You have agonized over what to bring on your backpacking journey… but don’t leave to vagabond without these 3 essential items.
I am a chronic over-packer. I pack needless, often bizarre shit. Like the dress shoes, the magnifying glass, the snorkel gear and box of incense. But regardless of what I bring I never leave without these three things;
A KNIFE
Not some cheap Swiss army look alike. A full-on crocodile Dundee blade.
Big, serrated, sturdy and sharp. A good knife is so versatile, so essential, that if I had to BRING ONLY ONE THING, it would be my knife. I use a Smith & Wesson Xtreme Ops, 5 inch titanium alloy.
It can skin a pig, whittle a spoon, open a coconut and defend the camp.
DUCT TAPE
Maybe I am hillbilly, or maybe duct tape is one of the most useful items to have on hand anywhere. Repair your tent or sleeping bag…shit, repair anything!
Massive leg wound? Dress it with a clean t-shirt and duct tape. Slashed rain fly? Duct tape to the rescue. Impromptu bikini, wallet, iPod case…you got it. But don’t bring a whole roll. Wrap a reasonable amount around a spare ball point pen to save space.
GOOD SOAP
Especially in muggy, tropical climates, good soap is key. I recommend Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps. I have found the peppermint soap to be especially effective on stinky feet and for doing laundry. Dr. Bronner’s soaps are extremely concentrated, few drops will go a long way, so a little bottle can last your whole trip. Use it on your hair, body, clothes, dishes…anything that is dirty or smelly.
Since Dr. Bronner’s are 100% organic, fair trade, animal friendly and biodegradable they keep your conscious clean too.
Joshywashington 
Yup. Duct tape came in awfully handy with a rusted off tailpipe on a recent roadtrip. The problem–I didn’t pack it! Had to buy a roll at a truck stop, and they gouged me. So yeah, toss some in the bag.