Top Essential Items For Backpackers: A Beginners Guide

June 5, 2019
Top Essential Items For Backpackers: A Beginners Guide

 

Whether your joining the tribe of Australians doing the big lap or heading further afield, there’s a lot to be said for the old saying “less is more”, especially when it comes to loading up your backpack. Limiting clothing and footwear to a few essential items that will last the distance will always give you an advantage. We have gone over our essential Everything Australian items to help you stay on top of things when your blazing those trails out there.

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First up, a great pack.

 

 

 

We Recommend: Black Wolf Cedar Breaks

 

The Cedar Breaks pack is by far the most popular backpack in the Black Wolf range. The reason being it is super comfortable and highly practical. The Cedar Breaks is available in sizes 55 litre through to 90 litre and with its easily adjustable harness you can find the perfect size and fit for your frame. The pack has multiple compartments to make packing and finding essential items easy, with dedicated pockets for devices and hydration packs, for example. Other much-loved features include the removable daypack, rain cover and built in padlocks.

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Back Wolf Cedar Breaks

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Next up, you are going to need a raincoat.

 

 

 

We Recommend: The Genuine Australian Bushwear Dry Japara

 

Our Japaras’ are super lightweight and roll up smaller than similar jackets, while still being a comfortable waterproof and windproof jacket. Manufactured here in Melbourne and tough enough to survive the harsh Aussie climate, these Japaras’ fit larger so you can layer up underneath for extra warmth, but they are also highly breathable. The flannelette lining makes this a highly wearable jacket even if it’s not raining.

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Japara

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 Get yourself a great pair of boots that you can walk in.

 

 

 

We Recommend: The Blundstone 510’s

 

Any of the boots from the Blundstone 500 or 550 series will be a great travelling boot, excluding the suede options, due to them being less waterproof. The Black Blundstone 510 is a highly versatile boot that can take you from walking trails in the afternoon to the local bar in the evening without having to stop back in at the hostel for a shoe change. You don’t have to worry about them getting ruined as mud will wipe right off, and they are comfortable enough that you can walk all day without hurting your feet. Plus, they are a fashionable casual boot that will go well with jeans, shorts and even dresses. You could just about leave all other types of footwear at home. Except maybe a pair of thongs.

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Blundstone 510

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Next, you need a hat.

 

 

 

We Recommend: The Akubra Traveller

 

There are a few reasons to take an Akubra on the road. They make an excellent sun hat, even in warmer temperatures. If you are concerned about your Akubra being too hot, opt for a lighter colour which will help. They also fare well in the rain, just make sure you dry them out naturally, so the hat doesn’t shrink. As a bonus, in those moments between accommodations when a hot shower is an impossibility, you can just pop all your scruffy hair up into the hat and look perfectly presentable. The Akubra Traveller is probably the best model to take because, as the name suggests, it is made for travelling. The soft felt is made to pop back into shape when squished, so its Akubra’s most packable hat. Lastly, the understated, go-with-anything shape makes it a stylish as well as practical hat.

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Akubra Traveller

 

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Finally, good socks.

 

 

 

We Recommend: King Gee Bamboo Socks

 

You can tell why bamboo socks are so good the second touch them. So soft and comfy, these seamless socks will keep your feet warm and snuggly when the temperature calls for it. However, the unique property of bamboo means they are highly breathable, meaning your feet wont sweat in them, and in warmer weather your feet wont overheat. They are the perfect sock for tired feet. The only thing to remember with bamboo socks is they take a little longer to dry, so allow for that. Trust us, the wait is worth it!

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king gee bamboo socks