When you are hiking and backpacking, you must remember to pack the essentials. Preparing your pack is one of the most important elements in planning a backpacking vacation.

See Where You Are Going

You will need a flashlight. Just as your clothes need to be able to resist water, so does your light. You will need something light and easy to handle. Also, be sure to pack extra batteries and bulbs because it is likely you will need them.

Know Where You Are Going

Once you can see where you are going, you need to know exactly what direction you’re heading in. Have a map that covers the area you will be hiking in. Detailed coverage of the terrain will be useful in avoiding areas where you will not be able to pass. Also, carry a compass along with you so that you can avoid heading west for four hours when you’re actually wanting to head east.

Fire Good

You will likely need to build a fire, either to keep warm or to cook food. This will be negatively impacted if your matches are wet. It is possible to carry water-proof matches, but a simpler solution is to carry along extra matches in a water-proofed container. Be sure to have a good supply because you do not want to run out when you need them most.
Water Good, Too

You will need liquids, plenty of liquids. Carry plenty of water with you, or enough to get you to a nearby water source. Also, if you are drinking water from a natural source, be sure to treat it. You don’t know what kinds of things may be floating down that stream.

First-Aid

You might get hurt, but you can be prepared. Carry along a first-aid kit that can treat your minor injuries such as cuts, scrapes, bug bites, etc. Band-aids and bandages, along with antiseptic and bug repellants, will always prove useful.

Pack Some Extras

One outfit will not last you and neither will one meal. Pack extras of everything you can think of. Extra batteries and bulbs for your flashlight will prevent you from stumbling around in the dark. Extra food will cover you in case you have to spend an extra day or two. Extra clothing will allow you to switch out layers in case you get wet.