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My Top 5 "Essential" Backpacking Non-Essentials That I Never Hike Without

Some people are into ultra-light backpacking, almost to an obsessive degree. That's understandable if you're hiking for weeks or months at a time. But for me, I don't fuss too much about it. Not to mention, I like a few creature comforts here and there.

It's of course important to pack the essentials when you're hiking so you don't get dehydrated and die. A tent, a sleeping bag, and food are all good to have. The things that make me feel human though, are also packed away into the crevices and extra pockets of my backpack. I personally view them as essential for every backpacking trip that I take.

1. Collapsible Chair

After a long day of hiking, what's better than resting your bones in some nice damp grass and mud? Whipping out your foldable chair and gloating in front of all your friends, of course. While it does add some extra weight, I find it's well worth the load. I always tell myself: If I want to bring more, I’ll just train more.

I got my chair for sale ages ago at REI and it has joined me on hundreds of backcountry miles. Luckily, my chair has a small enough diameter to fit in my water bottle pocket. This makes it quick and easy to unpack when setting up camp or taking a break. Cause there's one thing about me, if it's not easily accessible, I'm not using it.

2. Bandanas

I won't be caught dead hiking without a bandana. Pass me on a trail, and you’ll see a bandana hanging from my belt loop and one off the top of my pack. This may be TMI, but hiking makes my nose run, especially at high altitudes. And I'm not about to bring a clunky box of tissues or pack out a snotty bag of used ones. My number one use for bandanas is as a handkerchief.

The great thing about bandanas is their multi-use. They can wipe snot, sweat, and if scrapes or accidents happen, blood. And since bandanas are made of thin cotton they’re easy to rinse out and dry on the back of your pack. I've also used them to cool my neck, filter chunks of who knows what out of water, and mark my backpack. My hot pink bandana always makes my stuff easily identifiable in a sea of forest green and brown gear. I know that my friends will know what to look for if I ever get lost: The little blob of pink.

3. Journal and Pen

Being a writing gal, I journal regularly. Rain or shine, it doesn't matter how tired I am, I love to record the memories and happenings of my day. It also helps me to get my thoughts out of my brain (where they like to wreak havoc) and onto paper.

I like to describe the views I saw, the inside jokes I shared, and the good and bad things that happened throughout the day. Reading back on how I felt during my trips sometimes means more to me than pictures ever could. The pages of my journal are able to capture the small moments that a camera just can’t. Though, of course, I'm still stopping to take pictures of every pretty flower I see.

My favorite type of journal is a basic composition notebook. They have ample writing space, they’re fairly light, and they’re flexible. I like that they’re not pretty or fancy, so I don’t have to worry about ruining them with food or water or entries that “aren’t pretty”. Writing isn’t about being pretty anyways. It’s about being real.

4. Kindle Paperwhite

If you're a voracious reader, like me, you probably always have a book in your bag. I usually have several in my bag at a time with the power of e-books, my library, and my Kindle.

I've had other e-readers in the past, but the Kindle Paperwhite quickly became my most prized possession. The battery life lasted me a month in the backcountry without recharging. I used that thing nearly every day! It also has this modern marvel e-ink display that doesn’t create a glare. I have no difficulty reading in sunlight, at the beach, or on a rock at the top of a mountain peak.

My Kindle comes with me wherever I hike. Frankly wherever I go, it goes. Anytime there’s downtime I always have multiple choices for reading material. A godsend for mood readers like me. It's like it was made for me in mind.

5. Skincare

Now I admit this is definitely my most frivolous “essential” (and is dependent on whether or not I'm in bear country), but remember, I'm also just a girl. I'll be damned if I go a day without my skincare. And yes, I'm talking cleanser, moisturizer, acne medication, and sunscreen. I bring travel versions of the whole shebang.

You see, I grew up with horrible acne. I had to go on accutane. Twice. So skincare is kind of a big deal to me. I feel like most people would be fine without their usual routine for a couple of days. They may even revel in the experience of being a bit grimy.

However, everyone should at least rinse their face at the end of each day. Do something to make yourself feel a little more human. And if it's a longer trip without shower access, a bird bath with a bandana and a bottle of water goes a long way. I always feel refreshed and recharged after getting clean. My mind is more clear and happy.

Whether your creature comfort is a freshly washed face or a good book, I think it’s important to bring at least one thing that brings you peace, comfort, or happiness when hiking. Sometimes things go wrong or the weather is bad. It’s nice to have something to keep you grounded and sane while hiking in the woods.

Honorable Mention: My Hiking Buddy

It’s dangerous to go alone.

Take this.

Always remember to hike with a buddy.

But seriously. Be smart and stay safe.

It’s best if the bear has snack options.