| When planning any backpacking or hiking trip there | | | | personal medication. And ALWAYS replace |
| are certain items that you really should include as | | | | anything that has been used as soon as possible. |
| part of your Backpacking Gear List. O.k. so there | | | | WATER. Always carry as much water as you |
| are a load of new gadgets on the market that | | | | possibly can, hiking is thirsty work. Also if you can |
| are supposed to be the best thing since sliced | | | | include a water purification kit ( one that will filter |
| bread, but you should not forget the traditional, | | | | and than sterilise the water,) this means that you |
| tried and tested essential items. The things that | | | | are able to re-stock along the way. |
| you really should not go without. | | | | EXTRA FOOD AND CLOTHES. Try to pack some |
| A GOOD MAP. One that covers the area that | | | | spare clothing as well as some extra food. You |
| you will be travelling over, and detailed enough to | | | | never know what is going to happen on the trail, |
| show all the minor tracks, trails, rivers and | | | | so always be prepared to expect the unexpected |
| streams as well as the main roads. | | | | and carry enough for an extra day or two, in |
| A COMPASS. Using a map alone is not going to | | | | case of emergencies. |
| work very well without a decent compass. | | | | KNIFE. It doesn't have to be a huge hunting knife, |
| Knowing what direction you are travelling in is vital. | | | | but a good pocket knife or multi-tool can be |
| Try to buy one that is accurate but rugged | | | | invaluable for many uses and should be included in |
| enough to stand up to some rough handling in the | | | | your kit no matter how short your trip may be. |
| wilds. | | | | FIRE. You should carry a spare lighter or |
| FLASHLIGHT. Not only useful for seeing where | | | | waterproof matches, and keep them in a |
| you are going, but a must when you are trying to | | | | waterproof container. (Imagine not being able to |
| find something in the middle of the night in a pitch | | | | cook your food or have a brew up, just because |
| black tent. And very handy for signalling in the | | | | you cannot light your stove). |
| event of an emergency. | | | | These are just a few ideas of what to include in |
| FIRST AID KIT. Possibly one of the most | | | | your Backpacking Gear List, you can of course |
| important items in your backpack. Accidents can | | | | add to them, but always think through what you |
| happen at any time anywhere, from minor cuts | | | | are going to take. There is no need to pack your |
| and scratches to sprains and more serious injuries. | | | | backpack full of items that you will never use, so |
| You should always carry a first aid kit that is well | | | | try to stick to the essentials. |
| stocked with a variety of supplies, plus any | | | | |