Backpacking Essentials
Essential requirements of Backpacking.
- The Backpack: This needs to be packed with the bare essentials so as to keep the weight down. If it is too bulky and heavy it will become unwieldy and difficult to carry. Make sure that it contains everything that cannot be bought on the spur of the moment.
- Clothes: These also need to be kept to the bare minimum, since most essential clothes can be washed and dried overnight. The list should include a couple of easy-to-maintain tee-shirts, a couple of cargo pants with lots of pockets, a pair of jeans (not an expensive pair), a formal shirt/ dress, a couple of pairs of shorts, swimming trunks (may double up as shorts), a light weight fleece jacket (for those cold nights), half a dozen pairs of socks and underwear, a pair of sturdy boots (if required), sandals and a pair of trainers.
- Other Essentials: will include a sleeping bag, a mackintosh, head-covering (in case visiting a Muslim country), a cap with a visor, water bottles, a Swiss army knife, cosmetics and toiletries, a first aid box, and a couple of light towels. A torch, an alarm clock, a book and a camera are also important and useful.