What We Carry in Our Backpack for Hiking, Ghost Towns, and Abandoned Places
When exploring hiking trails, abandoned places, and ghost towns, what you carry in your backpack can make or break the experience. At Weekend Escapades, our backpack is more than just storage—it’s our mobile basecamp. Whether we’re hiking desert trails, walking through forgotten mining towns, or traveling off the beaten path, we pack with purpose, safety, and comfort in mind.
Here’s a detailed look at what we carry in our backpack and why each item matters for hiking, urban exploration, ghost towns, and travel adventures.
A Quality Backpack Comes First
Before getting into gear, the backpack itself matters. A great hiking backpack should be comfortable, durable, and well-organized. Ours has padded shoulder straps, breathable back support, multiple compartments, and exterior attachment points. When you’re walking uneven trails or navigating abandoned areas, a poorly fitting backpack becomes a distraction fast. A good pack distributes weight evenly, reduces fatigue, and keeps gear accessible when you need it most.
Water and Hydration Essentials
Water is the most important thing in our backpack—especially when hiking or exploring ghost towns in desert or remote areas. We always carry a large reusable water bottle or hydration bladder. Even short hikes can turn long when you’re exploring abandoned buildings or side trails, and dehydration is a serious risk. Extra water is never wasted.
Snacks and Energy Food
We pack easy, high-energy snacks that don’t melt or spoil. Trail mix, protein bars, jerky, nuts, and dried fruit are staples in our backpack. Exploring abandoned places and ghost towns often involves more walking and standing than expected, and having quick fuel keeps energy levels up without cutting the adventure short.
Navigation Tools and Maps
Even with modern technology, navigation is critical. We carry downloaded offline maps on our phones, and sometimes a physical map for backup. Cell service is unreliable in many hiking areas and ghost towns. Knowing where you are—and how to get back—is essential for safety when traveling remote trails or desert roads.
First Aid Kit and Safety Gear
Our backpack always includes a compact first-aid kit. Bandages, antiseptic wipes, blister care, and basic medications are must-haves. Abandoned places and ghost towns often have uneven ground, sharp metal, nails, and broken glass. Small injuries can happen quickly, and being prepared makes a big difference.
We also carry gloves, which are especially useful when exploring old structures or moving debris aside to look safely without touching sharp surfaces.
Flashlight or Headlamp
A flashlight or headlamp is one of the most important items in our backpack. Even during the day, abandoned buildings and ghost towns can have dark interiors. A reliable light helps with visibility and safety, and a headlamp keeps hands free when navigating tight or uneven spaces.
Multi-Tool or Knife
A multi-tool or small knife is incredibly useful for travel and hiking. From cutting packaging and food to making small gear adjustments, it’s one of the most versatile items we carry. It’s not about survival—it’s about being prepared for the unexpected.
Power Bank and Cables
Phones are essential for navigation, photos, and emergency communication. We always carry a portable power bank and charging cable. Long days of hiking and exploring abandoned places drain batteries quickly, and a dead phone can be more than an inconvenience.
Extra Layers and Sun Protection
Weather can change fast, especially in desert and mountain environments. Our backpack includes a lightweight jacket or hoodie, even on warm days. We also pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Sun exposure adds up quickly when hiking trails or wandering ghost towns with little shade.
Camera or Essentials for Capturing the Trip
Exploring abandoned places and ghost towns is all about the details. Whether it’s a dedicated camera or a phone with extra storage, capturing the experience is part of the adventure. We pack gear in a way that keeps it protected but accessible.
Why Packing Smart Matters
When hiking trails, exploring abandoned places, or traveling through ghost towns, preparation allows you to focus on the experience instead of problems. Our backpack is packed intentionally—nothing extra, nothing missing. Every item has a purpose.
A well-packed backpack means safer hikes, longer explorations, and fewer worries. Whether you’re walking a remote trail, exploring a forgotten town, or heading out on a weekend adventure, what’s in your backpack matters.
For Weekend Escapades, this setup lets us go farther, stay longer, and enjoy every moment of exploring places most people never see.