Backpacking is one of the most freeing and exciting ways to see the world, but we often get too caught up in the stress of packing. Your bag is your life, so it’s important to have everything you need as you move from place to place. We’re going to presume you’ve already got the basics like a toothbrush, money and your clothes sorted. Here are four backpacking essentials you might want to double-check before you head out:
Water bottle
Depending on where you travel, water can be either very expensive or difficult to come by. When the water you do come across is contaminated, you need a way to filter the harmful bacteria, so you can stay hydrated. Filter bottles by companies like Water-to-Go will filter over 99.9 percent of all contaminants in your water, so it’s safe for you to enjoy.
Camera
You’re going to encounter a lot of amazing sights that are worth snapping on your backpacking adventure. Check out these backpacks for college students.
A camera that is durable, high-performance and easy to point and shoot is an essential part of any backpacker’s arsenal. Online camera retailer Jessops has a varied catalog of Sony cameras that range from the small and reliable to the large and high-tech. If you’re going to go for something bigger, like a digital SLR, just be aware of the amount of space it will take up; however, the fidelity of the pictures may make the added weight worthwhile.
Spare phone
One item that definitely doesn’t suit the rugged backpacker lifestyle is that expensive smartphone you cherish so dearly. Pick up something that’s cheap, reliable and capable of taking a beating. As long as it can do the basics – call and text – then you’re set. They may not be the prettiest devices in the world, but JCB Toughphone has a number of durable handsets that are perfect for traveling.
Map
Remember when we said to leave that expensive smartphone at home? That means no more convenient Google Maps in the palm of your hand, unfortunately. You’ll have to resort to doing things the old-fashioned way. Even if you’ve planned your trip to the letter, it’s always advisable to take a map with you. One wrong turn, change of plan or blocked road could make finding your way home very difficult. Alternatively, if you have a bit of money to spend, a GPS watch can go a long way towards putting your mind at rest.