Should You Bring a Wallet Backpacking?
When I first started backpacking, I struggled with what gear I needed and what I should leave home. But one thing I never knew definitively is should you bring your wallet backpacking. I mean, it’s not like I will be buying stuff with my credit card when on the trail. I don’t need to show my ID to get into a bar while hiking. Why should I bring a wallet backpacking?
Well, I learned the hard way that you should definitely bring a wallet with you backpacking or at the very least some cash, credit, and ID wrapped with a rubber band. I wouldn’t bring my bulky wallet with me though. I would buy something more lightweight and packable like this one.
When I Realized I Need To Be Carrying My Wallet When Backpacking:
So to be clear, I would never bring a wallet backpacking with me because I didn’t see the point in having it out on the trail. I will not be paying off a bear not to eat my food. I’m not going to be buying a new hat in the backcountry. The most helpful thing I can think of for money is to use it as a fire starter…. Yea, I’m not doing that.
It wasn’t until I was on the last leg of my Enchantments Loop hiking through 6 Mile Ridge, a primitive route in Olympic National Park, that I realized I should’ve brought my wallet. That trail was one of the most poorly marked, treacherous trails I have ever encountered while backpacking. I was constantly using my trekking poles to peel back the brush to get a better visual of the trail found myself off track several times, and it felt like I was constantly bushwhacking. There was one point during this hike that I considered backtracking and bailing on the hike altogether due to the poor trail conditions. I figured I would get a ride share or a taxi back to my car, but then I realized I didn’t have my wallet!
I suppose I could have just hitchhiked, but with the covid pandemic, I didn’t think I would have much luck with it. So I had no other choice but the hike out. Fortunately, I got out of the backcountry safely, but I now bring my wallet on every backpacking trip I go on.
This experience got me thinking what the other reasons someone should bring their wallet on a backpacking trip are.
You Should Always Have Identification On Your Person:
Even though you are hiking in the middle of nowhere, you should always have some form of identification on you. This could come in handy if you encountered a park ranger who wanted to verify that you are the holder of your permit. Or if you get lost and die in the park, having some ID would be helpful… I’m joking…. sort of.
One Less Thing That Can Be Stolen From Your Car:
As a general life rule, you shouldn’t be leaving valuable things in your car unattended for long periods. By carrying your wallet with you on the trail, you can guarantee if someone were to break into your car, at least they ain’t getting your wallet
What Kind Of Wallet To Bring Backpacking?
So what not to get is a George Costanza wallet. Leave the bulk stuff at home and get a minimalist and lightweight wallet.
After some research, I found that a minimalist wallet like this one is probably your best bet when looking for a backpacking wallet. It is lightweight, carries what you need, and is easily packed down. If you don’t want to spend the money though, you could wrap a credit card, ID, and some cash in a rubber band. It’s janky, but it works!
Final Thoughts:
Knowing what to bring with you and what to leave home when going out for a backpacking trip is difficult, but it’s something you figure out after many trips into the backcountry. But I would say that a wallet is one of those items that you should be bringing with you on all of your backpacking trips.
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