| When planning your backpacking trip, you need | | | | could get lost, or encounter bad weather, or |
| to think carefully about what equipment to | | | | you might just get stuck and not be able to |
| take and what you can afford to leave behind. | | | | get back. You must always be prepared for |
| | | | the unexpected, and extra food and clothing |
| There are some things that you simply must | | | | will help you cope. |
| have. Whilst there are plenty of new gadgets | | | | |
| and devices that are supposed to enhance your | | | | First Aid Kit |
| backpacking experience, when it comes down to | | | | |
| it, there are some traditional items that you | | | | This is a really important item. There are |
| should never leave home without, regardless | | | | many things which can happen out in the |
| of what new technology you may have in your | | | | wilderness. Even if you are traveling in a |
| pack. These essential items are listed | | | | very well kept area, you can still find a |
| below. | | | | need for a first aid kit. Make sure you get |
| | | | a kit that is well stocked with a variety of |
| Map | | | | supplies. |
| | | | |
| The key here is to choose a map which has | | | | Knife |
| sufficient detail to clearly show the trails | | | | |
| and area details of where you will be | | | | Ideally you should have a multi-function |
| backpacking. Apart from that, it really does | | | | knife which incorporates several different |
| not matter what type of map you choose. | | | | tools. Such tools can prove to be very |
| | | | important and their uses are endless when |
| Compass | | | | backpacking. At a minimum, a nice sharp |
| | | | knife that can cut through fabric and cord is |
| You will need a good quality compass that | | | | necessary. |
| will withstand the elements outside. The fact | | | | |
| is you have to know which direction you are | | | | Matches |
| going. Just taking a map is not going to | | | | |
| work. | | | | Matches can prove to be a lifesaver, |
| | | | particularly in cold weather conditions. You |
| Flashlight | | | | should either get waterproof matches or carry |
| | | | your matches in a waterproof container. |
| It is very important that you always can see | | | | |
| where you are going. A good quality | | | | Water or water treatment |
| flashlight is essential, plus batteries. You | | | | |
| can now buy wind-up torches, which remove the | | | | Drinking water is essential as you must stay |
| need for batteries. Remember, it can be very | | | | hydrated while backpacking. If you do not |
| dark in none-rural areas. Not having adequate | | | | carry water, an alternative is to have the |
| lighting can contribute to falls or injuries | | | | necessary supplies to adequately treat water. |
| which can really ruin a good backpacking | | | | |
| trip. | | | | These are the essentials, but as you plan |
| | | | your trip you will quickly find there are |
| Extra food and clothing | | | | many considerations when deciding on what to |
| | | | take. Make sure you seek good advice from the |
| Instead of packing just what you need, you | | | | many resources available to you. |
| should try to pack extra just in case. You | | | | |