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* 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.
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== Most important ==
In order of importance:
# A [[maps|map]] of the area you plan to travel in, preferably showing 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 umbrella is also very useful.
If you like to hitchhike with [[signs]]:
# A big black '''marker'''.
#: ''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. If you find them, take Edding ''Flipchart Marker'' instead of ''Permanent Marker'' as they were made to write on paper: the color doesn't push through and they last longer than the permanent markers. 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 [[petrol stationhitchhiking|petrol stations]]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 [[hitchhiker's safety|safe]]:
# A mobile phone for sending SMS to a friend, to inform them about the numberplate of the car you jumped in. Remember the battery recharge adaptor! Sometimes a service station will have a spare wall socket you can use to charge your phone. Remember to bring the right adaptor for the country you are in.
It's also good to make things you might need on the road ''easily accessible'':
* all possible maps you might need
* clothes in case of [[weather#Rain|rain]] or sudden chill (like when going a tunnel when you're in the back of a van).
* a plastic bottle of water
Try and pack similar items close to each other (eg. toothbrush next to the toothpaste).
* A nice warm jacket or hooded sweatshirt. It's possible to do wonderful things with the right layers; good camping 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. Or a lightweight [[Games|Game Pack]].
* 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 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 (US: flashlight). 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 [[United Kingdom|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 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.
* Sun screen. Standing in the sun without protection for hours waiting for rides can result in a nasty burn.
=== Camping ===
If you decide on [[camping]] you may want some more stuff:
* A [[camping|tent]], a [[tarp]] or a [[bivouac sack]] (or at least a couple of large, sturdy leaf bags, one opened at the bottom and duct-taped to the other to make a 6' long waterproof bag to sleep in - be sure not to suffocate yourself!). Consider a fan for tent camping, which can keep you cool on hot nights.
* 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]].
* A length of coat-hanger type wire and a length of sturdy cord or string
* A canteen or plastic water bottle (glass WILL break!).
* Your clothes, stuffed into your tactical backpack or camping backpack, make a good pillow and make it much less likely someone will steal your backpack while you are sleeping on it, particularly if you keep an arm through the straps while asleep.
* Most bridges have a flat, dry space underneath which is excellent.
* After being harassed a few nights back by a mountain lion, I keep a 3" pocket knife on me when I sleep.
== Packing tips ==
* If you expect a lot of [[weather#Rain|rain]] it's wise to pack stuff in a few zip lock bags. Especially recommended for electronic gear and some [[appearance|clothes]] that you want to keep dry. You can also save bread bags as waterproof bags, which also work great as between-sock-and-shoe covers if you're walking though snow or puddles without a good pair of waterproof boots.
== External links ==
* [http://www.travelindependenthitch-hiking.infoorg/whattopackhowtopack.htm How to pack]* [http://www.claudioadrianodobre.com/what-pack-hitchhiking/ What to pack], quote* [https://gearctrl.com/best-tactical-backpacks/ Best tactical backpacks for camping]* [https://gearctrl.com/best-fan-tent-camping/ Best tent fans for camping]* [https: "Your bag is your life//www. The smaller it is the less it sticks outs and the less vulnerable you feelyoutube. The closer you can stick com/watch?v=lVn1QosdNiY What to it and less cumbersome it is the happier you will be."carry video], Hitchhiker emptying out his pack to show what he's been carrying in his travels, from toothbrush to sleeping bag
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