If you like adventures and are thinking about backpacking for a few days, you need to create an essential packing list. There are some basic items you need on any trip in the wilderness. Weather conditions and the environment will dictate any additional items you need to include in your backpack. For instance, items you need to survive in a rainy forest might be excluded if you’re walking a dry, rocky trail.
Other factors like the length of your trip and the number of people joining you will determine how much cooking equipment and food supplies you need to carry with you or share with your buddies. In all cases, it’s best to be fully prepared, so here’s a list of essential items for your 4-day trip in the wilderness.
Navigation Gear
When hiking on a trail, you’ll need a GPS device to find the best way to head to your destination and guide you on your way back. There are devices specifically designed for the outdoors to withstand rainy and sandy weather. You can also get an altimeter watch that measures the air pressure and combines the information with a built-in navigation system to determine your exact location and altitude. This comes in handy if you’re hiking up a mountain. Some hikers substitute all those high-tech devices with their smartphones, which suffices, especially on a short trip. Keep in mind that you must have all these devices completely charged before your trip.
It’s also a good idea to travel with a simple map and compass. You need to be prepared if your gear’s battery runs out of charge, with no place to recharge it. A compass will guide you through your map, so you need to understand how it works as well. Learn how to read the map before your trip, as this could save your life.
A Suitable Backpack
First, you need to determine the length of your trip. For a 4-day camping or hiking trip, you’ll need at least a 50-liter backpack. To choose the perfect backpack in rainy weather, read more here to find more about waterproof backpacking gear. If you’re a heavy packer, get a backpack with a frame to support the load making it easier to carry on your back. However, if you’re a super-light packer, aim for a frameless lightweight design for a faster hiking speed.
Look for a backpack with easy access pockets. Most designs come with a top-loading pocket where you can store your sleeping gear. Others provide the option of an easily detachable small bag on the outside of your backpack. These storage compartments are helpful to store essential items you frequently reach for as you’re hiking. These may include sunglasses, a water bottle, a headlamp, and navigation gear that you may need without having to unpack.
First-Aid Kit
Slips and falls are bound to happen as you may get injured during your trip, whether climbing a mountain or hiking a muddy trail. There are many options of lightweight first-aid kits you can get for your trip. These packs can weigh as little as a pound. You need to learn how to use them as well in case you have to act fast. A first-aid kit usually includes bandages, antiseptic solution, sterilized gauze, painkillers like ibuprofen, sterile gloves, adhesive tape, a pair of tiny scissors, an ointment for blisters, and sometimes even a small lighter. You have to be prepared for any surprises, so don’t forget to include a first-aid kit in your packing list.
Food and Water
You’ll need a water filter and a sturdy water bottle to store your filtered water. You can choose a lightweight, soft bottle, which is flattened and rolled up when empty. However, it’s good to have a backup sturdy water bottle in case the soft bottle leaks.
As for food, you can pack some canned foods that won’t go bad, but it’s also good to pack a couple of fresh items as well. Fresh fruits like apples and oranges and vegetables like carrots and broccoli can last you a day or two. There’s no reason to make your trip harder by having tasteless meals. There are plenty of tasty ready-to-eat meal options available at supermarkets. You can spice them up by packing a few of your favorite spices and condiments. You could either pack a small camping stove to heat your meals or buy meals that only require some water to heat them. Remember to also pack a couple of multitasking utensils like a spork and a pocket knife.
It’s always recommended that you invest in quality equipment, especially if you go camping or hiking several times a year. But if you were just starting, it’s perfectly acceptable if you get some of the cheaper supplies to use on a short trip. With practice, you’ll learn what items you have to pack every time to enjoy a safe trip in the beautiful outdoors.
