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What to take with you for backpacking

Written by Fiona

November 22 2022

Backpacking is a fun way to switch off and reconnect with nature. There are many benefits to spending time amid nature, including both mental and physical advantages. Whether you are backpacking for a night or a weekend, you should pack some essential items for survival and comfort during your trip. Here we look at what to carry for your backpacking trip.

Backpack

First, you will need a backpack to carry all your gear. The pack size will obviously depend on how much stuff you need carry and the trip duration. For a day or two in summer, you will manage with a 35 to 45 litre pack, while a longer trip, or one that you do in the colder or wetter seasons will require a larger pack, from 50l upwards.

The aim is to carry all the essentials for warmth and safety, but not to take more than you need. There is a fine line.

Shelter

For shelter, you need to pack a tent, bivvy bag, tarp, hammock, stakes, a trekking pole and groundsheets. Tents are beginner-friendly and offer the perfect balance of protection and liveable space. On the other hand, hammocks are best for warm weather but require a tarp to provide shelter from the rain. If you want an easy option, a bivvy bag or simple tarp will serve you well but these are best for warmer weather.

Sleep system

For overnight trips, carry a sleeping bag, sleeping pad/mattress and something to fashion as a pillow (a dry bag stuffed with clothes works well). When purchasing a sleeping bag, consider the weight, compressibility and comfort rating of the sleeping bag. Try getting the lightest sleeping bag that offers enough warmth for the weather you will be backpacking in. 

Hydration

You will need a way to carry water. If you know there will be little fresh water for restocking water supplies, you will also need some kind of purification or filter system.

Food and cooking

You will need a stove and fuel supply, a lighter, pots and utensils for a backpacking trip. Think carefully about size and weight. The stove will help you to cook dried foods, make food and hot beverages, and purify water. 

Additionally, you should carry enough food for the entire trip based on your calorific needs.

Tools and accessories

Your backpacking tool kit should have a head torch, pocketknife or multi-tool, a mobile phone, power bank, solar charger and/or extra batteries. Other useful extra might be duct tape for repairs, a whistle and a back-up lighter.

Clothing and toiletries 

Pack a couple of pairs of socks and underwear, trousers or shorts depending on the weather, t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, insulated jacket, headwear, gloves and waterproof jacket and trousers.

Avoid cotton clothes since they take longer to dry and do not insulate when wet. Instead, carry synthetic and wool fabrics since they offer the best temperature regulation. 

For personal hygiene, pack a small camping towel, toilet paper, sunscreen, a small bag of toiletries, a poop spade, bug or midge repellant and menstrual products if needed. You should also include a first aid kit with all the essential medical supplies you need for your trip. Some essentials for your med kit include painkillers, antihistamines, gauze, bandages and plasters.

Conclusion: If you are new to backpacking, you can use the detailed checklist in this article to pack for your trip. The list covers all the essential items you need, from a shelter, water and sleep system to clothing and toiletries.

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