12 Essential Items for Your Next Backpacking Trip
Backpacking is a type of camping where you take minimal equipment and rely on local sources for food, shelter, and water. When backpacking, one should pack lightly in order to maximize mobility. The fewer things you carry with you, the better your trip will go! To help make your next backpacking trip successful and exciting, we’ve come up with a list of 12 Essential Items for Your Next Backpacking Trip.
The Most Essential for Your Next Camping Trip
Camping Tent
A tent is the most important piece of equipment a backpacker needs. Without it, where will you sleep? It also serves to protect you from the elements and from creepy crawlies. Your tent must be durable enough to withstand bad weather, able to hold up against strong winds and heavy rains. Make sure there are no weak spots in the seams or poles, or places where water can get through.
You should also ensure your tent is sufficiently ventilated. In the summer, campers often choose a mesh or mesh and fly combo tent that are easy to set up, but when the weather takes a turn for the worse, you’ll be glad you took our advice. You might want to choose a double-wall tent instead of a single-wall or inflatable model. Double wall tents have rigid walls lined with waterproof material that allow air to flow between them and keep rain out while keeping condensation out of your living space.
Campfire Cooking Kit
Planning on cooking your own food? You’ll need a fire before you can actually do so. Depending on where you are camping, and how long you plan to stay, you may or may not be able to bring a stove. If you aren’t allowed fires or open flames at your campsite, or if it’s impractical in bad weather, cook over your campfire with a cooking kit.
Cooking supplies for your fire need to include matches, a lighter, cooking utensils like pots, pans and cutting boards, and whatever else you might need to cook over the flame – starting with firewood. Choosing a camping stove is far more complicated than just choosing a gasoline model.
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Sleeping Bag & Pad
A quality sleeping bag and pad are essential for a good night’s sleep. You’ll also need a pillow to complete your sleeping ensemble. You can purchase a sleeping bag, or choose one that’s already packed for you so you don’t have to worry about packing it up just in case.
Your sleeping bag needs to be large enough that you can get comfortable in it, yet small enough to pack easily. Remember, if you’re doing a backpacking trip with a partner, the bag should be big enough to accommodate two people. Make sure the bag is insulated and has plenty of pockets to store your gear.
Your sleeping pad needs to be thick enough to protect your back while keeping you pain free, yet light and portable enough that you can carry it in a daypack.
Water and Food
You’re going to need water. You’re also going to need food. You should pack plenty of both so you don’t have to worry about running out, no matter how long your trip may be. Again, think about your route and the terrain you’ll be traveling over – will water or food be available along the way? If not, calculate how much you’ll need for each day and make sure you bring plenty with you.
Cloths
You’re going to need to do a little laundry on the trail. You don’t want to be wearing the same clothes twice, so you’ll need a fresh set of clothes for each day of your trip. You can wash them at special facilities in town, or use hanging clothes lines that provide more privacy while also helping you stay dry and clean.
You’re also going to want to change out some of your clothing. If it’s too hot or too cold, a good layer on top can keep you comfortable and protected from the elements.
Shoes
You need a good pair of shoes to keep your feet comfortable, protect them from the elements and keep your foot health in check. Hiking boots are the best choice for backpackers, though you’ll want to look into waterproofing solutions if you’re planning on hiking through wet weather. If your shoes don’t offer enough support for your ankles and arches, consider a pair of hiking insoles.
First Aid Kit
Your first aid kit needs to be complete and up-to-date. You’ll also need to practice using it. Everyone who goes backpacking should be well versed in their treatment options before they head out.
Headlamp
If you plan on doing any night hikes or camping, you’ll need a flashlight of some kind, and odds are it’s not going to be a hand-held model. This is where a headlamp comes in handy. It allows you to use both of your hands while keeping your hands free and your light source readily available.
Camping Axe
Your camp axe is your primary survival tool. You can use it to unpack your gear, set up your campsite, build a shelter or firewood stack and chop down anything that might be in your way. It weighs less than a pound, but can do wonders to keep you comfortable while you’re roughing it outdoors.
If you plan on camping off the beaten path or overnight, you’ll need a 12″ hatchet. You can also use it to split logs while you’re out on a backpack trip – something you’ll definitely want to do if you’re camping next to a river or stream. Find the right axe for you – make sure it’s not too heavy and that it is well balanced.
Water Filter & Purifier
A water filter and a purifier can help make your drinking water safe to drink without any harmful microbes or microorganisms. It allows the water to flow through its membrane so that impurities cannot get through.
Solar Rechargeable Charger
You’re going to want your electronics to stay charged, and a solar charger will make sure that you can use all of them. Not only will it charge all of your devices, it’ll also allow you to charge your camera batteries or recharge your GPS device’s batteries. Of course, if you have a solar charging station at home, you can use that instead.
GPS and Compass
A GPS device will help you navigate your way around the trail while a compass will help you find your way back. It’s important to know how to use these just in case you find yourself stranded in the wilderness – especially if it’s dark and you don’t know exactly where you are.
Final words
Backpacking is a favorite sport activity for many people. It’s a time to go back to nature and enjoy the great outdoors. There are few things more exciting than getting ready for an outdoor adventure with all the gear you need – whether it’s camping, hiking or backpacking.
For that matter, there are few things more dangerous than heading out on a long-distance trip unprepared. Before you go, make sure that you have all the gear and gear essentials you need. Don’t leave home without them.
