I wouldn’t call myself a seasoned traveler, but with three years of exploring twenty-five cities under my belt, I can still show off a bit, share some personal insights, and sum up the must-have gear for travelers—to help those planning a trip.
First and foremost, you absolutely need a good backpack. Many people think that the more expensive a traveler’s backpack is, the better—nonono, absolutely not. A traveler’s backpack must be sturdy above all else, especially the shoulder straps. Imagine if one side of your strap breaks while you’re hiking—the consequences could be dire, even if you manage to tie the backpack to yourself with ropes. This is especially important for beginners.
Second is a watch. It’s actually reasonable to say the more expensive, the better. Those who love activities both in the sky and underwater know this—watch quality brings an indescribable sense of security to travelers. If your watch breaks mid-trip, the blow can be significant. Don’t skimp when buying a watch. A travel watch is uniquely meaningful, arguably even more important than a compass.
Third is clothing, which can generally be divided into three categories: moisture-wicking layer, insulation layer, and protective layer. Plus down jackets and quick-dry pants. Both winter and summer trips call for them. From my experience, quick-dry clothes are super important. Outdoor sports are physically demanding, and sweating buckets is common—you can’t change clothes all the time, so quick drying is key.
Fourth is footwear. Backpackers on the go shouldn’t just bring one pair of shoes—that’s definitely not enough. Even if you’re only away for a week, prepare at least 2–3 pairs. You must have a pair of hiking boots, plus two lighter pairs of sneakers. Don’t even think about wearing skate shoes—once you really start walking, you’ll see why.
Fifth are tents and sleeping bags. These two items are absolutely crucial—they’re what help you “recharge” throughout the trip. After all, you’re camping outdoors, and wind or rain could strike at any time. Be sure to choose a tent that’s windproof and waterproof. Also, it’s best to pick one that’s compact and lightweight to make long treks easier. For sleeping bags, go for a compact down sleeping bag to save space in your pack.
Sixth are mosquito repellents. Don’t assume you can use mosquito coils when you’re out and about. If you’re camping deep in the mountains, you wouldn’t want to risk burning your tent—or worse, starting a forest fire. Electric mosquito repellents? Don’t even think about it. You’ll quickly realize how luxurious electricity is when you’re traveling. Consider using Para’Kito repellent, which comes in wristband or keychain form to carry with you. The wristbands and keychains contain repellent pads—just wear them, and mosquitoes will stay away. One pad lasts 15 days, so plan accordingly. Plus, this product is waterproof, so you can go wild with any outdoor activity without worry.
Seventh is a whistle. Don’t underestimate this seemingly insignificant item from gym class. For backpackers, a whistle can be a lifesaver. I don’t need to explain how to use it—just recall how the heroine in Titanic survived at the end. A whistle is especially useful if you get separated from your friends. Of course, don’t blow it if you run into lions or tigers or other rare encounters—you’re not a zookeeper!! (Just kidding)
Eighth is a GPS. This one’s a bit more specialized. Most travelers know that cell phones often lose signal in the wilderness, making them pretty useless. A global positioning system helps you locate yourself and plan routes, and it’s quite useful for newcomers who aren’t great with directions.
There are many other essentials for life on the road. But our backpacks can only hold so much. The eight items mentioned above are key takeaways from my three years exploring twenty-five cities. Calling them must-haves for travelers is no exaggeration. We love using our own two feet to traverse our country’s vast landscapes, our own eyes to seek out the beauty hidden in every corner of the city, and our hearts to feel the vitality nature gives us…
Travelers, let’s gear up and hit the road!!!!!!!