Going on a backpacking trip means you’ll have to carry your items around for the time being. However, it’s not just walking around and carrying clothes, it’s a lifestyle. A lifestyle that brings joy, excitement, and adventure! Backpacking is a way of independent traveling on a budget, for longer periods.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll introduce to you the must-have checklist of items to pack for your backpacking trip. And it’s not just a sleeping bag and a tent, there’s a whole raft of things you can bring along that will make your backpacking trip that much more enjoyable.
>>9 Must-Have Gadgets For Comfortable And Hassle-Free Trips
Backpack
Purchasing a good backpack is crucial for having a comfortable and lightweight backpacking experience. Even more so if this is your first time backpacking. The backpack is not a cheap item, however, it will last longer if you buy a quality one. Among the things to consider are size, quality, purpose, and comfort.
Regarding the size, a 55-77L backpack is suitable for long backpacking trips, because the more space you have, the more you can pack! And since you’ll be hitting the road for a while, it’s recommended you have everything you might need.
All modern backpacks can be adjusted with clips and buckles. It’s important for your backpack to not sit low and look saggy because it will weigh you down. With the clips and buckles, you can adjust it however it suits your back and posture.
Security Items
Security items like a headlamp, knife, scissors, rope, gloves, or a raincoat are recommended on such trips. Well, now don’t be scared where this article goes! You need these items in case you need to cut something firm and heavy and a small knife will do nothing. Or, if you need to hang your hammock for example, and the built-in ropes are not long enough.
The raincoat is relevant in areas where bad weather conditions are expected. Or you can take it just for the sake of staying warm and dry during a rainstorm.
Navigation System
The navigation system consists of devices like a map, compass, GPS, PLB – personal locator beacon, route description, and a smartphone with installed maps. Nowadays, all smartphones have built-in features for downloading navigation software.
Side note: Please check in case you need any permits for backpacking in the area!
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping comfort is important for your rest throughout the night and your levels of energy during the day. Your sleeping bag will keep you dry, warm, and cozy. If your type of bag is a bulky one, we’d recommend you invest in a lighter one, with more compressible features.
Tips for choosing the sleeping bag:
- Look for a lightweight model;
- Avoid denier shell fabrics;
- Avoid high fill;
- Do not save money on the sleeping bag!
Before you dive deep into the essential-packing process, make sure the type of sleeping bag beats the purpose. For example, for alpine climbing, you can go with draft-resistant zippers or quilts.
The sleeping bag temperatures are created with the assumption that you’ll be using a sleeping pad. For example, below 35 degrees temperature rates will keep you undeniably cold, while above 35, you’ll be warm and cozy.
Cooking Utensils
As strange as it might sound, you’ll need a couple of cooking items on your backpacking trip. Since, who wants to stay hungry all the way there and back?! You can bring items like a mini stove, mug, pot, mini lighter, waterproof matches, eating utensils – spork and fuel.
Copyright: Unsplash I License: CC0 Public Domain
Clothing
The main struggle when it comes to backpacking is what clothes to bring. Whether you are going on such a trip for two days or two months, you’ll need the same clothing fundamentals. Layers are important; meaning, when you’re cold, you can add a layer to keep you warm, and when you’re hot, you can remove one.
You need to consider the following factors when backpacking:
- Functionality – features like fabrics, zippers, pockets, hoods, or vents are relevant;
- Weight – you can save ounces if you remove weight and add on comfort;
- Material – wool, silk, cotton, and polyester are recommended.
The items to pack:
- Boy-cut or boxer-length underwear;
- Pullover sports bras;
- Camisole or a tank top;
- Long underwear – bottoms;
- T-shirt – go with wool or synthetic;
- Long-sleeve shirt;
- Convertible pants that give you a pair of shorts and pants at the same time;
- Tights or yoga pants – comfortable for hiking, backpacking, and climbing;
- Fleece top;
- Rain jackets;
- Accessories like hats, gloves, beanies, and socks.
Regardless of how long your trip will last, you will end up with smelly and dirty clothes at the end of it. One way to avoid this is to keep the bottoms clean and use them only for sleeping.
>>Get more information about backpacking items
Get Ready!
Once you’ve prepared and packed the items above, it’s time to get ready! Pack the backpack and hit the road!
For backpacking-related content, travel tips, and how to prepare advice, please feel free to check our blog. Or share our content with an aspiring backpacker who might find it helpful! Backpacking and visiting different places is so much fun. If you are backpacking in Miami and need a safe place to store your bags when you are exploring the beaches, keep them at Vertoe. Vertoe is the World’s leading short-term storage space provider. Check baggage storage Miami for all options.
