Backpackers have to travel light, and it’s frequently hard to decide what to bring and what to leave behind when venturing out into the unknown for the first time. Here are a few of the absolute essentials that every backpacker should bring on their journey.

A Swiss Army Knife

The mainstay of campers and workmen everywhere, the quintessential Swiss Army knife remains one of the best and most useful tools to have on hand. It’s hard to know which one of its miniature attachments will prove to be vital, but it’s certainly the most convenient way to carry a selection of handy implements on your travels.

A Sturdy Pair of Walking Boots

It may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but backpacking generally means doing a lot of travel on foot – and sneakers just won’t do if you’re planning to cover a lot of ground under your own steam. A pair of tough walking boots will probably cost more at the outset, but they are a better investment than a cheap pair of shoes that will probably be worn through.

A Smartphone

Although backpackers frequently have to rough it out, they’re usually not too far away from modern conveniences like internet access. In hostels around the world, wireless networks are provided for free to help backpackers get in touch with home and find out about the local area. Plenty choose to carry a laptop or netbook, but for those who really need to travel light, a smartphone is the only sensible option.

A Small Medical Kit

Backpackers should be prepared for anything, and in a country where they might not be sure of having ready access to a pharmacy, a few essentials can smooth out the potential bumps in a journey. Having things like sunscreen and aspirin are just plain helpful, but it’s also useful to carry anti-septic cream, Pepto-bismol, decongestants and band aids.

A Few Sets of Earplugs

It’s not unusual for backpackers to be sleeping in communal areas, or even in areas where there may be a lot of noise in general. From airplanes to the jungle, there are a lot of distractions that can ruin any chance of getting a good night’s sleep – and although ear plugs may not completely block them out, they can certainly help in a pinch.

Chris Garrett is a freelance blogger who writes for Love Cruise, a UK based cruise website.

Thanks to garryknight for the photo from Flickr!