Backpacking is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, stay active, and spend time with those closest to you. But not all of us grew up in the Boy Scouts, and even fewer of us are born Eagle Scouts and bread for the great outdoors. For novice backpackers, for the first time, daydreaming about your adventure is one thing, actually planning it and heading out is a different ballgame. Without proper preparation, your glorious adventure could turn into a difficult, exhausting, and pitiful disaster. However, with a little planning and forethought, you’ll be primed and ready for a one-of-a-kind experience that’s truly unlike any other.

In this age of constant work, expanding technology, and ever-increasing conveniences, most of us spend less and less time outdoors. But experiencing nature, getting out of the house and away from daily stress is an important part of the human experience and will bring a new level of excitement to your life. Here’s what you need to get started, the ten essentials to gather before you set off on your backpacking adventure trip:

1 – Your backpack

The obvious first step, your own backpack will be the carrier and protector of all your essentials for survival and enjoyment of the trip. Get one big enough to hold all your belongings for the entire trip, strong enough to withstand the tests of the road, and even one with a few frills like a water bladder for hydration.

2 – Proper footwear and socks

Great hiking socks are essential for your backpacking trip. To avoid blisters and other nasty foot problems, the main things you should be looking for are comfort, moisture management, and shock reduction. Never underestimate the importance of good socks! Over socks you’ll want thick leather hiking boots with a thick, textured sole that offers high ankle and arch support.

3 – Clothes

Always carry an extra shirt. You never know what is going to happen and you want to be comfortable on your walk. It also includes a thin and light fleece lining; you never know how the temperature is going to change. Last but not least, plastic ponchos for that unexpected rain. A poncho has saved me more than one trip.

4 – Water bottle

This is very important! Water is, without a doubt, the most essential item on your trip, so you don’t want to carry it around in some cheap plastic from a convenience store. Get high-impact plastic or stainless steel (which you can use to heat water for cooking or tea). Alternatively, you can get a water bladder that will sit in your backpack. Many packs come with built-in hydration systems today.

5 – Food

Nutrition on the go is vital as you will be burning more calories per day than you are used to. Seasoned camper favorites include beef jerky (high in protein), dried fruit (vitamins, potassium), granola and energy bars, and trail mixes, breads, and fruit.

6 – Shelter

A durable tent with adequate sleeping accommodations for one, two or more people is essential to protect you from the elements. After working hard all day, cooking dinner, and going to bed at night, you’ll want to stay warm, dry, and protected from bugs and animals.

7-digital camera

Your friends and family will want to know everything about your trip and, as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. Whether you are a hobby photographer or maybe a professional, your images will bring back memories again and again.

8 – Camera Bag

If you don’t protect that digital camera, you’ll quickly regret it. Dirt, dust, rain, etc. can ruin electronics. You’ll want a strong, durable camera bag made from the toughest nylon you can find and preferably reinforced with high-impact plastic panels. Camera bags are even available as backpacks or shoulder bags that fit much more than just your camera.

9 – Knife

A fixed blade knife with a reinforced handle, or a utility knife (why not both?) will quickly become your best friend on any backpacking trip.

10 – First aid kit

Last but not least, always be prepared for the worst while waiting for the best trip imaginable. A basic first aid kit has often been the difference between survival and catastrophe for many backpackers and adventure hikers. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can get by with nothing, when you walk away from civilization even the smallest scratch can quickly become infected and turn something that is harmless and slightly annoying in the home into a serious problem. Aside from scrapes and cuts, bug bites, bee stings, snake bites, you name it, could be unwelcome participants in your big adventure. To be prepared!

Now you’re ready to strap on your backpack, lace up your boots, and hit the hills. Remember, preparation is the most important thing! Think about your trip, plan accordingly, and have a great time with you and yours on a great backpacking adventure.