Whether you do a lot of backpacking or not, knowing what to pack in a backpack can be a lifesaving skill. Knowing what to take along, how to survive in the wild and basic first aid skills needs to be taught to every young person.
Here is a list of many items that need to be taken on every backpacking adventure:
1. Lightweight Sleeping Mat
The ground is hard, and at night when you are trying to sleep outdoors you will be glad that you packed a sleeping mat. During the day when you are hiking you will be glad it is a lightweight sleeping mat.
2. Portable Condiments
Saving the little ketchup, mustard and sauces that you collect from fast food restaurants can be a real money-saving technique and provide condiments that are lightweight and easy to take along on a backpacking adventure. They don't need to be refrigerated, require no bottles that can cut your skin, and make your food more edible out on the trail.
3. A first aid kit.
A basic first aid kit is a requirement for any backpacking journey. You never know when you will need a tourniquet or ice pack or a snake bite kit. Gauze, iodine solution, milk of magnesia, antibiotics, antipyretics, and even mosquito repellent lotion are great items to have along in the wilderness.
4. The Right Clothing
The best clothes to take along on any hiking journey are those that won't restrict your movements. You will also need sturdy but comfy boots. A bandana can be very handy, too. It can be used to prevent sweat from interfering with your vision and can also be a part of your first aid kit.
5. More Backpack Basics.
Whenever you go backpacking be sure to bring along a good compass, a flashlight, a fire starter, a Swiss knife and a reliable map. You do not want to venture away from civilization without these items. Use common sense to dictate what else you need to take. The important thing is to stay safe.
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