Whenever you are planning for a trip with your family or friends you should make sure not to carry a lot of stuff and overburden your backpack, but also carry enough to have everything you need. Usually, if you go for trekking there are chances that you might not be able to find proper food and sometimes you might not find anything around. So, in such cases, to prevent food deprivation you need to have everything for a proper meal time. This often includes cooking equipment, but more on that later in the article. Before you pack your backpack you need to go through the checklist that can guide you in choosing the right items which you need on your trip. Here’s a handy list of backpacking essentials:
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Navigation
Navigational items which include the map, compass, GPS and an altimeter that will help you in your orientation. You don’t want to stumble into something like a bear reservation. Although this type of trekking areas should be avoided on your family travels, somehow it’s better to emphasize and be on the safe side so that you don’t get any adrenaline packed ideas. Family safety comes first.
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Sun protection
For sun protection you need to carry the lip balms, sunscreen lotions and sunglasses. You may think you’ll be protected by trees. Well, you’re wrong. Check what SPF is the best for your younglings.
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Insulation and illumination
For insulation make sure to carry proper clothes such as jackets, gloves, pants, vest etc. When you need illumination you should go for headlamps with extra batteries. Whenever you think you have enough batteries, pack a couple more.
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First aid kit
First aid is also important when you are away from the city. One of the most important things is allergies. Every other minor injury can be resolved with a band aid and a mother’s kiss.
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Backpacking stove
For fire or cooking, backpacking stove would be a great option and so never miss to carry your own backpacking stove. Along with this you need to carry water, matches or a lighter to light the fire for your cooking purpose or for emergency survival fire. There are different types of backpacking stoves available online. You can select the best backpacking stove according to your requirements like the place you are visiting, the climate there etc.
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Food
Since you are not going to hunt (please don’t do it), you need to carry some instant ready to cook foods which can provide you with sufficient energy and which you can cook easily on your backpacking stove. You can find a wide range of food items that you can carry on your trips in various general stores or supermarkets. So make sure to bring with you enough alternative food supplements that would be sufficient for your entire trip for all family members.
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Handyman kit
Repair kit is also important as it will help you to repair your stove or check if there are any issues with your vehicle. In order to stay hydrated it is important for you to carry enough number of water bottles and other filters. You need to carry even a tent or any kind of reflective blanket with which you can manage your emergency shelter.
These are the various things you need to carry in your backpack to ensure your survival and safety and basic comfort levels whenever you are going out on a trip or to any of the trekking points of your choice.
