Changes

#: ''Sharpies'' work best, particularly the ''Magnum'' size. ''Eddings'' are also good, just make sure you have one with a broad end. That's easier to write with. Possibly some other colors; a catchy sign is an effective sign. ''Marks-A-Lot'', in one hitcher's experience, have barely enough ink to last more than a few signs and aren't worth the space they take up.

** A small bottle of liquid peppermint soap--the kind which can be used as toothpaste or mouthwash as well. Try to stay reasonably clean. Dr. Bronner's Pure Castille Soap is recommended, though the containers it comes in are not very sturdy (wrap it in a bag at the least). Make sure it can't spill inside the rest of your bag!

** Toilet paper or tissues. Don't forget to bury it at least a foot down!** A stick of deodorant and/or spray bottle of cologne. Alternatively essential oils, as of lavender, pachouli, grapefruit, etc.* A [[sleeping bag]]. It can be useful to have a good, waterproof Compression Sack as well.

* A nice warm jacket or hooded sweatshirt. It's possible to do wonderful things with the right layers; good camping long johns and thermals are worth their small weight in cold weather, and are comfortable to wear to bed.* Something to drink, food, fruit, nuts. You don't want your [[food]] and drinks to be all over your stuff, so make sure that this is carefully packed. Canned food can be too heavy - often dried bulk food etc. is better. Try not to take things that have a strong smell. Remember to drink lots of water, and that most other drinks (like coffee, soda, orange juice, etc.) will actually dehydrate you.

* A small sewing kit is crucial for longer trips (especially if you have only one pair of pants - hitchhiking with a hole in your crotch is quite difficult) Recommended: at least one pair pants and one shorts. Conventional thread is really dreadfully weak, many travelers prefer to use dental floss because of its vastly superior durability. Some flosses are better than others, with the standard being Johnson & Johnson Reach brand. Good floss can also conveniently be burned/melted down onto a knot.

* A multi-tool. My preference is the ''Leatherman Wave''. A companion used the ''Leatherman Blast'' and would not recommend it - the pins that hold the tool-lock releases are made to cross too long a gap, and can snap. The ''Swiss Army Knife'' is of course a classic as well.* A tarp. There are a few varieties, my preference is actually a coated nylon rain poncho that doubles as a tarp. Good to separate you from the ground, or to rig up a shelter with, or to cover your pack when stashing it somewhere if it might rain. The new "siltarps" made with siliconized Cordura are extremely waterproof, ridiculously lightweight, and very surprisingly durable.* Rain gear. As mentioned above, a poncho works well and doubles as a tarp, but even just a contractor trash bag tucked away is a good idea. If considering a rain jacket, remember that you'll want to keep your pack dry as well as not end up with your pants/skirt soaked.

* A [[tent]], a [[tarp]] or a [[bivouac sack]] (or at least a couple of large, sturdy leaf bags, one opened at the bottom and duct-taped to the other to make a 6' long waterproof bag to sleep in - be sure not to suffocate yourself!). * A pad to sleep on (1" foam rubber x 2' wide by 5' long, for example), or a Thermarest or other self-inflating sleeping pad. Frankly, with either cardboard or dry leaves being very readily available at almost any place you might camp, carrying a pad with you is not really needed except in a few contexts.* A metal cup big enough to hold a can of [[Sterno]] (packing space is at a premium) and a can of Sterno. Alternatively, instead of Sterno, you can use a [[Squat Candle]] or [[DIY Alcohol Stove]].* Matches or lighter - preferably both, maybe even two lighters to be sure. BICs are the most reliable.

==Packing tips==* If you expect a lot of [[rain]] it's wise to pack stuff in a few zip lock bags. Especially recommended for electronic gear and some [[clothes]] that you want to keep dry.