10 items you should consider packing on your next adventure

I would have to say my least favourite part of travelling is packing. I find it painful. I always pack at the last minute, generally an hour before I have to leave for the airport. My method seems to work so far, as I have never forgot anything important, and it seems to help keep my luggage a reasonable size. It's always easier to travel light, so next time you find yourself packing consider taking items that have multiple uses. Here is a list of 10 multi-use items you should consider packing next time you are taking off.

1) Shampoo - There is no reason to carry four or five bottles of cleansing liquids such as body wash or shampoo. When you get down to it, it’s all soap. So consolidate by choosing a mild shampoo for all your cleaning needs.

2) Dental Floss - This waxy string is not only great for getting food out of your teeth, it also has other practical uses, such as a clothesline, thread and a knife to cut through cheese, bread, etc.

3) 5-in-1 Survival Tool - Weighing in at just 50 grams, this superlight tool is great in emergencies. It contains the following: Waterproof matchbox, Safety whistle, Compass, Signal Mirror and Fire starter flint.

4) Sarong - Sarongs are meant to be worn, but can also be used as a towel, a privacy curtain, picnic blanket, a sheet, or protection from the intense sun.

5) Swiss Army Knife - This small gadget is a must for travelers. Swiss Army makes pocket knifes that range from extremely simple to a 34-use mega tool. Attachments for travelers include: Corkscrew, Bottle opener, Thermometer, Toothpick, Scissors, Flashlight, etc.

6) Safety Pins - Safety pins are a lifesaver when it comes to holding fabric together. But they have a few other uses as well. For example, after stringing up your dental floss clothesline, hang your socks up to dry with a safety pin. You can also use a safety pin to connect your pack’s zippers for a little added security (if not using a lock).

7) Trailguide Compass Watch -This does more than check the time! Additional features include an alarm, altimeter, thermometer and timer.

8) Rain Poncho -Unless you’re heading to a rainy destination, you might pass up the poncho while packing. However, before you do, think of other ways it can be used. E.g: Picnic Blanket – Lay out the picnic spread over your poncho which will keep things dry and is a breeze to clean. Bag Liner – Empty your bag and line it with your poncho to keep wet clothes from seeping through.

9) Waterproof Pelican Dry Case - Pelican makes a line of cases to keep your valuables from getting wet. Higher end cases are tailor-made for cameras and electronics. Smaller micro cases are great choices for backpackers.

10) Credit Card Survival Tool - The ultimate multipurpose tool, it is the size of a credit card, made of stainless steel, cheap, and has 11 different uses listed (Can opener, Knife edge, Screwdriver, Ruler, 4 position wrench, Butterfly screw wrench, Saw blade, 2 position wrench, Key chain hole, Bottle opener, Direction auxiliary indication).

(List provided by the Matador Network blog)

Happy packing,
BikeHike