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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.
#: ''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 [[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 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.
=== 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!).
* 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]].
== 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.
== 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."
* Roll your clothes, instead of folding them. They take up less room, and do not wrinkle as much. keep a thick plastic bag for stinky clothes so you don't violate a rides airspace.
[[Category:Equipment]]
