When I backpacked North India earlier this year, for over a month, I was carrying a lot of things I never used. No wonder I carried more weight than I should have. After returning and assessing the trip, I made a list of things that I should carry for every backpacking trip, no matter which part of the country I was in.

1. Umbrella - Whether you're visiting Himachal Pradesh during the winter season or Tamil Nadu during the summer season, carrying an umbrella is extremely important. It protects one from snowfall, rain, and sun. Many people avoid carrying this, big mistake!. TheMard Recommends AmazonBasics Automatic Travel Umbrella
2. Waterproof Watch - For a backpacker, a watch is a lot more than a trendy accessory. Since one is always on the move, removing it every time one takes a bath or ventures into the sea can be troublesome. So many people tend to lose their watches (and sunglasses) whilst travelling. Get a good watch that can survive the heat of Rajasthan, the cold of Gulmarg, and the rain of Meghalaya. TheMard Recommends Casio G-Shock
3. Swimming Costume - Swimming is an integral part of travel during the season, but make no mistake, it's something that should be carried even if you're visiting Himachal Pradesh during the winters. India is a country blessed with a lot of Hot Springs (and waterfalls and beaches), and you can bathe in a hot spring throughout the year. TheMard Recommends Speedo
4. Camera - Everyone knows the importance of carrying a camera. MANY people carry one whilst travelling with the motive of sharing ALL the pictures and videos on various social medias. Whatever the motive, carry one to capture the galaxy from a hill in Kashmir, or shoot a video of yourself swimming under water. I'd suggest an action camera for their convenience and ease to carry. Check out this article on a list of best budget cameras.
5. Pen drive - Pen drive? The author must be silly. I understand it doesn't sound sensible, but I've learnt the importance of carrying a pen drive whilst backpacking, the hard way. As we know that there are so many breathtaking views this country provides to travellers, your camera’s memory card will run out of space. The reason why I'd suggest a pen drive is because it's convenient to exchange pictures and videos with others. No one is going to mail them to you even if they had promised. TheMard Recommends Sandisk
6. Power Bank - This generation uses mobile phones pretty heavily. Checking news > Mobile phone. Taking a picture (read selfie) > Mobile phone. Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter > Mobile Phone. Unfortunately, one cannot charge one's phone wherever they want to. In comes a power bank. Easy to use, can charge not just your phone, but also your kindle or camera. TheMard Recommends Asus
7. Headphones - What easier way to disconnect from the world than earphones/headphones. Never be one of those who listen to loud music in public. TheMard Recommends Philips
8. Sanitizer - I cannot express in words how important it is to carry a hand sanitizer when you're backpacking. It's obvious that one will indulge in street food, and many vendors don't provide good water to wash hands.
9. Sunglasses - India is a country where the UV rays is always on the higher side. It's important to carry sunglasses which can provide protection as exposure to the UV rays can turn one blind.
10. Water Resistant Sunscreen Lotion - It's not just the eyes that needs protection from the UV rays. Our skin, too, needs protection. If not covered with clothes, good quality, water resistant sunscreen lotion should be carried. Even when venturing into the sea or while skiing, it's necessary to wear a sunscreen lotion. TheMard Recommends Biotique