What's in My Pack? (5 Backpacker Essentials)

Montserrat, Spain. Perfect day.
Here's a serious question, what do you pack for travelling? I mean, you don't want to be taking your whole bedroom along with you when travelling - right? When I travel I tend to take light and necessary belongings. Over the years, what I generally tend to pack has changed quite significantly. In recent years, I've started to take more technological equipment to help capture the memory and to be honest, it has been a great success!

I know a lot of you are probably thinking there are plenty of independent bloggers who write about travel. But has Jake Olivier ever written a blog like this? No. So here goes.

1. Lightweight Clothing

This is an obvious start. But after all, who goes travelling naked? Well... me, but that was only once - shhh! Clothing is essential and without it you're going to freeze, but taking too much can definitely weigh you down.

Pack based on the destination you'll be travelling to and don't just pack clothes because you think the weather may change. If you do pack extra clothes, make sure you pack lightly, efficiently and needfully.The following list is what I took when I hiked Serra de Tramuntana Palma (Mallorca, Spain).
  • 6 t-shirts 
  • 1 pair of running shoes 
  • 4 pairs of socks 
  • 2 vests 
  • 2 pairs of shorts 
  • 1 pair of trousers 
There's a pattern in that I carried more for the top half of my body, due to sweat and needing to change after a wash - I also have a certain way of folding t-shirts to save space in my backpack (but we can talk about that later).

2. Technology

Capturing every moment is important to me. If you don't capture it, how can you show it off? Exactly.
  • Nikon Camera - If I didn't take my camera I couldn't bear looking at the scenery. I love to capture every major moment when taking a nice vacation. I also bring my small tripod, just in case I want to take a distant selfie that my selfie-stick cannot handle. 
  • GPS - How are you supposed to navigate your way if you don't have a GPS? I find using a GPS helps because I like to take the most satisfying and safest route. I purchased a Garmin nüvi 2597LMT on Amazon and it was great for travelling Mallorca - excellent battery life. 
  • iPod - On my travels, I usually bring my iPod for listening to music. It gets me in the zone. Uptown funk you up, uptown funk you up. 

3. Toiletries

A pretty self-explanatory essential, but, it's definitely worth adding - the amount of times I haven't brought along a toothbrush or extra toilet paper - resulting in bad breath and some other unfortunate disasters. Thanks to previous experiences, I now bring along 3 toilet rolls for a one week travel; you can do the maths. Toothbrush and toothpaste, earplugs and earbuds, deodorant and bodywash / shampoo.

4. Sleeping Essentials and Accessories

When I travelled Greece's Mount Ida I had to bring along a tent in which I camped for three nights with a group of friends. I bought a quality sleeping bag from Amazon last year and it has lasted a great time, but not only this - it allowed me to get the benefit out a quality night's sleep when travelling - check it out!
  • Tent - I have recently purchased a one-man tent, perfect for lone camping and hiking. It's easy to put up and light to carry. Use code WINTERSAVE on Amazon.co.uk on selected camping gear! 
  • Sleeping mat and bag - I've found packing a sleeping mat can cure a rough night's sleep, especially the rollable memory foam ones. Also, a cosy sleeping bag on top of the mat is a great idea - especially in the minus weather conditions. 

5. Medical Kit

Safety first! I always bring a medical kit, whether I'm travelling alone or with a group of friends - just in case. Within my medi-kit I have some antibiotics, bandages and plasters, tweezers and scissors. You know, the normal first aid stuff. Also, as a little treat I keep a small capsule of pure Russian vodka, just in case.

TIP: Remember to make a checklist before packing, don't just ram everything in.