The first time you pack for a trip, the list of things to bring can seem daunting. There are so many items that it’s easy to get overwhelmed and forget something important. What should you pack? This blog will provide some guidelines for what should be in your backpack at all times.
Some items are obvious things any traveler should have, while others may be less common.
The following is a list of the basic essential backpacker’s kit. It will get you through your travels with all the essentials to keep you safe and comfortable .
Things that are required :
1) Sleeping Bag
You will need your sleeping bag to ensure you have a comfortable sleep while on the road. They can be used in different climates and are lightweight so it is easy to pack.
2) Tent
A tent should also be in your backpack for travelers. This will give you somewhere comfortable to stay overnight but you should only use your tent in the summer months or for dry locations. It is not designed for wet or humid climates, which can cause mold and mildew, or dirtier environments.
3) Water Bottle
A lot of places on the road will have drinking water, but you shouldn’t rely on it to be clean. Check this out for more information: Is tap water safe to drink? It might not look appealing, so it’s best to stick with purchased water where possible. You can also get a filter or purification tablets. It’s up to you how much water you carry with you, but be sure to have some in your bag at all times.
4) Sleeping Mat or Mattress
You can use this on the road or in hostels when it is not possible to sleep on a bed. It is great for camping trips and will provide extra cushion. You can buy them online or at a camping store according to your preferred thickness and size.
5) First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is an essential for any trip because you never know what will happen along the way. It’s important to carry antiseptic wipes, bandages, and antibacterial ointment with you at all times. You should look into it further to see what else you could include.
6) Food
Keeping yourself fed is an important part of your travels. There are lots of options to choose from when you’re deciding what food to take with you, so spend some time looking at your options before making your decision. Here are some suggestions:
– Bring packaged snacks or foods that do not melt for long trips in the car or on airplanes .
– For short trips, you can try taking dry cereals or oatmeal with you .
– Dried fruits are also good for shorter journeys because they will last.
– You can buy fruit at grocery stores during your travels to help you stay healthy.
Every traveler should also have the following with them for emergencies:
1) Flashlight / Torch / Headlamp (with extra batteries)
A flashlight or headlight is especially useful in hostels or at night time when you don’t want to disturb others. You can also use it in case of electrical blackouts! It’s best to get both, but most people only bring a flashlight.
2) First Aid Guide
A first aid guide is important if you need to know how to treat an injury or illness. They provide step by step instructions for what to do in a variety of situations. You can find them online or at your local library.
3) Map
You should be very familiar with the map of your location and know how to get from point A to point B. If you’re not sure, you could always use GPS apps on your phone instead! It is also a good idea to have a map in case your phone battery dies or the app loses signal.
4) Basic Tools
Having some basic tools will help you get out of tight situations while on the road. Things like screwdrivers, pliers, tweezers, scissors, and cable ties can help with repairs on anything from doors to electronic devices, luggage locks to broken glasses. It is easy to find tools that fit in your bag and will help you with daily issues.
5) Matchboxes or Lighter
You can use these for many different things including starting fires for cooking, drying clothes, or getting firewood to burn. You should never depend on matches or a lighter for warmth or staying dry though!
6) Candles and Condoms
These can be used to keep warm in the winter months. You should also not leave them unattended and put them out before you go to sleep. As an addition, condoms can be useful when staying at hostels with shared bathrooms. If you need to, it is also a good idea to bring wet wipes.
7) Duct Tape
Having duct tape is a good idea because it can be used for so much. You can use it to patch up holes in things or seal them for waterproofing! It is also useful if something needs mending, you have superglue, or someone has nails that need taping up. This might just be one of the most versatile things to take on your trip, but it is important you remember not to use duct tape on electronics.
8) Alarm Clock
You should always have an alarm clock with you because many hostels do not include them in their rooms. Even if they did, it would be a good idea to get one for your room because it can be noisy at hostels.
9) Headphones
If you are staying in a shared dorm room, headphones are an essential part of your kit. You should have them on hand if you need to discuss something privately or for times where everyone is being loud at night! This way you won’t have to worry about waking other people up.
10) Extra Bag / Backpack
If you are traveling to multiple destinations, having an extra bag will really help you out. You can use it for different purposes including as a laundry bag or place to store your snacks and drinks! Having something like this is also useful if the airline loses your luggage upon arrival.
11) Power Strip
When staying at hostels, it is always a good idea to have a power strip so you can charge all of your devices at once! There are also other places where they may be useful such as libraries or cafes with too few outlets. You should probably not bring a big power strip though because it may be too bulky.
12) Bags
Some people don’t really get why you would need bags, but they are always helpful. You should have them to carry loose items like shoes or dirty clothes separate from your actual backpack. This will make it much easier for you when moving around! They are also useful if your bag breaks or if you want to separate food from other things in your bag.
13) Binoculars
This is a great item for people who like the outdoors and nature. It will allow you to see nature and wildlife up close and personal! Binoculars can be useful in many situations; hiking, bird watching, sports games, concerts, and more! They are especially useful if you enjoy hiking.
14) Playing Cards / Travel Games
If you like board games or card games then consider bringing some with you on the road. If not, playing cards can be useful to play with locals on your trip and meet new people! Another thing you can bring is a travel guide for learning new board games.
15) Bobby Pins
This item is very useful because it can be used as a clothespin, hair tie, or just to hold things together. You can also use them as a substitute for those situations when something breaks. This way you won’t have to worry about not having a back up.
The best time to pack for a backpacking trip is when you are not in the midst of it. You should plan ahead and make sure that your backpack is organized with all necessary items by listing them out. Consider what you’ll need based on where you’re going and how long you will be there, then add anything else that might come in handy.
If we’ve missed something, let us know! We’d love to help customize an itinerary or share any other travel tips our team has gleaned from years of experience as seasoned backpackers. If this article didn’t cover everything about packing for a first-time backpacker’s journey, don’t worry–we have plenty more blog posts available!
See you on my next blog!