I am looking at creating my backpacking kit. I just wanted to know what people consider their top items in their backpacking kit that might not be considered “essential” (tent, clothes, cookware, etc) or what they’d recommend looking into to improve the (already great) backpacking/camping experience.
Note : alcohol is supposed to be ‘non-essential’ !
It’s gotta be my Helinox Chair Zero. Sure, I’ve got to turn in my Ultralight credentials by bringing it, but damn, it sure feels great to sit comfortably, enjoy a nice cup of coffee in the morning relaxing and reclining in comfort, or chatting by a fire over dinner while sitting in pure comfort.
I don’t always bring it backpacking, but when I do, I never regret it.
Cheers.
I love to take a small carabiner or two, clipped onto the outside of my pack. They’ve been surprisingly helpful. I also often bring some ziplock bags in different sizes. They’re mostly useful on longer hikes.