At the risk of overcomplicating one of the last bastions of low-tech, totally offline recreation, there are a few things you can take into the outdoors that will add to the experience rather than detract from it. A lot of gimmicky outdoor gear isn’t worth bothering with, but the right tools in your belt (or pack) can enhance a big hike, backpack or camping trip by making the adventure smoother, safer and easier to enjoy. These are the items that made it into my pack, bear in mind that I am slack packing most of this trek, so if you choose to back-pack, you would have to consider many more items, and a larger pack:
1. PATAGONIA DIRT ROAMER WAIST PACK 3L
I love this brand and with all the zips and pockets, this is one of my favourite items of hiking gear.
- It holds my gimbal and phone for videoing my adventures.
- In my main front zip compartment I store my swiss army knife and keys.
In the main compartment is tissues, disinfectant wipes, a mini nail file (girls, right!), lip ice, eye drops, water disinfectant drops, a small pen (5cm), gear repair patches, and some cash or cards (depending where I am hiking).
In the left zip pocket I store all my electronics i.e. cables I need on the hike, and a fast charging battery pack. - In it’s right pocket, I store deo wipes, disinfectant wipes, an anti-blister stick, Vaseline, small piece of hiker’s wool and an insect calming stick, for small bites.
- This pack has stuff sacks for snacks etc. too, I just love it!
My body bag goes everywhere with me, whether I am slack-packing or backpacking.
2. DEUTER 30 SL
My Deuter pack has all the Alpine emergency signals and numbers on it.
I’ve added an easy to reach pouch, with a SA velcro flag, on one of the back-pack’s straps, this contains my glasses, and wipes to clean my glasses with.
I normally wear my hiking cap, and I take a peak cap with to use with rain coat. It’s a keepsake from a friend in Australia, so I like to have it with me.
My Back-pack contain a pill Identification tag, with all of my information, blood type, a photo etc. on it. This is extremely important to talk for you when you cannot. Therefore it will be one of the first products, with the insert available to download
Emergency whistle.
Side pockets of my pack:
Gloves for when it gets cold, or my trekking poles start hurting my hands.
Mits, for the chilly passes.
Sunscreen.
Moisturising cream (small tube).
Waste bag to pack out waste.
Easy to reach pill holder.
Small cloth to wipe your face or hands on.
Essentials for the international trip: Passport in a watertight bag (TMB goes through France, Italy & Switzerland).
Map and my day notes, with a compass (in case).
PLB (Personal Location Beacon).
Polarised glasses.
Headlamp, and small emergency light that can flicker (in case you need to attract attention).
Small book to write things down in, that has travelled the world with me.
Beanie for those very cold mornings and / or days.
Buff to use around your neck, on your arm, to get your hair out of your face, or to use to tie things up. They really are very versatile, invest in a merino buff.
Money bag.
Small bag for incidentals: mine has trekking pole tips in, in case I need to replace one.
Carabiner pairing magnets: these have been a game-changer for me as I never knew what to do with my trekking poles when I needed my hands quickly, and these nifty gadgets allow me to click my trekking poles in place without any fuss, leaving my hands free to do other things like film the TMB for all of my friends.
Two velcro straps, this can tie my trekking poles safely into place, or I can tie other things to my pack etc.
thanks to the author for taking his clock time on this one.