If it’s your first time backpacking, choosing how to pack can be a conundrum. You want to prepare for every eventuality, but you also don’t want to pack so many things that you get weighed down. It’s hard to know what your essential items will end up being if you haven’t traveled this way before. But not to worry, we’ve got you covered with a simple list of what to pack for a backpacking trip.
Water protection
No matter the season, the odds are you’ll be facing rain at some point on your trip. One of the most important things is to ensure that you and the contents of your bag stay dry. Use a dustbin liner on the inside of your bag, and bring a rain cover as well as a quick-dry microfiber towel.
Sleeping pad/bag
The sleeping provisions you bring along will depend on your plans for the trip. If you’re planning to stay in hostels, you might be able to get away with minimal supplies. If you’re planning on camping, however, you’ll need a sleeping bag, pad, and shelter. Find a compromise between comfort and weight that works for you, and roll them up tight in the bottom of your pack.
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Toiletries
You’ll want to bring shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, moisturizer and any other hygiene essentials you’ll need to keep you clean on the road. These bottles have a tendency to explode at inopportune times, so be sure to bag up or even double bag your toiletries. If you have leakage problems, you can invest in reusable travel containers to store your liquids.
Layerable clothing
Regardless of the weather you’re expecting, you’ll want some breathable items and some warm layers. Wool clothing tends to be the most smell-resistant. Make sure you bring a laundry bag to sort out the dirty clothes, too. the amount of clothes you bring will depend on how long you’ll be traveling as well as if you’ll have access to laundry, but a good starting point is 5 shirts, 2 pairs of pants, 1 pair of shorts, a fleece and a jacket.
Electronics
Electronics are another essential component to pack. You’ll want to bring a charger for your phone as well as adapters as needed. Other things you might want to bring are a laptop, an e-reader, headphones, earphones, or a camera. It’s advisable to bring an extra light source too, such as a flashlight or headlamp.
What to pack for a backpacking trip may, in some regards, depend on where you are travelling. But these basics should ensure you have everything vital.
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