Heading out on any kind of backpacking adventure can be exciting, but if you’re heading far away from civilisation for a while, it really does pay to be prepared with the essentials. But, what should you pack as part of your first backpacking trip?
Every trip will be different, but there are a few essential bits and pieces that you’ll always need to consider so you’re safe and comfortable on your travels. Let’s break down the absolute must-have items.
Comfortable, supportive footwear
Always consider where you’re likely to be walking or hiking when you go backpacking for the first time. If you’re going to traverse lots of rough terrain or simply walk long distances, it pays to invest in a pair of sturdy shoes that are built for purpose.
And, where possible, invest in and take a second pair just in case. It’s also wise to consider waterproofing, too – as you never know quite what the weather might throw at you.
Water supplies
Staying hydrated isn’t always easy if you are backpacking in the middle of nowhere, but if you can, fill up as much water as you can so that you can keep moving without getting thirsty.
Otherwise, there are gadgets available that allow you to filter out wild water so that it’s safe to drink. However, as your health is at stake, it really is best to look carefully at trusted brands and look at real user reviews for these products, avoiding drop-shipping companies wherever possible.
You should also consider investing in electrolytes that you can add to water or consume on their own, so that you’re always hydrated no matter where you intend to travel.
A cooking stove, fuel, and food
Backpacking often means roughing it without having access to supermarkets or shops, meaning you should carefully consider how much food you’ll need over the course of your trip. If you’re taking perishable items, it pays to have a cooling system or bag in place, and of course, you’ll need a portable stove and fuel to cook it all on.
Many backpackers choose not to take meat or super perishable food with them over the course of a few days. Instead, consider taking nutrient-rich foods such as nuts, pulses, protein bars, fruit, and other items you can quickly eat and enjoy without the preparation.
Of course, if part of the backpacking adventure for you is enjoying a campfire at the end of each day, it still makes sense to pack a burner and some appropriate fuel so you can keep the fires burning night after night.
A way to communicate
Backpacking doesn’t have to mean going completely off-grid, though many adventurers prefer to leave much of their hyper-connected world behind. However, there are plenty of great reasons – particularly from a safety perspective – why you should keep a smartphone with you at all times.
It’s worth taking your phone with you along with a solar powered battery, which you can charge up without having to worry about finding a power socket. On top of this, you should make sure that your device is covered for network access while you’re away.
Consider using an eSIM, for example. These SIMs are completely digital and give you data access in a range of countries – ideal if, say, you are backpacking across a continent or a series of areas you’ve never visited before.
SIMOVO is a good example of an eSIM provider offering affordable, accessible mobile data for use all over the world. Downloading and setting up an international eSIM before you go means you won’t have to muddle around with your existing SIM card, or often have to worry about increasing network roaming charges.
A tent
Not all backpackers will sleep in the great outdoors, but if you intend to stay overnight somewhere with no access to covered buildings, it really does pay to have a solid tent ready to go.
Look closely at trusted tent retailers and see what other buyers have to say. Carefully consider how many people will be using your tent, and what the weather is likely to be like when you travel. Ideally, you’ll want something waterproof and insulated so that you’re comfortable in all weathers.
Depending on your budget, it’s also worth considering tents and camping fixtures that let you pop up your temporary domicile in a matter of minutes. The last thing you want to be muddling with is a tent that’s impossible to keep standing, tangled up in guy ropes.
A first aid and preparedness kit
You never know when emergencies might occur, so all backpackers should leave with at least some form of recognised first aid kit to patch up injuries in the worst-case scenarios.
Beyond first aid, always consider essential items that you can put together in a preparedness kit. For example, if you don’t have access to a phone, take a compass and a map, or even a personal beacon. Take sun protection if you’re out in the open all day, a knife and matches, and a light shelter that you can pop up if you get caught in a deluge.
Do also take lighting equipment such as torches and headlamps – again, you might not have access to your phone at all times.
You should also make sure your preparedness kit includes clothing in case you need to change at short notice – for comfort, stability, or otherwise. Look carefully at the weather before you go and decide what clothing works best.
A backpack to put it all in
We didn’t forget the backpack! Look carefully for a supporting bag or pack that can carry all of this in without transferring too much heft onto your shoulders or back. One of the biggest backpacking problems many people face is using a bag that, while spacious, isn’t particularly easy to carry.
Look for an ergonomically-designed backpack that is built for purpose and designed to support you – don’t be tempted to fill up an old backpack for the sake of saving money.
There may be other items and essentials that you wish to take with you on your next adventure – but provided you follow the absolute basics as listed here, you’ll be more than ready to get backpacking in no time.
