The Ultimate Backpacking Checklist

With the recent weather temperatures rising, most of us these days are wanting to spend the weekends mainly outdoors. Whether you’re planning a long walk across the local countryside or backpacking within the EU, we’ve put together the ultimate backpacking checklist, so deciding what to pack really should not be a big stress at all.

The Essentials

Tactical Backpack // Silva Compass Expedition // Ray Ban Sunglasses 

It’s imperative you have at least a few of these stored away in your rucksack.
Map
We can’t rely on Google Maps if there’s no signal where you’re located. These days smartphone batteries die within three hours, so once it’s dead, there’s no way of charging it up in the middle of no where. Go back to the good old days and pack a map.
Compass
Again, you can’t rely on your smartphone to help you out here. So many people use their phones for just about everything, but once that battery power has been drained, you’ll find yourself at a loss. Pack a compass to stay on the safe side.
Sunglasses and Sunscreen
Depending on the weather outside on that particular day, make sure you pack these, the hot sun can be extremely damaging, especially if you’re out in it all day long without wearing any sunscreen to help protect your sensitive skin.
Food & Water
You don’t need to go overboard but a few snacks won’t hurt, you might find yourself feeling peckish, and there’s nothing worse than feeling hungry when you’re miles away from shops and restaurants. Same goes with bottles of water or a large flask. Make sure you stay hydrated.
First-Aid Kit
It’s better to be safe than sorry, so it’s important if you start out on a trek that you take some plasters or bandages with you. They don’t take up too much room in your backpack. Hopefully nothing terrible will take place, but sometimes accidents happen where the odd fall might occur. An open cut can lead to infection. Be sure to carry what you may need to prevent this from happening.

Clothing

Waterproof Leather Boots // BDU Pants // Flannel Shirt

Hiking Boots
A good solid and strong pair of walking boots will keep you feeling comfortable and protect your feet. Make sure they’re waterproof as well and made from a good material, such as leather.
Gaiters Socks
Your boots are only as good as the socks inside. Gaiters Socks are superbly comfortable, last forever and keep your sweaty feet as fresh as a daisy (well almost). Boots may well be waterproof but they do have a big hole in the top where your foot goes in; water has a habit of getting in there too. Gaiters will help to stop water ingress and also stop mud from creeping up your trouser legs and bits of bracken from getting stuck in your socks.
Pants
This style of pants is relaxed, suitable for casual or hillwalking use, which makes them so popular with those who love the outdoors.
Shirt
It’s always a sensible fashion choice to go with a shirt, this way you can leave the sleeves down if you get chilly or if you get too hot you can roll the sleeves up to your elbow. You can also wear a T-shirt under your shirt as well for another layer, depending on where you’re travelling to and the weather.

Camping Gear

Camo Rucksack // Folding Knife // Zombie Hunter T-Shirt

Backpack
Make sure the rucksack you’re taking with you is big enough to hold your essentials. Choose one that has lots of side pockets and front pockets so you can stay organised.
Spare T-shirt
It’s always a good idea to pack a spare T-shirt to wear the next day. It’s hygienic and you’ll feel much fresher knowing you’re not wearing a dirty and sweaty tee.
Folding Knife
This type of quality folding knife  above is perfectly UK legal –  you never know when a knife will come in handy when you’re out in the big outdoors.
Tent
A pop up tent is the best one to go for if you’re only using it for a night or two. They’re super easy to assemble and to fold back up once you’re done with it.
Sleeping Bag
With so many sleeping bags out there available to buy on the internet, you’re bound to find a bargain. For summer use, choose a light one, that way you won’t overheat during the night.
Toiletries 
Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant and TOILET ROLL.

Extra Items

Rothco Duty Belt // Lifesystems Expedition 50+ Repellent // Steiner Safari Ultrasharp Binoculars

Altimeter
A barometric altimeter, used along with a topographic map, can help to verify ones location. It is more reliable, and often more accurate than a GPS receiver for measuring altitude; the GPS signal may be unavailable, for example, when one is deep in a canyon, or it may give wildly inaccurate altitudes when all available satellites are near the horizon. Because barometric pressure changes with the weather, hikers must periodically re-calibrate their altimeters when they reach a known altitude, such as a trail junction or peak marked on a topographical map.
Belt
This handy belt allows you to store important and useful objects in each pocket. A must-have if you’re a belt-wearing fan.
Binoculars
If your main interest is bird watching or hunting and you are just going camping to do some more of your favourite activities, you are better off taking a pair of good binoculars with you.
Camera
From rugged point-and-shoots and lightweight mirrorless cameras to digital SLRs, there are plenty of cameras out there to suit your needs and capture those perfect memories with.
Insect Repellent
Some insect species become more active at dusk, so it’s important to apply your repellent during the day and evening. If you have particular concerns about biting insects you may wish to cover exposed skin, such as arms and legs, for extra protection.

Porcia Aue

Click here to view more hiking attire from Angry Bastard Kilts.