▲Out in the field a fresh water supply is vital. Pack a metal water bottle. These are long lasting and less susceptible to damage.

▲For peace of mind, pack a couple of padlocks, one for the main backpack zipper and another to secure your luggage to a fixed point if necessary.

▲Tasty energy boosters like breakfast bars, trail mix, and boiled sweets make great on-the-go snacks, especially if walking or hiking.

▲Some backpacks incorporate a fold-out rain cover. If yours doesn't, invest in a good quality accessory. There's nothing worse than getting your gear drenched during a downpour.

▲An obvious item to pack to keep you shaded when necessary.

▲These days there's an app for everything, but it's worth packing a phrase book and some thoroughly researched and well-written travel literature about your destination.

▲Travelers taking prescribed medicine should make sure they have enough to cover the duration of their trip. Set an alarm on your phone so you remember to take it. Always check your medications are legal before traveling overseas, and get a signed note from your doctor confirming your prescription in case of problems at border crossings.

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Some backpacks are sold with this diminutive instrument as a standard attachment. If not, pack one.

▲Even when it’s cloudy, quality eyewear counts. They'll ensure that your vision is clear no matter what.

▲They're handy for an impromptu snorkel, as you don't know what you might brush up against. Have you ever tried to recognize a jellyfish underwater without a mask?

▲A must-have on soft, sandy beaches, sliding into comfortable flip-flops makes perfect sense, again after a day concealing your feet in a suffocating pair of dirty hiking boots.

▲Don’t always count on the light built into your mobile device: a flashlight is far more powerful. Get one with a waterproof casing.

▲For those with beards, take along a trimmer. Remember the charger though, otherwise you'll eventually end up looking like Robinson Crusoe.

▲A last resort for light sleepers perhaps, but do bear in mind you’ll be needing to hear that early morning alarm or, heaven forbid, a fire alarm!

▲A trendy fashion statement and a practical piece of apparel, board shorts look just as good on land as they do in the surf.

▲Never underestimate the appeal of a hot cup of coffee, especially if the weather is cold and you’re tired. Pack a durable flask that will go the distance.

▲If you’re vision impaired, your glasses are your eyes. Look after them carefully. You’re alright if you're in a city, where you can get a replacement pair if necessary. But misplace these items out in the sticks and your world view will be that much dimmer.

▲Another very useful item for your backpack and of course, an essential accessory if traveling to a hot, sunny destination.

▲Planning an alpine walking adventure? A pair of trekking poles will assist you with your rhythm and provide stability on rough terrain.

▲Stay in the habit of brushing regularly. Don’t bother packing an electric toothbrush, as they're not very practical.

▲Download a GPS app to your mobile device and you shouldn’t get lost. Well, that’s the theory. Always best to keep an old-fashioned paper map handy in case the battery dies or your phone gets stolen.

▲Dry or cracked skin is not only unsightly, but it can lead to infection, especially if you’re venturing into the tropics.

▲Optional, but handy if you’re sensitive to light.

▲These can be cumbersome, so opt for a microfiber towel that’s easily folded and stored away.

▲Purchase a cheapo pay-as-you-go cell phone for emergency use. Alternatively, pack a spare SIM card that works abroad.

▲The same goes for your body wash. Look for something mosquito repellent.

▲Climate and prevailing weather conditions largely dictate the need for items like these. Though a hat is always useful.

▲Easily forgotten, but without these you’ll soon be reverting to pencil and paper to capture those gorgeous sunsets.

▲Use small, portable plastic bottles a bit like those you find in hotel bathrooms (no that's not an excuse to nab a few on your next city break). Use shampoo sparingly during your trip and it should last the duration.

▲Keeping dry and fresh makes sense. But try and purchase an anti-mosquito crystal deodorant, something with citronella in it, to deter hungry bugs. Remember, mosquitoes are drawn to strong, sweet scents.

▲Most mobile devices these days double up as pretty good cameras. But if you’re serious about getting the shot, equip yourself with a decent digital SLR.

▲An essential packing item, frankly. You never know when you might need it.

▲Headaches, muscle aches, period pains… these irritable symptoms can ruin your day. Make sure to keep some painkillers handy just in case. Tip: again, check your medications are legal before traveling abroad.

▲These hair products are useful when you’ve reached your destination and want to freshen up before hitting the bars.

▲These days, people and phones are joined at the hip. Avoid a tearful separation by packing a portable phone charger.

▲If you're camping then a sleeping bag is a must. However, if the plan is to stay in hostels, a sleeping bag liner is useful whenever the cleanliness of a bed is in doubt.

▲Most likely the heaviest item on your travel inventory, make a habit of wearing walking shoes at airports rather than storing them in your backpack during flights.

▲Try not to overpack. Instead, work with light layers and warm layers—quality clothing that's a comfortable fit and easily stored. And don't forget to pack some extra masks!

▲If your destination is prone to wet weather, a raincoat is a must-have. Always best to prep for downpours, even in summer.

▲If you're traveling in winter, thermal underwear works wonders! Otherwise, whatever's comfortable. Tip: carry a spare all-purpose bag for your dirty laundry.

▲Your most important travel document should be stored safely away from wandering hands. Depending on your journey, you may choose to place your passport in your backpack or store it in a safe at your place of accommodation, for example.

▲Never underestimate the sock! It's all that rests between bare skin and some potentially coarse fabric. Simple rule: cold weather means woolen socks, warm weather means cotton socks. Tip: wear ankle socks with your running shoes.

▲Two-prong, three-prong...? Check adapter and converter requirements to match up your plugs with foreign outlets.

▲A reusable metal lighter is a useful backup in case your matches fall victim to the damp.

▲Why pack postcards? In remote areas, a postcard depicting your home city is a wonderful way of introducing yourself to strangers and initiating conversation. And your guests will appreciate the souvenir.

▲Always a useful item to have at hand. Just don't flash it around—some people may get the wrong idea.

▲OK, fanny packs may look pretty tacky, but they're making a comeback! They also have their uses, for example as a way of distributing your cash, or storing extra documentation.

▲There's nothing wrong with keeping your nails in check. Toenails especially can cause endless grief if left to curl around your feet.

▲If traveling with friends then perhaps this is when size matters. In other words, one member of the group carries a jumbo tube of toothpaste and shares it among the rest.

▲An odd thing to pack you may think, but how versatile is a ball of string? Besides working as a laundry line for example, string is the perfect substitute for a snapped shoe lace. You try finishing out your hike in a loose boot.

▲This one depends on your travel itinerary. Sure, if you plan on staying in a city, pack some evening shoes. Not much use in the outback, though.

▲Similarly, backpacking or hosteling doesn't necessarily mean you have to look like a Woodstock reject. If you're going to hit the town, pack some evening wear. Just be economical with the fashion trends.

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Not much bigger than a matchbox, a GoPro is the ultimate audio-visual travel mate. It's waterproof, so all your underwater adventures can be recorded for posterity.

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A well broken in pair of running shoes is a must-pack travel item. Ideal for wearing on walking tours, they also give tired feet a break after the sweaty confines of a hiking boot.

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Being able to light a match can sometimes mean the difference between staying cold and wet or drying out in front of a warm fire.

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Blistered lips are no joke. You literally crack a smile, and who wants to kiss a strip of sandpaper? Seriously, buy sun protection lip balm and apply regularly.

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There's an art to packing a backpack. The idea is to save space while making sure that everything you need is at hand. But knowing how to pack isn't always easy, and the destination itself often dictates what to include and what to dismiss. However there are some items that should always be ticked off your travel checklist, no matter where you're going.

Browse the gallery and find out how to pack like a pro.