Backpacking Essentials List
1. Packing Cubes
Packing Cubes are a helpful way to keep you organized and condense your stuff. Especially being constantly on the move it's nice to have easy access to all your items and having something smaller to carry doesn't hurt either!
2. Bandaids
Bandaids might seem obvious, but they have so many uses outside the simple cut you might need to cover. They can help cover blisters on your feet or chaffing on your thighs. If you need tape for whatever reason and don't have any bandaids can be useful. Bandaids can be super helpful and multifunctional even in instances you may not think. Most people tend to carry first aid kits and a majority of them have bandaids, but you can never have to many.
3. First Aid Kit
First Aid Kits are pretty much a given to have on you just in case of any type of injury or emergency, and just like bandaids, first aid kits can be very multifunctional. Many first aid kits have rubber gloves, medical tape, and scissors. All of those items can be useful and important even outside first aid emergencies.
4. Shampoo Bar
Shampoo bars are a lot more convenient than liquid shampoo in many ways. Firstly, you dont have to worry about liquid spills or carrying liquid on a plane (if plane travel is part of your trip). Secondly, it's smaller and easier to pack than most liquid soap bottles. It also contains more uses than most shampoo bottles.
5. Hand Sanitzer Wipe Packets
Hand Sanitzer Wipe Packets are a travel essential even outside of backpacking. You never know when you might need to clean your hands or something around you and you don't have access to water. These packets are super useful and easy to store and travel with.
6. Tissues
Tissues are another simple, but multifunctional item you'll want to have. Whether you need to blow your nose, dry something off, or even wrap something for protection tissues are great to have. Especially when they come in those small travel sized packs.
7. Laundry Detergent Sheets
Laundry Detergent Sheets are an absolute game changer for backpacking and traveling in general. You never know where laundry services will be available and never know when you're going to need something washed. Laundry detergent sheets are small and convenient and you only need a small amount of water to use them. If you have access to a sink or bucket of water or basically anything that can hold water you'll be able to use them. Trust me when you spill food on your favorite shirt or get your favorite pair of hiking socks a little to dirty these laundry detergent sheets will be your best friend.
8. Sink Plug Stopper
A sink plug stopper is another overlooked essential that you'll be so happy you have when you need it. Sink plug stoppers can actually go hand in hand with the previous item (laundry detergent sheets), but can be used for so much more. If you need to do laundry and have a sink you can plug the sink, fill it up, use a laundry detergent sheet, and do your laundry. It's also great if you need to clean yourself up a bit, but don't have access to a shower or bath.
9. Wet Wipes
Wet Wipes are another essential that can be used in so many situations and you'll be so glad you have. Whether you need it for cleaning your hands, wiping something down, using the bathroom, or even cooling yourself down wet wipes are a backpacking must have.
10. Microfiber Towel
If you're not thinking about bringing a towel start thinking about bringing a microfiber towel. If you're already thinking about bringing a towel, make sure it's a microfiber one. While there's nothing wrong with regular towels I will tell you why microfiber ones are better. Their main appeal is that they are super absorbent, but also dry really fast. This is great to have while backpacking since most of use don't want to carry around a massive, wet towel. It's also gentle enough to use on yourself or gentle surfaces like a phone screen or camera lens.
11. Ear Plugs
Backing packing often requires spending the nights in nature and with other people. When you're trying to sleep, but the people (or nature) around you can't seem to be quiet enough ear plugs will be your best friend.
12. Eye Sleep Mask
Eye Sleep Masks are another essential like ear plugs. Sometimes sharing space with people or even nature can be to bright for our liking when it comes to sleeping. An eye sleep mask can block out all lights to help you get the solid night sleep you need for the next day ahead of you.
13. Zip Loc Bags
Zip Loc Bags may seem like a random essential, but I promise you they will save your butt in so many instances. They are a simple, cheap, and convinient way to keep things like your phone, money, passport, wallet, medical supplies, ect dry. They can also be used to keep food sealed and fresh. If you need a shower you could fill the bag with water and poke holes in it. I could go on and on about the uses they have so all i'll say is trust me you'll want to have some.
14. Chapstick (Sunscreen)
Sun screen alone might already be on your checklist, but if chapstick (especially sun screen chapstick) isn't on your list you'll want to add it asap. Personally, regular chapstick alone is already an essential. Chapped lips can easily add some discomfort to your trip if you need it and don't have any. Whether you're in the cold or heat getting chapped lips is easy especially when you're spending so much time outside. Sunscreen chapstick takes chapstick a step further and helps protect your lips as well as moisturize. It's important to protect your skin from the sun and your lips also need to be protected. Burned lips is even worth than chapped lips so pack your sunscreen chapstick and you wont have to worry about dealing with either!
15. Sunglasses
Backpacking means spending a lot of time outside and in the sun. Having a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun and give them a break is a good idea. Whether you invest in a good pair or bring a few cheap ones because you're prone to losing them (like me) your eyes will thank you.
16. Umbrella
In my opinion one of the worst things about backpacking is getting stuck in the rain. The rain doesn't have to be a plan ruiner, but it can definitely make things uncomfortable when you get soaked. An umbrella is a great item to have whether you use it to cover yourself, your belongings, your tent or all of the above.
17. Poncho
If holding and carting around an umbrella doesn't seem ideal a poncho is another great tool to keep you and your belongings dry. A poncho can also be more convenient than an umbrella because you don't have to carry it. It can also be used as a mini tarp to cover your belongings or tent.
18. Flip Flops
The thought of wearing flip flops while you backpack might seem silly, but trust me you'll wish you had them. From giving your feet a break from your sneakers while you rest to wearing them in hostel showers flip flops can be great to have. Plus they aren't to big of an item to pack.
19. Travel Utensils
Another often overlooked item is travel utensils, but trust me they're great to have. Depending on where you are and what you're eating you might not have access to utensils when you need them most. And let's be honest there are just some foods you don't want to eat with your hands, especially after a day of hiking. Travel utensils will make your life easier and your meals more enjoyable.
20. Notebook and Pen
Yes I know cell phones and portable chargers are a thing, but having a notebook and pen is never a bad idea. Cell phones aren't always reliable and you'll never know when you need to jot something down, especially important information. A pen and paper can be a life saver in some situations. Plus journaling and writing on paper can be so much more peaceful and relaxing than on your phone.
21. Set Of Retractable Locks
A set of retractable locks are a must have in my opinion. There are going to be times where you simply want to have your luggage and belongings locked. There's nothing wrong with wanting to secure your items, especially in situations where you might be sharing a space with other people you dont know. These retractable locks can help keep your bags/luggage locked and they can keep your items locked to something like a bed post.
22. Set Of Door Locks
A Set Of Door Locks is a great essential for backpacking and honestly all types of traveling. Yes, I know that with backpacking there will be many instances where you're camping outside or sharing a space with people and don't have locks. However if you do come across a time where you have some privacy and your own space with a lock you'll appreciate the extra security this little gadget provides.
23. Waterproof Disposable Camera
A waterproof disposable camera is not a necessity, but I think it's a great thing to have. I know disposable cameras have gone out of date, but they do have some benefits our phones can't offer. Say you find yourself coming across a breath taking scenery during your travels and your phone is dead or giving you a hard time. You'll still be able to capture and remember that moment with your disposable camera. Some photo moments are once in a life time and you don't want to find yourself not being able to capture the moment. Especially with backpacking you're no doubt going to stumble across so many moments you want to remember. I recommend waterproof because being outside sometimes you can't avoid the rain and having a waterproof camera will help ensure your memories are protected. Not to mention with waterproof cameras you can bring your camera out in the rain and in the water without worrying about damage.
24. Solar Power Bank
I recommend having any type of power bank to be able to charge your phone, camera, ect on the go, but if you have the ability to up your power bank game to a solar powered one I highly recommend it. I've been using my solar power bank for years and I LOVE it. Whether I'm camping, backpacking, on vacation, or at the beach I can charge my phone AND powerbank all at the same time using the power bank. It can charge anywhere from a windowsill to on a picnic table in the park. Anywhere there is sun you can charge the bank. And the power bank hold charge so even when you're not in the sun it will still work (given it's charged enough). This has been so useful and convenient and i'm sure you'll feel the same.
25. Universal Plug Adapter
If you're traveling out of country a universal plug adapter is a must. Especially when backpacking you wont always have access to electricity and when you do you want to be able to take full advantage of it. Universal plug adapters allow you to be able to use an outlet no matter what type of plug it takes. On top of that most of these adapters have numerous ports to allow you to charge numerous items at once. Don't find yourself in a situation where your plug is incompatible with the outlet or you have to charge on thing at a time. Safe yourself alot of stress with this item.
26. Pocket Knife
While a pocket knife is something you'll definitely want to be cautious carrying, it is definitely a handy tool to have. From chopping wood and cutting threads to protection a pocket knife is a great packpacking essential.
27. Medicine Kit
A medicine kit is another great essential to have, but don't get it confused with a first aid kit. While some first aid kits have medications they don't always have them and when an instance comes where you need motrin or tums you'll be glad you have it. This is something you can buy from the store or make yourself with a pill box. It's a small box that contains numerous essential medicines from tylenol to melatonin to antacids to empty spots for your own personal medications. A medicine kit is a crucial item to have.
28. Collapsible Water Bottle
Bringing a water bottle is probably already a given, but have you thought about a collapsible water bottle? You've probably figured it out already, but it's a water bottle that collapses! This is perfect for backpacking because when you're not using it you can fold it up for easy and small storage.
29. Tile Tracker
A Tile Tracker is not a necessity however if you are able to get one I would. For backpacking I would say the tracker has two main benefits. The first one is having it on your person to track you. Hopefully getting lost is not something you have to worry about, but you can never be to safe. Having something that tracks you outside of your phone can be an actual life saver if you're ever in a situation where you need it. The second benefit is that it can track your items. Whether you put it in your luggage or your wallet if any of your items get lost or stolen you'll be able to use the Tile you put with the item to track it down. The Apple Air Tag is another tracker device, but based on my knowledge the Tile Tracker is a better option as it has a farther range and can be used with numerous devices, not just Apple. It's also cheaper than the AirTag and comes in a range of sizes
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