5 Must-Have Backpacking Essentials

You’re getting ready for your next backpacking trip, and one of the first things you think about (after choosing your adventure destination, of course) is what you need to pack. When you think of “backpacking essentials,” your mind probably goes straight to hiking boots, a good tent, and a sleeping bag.

While those are all essential items to bring along, some other important things will make all the difference in your backpacking experience. By following a beginners guide to backpacking, you can familiarize yourself with the necessary items to pack for your trip. Here are some of the items you should consider including in your backpacking gear.

1. A Quality Belt

The first thing on our list is a good belt. When you set out for the day on your backpacking trip, you shouldn’t have to put a ton of thought into what you’re wearing. More importantly, you shouldn’t have to worry about your clothing not fitting the way it should.

That’s where a rope belt comes into play. It’s designed to give you a perfect fit without any uncomfortable pinching or digging. It is easy to adjust as needed, and it has a minimalistic look, making it an easy win for just about anyone. It’s fantastic to wear anywhere, but it’s instrumental on a backpacking trip.

2. The Right Kind of Food

When jetting off on a backpacking trip, you can’t pack just any food. You have to be intentional about it. This is for two reasons: one, you want to pack the right things to fuel you for a strenuous day properly, and two, you want it to take up as little space as possible in your backpack.

There are tons of options that you can choose from, but some of our favorites include various types of jerky, nut butter, trail mix, dried fruit, and energy bars.

3. Packing Cubes

You want to make the very most of the space that you have in your backpack. Between your tent, sleeping bag, cooking gear, food, clothes, first aid kit, and hygiene items (the list truly goes on and on), it can be incredibly challenging trying to get everything in your bag, not to mention keeping it all organized.

We recommend using packing cubes. They come in tons of different sizes, so it’s easy to keep everything separated and tidy while on your trip. Divide everything up by type, or perhaps prepare other packing cubes with everything you need for one day of backpacking. However you prefer to prepare, it’s easier to execute with packing cubes.

4. Collapsible Water Bottle

Another essential for your backpacking trip? Water. Make the most of your precious backpacking space with a collapsible water bottle. When it’s empty or not in use, you just collapse it down and tuck it away in your backpack.

It’s a serious space saver that you will be happy you brought along for the trip! Whether you bring along one or three of these unique water bottles, they’re going to be incredibly useful.

5. Solar Power Portable Charger

You may find yourself depending on light sources that are USB-charged during your backpacking trip, which is why it’s crucial to have a way to charge them when the batteries start to run low.

Bring along a solar-powered portable charger! They’re energy-efficient, won’t take up too much space in your backpack, and will ensure that you always have a way to charge your items – including your phone! This is something that you won’t regret packing for your big trip.

Don’t fall for the generic list of “backpacking essentials,” and make sure you’re bringing along the things that will make a difference! The right tools and gear are going to elevate your adventure, so keep our list in mind as you pack your bag wisely for your upcoming trip!