For the purposes of this post, the backpack in question is the small daypack you’ll carry\u00a0with you at all times (in the car, on the bus, bushwalking etc). So it’s the daily essentials, handy things and useful stuff that you’ll want to keep nearby.<\/p>\n
1. Sarong<\/h3>\n
It’s ridiculous how useful a sarong or big scarf can be when you’re out in the elements (yes, even for guys). Wrap it around your head to tame long hair on a windy day or keep ears warm when the cold night air sets in. If you’re travelling long distances it can be bunched up\u00a0and used like a pillow. If the sun starts beating down and you’re feeling the heat, whip off your shorts and tie it around your waist or use it as a quick-drying towel after a dip. It will also help protect your shoulders and neck from the sun without adding a heavy layer.<\/p>\n
2. Headlamp<\/h3>\n![\"Image](\"https:\/\/www.adventuretours.com.au\/australia-outback-yarns\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/5106156435_c0a380dd63_b-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/a>Image c\/o R M Barrett, Flickr<\/p><\/div>\n
There’s nothing worse than fiddling around in the dark with one hand while you try to keep a torch steady with the other.\u00a0A headlamp is handy for those early starts,\u00a0when you wake up before the sun does and need to get dressed in the dark. If you’re not a morning person you’ll at least have your hands free to make that first, much-needed cup of coffee. Keeping it on your head around the campfire at night means\u00a0if there’s interesting wildlife about you can switch it on and get a good look instead of fumbling around for your torch.<\/p>\n
3. Spare sunnies<\/h3>\n
The Outback is no place to show off last season’s Prada aviators. Trust us on this one. You should invest in\u00a0a good quality pair of sunglasses that block out UV rays and have polarised lenses to help cut through the glare. You want to be able to look across the clear, blue water without having to squint. You’ll need a cleaning cloth too,\u00a0as they’ll get covered in dust. The worst thing that could happen is losing your sunnies, and it happens a LOT. So invest in a spare pair and keep them handy.<\/p>\n
4. Insect repellant<\/h3>\n
You know that old nursery rhyme: “Shoo fly, don’t bother me. We don’t want your company”? Well, you’d be wasting your breath singing it in the Outback because you are outnumbered by flies approximately one trillion to one. They don’t take a hint. But they do hate the smell of insect repellant so you’ll want to stock up. If it’s going to take up too much room in your bag, why not find a “bug buddy” and take it in turns carrying a bottle each day.<\/p>\n
5. Journal and pen<\/h3>\n
Sure, photos are a great way to capture memories. But sometimes you’ll want to give those moments a little more context. A journal is a great way to gather\u00a0your thoughts at the end of a long day. You don’t need to be a writer or a poet to express yourself through words, and trust us when we say that the Outback could make a poet out of anyone! Some people like to keep a list of all the different wildlife they’ve seen, others might want to jot down\u00a0last night’s damper recipe or maybe you simply want to play a game of Tic, Tac, Toe on the bus.<\/p>\n
6. Deck of cards<\/h3>\n
<\/a>Image c\/o R M Barrett, Flickr<\/p><\/div>\n
There’s nothing worse than fiddling around in the dark with one hand while you try to keep a torch steady with the other.\u00a0A headlamp is handy for those early starts,\u00a0when you wake up before the sun does and need to get dressed in the dark. If you’re not a morning person you’ll at least have your hands free to make that first, much-needed cup of coffee. Keeping it on your head around the campfire at night means\u00a0if there’s interesting wildlife about you can switch it on and get a good look instead of fumbling around for your torch.<\/p>\n
3. Spare sunnies<\/h3>\n
The Outback is no place to show off last season’s Prada aviators. Trust us on this one. You should invest in\u00a0a good quality pair of sunglasses that block out UV rays and have polarised lenses to help cut through the glare. You want to be able to look across the clear, blue water without having to squint. You’ll need a cleaning cloth too,\u00a0as they’ll get covered in dust. The worst thing that could happen is losing your sunnies, and it happens a LOT. So invest in a spare pair and keep them handy.<\/p>\n
4. Insect repellant<\/h3>\n
You know that old nursery rhyme: “Shoo fly, don’t bother me. We don’t want your company”? Well, you’d be wasting your breath singing it in the Outback because you are outnumbered by flies approximately one trillion to one. They don’t take a hint. But they do hate the smell of insect repellant so you’ll want to stock up. If it’s going to take up too much room in your bag, why not find a “bug buddy” and take it in turns carrying a bottle each day.<\/p>\n
5. Journal and pen<\/h3>\n
Sure, photos are a great way to capture memories. But sometimes you’ll want to give those moments a little more context. A journal is a great way to gather\u00a0your thoughts at the end of a long day. You don’t need to be a writer or a poet to express yourself through words, and trust us when we say that the Outback could make a poet out of anyone! Some people like to keep a list of all the different wildlife they’ve seen, others might want to jot down\u00a0last night’s damper recipe or maybe you simply want to play a game of Tic, Tac, Toe on the bus.<\/p>\n
![\"Image](\"https:\/\/www.adventuretours.com.au\/australia-outback-yarns\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/14190297204_22c3f0ca1f_b.jpg\")
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