Backpacking: 19 things to pack for the adventure

Backpacking is the art of anticipating what a place will be like, and then packing what you think you’ll need for the weather you think you’ll get and the time-span you think you’ll be gone … and then being wrong. After every trip, I realise that I actually need much less than what I thought. Because less really is more.

Packing for the adventure

I see travel in two ways. There are holidays and then there’s adventure. The difference is that you come back rested from a holiday. Adventures, on the other hand, can take everything out of you, but it always leaves a story worth sharing. From Asia’s toilets on trains (which is like live target practice) and the serenity of Tibet to the wildness of the Amazon jungle; from the chaos of Egypt to the smiles of Swaziland; the places, the faces and the memories fill you and change you. They give you an identity and a story.

You will need different accessories for different adventures, mainly depending on the season, accommodation, temperature, geography and means of transport. What I took to survive in the Amazon was different from what I took to hitch hike through Asia. Decide what you are going to do and then pack accordingly. You will always find things you did not come prepared for, but take the necessities. A few things McGuyver (read: The MacGuyver guide to campsite quick fixes) would like to have with him:

 1. Duct tape

   Photo by KMC designs

Duct tape is for building or fixing anything. Well, almost anything. For everything else there is Mastercard! You can use duct tape for anything from a rattling or broken bus window, closing an air conditioning outlet, fixing a backpack strap or to seal a leaking water bottle. It allows your creative juices to flow!

 2.Inflatable neck pillow

Image by Praveen Rajan (Marketingly.com)

 Its small, weighs nothing and makes those 24-hour bus rides a little more bearable. I even use mine as a normal pillow when camping in my tent.

3. Tablet

A tablet does not take up too much space.

Photo by Intel DE

 I have a seven-inch Samsung tablet. It works like a dream and it fits into the side pocket of my cargo pants. This frees my hands and whenever I need to write, need some music or check the maps I downloaded, its close and ultimately handy! The tablet was a great asset in places with WiFi, which is now available at most backpackers lodges! The screen size is great for watching movies, but not as big and lousy as a laptop that draws too much attention. The storage is more than enough for all my entertainment. I use it as a Kindle, iPod, work station, translator, for easy access to documentation, maps, checklists and emergency contact details. I’d be lost without it!

4. Dry bag

 Photo by Jeff Youngstrom

The last dry bag I bought from Cape Union Mart (check out Cape Union Mart’s selection of dry bags here) was about R40, and it is possible to get two backpacks in it. This is handy when your bag has to ride on the roof of the bus in the rain or on dirt roads. It also gives nice shade when you build a small shelter.

5. Candy

Image by Aramand Agasi

Forget all those books on the power of persuasion. Candy (given with a smile) is the ultimate weapon of persuasion! Buy packets of individually wrapped sweets, just so some can be kept in your pocket in case of emergency. I’ve seen candy make a friend, defuse arguments and prevent bus drivers from leaving me behind!

6. Thermal underwear

Thermal underwear always comes in handy on cold nights.

These things make you jump for joy when you get into a cold bed. And for the weight to heat ratio, still one of your best bets.

7.Warm jacket for the bus

It can get very cold on a bus or a plane when the air conditioner is on full blast, no matter if you are in the midst of summer in Thailand or Vietnam! Duct tape might stop the cold air blowing directly on you but unfortunately you wont be allowed to tape all of them closed! If you don’t have a warm jacket use the candy (point five) to make friends with the driver who operates the air conditioner!

8. Multi-fuel stove

A multi-fuel stove takes various forms of fuels and is eco-friendly.

This is my pride and joy! When we are sitting on a mountain, like our previous hike in the Drakensberg, someone always says, ‘A coffee would now be nice’, This … is my moment. I then assemble my compact multi-fuel stove and little holders with coffee. It surprises many that a coffee machine can find its way up a mountain! Plus, if I haven’t eaten all my candy on the way up, there might still be some cookies to go with the coffee.

9. Hammock

Image by slgckgc

 I found my hammock to be great for short trips. Easy up and easy down. It’s multi purpose and can be used as a chair, bed or shade anywhere, provided you have two trees. I imported a very light and compact one with tree straps to protect the trees.

10. Slops

Slops are great after a day’s walk with closed shoes. For sanitary reasons, I prefer to shower with them too. They weigh almost nothing and can strap to the outside of your bag (it prevents people from walking into you too).

11. Wet wipes

Antibacterial-Wet-Wipes Image from Motivators

Not just for girls! Wet wipes are great for wiping your hands before you eat, especially if you are not able to go to a tap. This worked well in Asia for the long bus and train rides.

12. Carabiners

Image courtesy of King Snaps Industrial Corp

I like using carabiners to keep zips closed in crowded areas. Tip: when I pack my bag I also put  a few shopping packets in last just before I close the zips. They make a lot of noise if removed and would discourage any pickpocketer. The rubber straps are great to tie your bag to the roof when there’s little space and the carabiners to hook extra things on your bag, or even to tie your backpack to a pole to avoid it from becoming part of the redistribution of wealth.

13. Toilet paper

Photo from  NCReedplayer

 Never, never, never assume there will be.

14. Ziplock bags

Ziplock bags are useful especially when visiting wet areas.

Image from muazmee.com

Zip lock bags are useful especially when visiting wet areas and great for storing your toilet paper. When flying, I’d also advise you to push the air out of the liquid soaps, like shampoo, and then also place it inside a zip-lock bag to prevent frustrating leaks.

 15. Multi tool (Leatherman)

A multi-tool does all your tough jobs

A multi-tool does all your tough jobs (because you never know when you might need to build an arc. I found it useful in places where we would hire bicycles, small repairs on rented vehicles in the bush and at times it even creates the contact point when you help a stranger from your fully kitted bag.

16. Pen and paper

Photo from Guudmorning!

I found it incredibly handy to have a pocket-sized notepad to jot down directions, details or make to-do lists. I also make notes of places other traveller’s have advised to go or not to go. Its more up to date than any Lonely Planet (a book that advises travellers where to eat, sleep, party and even how to think). It’s great for concentrating tourists in certain places, giving those who want to get off the beaten track a good idea where not to go.

17. Basic medicine

You never know when you might get sick so it's important to carry some meds.

Rehydrate and Immodium are your best friends. They help soften the aftershock of those interesting foods you don’t want to miss out on.

18. Email documents

I always scan and email all of my most important documents to myself in case I lose everything.

19. US Dollars and a money pouch

It’s surprising how many places (sometimes even countries) have no ATM’s or ATM’s run out of money. US Dollars come in handy in every crisis.

Travelling tips

Two things I learned that makes a big difference when backpacking is treating yourself to good food once in a while and taking rest days. Good food is good for your health and great for your morale. Rest days are essential, especially if you travel in a group. Trying to keep everyone together is like herding butterflies, so I prefer a rest day after every two days on the move. It keeps the peace.

Related post: 10 tips on how to pack a backpack, 10 tips for first-time backpackers 

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