The top 20 essentials to take on a trek

Here is the list of essentials not to forget to take in your backpack when you go on an adventure.

If some people opt for the all-in or the hotel, just to worry about nothing on vacation, others prefer the adventure. Nothing beats climbing the mountains, criss-crossing magnificent lands, walking in the desert, meeting the inhabitants of the countries visited, with a backpack or a porter. Obviously such an exercise requires a more thoughtful, more concise background. No room for the superfluous, here, the checklist takes on its full meaning. Much of the content will of course depend on the destination, the weather, the season, but some items remain essential. Small non-exhaustive list to help you pack your bag before the big departure.

Bags of different colors : they will be used to compartmentalize your clothes and accessories by theme, otherwise the backpack can quickly turn into a real mess. You can find these laundry bags in specialty stores, but good quality plastic bags or compression bags (to vacuum your clothes) can also do the trick. Indispensable: provide empty bags for dirty laundry, garbage cans and even small souvenirs (shells, pebbles, etc.)

The pharmacy kit : essential from indispensable. It will include equipment for treatment in the event of an injury (bandages, disinfectant, small scissors, etc.), comfort medications (paracetamol, eye drops, anti-bacterials, etc.), your medications (contraception, antihistamine, probiotic, etc.), the tablets recommended according to the destination (anti-malarial, pills to purify water, medicines to avoid intestinal problems, etc.).

Mosquito repellent if needed: everyone knows that these pesky bugs can ruin our nights. But in some countries, they can also carry diseases. It is therefore essential to protect yourself against their bites with powerful Deet (to be requested at the pharmacy).

Tissues or toilet paper: Adventurers can find themselves in completely isolated areas. No need to explain the usefulness of these little pieces of paper.

A lighter: after natural needs, no need to dirty and damage the nature in which you find yourself, burn your little papers. Be careful, however, in dry regions where the brush can catch fire. Better to put everything in a plastic bag that will act as a trash can to throw away later.

To protect yourself from the sun: rare are the countries where the sun does not point the tip of its nose (in winter as in summer). We will keep repeating it to you: bring sunscreen, even sunscreen. In the event of a possible burn, the Biafine will be of enormous help to you. And then good sunglasses and something to cover your head too.

The headlamp: the small front flashlight is more than recommended for nighttime needs outside your tent, night walks, too fast sunsets, caves if ever, etc. Inexpensive and also very practical, the LED flashlight which is recharged by crank.

Soap: bring a block of soap instead of a mini shower gel (or in addition), a funny idea? Not that much. This small accessory will allow you to wash yourself and your clothes at the same time.

The quick-drying microfiber towel: at a very affordable price in some sports stores, it is light, not bulky and will more than certainly replace the traditional bath towel, the one that already takes up half of your backpack.

The Swiss army knife or the Opinel: the knife is very practical. It can be used in lots of circumstances such as cutting meat, fruit, kindling, wire. As for the Swiss army knife, the bigger it is, the more utensils it has: small scissors, corkscrew, can opener, tweezers, etc. Be careful however if you take the plane to place it with your bag in the baggage hold and not in the cabin.

Thread and a needle: a torn garment, it happens quickly. And sometimes it can be embarrassing (back of the shorts) or inconvenient (the bra strap). A mini sewing kit and you're done!

Earplugs: the famous earplugs or earplugs will be more than essential for a good restful sleep in refuges or campsites.

The satchel: whether it is flat on the shoulder or in a banana shape around your waist, it allows easy access to your money, cards and important papers. In addition, flat against you, it avoids attracting attention and theft.

A gourd: not to put something to have an aperitif (although), but water. This avoids polluting plastic bottles and allows regular refilling.

The rule of three : if your backpack ever needs to be as light as possible because you're taking on the GR20, climbing a mountain or setting off to explore a region without a portage, there's a very practical rule to follow: bring three items of clothing of each type (3 panties, 3 t-shirts, 3 shorts, etc.). So, when there is one that needs washing, if the other is still drying, you still have one available.

A notebook: some adventurers love to write in a small notebook at the end of the day what they have experienced. Others will prefer to write down the names of the animals or plants mentioned by the guide, the words learned in the language of the country, the accounts when traveling with friends, the program for the next day, the practical information received by telephone or quickly checked in a Internet cafe, etc. It's always more practical than on loose sheets.

Maps, tourist guide : of course, you never go on an adventure without a map or a tourist book, unless you have called on a local guide (and again).

Three backups of your identity papers: you never know what can happen. Remember to photocopy your identity papers and place a copy in your pocket, another in your backpack and the third backup in your mailbox.

Backup charger : camera, smartphone, GPS, etc. Nowadays, it's difficult to travel without all these technological devices that consume a lot and must be constantly recharged. Electricity, there is not everywhere. Do not hesitate to invest in a charger that works with solar energy or an emergency box that includes a certain capacity of energy previously charged before leaving. Please note that the electrical outlets in some countries may not be suitable for our devices. Find out before you leave and invest in an adapter if necessary.

Yarn: ideal for hanging up laundry that needs to dry.

Hand sanitizer : the sink (like the toilets for that matter) is sometimes a luxury. Hand sanitizer is therefore essential in many circumstances.

--> A great site to help you pack your backpack: www.globe-trotting.com