The Most Complete DIY Travel Gear Checklist
Some say gear isn't everything, but for backpackers certain equipment can play a key role at critical moments. There's plenty of gear discussion online, but too much and too scattered only makes your head spin. I've gathered and organized some, and based on my own experience offer a simple comprehensive gear list. These are all basic items for beginners, not...
This article is compiled from the original travel notes on the "Zhangjiajie Tour Guide Network" (33519.com); it is a record of trips from earlier years. Time-sensitive information such as ticket prices, schedules, and accommodation prices is subject to the latest announcements from scenic areas and transportation authorities; the itinerary ideas and attraction introductions still have reference value.
Some people say equipment is not everything, but for backpackers, some equipment will play a key role at critical moments. There are many discussions online about equipment, but too much and too miscellaneous information can instead make people dazzled. I have collected and organized some, and based on my own experience, provide a simple equipment list. But these are all basic equipment for new hikers, and do not include some materials for professional mountaineering, rock climbing, and so on.
1. Backpack:
The first piece of equipment for a backpacker, otherwise where would the term backpacker (hiker) come from. The size of the backpack depends on the distance of the route; generally around Shenzhen, about 25 liters is enough. For long-distance travel, women need 45-55 liters, and men need more than 55 liters, and the load-bearing capacity must be strong; in addition, when buying a backpack, you must try it properly and ask the store staff about the correct way to use the backpack, otherwise on the road it may not reduce the load and distribute the burden evenly. There is a lot of information on choosing and using backpacks; if needed, I will organize some more materials and upload them later.
2. Shoes:
The importance of shoes should actually be greater than that of a backpack, because they are most directly related to your personal safety. They must be non-slip shoes or hiking shoes; ordinary sports shoes are not considered. Hiking shoes should preferably be high-cut, to protect the ankle bone, because during long periods of walking, the ankle bone is very easily injured.
A good pair of boots will provide your feet with many years of reliable and comfortable service in the wild. If you often go to the wild, the time, energy, and expense spent choosing satisfactory boots are a very worthwhile investment. Information about hiking shoes could almost fill a book. We will discuss it later.
3. Outerwear pants:
Be sure to wear long clothes and long pants, regardless of season. When walking through wild grass on the mountain, they will protect your body well, and it is best if they are waterproof. If conditions permit, wearing a shell jacket and pants or quick-dry clothes and pants is recommended. For long-distance hiking and mountaineering, never wear jeans, as they seriously affect the movement of both legs, and once wet they will become a great burden;
4. Underwear:
For close-fitting clothing, it is recommended not to wear all-cotton clothing. In the international mountaineering community, all-cotton underwear is called "clothes for the dead," because after exercising in high-cold areas, the sweat absorption of all-cotton underwear will freeze you to death. Of course, if we do not go to high-cold areas, it is not that terrifying;
5. Knee pads and ankle supports:
For any long-distance hiking, you should bring a pair of knee pads and ankle supports. Knee damage is difficult to recover from, and the damage may be lifelong;
6. Hat:
A wide-brimmed hat is better, not only for shade, but sometimes when walking among the mountains, also to block wild grass as tall as a person, and it is also very useful when it rains; in high-cold areas, a hat can also reduce heat loss from your head; a considerable proportion of the human body's heat is dissipated from the head, especially when the temperature is low.
7. Gloves:
They provide great protection when walking through wild grass and among mountain rocks, but one thing to note is that gloves bring a danger: they reduce the sensitivity of the hands;
8. Sunglasses:
Needed for shade. But they will definitely bring visual errors, so use them cautiously on dangerous sections;
9. Close-fitting moisture-proof bag:
I do not seem to have seen this mentioned in any guide, but personally I think it is a necessity. You can choose to put important items such as your wallet, ID documents, and mobile phone into it. In this way, even if you fall into the water while stream trekking, you do not need to worry about losses.
10. Towel:
For wiping sweat. You will find it very convenient; in dusty places, you can wet it and cover your mouth and nose to block dust.
11. Toiletries:
For long-distance trips, toiletries can be brought along as appropriate.
12. Slippers or sandals:
If the equipment is not especially much or heavy, you can bring them and use them when resting. When a day's itinerary is over, changing into slippers is a very indulgent thing;
13. Sunscreen, lip balm:
Outdoors, sunlight is strong and the wind is strong, so carry a small amount to prevent intense sun and dry lips;;
14. Tent:
The waterproof rating should be good; it is recommended to be around 1500 or above. If you are not climbing high mountains, from a practical point of view, wind resistance does not need to be a major consideration. In fact, based on my experience, campsites are generally chosen in sheltered places, so the various performance features described in many guides may not be used at all.
Pay attention to weight. Anything above 3 kg should not be considered; now they are all fiberglass poles, generally around 2.5 kg;
It is recommended not to buy a one-person tent, because a two-person tent is not much heavier, and during group activities it can help reduce the burden for people in the same group. What is more, when there are two people, you can also go to Dameisha and Xiaomeisha for a romantic time from time to time, with the moonlit seaside......;
15. Sleeping bag, moisture-proof pad:
If you have a tent, then of course you need a sleeping bag and moisture-proof pad. If you will often do activities around Shenzhen in the future, the suitable temperature does not need to be too low; if you often go to colder places, the suitable temperature should be below zero. If there are places to stay on long-distance trips, bringing a sleeping bag will also have the effect of being clean and hygienic.
16. Headlamp or flashlight:
We cannot always calculate our itinerary precisely. When the itinerary is delayed, we will definitely need it; when climbing Goddess Peak in the Three Gorges during National Day, dozens of us (along with other domestic backpackers) were already in darkness when going down the mountain, and headlamps played a life-saving role.
If there are camping activities, a headlamp or flashlight will also be used. Camping lights can be left out of consideration for now.
17. Raincoat:
Regardless of whether it's a long or short route, there's a good chance we'll encounter rain along the way, so having a raincoat will save us from getting soaked. Of course, a disposable white plastic poncho works too (it can double as a groundsheet during FB).
18. Fire starter:
Windproof is best;
19. Knives:
A sharp multi-function Swiss army knife should be your first choice. Its saw and blade may well be what you use most frequently outdoors; moreover, the blade may sometimes be used in conjunction with medicine, such as when someone is bitten by a snake, so it must be sharp.
If possible, carrying an additional larger dagger will make you feel more secure. I once saw a diving dagger in a diving supplies store and was sorely tempted, but the price of nearly 2K made me...
20. Compass:
Essential for outdoor activities—no need to explain its specific use, right? But the prerequisite is that you must know how to use it.
21. Whistle:
When traveling as a group, it's an effective tool for staying in contact with companions; when traveling alone, it can save your life in an emergency. But you must know how to use it correctly and understand some necessary communication methods, such as calling for help or inquiring about situations—for example, two long blasts indicate an emergency. At the very least, the whole team should have a unified whistle code. Otherwise, blowing it randomly is worse than not blowing at all.
A whistle has another use: it lets you vent your sense of pride and accomplishment, since your voice easily gets hoarse from shouting. I seem to use it more for this purpose, haha.
22. Medicine:
Carry an appropriate amount when traveling alone; when traveling as a group, you can purchase collectively to avoid adding to backpack weight. The main essential medicines are as follows:
Huoxiang Zhengqi Shui, Huoluo oil/Honghua oil, cooling oil/Fengyoujing, Yunnan Baiyao (powder, spray), Xisimin, alcohol, erythromycin ointment, bandages + gauze, Band-Aids, snake medicine, cold medicine;
23. Rope:
As for rope, I feel it's more necessary for group travel than solo travel. But you must be familiar with various knot-tying methods. Bringing 30 meters of climbing rope should be enough for most situations. I don't think I've ever used it even once.
24. Stove burner, gas canister, cooking utensils, etc.
Their advantage is that they let you have something hot to eat, especially on long routes and in cold weather. This helps with replenishing energy.
But I don't recommend bringing such equipment. The reason is that carrying too much weight will greatly reduce the fun of your hike. Of course, this is a matter of differing opinions.
25. Photography equipment:
For long-distance walking, I don't recommend bringing a tripod; it's best to bring plenty of film;
26. Communication equipment:
For staying in contact;
27. Dry rations and drinking water:
Carry a small amount; useful when your itinerary is delayed;
28. Identification: