Lightweight & Critical: 13 Backpacking Essentials for Your Next Adventure for Less than $30
You don't need a massive budget to build a pro-level kit for your next backpacking adventure. In fact, some of the smartest gear out there is incredibly budget-friendly.
These 13 critical backpacking essentials prove that staying safe and keeping your pack lightweight can be done for less than $30. Don't hit the trail without checking these off your list first.
The HeroClip
A regular carabiner connects things; a HeroClip actually hangs them. Part hook, part clip, this clever hybrid rotates 360 degrees to keep your heavy pack off muddy ground, slimy bathroom floors, or tree branches. I am telling you, you’ll be happy you have this item when on your next backpacking trip, it will save you so many times.
Pocket Blanket
This is an ultralight ultra-compact waterproof and sand proof blanket that unfolds perfectly for lunch breaks, stargazing or just a simple chilling in the park. Its smallest size packs smaller than a smartphone and it is luckily so easy to fold up and pack back into its pouch. I am always happy to carry this with me just in case I ever want to take a seat or keep myself warm.
Portable clothes line
Spanning up to 26 feet, this is an adjustable laundry drying rope. It is perfect for camping, cruises, hotel and hostel stays and more. It comes with 10 stoppers and 20 windproof clothespins. Of course this is one of many that exists, but this is the one I found that best suited my needs and packed perfectly.
Packable day bag
This is just the ultimate thing you need when travelling. You usually travel with a carry-on, personal item and maybe a large 23kg luggage. But these are all too big for day to day. This is why I always recommend a packable day bag, which fits perfectly in your personal item. It folds up into a small pouch and is ready when you need it. So many times when I have gone shopping, grocery shopping or what not, just having an extra bag with me became handy.
Combination lock
This one is kind of self explanatory, always bring a lock, any lock that works for your needs. It always gives peace of mind to know your stuff are secure.
Microfibre towel
A packable microfibre towel is the ultimate thing you should pack, especially if you’re backpacking or staying in hostels. It absorbs massive amount of water but dries fairly quickly in the sun. Which is perfect especially on the go. It does not hold on to odours and if ever you are randomly stuck in a downpour or just get wet somehow, you just have to conveniently take it out of your pack.
Packable utensils
Again self explanatory, this is especially convenient if you’re backpacking or camping. Carrying your own small pack of utensils is convenient, especially when you’re on the go. They are reusable, durable and packable.
Dry bag
This is something I wish I had sooner, a dry bag. I was stuck in an unexpected downpour on a hike and seriously wish I had packed everything in one of these. A dry bag is a non-negotiable insurance to make sure your items are fully protected. This is especially important on hikes and while camping. You do not want to be wearing wet clothes at night.
Compression packing cubes
Again, wish I had these sooner. Don’t mix them up with packing cubes, this is specifically compression packing cubes. They have an extra zipper to fully compact your clothes as flat as it can go. These are essential for saving space but also I find its the best way to organize your items. One compression cube for pants, the other tops, the other underwear and socks. It’s a great way to keep things organized and compact.
Reusable Travel pouches
These reusable travel pouches are essential for carrying your favorite products at home in small manageable amounts. These are all lightweight and it's a pack of 17 different pouches to carry things like shampoo, conditioner, lotion, liquid soap etc. and they are all TSA-approved. They also help organize your essential toiletries and save you from carrying more than you need, and as we all know, weight places a massive role on any adventure.
Sleep Mask
This is something I only started using recently but helped so much. I used to never be able to sleep properly on airplanes because of the lights. Even if the pilot turned them all off on long -haul flights for sleep, peoples screens would still keep me awake, I was so sensitive to it. But this saved me so much and I recommend it to everyone, especially if you know you’re going to sleep in a place that isn’t a hotel room.
Foldable hand fans
This is kind of a random one but a great one, and it’s also lightweight and adorable. These are foldable hand fans and they come in a pack of 3 with different fruit designs. They don’t require any batteries and they are great to have on warm and hot days. Of course you could just use a random peace of paper, and this one kind of feels like peak capitalism, but for less than $10 CAD, I think its pretty worth it and you keep it for life.
Bar soap bags
This is the perfect bag to carry bar soaps and shampoo bars. These specialized mesh bags double as an exfoliating scrub and keep the soapy residue off the rest of your other items. It is perfect for backpacking and camping.
Bonus Backpacking Essential: The Humble Dollar Store Ziploc Bag
Never underestimate the power of a few empty Ziploc bags. Go to the dollar store, grab a box, and toss a handful into your pack before you head out. They weigh absolutely nothing, cost pennies, and will absolutely save you on your next adventure. Use them to pack out wet trash, protect your wallet and phone from a sudden downpour, keep your map dry, or separate dirty clothes from clean ones. It is the ultimate low-cost, high-reward multi-tool that you will end up needing.
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