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== Most important ==
In order of importance:
# A [[map]] of the area you plan to travel in, preferably showing gas petrol stations and tollway stations.
#: Like anything though, this is debatable. Some hitchers may like to just go by the sun and general knowledge of the region.
# A Small small umbrella is also very useful.
If you like to hitchhike with [[signs]]:
#: ''Sharpies'' work best, particularly the ''Magnum'' size. ''Eddings'' are also good, just make sure you have one with a broad end. That's easier to write with. Possibly some other colors; a catchy sign is an effective sign. ''Marks-A-Lot'', in one hitcher's experience, have barely enough ink to last more than a few signs and aren't worth the space they take up.
# An A4 transparent plastic map and some spare A4 papers, or a piece of cardboard
#: You'll often be able to find cardboard and paper on your way - just ask (or dumpster-dive) at shops or [[gas petrol station]]s.
#: An A4 writing pad turned out to be very handy. You can make a lot of signs with it and it's quite stable. It's also good to have some paper clips with you, in case it's windy and the sheets are flapping.
For people who like it [[safe]]:
** Baby-wipes work well too for cleaning skin, they're light and easy to store. Maybe a service station restaurant (such as a KFC) will have little packets of them, to give you for free...
** Toilet paper or tissues. Don't forget to bury it at least a foot down!
** A stick of deodorant and/or spray bottle of cologne. Alternatively essential oils, as of lavendarlavender, pachouli, grapefruit, etc.
* A [[sleeping bag]]. It can be useful to have a good, waterproof Compression Sack as well.
* An extra set of clothing, at the minimum, 2 extra pairs of socks and underwear, and an extra T-shirt.
* A nice warm jacket or hooded sweatshirt. It's possible to do wonderful things with the right layers; good camping longjohns long johns and thermals are worth their small weight in cold weather, and are comfortable to wear to bed.
* Something to drink, food, fruit, nuts. You don't want your [[food]] and drinks to be all over your stuff, so make sure that this is carefully packed. Canned food can be too heavy - often dried bulk food etc. is better. Try not to take things that have a strong smell. Remember to drink lots of water, and that most other drinks (like coffee, soda, orange juice, etc.) will actually dehydrate you.
* Reading material, for waits and quiet rides. (such as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/On_the_Road On the Road] by Jack Kerouac, or [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evasion_%28book%29 Evasion] by Anonymous).
* A pack of cards.
* A small medikit - cheap, and may suddenly be '''very''' useful.
* A small sewing kit is crucial for longer trips (especially if you have only one pair of pants - hitchhiking with a hole in your crotch is quite difficult) Recommended: at least one pair pants and one shorts. Conventional thread is really dreadfully weak, many travellers travelers prefer to use dental floss because of its vastly superior durability. Some flosses are better than others, with the standard being Johnson & Johnson Reach brand. Good floss can also conveniently be burned/melted down onto a knot.
* A torch. Wind-up ones are good because they're lighter, and you don't have to waste batteries on them. The RAC one (available in the [[UK]]) is excellent.
* A journal and/or camera is always a good choice to keep track of where you've been and who you've met, and to later add useful information to this wiki!
* Some basic tools to make jewelry with, or other such, will keep you in pocket change and give you something to do on lazy afternoons in the park, and will provide you with an answer if the police ask what you're doing in town. Also good for starting conversations.
* A [[harmonica]], pennywhistlepenny whistle, kalimba or the like is also nice.
* A small amount of change (in the local currency), for buying public transport tickets, and any other items you suddenly need.
* CDs or casettescassettes, to offer drivers for entertainment during quieter rides, and even to give as thankyou "Tthank You" gifts.
* If it makes you feel safer: a film-canister full of pepper--kept in your most accessible pocket. You probably won't need to use it, but you should have it handy to be able to pop the lid and toss it in the face of an attacker.
* An aluminized mylar "space blanket" is an exceptional survival tool, and weighs only an ounce or two.
* A tarp. There are a few varieties, my preference is actually a coated nylon rain poncho that doubles as a tarp. Good to separate you from the ground, or to rig up a shelter with, or to cover your pack when stashing it somewhere if it might rain. The new "siltarps" made with siliconized Cordura are extremely waterproof, ridiculously lightweight, and very surprisingly durable.
* Rain gear. As mentioned above, a poncho works well and doubles as a tarp, but even just a contractor trash bag tucked away is a good idea. If considering a rain jacket, remember that you'll want to keep your pack dry as well as not end up with your pants/skirt soaked.
* Small gifts for any [http://www.hospitalityclub.org / HospitalityClub], [http://www.bewelcome.org / BeWelcome] or [http://www.couchsurfing.com / CouchSurfing] hosts who help you on your way.
* Sun screen. Standing in the sun without protection for hours waiting for rides can result in a nasty burn.
* A pad to sleep on (1" foam rubber x 2' wide by 5' long, for example), or a Thermarest or other self-inflating sleeping pad. Frankly, with either cardboard or dry leaves being very readily available at almost any place you might camp, carrying a pad with you is not really needed except in a few contexts.
* A metal cup big enough to hold a can of [[Sterno]] (packing space is at a premium) and a can of Sterno. Alternatively, instead of Sterno, you can use a [[Squat Candle]] or [[DIY Alcohol Stove]].
* Matches or lighter - preferably both, maybe even two lighters to be sure. Bics BICs are the most reliable.
* A boy-scout type fork, spoon, knife set (heavy) or your pocket knife and a spoon.
* A length of coat-hanger type wire and a length of sturdy cord or string
== External links ==
* [http://www.travelindependent.info/whattopack.htm What to pack], quote: "Your bag is your life. The smaller it is the less it sticks outs and the less vulnerable you feel. The closer you can stick to it and less cumbersome it is the happier you will be."
[[Category:Equipment]]
