Every backpacker should have a slightly miserable trek just once in their life. Nothing extreme – just one with a bit of good-old fashioned discomfort. Maybe a rock under a sleeping bag, or a slightly damp boot during a section of a hike – it’s during those moments of less than easy explorations that the true value of the little amenities becomes evident, and much more appreciated. The small bits taken for granted on daily basis are sincerely cherished on the trail. That being said, there is no reason that trekking should equate to trudging. Just as a few discomforts can change perspective; it rings equally true of comforts on the trail.

A few extra lightweight luxuries can make an incredible and positive difference in your backpacking experience! While not essential, these optional extras are easy ways to pack a bit of added comfort into the backcountry.

Camp Shoes

Hiking boots and trail runners are great for their purpose, but sometimes not the best bet for comfort at the end of the day. Any hiker who has experienced the blissful feeling of removing a well-used boot knows the almost unintentional groan of satisfaction that accompanies the action. While it’s perfectly reasonable and effective to rely solely on the shoes you hike in, bringing a light weight set of slippers or sandals to wear around camp provides freedom for your feet. Crocs are a light, durable option, but any kind of easy to slip in to model works – even foam sandals from the drug store work great. Zpacks offers an ultralight camp shoe option, and the foam Croc option has been a traditional standard. Strapped on to the outside of a pack, they are a light and easy addition. They’re particularly appreciated if your hiking footwear gets wet during a hike.

A High Temperature Water Bottle

Everyone has their favorite bottle, and the market abounds with options. While the main purpose may be to hold water for drinking, a durable, well-shaped bottle can be an added element to comfort as well. One of the best things about a bottle tolerant of high temperatures is its ability to hold boiling water. On colder nights, and with enough fuel to spare, fill one with boiled water, crawl into your sleeping bag, and snuggle up with your bottle buddy – no more fro-toes (frozen toes). Insulated by your bag, a dependable bottle will stay hot for hours.

An added bonus – in the morning, you have pre-boiled and warmer ready to drink water! The Nalgene water bottle has long been a forerunner in the bottle race and even with admirable competition, and its size and functionality are proven components to its success. If the wide mouth seems bothersome, ones with smaller mouths are available, as well as attachable guards which funnel the water to a smaller opening.

A Salty-Sweet Treat

Of course there’s the classic GORP, but if you’ve ever coveted a 5-dollar candy bar, take this as your excuse to splurge on your lust. Go for that one that contains maple encrusted bacon, or caramelized pecans, or elven magic – whatever ingredients really make you salivate. On a recent trek, a hiker brought a salted toffee dark chocolate bar and for nearly two hours – and then sporadically throughout the rest of the trip – we found ways to discuss its epicness. Whether it comes in the form of chocolate or some other kind of special treat, the salty-sweet combination is oh so appreciated, and oh so much more delicious after a 6 hour hike.

A Backcountry Café

Coffee in the morning hours just makes everyone friendlier. Melitta or similar cone-shaped coffee makers are lightweight and simple to use. Pack one up with a pre-measured ration of ground coffee, and as many filters as needed. If space is an issue, there are traveling editions made of soft, flexible plastic for more compact traveling.

If coffee’s not your thing, hot chocolate or tea bags are light and welcome warmers. Bring along some dried creamer and a bit of sugar, and you could practically label your camp an experimental micro-café.

A Pen and Paper / A Notebook

There are always practical uses to bringing paper on the trail, but in this particular pull for its inclusion, the entertainment value is the tout: Games, writing, and drawing to name a just few possibilities. Do you sketch for fun? No? Well, with a few hours lounging at camp, now’s the time. It’s fun!

Same with poetry, writing or a poorly played hangman. You never know, though, maybe those jotted sentences or thoughts will be the first lines to your great literary masterpiece.

Spices

Ah spices. If hard pressed, spices might rank as the most appreciated extra when backpacking or camping. While the main priority of food is to provide the necessary energy and balance of nutrients, having it taste good is a highly valued bonus! Spices are the easiest way to pump up the flavor profiles – salt alone makes a huge difference.

The possibilities here are endless: cinnamon, pepper, pesto powder, ground ginger, and so many more. Being so light, having variety doesn’t mean weighing you down. Just be sure to label that sugar clearly from that salt. Even in the surrounded by beautiful wilderness, that accidental switcheroo is no fun. Find more on packing backpacking spices here.

A Riddle

This one could be a freebie! Playing cards and similar packable outdoor games are great for the campsite, but while hiking, riddles can be fun forms of entertainment when the trek feels a bit more like a trudge. Though every hiker wishes they could say they hike in constant awe of nature, but there are always those more monotonous stretches, after other conversation has been exhausted, when you simply want to take your mind off your tired feet. Having a go-to riddle is an easy way to provide some distraction, and packing up a few for longer treks can continue to fuel the fun factor. And obviously, the only added weight is your brain mass. Don’t leave it behind.

A Change of Clothes in the Car

Returning to the parked car after a decently long backpacking trip, to realize you have a nice clean wardrobe change in the car will never become old. Nothing fancy, but a pair of sweatpants and a fresh smelling shirt are always well-received – particularly if the ride home from the trailhead is longer than 30 minutes. It’s a secret to be shared: the value of cleanliness to a weary traveler.

Packing light can be paramount for longer treks, but even with all these additions, you won’t weigh down your pack. The delight experienced from these small comforts will feel far, far greater than the ½ pound or so you might cumulatively add. So go, frolic, explore and adventure – but no harm in bringing a bit of cozy to that backcountry.

Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in Issue 8 of TrailGroove Magazine. You can read the original article here for additional photos and content.