If you going backpacking and are wondering what to carry, out the many options available, check out this list for the most essential must-haves that you can’t afford to miss out on.

1. First Aid Box: You don’t want to probably go around hunting for a doctor or allow minor cuts/wounds/aches to be your trip spoiler. Carry a First aid kit with basic medication and bandages. An anti-allergen is very essential as you could discover new allergies from anything ranging from insect bites to the pollen in the air. Even if you don’t use them, someone else traveling with you might need it.
2. Swiss Knife: A Swiss knife is definitely a boon for backpackers, what with the scissors, bottle/can opener, wire cutters, pliers, all rolled into one.
3. Sleeping Bag: If you are planning to stay overnight, then you must go equipped with a sleeping bag. It’s easy to carry and you can spread it anywhere for a good sleep/nap
4. Water Treatment tablets: To avoid any unwanted hindrance in your fun trip in the form of a water-borne disease, its better to carry bottled water. As this may not always be possible, carry a pack of water purifier tablets. They are easy to carry and use all you need is a container or bottle in which you can place the water along with the tablet and allow it approximately 30 minutes or as indicated on the package before you can drink it. It’s believed that Water purifier tablets can kill up to 99.9% of microorganisms, bacterial and other chemicals found in the water thus, making it safe to drink.
5. Plastic Flip Flops: Carry a pair of cheap, plastic flip-flops. It comes handy when you want your shoe crammed feet to breathe easily or even while showering in any hostel/accommodation.
6. Insect repellent: Don’t forget to carry an insect repellent. Even before you know it, you might be clubbed to death by bites and boils by creepy crawlies. So it’s better to keep them at bay.
7. ATM Card: It’s better to carry an ATM card /VISA card than a credit card. ATM machines are everywhere and you can get local currency instead of using your credit card which charges an extra fee for every transaction if you are abroad.
8. Torches: Standard flashlights or torches are must-have camping accessories, especially during night times. Carry a pair of extra batteries for the same.
9. Toilet paper: Always carry a roll of toilet paper with you. It comes very handy in so many ways apart from its primary use.
10. Locks: Locks come handy for safety regardless of whether you’ve checked into a hostel or hotel or simply traveling with other strangers. Combination locks are probably best since there’s no key to lose.
11. Sunglasses: This is definitely important to protect your eyes from sunlight and also dust particles
12. Camera: You obviously want to freeze all the wonderful memories of your trip with pictures. Also carry a battery charger
13. Scarf/ Sarong: It’s very versatile in its use as you can tie it around your neck as a headband, a belt, or as a head kerchief or as a face mask to ward off pollution. If it’s very hot, you could wet it with water and dab it over yourself to feel cool.

So unleash your explorer instincts with these basic necessities and have a wonderful time.

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