What to bring for a backpacking trip?

Are you preparing your next vacation and have chosen to travel light? Do you want to travel backpacking and are you wondering what are the essential items that every backpacker must bring with them?

Rest assured. This question everyone asks themselves. Whether you're a first-time traveler or a seasoned backpacker.

That's why our team of travel experts have dug into the subject and put together a list of 10 essentials to bring with you on a backpacking trip.

There are of course as many ways to travel as there are types of travelers, but if you choose to do so with a backpack, the basic principle is that you should only take what you need.

Let's discover without further delay the 10 essential things not to forget during your next backpacking trip. Also consult our article how to pack a suitcase to complete your preparation.

I - TOP 10 things to take on a backpacking trip

1. An external battery.

Let's be honest, these days (almost) none of us leave the house without our cell phone.

And even less if we go on a trip, because it will serve as a telephone (and yes, cell phones are still useful for making calls), a camera, a notebook for taking notes, or even a GPS.

For this reason, and as it is not always easy to find a place to recharge it and we do not want to be left stranded when we really need it, the best thing to do is to take an external battery that allows you to recharge your cell phone several times.

2. A sleeping kit.

If you go backpacking, it is obvious that you will sleep in hostels or other places that encourage promiscuity and nighttime snoring. This is why your backpack should contain a sleeping kit with at least a pair of earplugs and a sleep mask.

If you have long plane or train trips ahead of you, don't forget an inflatable pillow, it will take up very little space. You can also opt for the U-shaped travel cushion which is worn around the neck, it is very practical.

3. A plastic pouch for your documents.

Who would like to find themselves in the middle of nowhere, without a waterproof backpack or a plastic bag and end up with their passport or the great postcard you drew soaked? No one, right?

That's why it's very convenient to put everything on paper in a plastic sleeve.

4. A toiletry bag or first aid kit

This is surely the most essential element for any type of trip. Carry a compact toiletry bag with your essentials.

Well, yes, it's a must in any self-respecting backpack or suitcase (even if you're going away for the weekend). Add to that some wipes, in case you risk having to go a day or two without showering and that's it.

Now, if you need more advice, you can find out in our dedicated article how to prepare your toiletry bag. To choose the right size, check out our guide what size toiletry bag to choose.

Another useful thing is to have a toiletry bag with a hook so you can hang it wherever you end up taking a shower.

5. A neutral bar of soap

A bar of soap will help you keep your clean as often as necessary (especially your underwear!) because remember, you should only carry essential items in your backpack.

6. A universal charger

If your idea is to travel to different countries, a universal charger will be an essential item to put in your suitcase so as not to run out of battery for your electronic devices.

7. A mini sewing kit

So yes, it's certainly not the first thing you think of when you go on a backpacking trip.

And yet, it's the kind of object that can get you out of a difficult situation when you're traveling.

Nothing better for repairing a bag or a holey outfit than thread and a needle !

8. Water purification tablets or filter bottle

When you step out of your comfort zone, drinking water isn't always as simple as turning on the tap and waiting for it to come out or going to a bar and asking for a bottle.

Sometimes you're in the middle of nowhere and the water you have on hand doesn't even know if it's going to land you headlong in the hospital. This is why it is good to carry a box of water purification tablets, which not only take up little space, but are also very useful.

Finally, and if you have space, you can carry a filter bottle that makes any water drinkable. In many countries, tap water is not drinkable. You save money and are environmentally friendly.

9. A headlamp

Let's say in the middle of the night you have to go to a toilet where the only light you'll see is that of the moon and stars filtering through the window, how do you think you'll cope?

With a headlamp, indeed. Because if you think about doing it with a torch, the task might be a little trickier.

10. A roll of toilet paper.

In line with what we said before, we cannot expect to find conditions like those we have in our country or at home, and even less if we go backpacking.

Toilet paper is an example. It costs you nothing to put a roll (or two) in your backpack, just in case. Aside from being lightweight and space-saving, it can be a lifesaver in many situations.

II - Things to avoid when backpacking

If you've been backpacking for long enough, chances are you've been on trips where you brought things you didn't need.

Although the essentials don't change from one trip to next, you will need to refine your personal list of essential equipment, food and clothing, but also start to take into account the things you will not need.

How to do this? When packing up your gear after a trip, take inventory of the things you didn't use, then consider leaving them at home next time. To help you with this exercise, here are some tips to put into practice during your next trip.

Avoid a massive backpack

Even though it can be fun to buy a giant bag, so big that you can fit inside it, massive bags are not always necessary.

For weekend trips, bags of 30 to 50 liters are perfect, and if you're going for three or four days, bags of 50 to 75 liters should be more than enough.

Consider a bag of 75 liters or more if you're going on an extended trip (5 nights or more), if you're carrying things for young children, or if you're going in winter.

Avoid bringing too many things

When It's our first backpacking trip, we decide, often wrongly, that we need clean pants, a sweater, and a t-shirt for each of the days we plan to spend outside.

Not only does this choice add a ton of unnecessary weight to your bag, but it also adds bulk to a bag that was already too full!

Prefer to bring enough clean underwear and socks for each day, there is no need to weigh down too many clothes. Think about what you're really going to wear and don't bring more than that.

It's the same with objects. While it's good to think about and prepare for what would happen if your stove doesn't work, for example, that doesn't mean it's necessary to pack two. This also goes for medications and toiletries.

Don't add extra weight to your bag unnecessarily.

Don't bring valuables

Things like jewelry are never very useful on a backpacking trip. Especially if you're going hiking. When you're in the woods, it's easy to drop, forget, or misplace items while you're moving.

Don't bring valuable, impossible-to-replace items unless you have to take a gift with you, but that's another story.

One last tip for the road

Aside from the list we shared with you, because it's something different from the rest of the articles, we include the currency of the country you are traveling to, because without it you will not be able to move. This seems obvious, but it is always good to remember it.

Remember that this list of items to bring in your backpack is there to guide you and help you when preparing for your trip.

Obviously, each person will have certain items as essential to put in their backpack. And so as not to forget anything when it comes to beauty and hygiene, find our selection of toiletry bags and travel vanity on Sogaïa.

And you, what would you add to this list? Feel free to leave us your tips in the comments.