Traveler's Guide to Backpacking

Backpacking and camping can be adventurous and exhilarating, but if you miss out on a few cues, you might run into some bears. There are a lot of things that can go amiss and to keep your camping experience on the nice side of adrenaline, here are a few things you should have with you.

1. Sleeping material : So this is the most basic of items, because you might be cool but sleeping on the forest floor can never end well. Best thing to have with you is a tent. And if you are smart you will take a sleeping bag with you.

2.First Aid

First, Aid. Then everything else . Okay sorry that was a bad one. But honestly camping consists of a small series of unfortunate events and this one essential can ensure that these mishaps do not get any more serious.

3. Weapons for self defense

Do not worry. I am not going to instruct you to pack a sword or a rifle with you. But a knife, especially a swiss one, has a lot of utility is camping. It can help you from cutting rope to stabbing strangers or wild animals ( beware) for self defense With all its options and parts this knife is something you must have with you at all times.

4. Navigation Means

Now a days, navigation has gotten so much easier due to GPS. But, if there is one thing we have learnt from Hollywood, it is that machines are bound to go wrong, so one must not rely on only that. So I suggest you carry an old fashioned map with you. It will feel like a treasure quest!

5. Light

Where there is light, there is a way. Philosophy aside, darkness will cause you to trip and hit your head on a stone. Simple. So unless that is your idea of a camping trip, carry a torch or a head lamp with you! May the light be with you always!

6. Food and Water

Okay so maybe if your bag isn’t full you should carry these along. No! I am joking! Please take these along with you! God knows! The bear might be interested in your food more than you. But really, do carry a little bit extra food which is easy to pack and is loaded with nutrition. Also carry water treatment measures or you will be drinking algae.

7. Rope

Rope is just always going to be useful on a camping trip. And while you are at it, learn a few knots and feel like a pro at camping. It can be used as a towing device, rescue line, travel aid, clothes line and much more. All campers think of this tool as a must have.

8. Jackets

Jackets are capes for all campers. It protects them from a lot of harsh items that could cause their skin trouble. Carry your jacket depending upon where you are going. It serves as extra packaging in places of cold. Your jacket will never let you down. It will always be your one true friend on every trip.

9. Fire

If there is no fire, there is no camping. It is so interrelated. I wonder how early man used to go camping without fire. But the discovery of fire has moved us towards evolution and even now aeons later, the position and importance of fire in our lives has not changed. So carry matches and ways to create fire, because well, bears.

10. Zip Lock Bags

Backpackers think of zip lock bags as the secret they have been carrying for millenniums. It has the regular utilities like storing food etc. But for things like phones and camera lenses, it is a dream come true. Save your gadgets from water and other elements with your zip lock bags. It has many more uses.

So, this was my list of things you have to take on a backpacking adventure. But there are so many more . What is that one thing you cannot go backpacking without? Let us know!

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