• One of the most useful things I've used whilst backpacking is a swimming towel. These are made by Speedo and cost about £10 from good sports shops. It's sort of like an artificial chami leather and rolls up very small. It saves lots of space, is best if stored damp (ideal) and means you can wipe down with minimal water.
Gill Davies

• It may be a bit of a cliche but, when I went backpacking, someone bought me a Swiss Army Knife and it did come in extremely useful. Alternatively, I'd recommend a small travel alarm clock or a torch. I have a mini keyring torch that fits onto my Swiss Army Knife and which is small enough to keep in a handbag or pocket. It's very useful when staying in dorms or in areas where there is poor electric light.
Katy Wynn

• When my brother went backpacking, I gave him a first aid kit with all the usual stuff. Plus, I also put in some clean syringes and a sterilizing spray which can be used on hands.
Alice Dillon