15 Small Items That Make a Difference When Backpacking

When preparing for a backpacking trip, its easy to throw together the big items like your backpack, sleeping bag, tent, etc… but what about the tiny items? From my experience, these have just as much of an impact as the big ticket items.

As I have hiked along, I have made a list of the “small” items I use while backpacking that I find useful, hopefully you find this list useful as well

Garmin Products

1. The Garmin InReach is a must have on your list if you’re planning a long backpacking trip
2. I also use the Garmin Instinct watch, which can pair with your InReach. I have found this most useful in case of an emergency because if I am separated from my InReach, I can use my watch to activate the SOS. If you want to know how to do this, follow this link.

Tools

3. Ultralight Headlamp. For this I looked at weight, charging type (rechargeable) and I looked for a red light, which when used at night, preserves your night vision. I recommend the Nitecore Headlamp

4. A mini multi-tool, such as the Leatherman Micra, which is a great combination of weight and all the tools you need.
5. FlipFuel Fuel Transfer Device. I think at this point I mention this item almost every time I write an article about gear I use on trail, but that is because it truly has made that much of a difference! This allows you to take the fuel from the cannisters left behind by other hikers and put it into your own! A money, time, and stress saver. You can get for 20% off with the code Rover20

Repair Equipment

6. Shoe glue. This may end up being your favorite thing. It can make shoes last an extra 100 miles. I swear by this stuff. Most op[tions work but I especially liked “Shoe Goo“
7. Leukotape – a great option for taping, something you are sure to need. Many people on trail I know used this stuff for blisters and even sometimes as sports tape. Warning, I’ve heard this stuff is strong

Cooking/Food

8. Titanium Long Spoon. Really any you find on amazon will do, but I prefer the ones with a more square spoon shape, such as the Toaks Long Handle Spoon.
9. Reusable silicone Ziploc bags. These are great because you can boil water in your pot and pour it into these bags, then reuse them the next night. this saves you from having to wash out your pot. I’ve found most brands work, but Stasher is an especially noteable one because you can buy them with flat bottoms

Personal Items

10. Alternatives to buying (or, if we are being honest “borrowing it” from various locations along trail) and carrying toilet paper
- Pee Cloth. I use the CIRCE brand and it was great.
- Portable Bidet. A great alternative to, I use the CuloClean Bidet, but I have seen others using ones with their own bottle, which feels more sanitary.
11. Powder Sunscreen. This is a great, lightweight way to continue to protect your skin! I bought and love the BrushOnBlock 30SPF.
12. Fanny Pack. Really any fanny pack will do, but I have loved my bright, colorful, and unique Cotopaxi Fanny pack, which feels larger than many of the other fanny packs I’ve seen, allowing me to carry all my days snacks so I do not have to rummage around in my backpack in the middle of the day

13. Ultralight Wallet. This is something you’re guaranteed to need along the whole trail. The brand I see thrown around most often is Chums, but I also like the Granite Gear hiker wallet. You can also just use a ziplock bag, as many (like myself) do.
14. Cork Massage Ball. When your feet or legs start hurting on the trail, and trust me, they will, then you will thank me for recommending this.
15. Ultralight mini towel. Don’t be me and carry a full size towel onto the AT until your fellow hiker’s laughs convince you to switch it out. Just start with a Lightload towel

Honorable Mentions

Ultralight Pillow – to me, this comfort item is worth carrying.

Ultralight glasses case – go to the store and buy yourself a crystal light pitcher pack, dump it out, and use the case as an ultralight glasses case.

Pepper spray
Lightweight Battery pack

Glasses strap – to stop your sun/glasses from falling off your face.
Desitin – if you plan to hike anywhere where rain is common… you will thank me for this