6+ Backpacking Essentials

The hot Summer weather is finally (and mercifully) beginning to cool off, which means it's time to get out and enjoy backpacking and camping! Here are a few tips for getting out on the trail (or "backpacking" across Europe) without forgetting any of the essentials.

1. The Right Clothing...

It is always best to pack light. Clothes can take so much room in the backpack or luggage so it is necessary to bring just minimal pieces that are comfortable and durable. The common recommended clothes for backpackers to bring are at least two pairs of lightweight pants, couple of t-shirts, polo shirt with collar preferably with long sleeves, a lightweight fleece jacket, a dress (for ladies), nightwear, swimwear, socks and underwear. You should also bring a quick-drying towel.

2. Shoes (can make all the difference)

Footwear to pack may differ depending on the weather and terrain of the place where the backpacker is heading to. Hiking boots are perfect for wilderness backpacking but not for city or travel abroad. Flip- flops and sandals are good for hot weather but may not be comfortable for long distance walking. Athletic shoes are also good for walking because it can protect the feet better. It is also recommended for the traveler to wear the bulkiest shoes that he or she is bringing and pack the other alternative footwear to save backpack or luggage space while traveling to destination.

3. A Life-saving First Aid Kit

A medical kit is necessary especially for wilderness backpacking. The kit must contain first aid essentials, personal medicines, vitamins, rehydration tablets, tablets for diarrhea and motion sickness, tablets for water purification, insect repellant, sun screen and moisturizer. Having this kit at hand can save the backpacker a lot of money, time and stress from looking for medications in a foreign place.

4. Toiletries (to make "roughing it" a little less rough

These things maybe small but are considered as essentials especially for backpacking. Packing these items is not only important to keep the backpacker clean and fresh at all times but also to avoid buying these things at the destination. There are also travel pouches or cases that are specifically designed to store cosmetics and toiletries. The basic items include shampoo, bar soap, antiperspirant, razor, shaving cream, comb, nail clippers, toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, hand sanitizer and wet wipes.

5. Cutting-edge Electronics

Electronic gadgets are modern time essentials for backpacking. Technological advancement affected the daily lives of most to include the backpackers. These gadgets have been very useful for documentation, entertainment, communication and other purposes while backpacking. These essential gadgets include still/video camera, music players, adapter, laptop, cellphone, data storage, memory cards, cables, battery packs and chargers.

6. Identification

Identification documents are also essential not just for backpacking but for every travel. Passports with corresponding visas (if needed) are necessary especially for backpacking abroad. Plane, bus or train tickets must always be handy. Other important documents to bring are identification cards, list of emergency contact person/numbers, travel insurance policy certificate and medical/vaccination records. It is also recommended to photocopy all the documents and place separately from the original ones in the backpack or luggage.

A Few Bonus Essentials

It is important to leave room in the luggage or backpack for these necessities. Other backpacking essentials that must be included in packing are destination maps/pamphlets, flashlights with batteries, notepad and pen, pocket knife (check-in luggage), mending kit, plastic eating utensils, lightweight sleeping bag, luggage tags and locks.