A GOOD MAP. One that covers the area that you will be travelling over, and detailed enough to show all the minor tracks, trails, rivers and streams as well as the main roads.

A COMPASS. Using a map alone is not going to work very well without a decent compass. Knowing what direction you are travelling in is vital. Try to buy one that is accurate but rugged enough to stand up to some rough handling in the wilds.

FLASHLIGHT. Not only useful for seeing where you are going, but a must when you are trying to find something in the middle of the night in a pitch black tent. And very handy for signalling in the event of an emergency.

FIRST AID KIT. Possibly one of the most important items in your backpack. Accidents can happen at any time anywhere, from minor cuts and scratches to sprains and more serious injuries. You should always carry a first aid kit that is well stocked with a variety of supplies, plus any personal medication. And ALWAYS replace anything that has been used as soon as possible.

WATER. Always carry as much water as you possibly can, hiking is thirsty work. Also if you can include a water purification kit ( one that will filter and than sterilise the water,) this means that you are able to re-stock along the way.

EXTRA FOOD AND CLOTHES. Try to pack some spare clothing as well as some extra food. You never know what is going to happen on the trail, so always be prepared to expect the unexpected and carry enough for an extra day or two, in case of emergencies.

KNIFE. It doesn’t have to be a huge hunting knife, but a good pocket knife or multi-tool can be invaluable for many uses and should be included in your kit no matter how short your trip may be.

FIRE. You should carry a spare lighter or waterproof matches, and keep them in a waterproof container. (Imagine not being able to cook your food or have a brew up, just because you cannot light your stove).

These are just a few ideas of what to include in your Backpacking Gear List, you can of course add to them, but always think through what you are going to take. There is no need to pack your backpack full of items that you will never use, so try to stick to the essentials.

Thanks to mike legg for contributing this article to our backpacks blog:

There are some things that you simply must have. Whilst there are plenty of new gadgets and devices that are supposed to enhance your backpacking experience, when it comes down to it, there are some traditional items that you should never leave home without, regardless of what new technology you may have in your pack. These essential items are listed below.

Map

The key here is to choose a map which has sufficient detail to clearly show the trails and area details of where you will be backpacking. Apart from that, it really does not matter what type of map you choose.

Compass

You will need a good quality compass that will withstand the elements outside. The fact is you have to know which direction you are going. Just taking a map is not going to work.

Flashlight

It is very important that you always can see where you are going. A good quality flashlight is essential, plus batteries. You can now buy wind-up torches, which remove the need for batteries. Remember, it can be very dark in none-rural areas. Not having adequate lighting can contribute to falls or injuries which can really ruin a good backpacking trip.

Extra food and clothing

Instead of packing just what you need, you should try to pack extra just in case. You could get lost, or encounter bad weather, or you might just get stuck and not be able to get back. You must always be prepared for the unexpected, and extra food and clothing will help you cope.

First Aid Kit

This is a really important item. There are many things which can happen out in the wilderness. Even if you are traveling in a very well kept area, you can still find a need for a first aid kit. Make sure you get a kit that is well stocked with a variety of supplies.

Knife

Ideally you should have a multi-function knife which incorporates several different tools. Such tools can prove to be very important and their uses are endless when backpacking. At a minimum, a nice sharp knife that can cut through fabric and cord is necessary.

Matches

Matches can prove to be a lifesaver, particularly in cold weather conditions. You should either get waterproof matches or carry your matches in a waterproof container.

Water or water treatment

Drinking water is essential as you must stay hydrated while backpacking. If you do not carry water, an alternative is to have the necessary supplies to adequately treat water.

These are the essentials, but as you plan your trip you will quickly find there are many considerations when deciding on what to take. Make sure you seek good advice from the many resources available to you.

Thanks to Brian Mcgregor for contributing this article to our backpacks blog:

These gears are numerous, I know. Carrying a load that is too heavy might pose a problem for you when going on a trip. Carrying a hefty load will make your backpacking adventure less fun and more cumbersome. So how do you counter this problem when you know that you need all the things you are carrying? You cannot very well leave some of the things behind, can you?

The trick to remember when packing for a backpacking trip is to bring items that are lightweight but nonetheless provide you with the same protection during your camping expedition. There are now hundreds of Ultralight gears available in the market today and these gears are a big help to you. Your backpack must not weigh more than two pounds. Purchase one that is not only lightweight, but is durable to hold all your gears. A light sleeping bag is a great idea for lightweight backpacking, too. It should not be more than three pounds and should not be too bulky. Instead of packing a tent, why not opt for a tarp instead? Tents are bulky and tend to be heavy. A tarp can provide you with the same degree of protection and shelter when in the wild but you have to have knowledge on setting one up first so that you would not get wet. Setting up a tarp requires that you know how to do it and you practice on it first before going on a trip.

Backpacking also requires that you are in good shape when going on a trip. All the hiking demanded by a backpacking trip will surely take its toll on you if you are not in a good physical state. But the best way to cope up with a backpacking trip is having a much needed presence of mind. Being on alert and knowing what to do during your trip will definitely save you from a lot of risks and problems.

Thanks to Greg Lucas for contributing this article to our backpacks blog: