here. If the backpack is too small, it can’t be conveniently stored with necessary supplies. Consider all of these factors when you think about what backpack to use.
Backpack types all have their pros and cons. For example, backpack with frames offers an effective distribution of weight which makes it easier to carry. This means you can have a better stability and balance using such backpack. The frames also act as physical limits, you can only pack in that much, so no more room to squeeze in anything. It is very good for newcomers that have a hard time limiting what to bring. The opposite of this type would be the frameless backpack. The advantage and disadvantage of this type are in reverse to the frame one.
Additional features of the backpack can come in handy too. Mesh back panels will permit more ventilation in hot weather. Some padding on the strap can considerably reduce your fatigue. And if your about to head out in the raining season, a backpack with rainproof cover will be a good choice.
Organize your items efficiently
Keep shoving stuff in one after the other is unwise. You can’t put all of the backpack space to use in that manner. Lay everything out on the floor first. Now you need to decide what you truly need and their turn to go into the backpack. Focus on weight distribution as well. For the most part, light items such as clothes and sleeping bag will be at the bottom. Things that are heavy and you need to use frequently should be on the top portion or external pockets. These include food, water, raincoat and cooking utensils.
Prepare a toiletry bag
Personal hygiene and skin protection are vital in outdoor conditions. That is why it’s worth the effort to assemble a toiletry bag. Depend on the temperature and humidity of your trip, this bag may have anything from moisture cream to sunscreen. Pack them in a clear plastic bag to quickly judge what you need and where is it at moments notice. To prevent possible cracking and ease of handle, put this bag on the top of your backpack or outside pouch.
Determine the number of food supplies
Plan ahead how many meals you will have on the trip and pack your food accordingly. Remember to prioritize lightweight and long to expired foods. Energy bars, beef jerky and dehydrated products will do. Do not bring stuff that is complex to cook or hard to preserve. If your food needs to be processed first then matches or a lighter is good enough. You can start a fire to cook your food and keep yourself warm at the same time. About associated utensils, select those that are easy to use and clean.
A carry-on bag for your electronic
Nowadays, you can look up pretty much everything on your smartphone. You can even access the GPS service on it too. So obviously, you will need a way to pack your smartphone and electronic. That is why a carry-on bag would be needed. It should be waterproof so rain and humidity don’t damage its content.
Additional tools and hiking gear
The above should cover most of what you need but in certain situations, extra tools and gears will be helpful. Compass, good police flashlight, rope, knife or even a map of the area, these should be of use to you in the trip. Bringing extra batteries for the flashlight is also recommended. Get a waterproof bag to protect your delicate items is a good idea as well. If the trip passes through a forest or insect-infested section, a bug repellent can conveniently deal with the problem.
For emergencies, having a first aid kit can be the difference of life between death. If you don’t have one around, you should create one. A basic first aid kit should include bandages, gauze, disinfectant and painkiller. If you happen to be in a special condition, pack along your prescript medicine as well.
Conclusion
Backpacking is a fun and exciting activity. It really helps to refresh your mind and body, away from your daily habit. But you still need to learn how properly prepare for the trip. As long as you ensure your preparation is up to specs, you are guaranteed to have a satisfied backpacking experience. With a proper backpack and an organized inventory, now you can truly enjoy whatever benefit a backpacking trip may offer. And you have just that simply by putting into practice what you learn from this article.