Essential Items for a Hitch-Hiker to Carry

If you are planning on hitch-hiking your way across the country here are the things that you should take with you.

Backpack ~
Probably the most important item any hitch-hiker needs. It is something to carry all of the other things you've brought with you or picked up along the way. You will need a good sturdy backpack with a roomy big pocket and comfortable padded shoulder straps. In addition, clips and smaller pockets around your backpack will be handy for smaller items that you do not want to get lost inside of the larger pockets.

A Towel ~
No hitch-hiker should be without his or her own towel. It is handy for all kind of things in addition to bathing. You can turn it into a hat to keep the sun off of your head, fold it into a pillow or tie the corners together to form a carry-sack. It is also handy for bathing, if you find yourself somewhere without maid service to bring you a fresh one.

Canteen ~
If you are going to be on the road hitch-hiking you will probably spend at least part of the time walking. Between lifts you will need to make sure you stay hydrated while out there in the sun. Carry your own canteen, and you will be able to refill it at rest stops with clean water along the way instead of having to depend on finding bottled water.

Map ~
Just because you're not the driver doesn't meant you shouldn't know where you are going. If you are going to start hitch-hiking, you will need a plan. A map will be handy for you to track your progress, and also convenient for you to refer to when asking people for lifts to be sure that they are headed in the same direction you are.

Cell Phone ~
While hitch-hiking across the country may seem like a harmless and nostalgic past time, the reality of today's world is that trouble happens on the road and you may need to call for help. With public pay phones being taken out of most locations, your only way to call for help may be to have your own cell phone. Carry one with you; and be sure to carry a spare battery if you are going to be away from a charging station for very long.

Snacks ~
When you're hitch-hiking you don't always get to choose where your stops are. Carry some small portable snacks with you in your back pack to give you energy, and keep your blood stable for however long you find yourself riding with each lift.

Camping Gear ~
Sometimes you just can't find a lift. It seems like no one is going your way. When you are hitch-hiking you may find yourself stranded for the night once the roads start to get empty. Carry along enough camping gear to stay warm and dry if you end up camped out along the side of the road somewhere.

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