by Algernon Moncrieff

Created on: April 11, 2007   Last Updated: May 31, 2009

There are probably considerably more than just ten things you need for a backpacking trip, but I will focus on the ten most essential here. I'll assume the basics (tent, sleeping bag and camping stove) do not require much explanation (see separate article for a discussion of the best type of camping stove to carry).

1. Money. "When travelling, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money." - Susan Heller.

These are wise words, especially if you are backpacking. You do not want to be carrying around heaps of clothes - you're supposed to be willing to rough it a bit if you are backpacking. Money however is absolutely essential, for pretty obvious reasons such as paying for campsites/hostels, buying maps of the region, buying food and so on and so forth. You would find it difficult to get far without money unless you are willing to sleep in a ditch and carry food with you for the entire trip.

2. Clothes. These should be lightweight (preferably only take one set for a shot trip, or two for a longer one) and suitable for the terrain and weather conditions. You can always hand wash clothes if necessary in order to cut down on weight. Jeans are not advisable as they take a long time to dry when wet and also get very uncomfortable to walk in. Synthetic fibres dry much faster and are often lighter than natural ones. Also a decent pair of hiking boots that have been worn in for a while and you are certain are going to be comfortable will be essential, and will become more essential the more arduous the terrain you are crossing and the heavier the backpack becomes.

3. Food, including emergency rations. You should ideally carry as little food as needed for the length of time you are going to be away from places that you can buy more, although don't push your luck too much! If you have a readily available supply of water dried foods are best (lightest!). Dehydrated meals may look disgusting when they come out of the packet, and normally don't look vastly better cooked, but they tend to taste pretty good and give you the calories you need without being too heavy. Also a supply of sweets, nuts, chocolate etc. for when you're on the go helps to keep you going, but keep it separate from your emergency rations. When you get lost in the middle of a blizzard after your map blew off a cliff and your stove ran out of fuel, and your feet are wet and your phone has run out of batteries, you will be very glad of those

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