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My Top Ten Backpacking Essentials by Dalek
Backpacking essentials are the cornerstone of every backpacking excursion so to not take these items would not only jeopardize your safety, but will make even the simplest of tasks very labour intensive.
This is my list of backpacking essentials that is personable to me. It can be changed or added to to suit your lifestyle, but these items are the “bones” of a good survival pack.
1) Matches
When you reach your destination at the end of the day after a long day’s trekking, you want to get a fire going and some food on as quickly as possible. Without matches this task becomes very difficult.
2) Fire starter
Like matches, having some sort of a fire starter makes the job in hand a lot easier. Even some cotton wool balls soaked in vaseline make an excellent home made fire starter. There are backpackers and campers who are more than capable of lighting a fire using only the items around them, however this is a very difficult skill to master and one that takes a lot of patience and persistance. On top of this you have really got to know what you are doing.
3) A compass
In the wilderness or back country it is very easy to get disorientated. Therefore this is an essential piece of equipment, if you are following a trail and happen to stray off by accident. A compass will provide you with a bearing to get you heading back in the right direction. (providing you know your North from your South)
4) Map
Used in conjunction with a compass this provides you with the knowledge you need to get you to your next destination safely.
5) String/cord
Personally for me this is an essential piece of kit and has so many uses. Use it as an impromptu washing line, or even a fishing line, it is so versatile. Ideally the stronger the cord the better it is so something like 550 parachute cord is a great choice. This can be purchased from good camping shops or indeed army surplus stores.
6) Small pocket knife/Multi-tool
Again like the string it has a myriad of uses, It can become your eating utensil or your food preparation knife. It can be used to tighten screws or even open a bottle of wine. This is a definate backpacking essential.
7) Cell Phone
Now I know there are going to be some people out there who disagree with me on this one, but I am all for making life easier, even when on the trail. There are peple out there who will believe that getting back to nature means just that! I can totally understand this concept, but why fight against technology? if it´s going to aid me, and help me out of a tight situation, then I´m going to take it.
Extra Water
A real must when out in the back country. You can survive without food but you can´t survive without water!
9) Small first aid Kit
A basic first aid kit is very important, and is sometimes overlooked in the quest to attain a lighter backpack. However worse case scenario is that it will provide you with peace of mind. At best it could avert a trip ruining calamity.
10) Pocket Flashlight
Pocket flashlights come in all shapes and sizes, but you tend to get what you pay for. Over the years they have become smaller, durable and more powerful.The Maglite is a perfect example of this. An excellent tool to help you out of a tight situation in the dark
These items make up the majority of what I would call my personal survival kit, and I know that if I have packed my Backpacking Essentials I will be ready for any given situation that arises.
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