Spare eyeglasses are a must, and I don’t see folks mention chapstick or lip balm nearly enough. Chapped lips in dry weather or wind can get miserable fast, especially if you’re out in the elements for days. I also throw a tiny bottle of castile soap in—covers hands, dishes, even laundry in a pinch. Ever thought about adding a small roll of sturdy garden twine? Seems basic but you can fix all sorts of things

Dental floss—I almost never see that listed, but it’s strong and so handy. Not just for teeth, but for stitching, tying, making repairs, even fishing in a pinch. A good whistle is another one I always pack, in case I need to signal for help and my voice won’t carry. Anyone else keep a printed list of important phone numbers tucked somewhere waterproof? It’s old school, but phones can die or break.

So many good reminders here. One thing I rarely see mentioned is a stash of safety pins—never realized how many times they’d come in handy until I started carrying them. Quick repairs for clothes, gear, even used one to help fix a zipper once. I also pack a small tube of hydrocortisone cream; bug bites and random rashes can get unbearable and slow you down, especially if you’re off-trail or in brushy areas.

A proper headlamp with extra batteries is another big one for me. Flashlights are good, but being hands-free makes a world of difference if you’re trying to cook, set up shelter, or just read at night. Tossing in a few big garbage bags doesn’t hurt either—they’re great for makeshift rain ponchos, waterproofing, or even hauling water.

Curious if anyone here keeps a tiny notepad and pencil in their bag? I find it useful for tracking supplies or leaving messages if you have to split up. Sometimes the old-school stuff really is best, especially when tech decides