A Birder's Backpack
What do you need to go birding? Check out our list below for what birders put in their backpacks!
Binoculars & Cameras
While not required, binoculars and cameras are usually the first items to be packed into a birder's backpack. Binoculars and cameras allow birders to get an up-close view of birds exhibiting their natural behaviors from a respectful distance.
Weather-Appropriate Layers & Footwear
When outdoors, it is important to wear weather-appropriate clothing and to pack layers to accommodate for temperature fluctuations. If it is rainy, make sure you bring waterproof outer layers. If it is hot and sunny, bring a hat to shield your eyes and stay cool. Staying a comfortable temperature is important when playing outside. It is also important to wear good shoes or boots while walking outdoors. Blisters and foot pain can make for a miserable outing!
Field Guides or ID Apps
Whether encountering a bird you have never seen before, or trying to identify similar-looking birds, field guides and ID apps are very helpful for identifying birds. Check out our list of online resources to see helpful ID tools. If buying a field guide, choose one for your region (ie. North America).
First Aid, Fluids, & Safety Supplies
First aid and medical equipment can be as simple as packing bandages, ointments, Tylenol, sunscreen, and/or bug spray into your bag. Make sure that you have supplies for small wounds, aches and pains, and weather/wilderness induced injuries. Keeping water or other types of hydrating beverages is important, too. It is also good practice to keep a flashlight, glow sticks, whistle, or other visual/auditory safety supplies in case of emergency.
Journal or Sightings App
For many people, keeping track of the birds they see makes birding more fun! By tracking your sightings, you can turn birding into a game. Pack a journal or download a sightings app to keep score!
Maps or Navigation Tools
Always make sure you know where you are going! It can be easy to get lost, especially when you are birding or doing another outdoor activity that can be distracting. Stay on trails and know your surroundings. Apps like eBird can track your path in real-time, so you can use it to navigate back to a starting point. Keeping your phone charged and an old-school compass/map in your backpack is a good idea, too. Always tell another person where you are going, just in case!