After a fun filled day, you finally reach your destination and pitch up. What do you do now with hours before a suitable time to go to bed? This is where the essential boredom busting items come in. Every suggestion below is lightweight and small enough to cram into the last remaining pocket yet can give you hours of entertainment.
There are many fun items to bring backpacking. Download films, music, apps onto your phone. Pack a camera, sketch pad, sudoku book or penknife for whittling. Even many card and board games can be played as either solo or multiplayer. Any small, lightweight item can be added to your kit list for fun.
There are so many ways to make backpacking more fun, many do not even require you to carry any extra kit! I will show you new ways to use items you may already have, to how to let nature entertain you and of course a few extra bits that may be worth packing.
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Fun Things To Bring Backpacking
Your backpack is both the best thing and the worst thing when backpacking. It enables you to carry your whole life with relative ease yet space is limited and if your anything like me, no matter how good your backpack is your spine will not thank you for every additional gram you add!
Bringing fun items is essential to enjoying your backpacking trip, however, you need to be strict with yourself and only bring a few. All the items here are small and lightweight so will easily fit into a spare pouch or you may be carrying them already!
1. Download music, films or apps onto your phone
Most people have a smart phone capable of being an entertainment system. While you’re traveling you can listen to your music, podcasts or an audiobook and when you pitch up for the night you can put on a film. Chuck on a pair of earphones and no one has to know that you are watching a chick flick in the middle of the woods!
There are so many apps out there from games to educational. Download an app that allows you to learn the constellations or another language…or just play crazy cupcakes.
Of course, this will drain your phone battery so make sure you bring a portable charger that will last for your trip or bring a secondary device. In a worst case scenario situation you may need your phone to call emergency services.
2. Whittle with a penknife
Many hikers will have a multitool or penknife (Amazon) to hand already. I have lost count of how many times this has come in handy and yet I have another use for this versatile tool. Learn to whittle! You can create simpler items such as spoons through to beautifully crafted sculptures of wood. Just make sure any wood you use is dead and not part of an animals home and you’re good to go.
An alternative to this is an engraving pen. It can be used on wood and on pebbles and looks really fun. Of course, remember to leave no trace so no carving love notes in walls!
3. Sketchpad and pen
An A5 sketchpad is perfect to slip into your backpack. Pack a few pens or pencils or for those who have an art-form of choice bring a travel artist set (Amazon watercolour travel set). Those who do not have such an artistic flair can do nature rubbings. Just simply place the paper over the chosen texture (for example, leaves) and colour over it with a crayon (Amazon). Experiment with laying different colours and textures. It is all about the process!
4. Journal
You may find a journal and sketchpad can function one of the same depending on your craft of choice. I love my journal and it does come with me everywhere, usually slipped into the top pouch for easy access. I personally document my day and doodle in it but there are no rules when it comes to journaling. Whether you go with a specific travelling journal or create your own designs in a dotted journal there really is a style for everyone.
The journal I use and have brought again several times is the Yop and Tom dotted A5 journal (Amazon) you can see in the photo below. I love how the hard cover protects it and the 160gsm paper which is lovely to write on and doesn’t bleed through! Although if you are saving on weight I would leave your main journal at home and opt for a lightweight waterproof notebook (Amazon) that will survive your adventures without needing a waterproof bag.
5. Sudoku or crossword books
Following on from traditional books, you can also bring along a puzzle book (Amazon). Many of them are suitable travel size and all it requires is a pen. You may even find you can get these on your phone or tablet.
6. Pack of cards
A pack of cards is so versatile. Nearly everyone will know a game or two across most of the world. You have games to play solo such as solitaire to practically unlimited games to play as a group. Even if you set off alone it’s a great way to meet your fellow solo backpackers and blossom new friendships …or healthy rivalries! You can even get waterproof playing cards (Amazon) now so no need to worry about keeping them dry.
7. Book or e-reader
Which one you bring is entirely personal preference. I prefer physical books but an e-reader (Amazon) can be more practical. They are lighter, slim and depending on type have excellent battery life. You can also have huge numbers of books downloaded if you’re backpacking for a long time or like to switch it up.
8. Board games
It is well known that there are many travel board games (Amazon) or equivalent out there but fear not solo travellers there are solo games as well. Examples include desolate which is a card and dice game or age of civil action which can be played solo or up to four players but there is a huge variety. Any game can be brought with you if the box is small and lightweight. Even if the box is a bit bulkier perhaps you can place it in a smaller carrier and then you can take your favourite games on the road.
9. Musical instrument
If it is small and lightweight it can go in the backpack. The stereotype of playing the harmonica (Amazon) around the campfire is there for a reason as it probably is the most travel friendly instrument but if you are dedicated small instruments like piccolo or ukuleles could be packed.
10. Camera
DSLR, go-pro or simple on your phone many backpackers wont question bringing a camera. It is the way of the world to capture life experiences now. It is also a great way to spend time when backpacking both en route and once set up.
Whatever your set up branch out from the normal snap shot pictures (although I imagine if you’re bringing a DSLR you know what you want to photograph!) and try taking photos of clouds, patterns, sunsets, macro shots or the night sky.
If you have time set up a small time lapse by manually taking the same photo. Keep it on a surface or on a tripod for added stability between shots. Even your phone will have some form of manual setting which you could play with focus or exposure.
Another idea is make yourself videos. Film anything from your journey to the local wildlife. Even make a music video of yourself if you feel inclined. Just because it is recorded doesn’t mean it has to be posted on YouTube, just enjoy yourself making silly videos. The trick is to delete the evidence!
Which leads me on to coming back home and finding hundreds of blurry photos which I will never look at again. Save yourself time in the long run and your devices memory and go through the days pictures that evening. Not only will it help remind you of how good the day has been it also saves a job on your return when you’re busy with normal life.
11. Postcards
I love a postcard. I like displaying them, writing them and receiving them (hint hint friends and family!). Postcards are readily available from most places if you’re backpacking through towns or cities, but if you’re out in the middle of nowhere then bring some from home!
Many stationary shops sell beautifully designed generic postcards which are super light and small to carry. Spend the evening writing about your trip so far and then send them on their merry way at the next post box.
You could even write one a day documenting your journey and send them back to yourself for the memory. If you want to save on postage bring an envelope and send several together (be careful of rules regarding width and weight). Be a nice surprise to open once you get home.
12. Field guides or ID charts
There is a field guide for just about every group of plants and animals and many of them are huge treasure troves of information. Birds, insects trees, you name it you could learn to identify all of them along your backpacking trips.
Personally, if you are starting out I would stick to ID charts. They cover few species but have hugely helpful diagrams and flow charts to help you identify the common species. Normally they come in a foldable chart or cards, many of which are water resistant so super user friendly.
If botany is your thing learn to ID edible plants and fungi (only eat plants and fungi you are 100% certain are edible. Some are extremely toxic and can look similar to edible varieties). Then you can spice up your evening meal with foraged goods.
Perhaps add some seasoning with wild garlic or blackberries for desert. If you do forage make sure it is acceptable where you are and remember to leave plenty behind for wildlife.
13. Inflatable ball
Go back to those childhood memories in the yard with an inflatable ball (Amazon). Yes, those of you who are footballers this may not cut it but if you want to bring a bulky football be my guest!
Practice keeps ups (definitely more of a challenge in the wind) or a game of catch. If you meet fellow backpackers en route, set up a game of football or rounders. With a few jumpers as goals or your arms as a bat you can recreate many popular games to spend the evening playing.
14. Maps
This will be on your essential packing list but spending some time looking at your map the day before to plan or confirm your route can be really fun and beneficial. You may find more locations which you would love to visit that you did not notice before or perhaps the day has taken its toll and you want to choose a shorter, easier route.
This is particularly true if you know bad weather is due in if you’re hiking and need to avoid highlands or crossing rivers. Always be adaptable to make the most of your backpacking trip.
Many of these can be done both on the trail and when you have stopped for the night. If you are wondering what to do once night has fallen when your backpacking then click here to check out this post for a list of things to bring and activity ideas.
There we have it! Loads of ideas of fun things to bring backpacking, however, not everyone will have even a spare millimetre in there backpack and therefore I have come up with a list of activities than require no additional equipment at all below!
Fun Activities To Do While Backpacking That Do Not Require Equipment
Is your bag is already overflowing and weighs a tonne? Then fear not there are some fun activities you can do that require no equipment at all. Of course, some of the equipment above you may already be carrying such as a phone or penknife can have multiple uses but everything below can be done completely equipment free.
1. Animal tracking
In a snowy or muddy location? Look at the ground and you may be lucky enough to find footprints! Snap a picture (with your hand to give a sense of scale) and save it to identify once you get back through a book or the internet.
2. Create nature art
Just get your creative juices flowing with this one. Create sculptures out of rocks or sticks, ‘paint’ in the sand or make a collage with leaves. Let your imagination flow as you use your surroundings to create beautiful artwork.
Once you are done, snap a pic and place the items back where you got them. The aim is to leave no trace so no breaking off live branches or plants and choose a location so you do not accidentally crush wildflowers.
3. Rock-pooling
This may not be applicable to many areas but the joy of watching the little shrimps and fish swim around is quite mesmerising. If rock pools aren’t available you can look for bugs under logs and rocks. Once your done admiring the hidden life gently put them back so they can go back to their home.
5. Foraging
Some foraging skills are pretty accessible, others require some more knowledge. Brush up on your skills beforehand and you can start making your backpacking food taste a more gourmet! I promise you after days on boil in the bag food, fresh blackberries taste amazing!
Just make sure you are confident you know what you are eating. Remember, some mushrooms can look very similar and can be deadly. Also make sure you are legally allowed to forage where you are and to leave enough for the wildlife.
6. Star gazing
The night sky is simply beautiful. Simply wrap up warm, lay back and watch as they dance around you. If you are lucky you may even be able to make a wish on a shooting star.
7. Wildlife watching
This encompasses everything. Most people know it as bird watching. Learn to identify the individual birds by calls and appearance if you like or simple just enjoy their music. Out backpacking you will encounter other species as well, watching the deer or the rabbits and each can bring such joy.
8. Rock skimming
Challenge yourself to get further or more bounces. The competition is real! If your by a body of water then grab a pebble or two and see how far you can get it. Of course, be aware of other people or wildlife using the water.
9. Make your own game
I am not simply talking eye spy or count the number of yellow cars. You can create games out of anything and everything.
A simple game I have played at a BBQ before was essentially buckaroo. We found a branch with lots of sticks coming off it and propped it up. The aim of the game was to balance as many items on the stick as possible without it falling off.
This ranged from sunglasses to beer cans but you can use whatever is already in your backpack or nature around you. Even if you don’t believe me it was surprisingly fun even if you are only train to beat your own personal record.
Conclusion
I hope you find all of these activities inspirational and can’t wait to get back backpacking to give them a go. With a bit of creativity any item you bring backpacking can be fun but with there are some set fun things which will give you something to do wherever you end up travelling to. Happy Backpacking!
