10 things to have in your backpack

Backpacking is one way to travel with your backpack.  This means you should take only important things to keep the lowest weight.  To be ready for your backpacking trip, you need these 10 basic items in your backpack.

1. Clothes - This can be varied, up to the climate of the place you travel.  But basically, you should have 3 pairs of trousers or shorts and 5 t-shirts.  They should be easy to wash and dry.  Bring at least 3 underwear and wash it daily!  In case something exciting happens, you can buy new clothes during the travel.

2. First Aid kit - This is very important.  Keep traveling with pains feels like you fail on that trip.  Three basic items are paracetamol, plasters, and alcohol for cleaning the wound.  Don't forget to bring other medicines if you have a special disease.  

3. Towel and hygiene kit - Bring small and thin towel to save backpack's space.  Soap, shampoo, toothbrush, and toothpaste shouldn't be forgotten.

4. Flip Flops - Your feet need to breathe.  Select the cheap one which you won't hesitate to throw them away.

5. Camera - If your main point is to take photos, bring compact tripod and enough memory cards and batteries, if not, bring less equipment.  For me, I prefer a light compact camera because I like to do snapshot.  Don't hesitate to take photos.  Do it as much as you want and you won't have the feeling like "Oh...I should have taken that shot." after the trip.

6. Guidebook, notebook, and pens - Another great idea is to put those important information from the guidebook to iPod or mobile phone to save your backpack's space.  Try closing your guidebook and traveling with your mouth to face new experiences.  Don't forget to write the diary everyday.  You can share it to your friends and it will be the best guide for yourself when you come back again.

7. Victorinox knife - It is not often to be used but when the unexpected time comes, it is worth to have this item with you.  It may protect you from bad guys or help opening a locked bag with the keys inside.

8. Plastic bags, plastic band or rope - Plastic bags is useful when you have to carry wet clothes or have a carsick.  The band or rope is multipurpose.  I believe you must have a chance to use it.

9. Flashlight - It is quite important if you travel to the remote area or camp outdoor during the trip.  Don't forget to bring its batteries as well.

10. Pocket book - A pocket book will reduce the distance of your journey.  I use a guide book as a pocket book to kill the time during traveling by planes, buses, and trains.


After you have those 10 items prepared, pack it wisely.  If you travel with a baggage, here is a way to pack it.