Whether you’re going travelling for 1 week or 1 year there are some important items you need to have on your travel checklist. Naturally having the right backpack, clothing and shoes are all important things to consider. But there are a few things that you may not have even thought to put on your backpacking checklist.
Having these essential items on hand can actually make your trip a much easier, more hassle free experience.
1. Map:
Always carry a detailed map of the area you will be visiting. If alpine scrambling or otherwise navigating cross-country consider the 7.5 minute USGS maps--they reveal considerable detail. For traveling on trails, the 15 minute series Green Trails is a good choice, among others. The point is to carry a map appropriate for the area you will be in and the activity you will be undertaking--and know how to use it.!!2. Ear Plugs / Eye Mask
These are a MUST for any traveller. Perfect for sleeping in dorms, on trains, buses, planes, with bright lights blazing. Block out the sound of people who are talking on mobile phones, watching a movie on their laptop or have a child that they can’t seem to settle. Maybe you just need an afternoon siesta.3. Flashlight / Headlamp:
Flashlights and/or Headlamps are important even on day trips. You never know when you might need to spend the night or make that last mile or so after sunset. Here's some features to look for:- lights which are water resistant--they function reliably in all weather. Look for rubberized bulb housing and battery compartments, or at least adequate rubber gaskets.
- lights which come with extra bulbs stored inside their housing.
- lights which have rotating head or body as the on/off mechanism. Avoid lights with on/off switches which can accidentally be turned-on as it is jostled about in your pack.
- lights which come with or will accept bright beam bulbs such
as xenon, krypton, or halogen. Also, always carry several spare
bulbs--they are light.
4. Eye Protection:
Healthy eyes are critical for safe backcountry travel. In addition to packing an adequate supply of prescription contact lenses or eyeglasses (if required), proper consideration of sun protection for your eyes is of utmost importance. Your eyes can experience damage from the intensity of mountain skies, ultraviolet rays, and light reflecting off of snow. As elevation increases so does the intensity of ultraviolet rays. Adequate eye protection is a must!Bolle' makes a lightweight pair of glasses with a virtually indestructible polycarbonate lens. They are optically correct and have emerald green lens for true color. They are rated 100 % UV protection. Cost is about US $40.00.
For traveling on snow, get a pair of glacier glasses with side shields which reduce reflective light reaching the eyes. Good, quality glacier glasses typically cost in the $50 to $150 range. Nikon makes some nice ones with polycarbonate lens. They are very lightweight, cost is about $110.
There are many other brands of sunglasses and glacier glasses which are less expensive and provide adequate protection. Shop around, but be careful. Try to stay with reputable brand names. Your eyes will know damage, long before you feel discomfort.
5. Bed Sheet / Sleeping Bag Liner
This was recommended to us by our good friends at Magic Travel Blog. It has been a life saver, or at least, a clean sleep enhancer.Not all hostel sheets are clean. On sleeper trains you often have to pay extra for sheets, or none are available at all. Some hotels (in hotter climates) don’t even supply a top sheet on your bed. If you have your own bed sheet you know that you will always have a clean surface to sleep on and it’s lightweight and easy to wash, unlike a sleeping bag.
One money saving option is to make your own bed sheet.
6. Travel Adaptor with USB
A universal adaptor while travelling is a must. But did you know that you can get them with built in USB plugs? Now you can charge your USB gadgets at the same time as straightening your hair or charging your electric razor. This cuts out a lot of time wasting of having to take turns with charging your different electronics.The Tripshell Travel Adapter
has a double USB and supports power in 150 countries.Tom has been using the same GGI World Travel Adapter
since 2008. Single USB and support for all countries. It’s pretty beaten up now after years of travel but still going, just.The Belkin 5 way outlet
is
for travellers who need more power! This is the US edition, it has 3 AC
sockets and a double USB as well as surge protection. In addition to this, if you are travelling to countries that do not use US sockets, you’ll need a local socket adapter too.* NOTE. These travel adaptors are not voltage converters. Check that your electronics are multi-voltage compatible before plugging them into the wall in a foreign country.
7. Money Belt / Bra
Some countries don’t have the best crime records when it comes to pick pockets or bag snatchers. This is why it’s important to carry a money belt to keep cash, passports and other valuables safe. Just remember money belts are not designed to keep all of your money in. If you keep lifting your shirt to get out money every time you make a purchase, the thieves will catch on pretty quickly.Money belts are for your main stash of cash, passports and other valuables that you may need in an emergency or are not willing to leave behind in the hotel. Keep your walking about money in your pocket/wallet.
The Eagle Creek Money Belt
is your standard option. No frills, does what it says on the tin. A decent product from a brand manufacturer.This Generic Money Belt
does about the same job as the Eagle creek option at a fraction of the price.For the ladies there are now a few nifty bras that have built in pockets for cash, credit cards etc (they usually cannot fit passports). Not only is this great for travel, but also having a secret cash stash when you go out to clubs is handy if you don’t want to carry around a handbag or clutch all night.
The Asics Women’s Abby Pocket Bra has 2 hidden pockets built into the bra.
The Eagle Creek Bra stash pocket
is
a small silk pocket that will fit credit cards/cash. It will attach to
any bra so is more convenient than having to buy a load of new bras.8. TSA Approved Lock
Why TSA (Transportation Security Administration) lock rather than just any old lock? Well, while travelling, airport security have the right to inspect your bag at any stage. If you have locked it with a TSA approved lock, they then have a master key to open your lock. If not – they will just cut the lock and it’s bye bye lock for you.Having a lock is not only helpful to lock up your backpacks but also while staying in hostels.
If you are staying in a dorm you may be offered a locker to keep your valuables in – it’s best to have your own lock rather than trust the one offered by the hostel – if you are even offered a lock at all. Some hostel room doors are only locked by a simple lock on the door, if you have your own lock (rather than the one offered) you then know no one dodgy can find a master key and break into your room.
9. Travel Clothes Line
Need for this does depend on how long you are planning on travelling for. If you’re going on a short weekend away you may not feel the need to do any laundry. But if you’re staying away from home for longer, than these are an essential buy. Small and lightweight a clothesline can squeeze into almost any small space you have in your backpack and is a life saver if you need to do a quick hand wash.We’ve found that randomly hanging things around the hotel room doesn’t work too well – over the TV, hanging underwear along the curtain rods etc. That usually ends with your clothes being covered in dust and more dirty than when you started.
A cheap, light weight clothes line is an easy solution.
