Packing for a backpacking trip is different from packing for a traditional trip. The limited space of a single backpack forces you to think ahead of time about your essentials and to categorize them properly. Beginners are always faced with the challenge of getting the right things and leaving out unwanted ones when they’re packing for their trip. When the sky's the limit, the insides of a backpack vary according to the location and duration you’re going. Minimalism is quite rewarding when it comes to backpacking as the less you carry, the easier it is to travel around. Balancing the equation of your necessary items and freedom of movement is a skill that may take a couple of trials to nail. While it doesn’t hurt to bring extras that would make your trip more convenient, it’s important not to overdo it. We’ve gathered a list of simple items yet crucial ones that every backpacker would want around.

Simple Items Every Backpacker Needs

A Backpack

While this may sound quite obvious, a backpack is a very important item that needs to be chosen well. You want a backpack that is comfortable, durable, and well-designed to be able to enjoy your trip without having to constantly worry about your backpack. A backpack with a 40 to 60-liter capacity is quite common as it can carry a lot, but some prefer smaller backpacks when they’re going on short trips or staying on the move. The ultralight guide from Gear Signal can help you choose your items to prioritize lightness. Your backpack’s lightness will be your ally as you don’t want to carry a heavy backpack plus all what it includes on your back when you’re on the move a lot.

Packing Cubes

When you’re packing your backpack, leaving it in disorganization is in nobody’s best benefits. Some backpacks don’t have a lot of compartmentalization going on, making it a headache to organize things manually. Packing cubes are high-quality compartments that you can use to store almost anything when it comes to clothes. Medium-sized compartments are great for your main pieces of clothing and other small-sized compartments can be used for socks, underwear, and laundry. They’re even more efficient than zip lock bags as they provide easier and quicker access to your clothes.

Toiletry Bag

Having your toiletries thrown around in your backpack is a recipe for disaster and going through hallways carrying shampoo and toothpaste. A toiletry bag should be small and easy to carry around with a little degree of compartmentalization. It’s recommended that you find one with a little hook as some bathrooms don’t have enough space to hang your things on.

Comfortable Sandals or Shoes

You can’t really go backpacking wearing traditional shoes, it will cause crushing stress on your legs. You need to go for sandals or shoes that allow you to be comfortable with walking for hours. Your sandals or shoes should have no problems getting wet and staying comfortable as you walk on wet surfaces.

Microfiber Towels

It’s quite recommended to not throw any towels you have in your backpack thinking that they’ll be sufficient. Regular towels take up a lot of space and harder to dry. Microfiber towels are thinner and more foldable, in addition to drying up quickly.

Universal Adapters

If there are one thing travelers and backpackers hate equally, it’s the differences between the power adapters across countries. When you’re going to a different country, you may forget that they use totally different power adapters which can cause you a real headache in the long run. Your best bet would be having a universal power adapter around so you could easily use and charge your equipment, regardless of the difference in power sources between countries.

Compact Pot

If you’re a backpacker who’d like to go beyond exploring cities and would prefer to go on a few camping trips, you have to have a compact pot with you. You’ll be able to easily throw in food cans, whether it’s instant noodles or some pre-made spaghetti. The compactness will help you save space in your backpack and cook things fast.

LifeStraw

This is optional when you’re backpacking to known populated spaces but it’s very important when you’re on the explorative side. A LifeStraw can convert contaminated water by using internal filters to drinkable water on the spot. If you’re not sure of the water source and desperate, it may save your life.

It’s okay to be overwhelmed when you’re a beginner while packing your backpack for an adventure. Just make sure to take your time and never to rush packing so you don’t miss out on the important items. Your priority will be having fun and these very simple items will ensure that you do so at your own convenience.