Moving forward on our list of the Ten Essentials to make sure you take with you on a backpacking trip (or even a day hike), next up is the Repair Kit and Tools. This one is a bit more tricky. Most of the other ones you purchase a basic tool or kit (like for First Aid), but here you will need to assess your gear, and assemble/build your own repair kit(s).

While you may not take everything in your repair kit on every trip, you should build a basic kit based on all of your gear. So start off by taking an inventory of all of your gear that could break, rip, tear, or otherwise need to be repaired in the field. Examples include your air mattress (nothing will ruin a trip faster than a bad nights sleep!), backpack, stove, hydration bladder, tent poles, tent, headlamp/flashlight, etc.

Air Mattress: most inflatable sleeping pads come with a basic repair kit. If yours did not, or you have used it already, you can purchase a basic kit this purpose for under $10.

Stove: Again, most stove manufacturers make specific repair kits for their own stoves. These usually have replacement gaskets and the like. If you are going to be out for anything longer than a day trip, you should pack one of these with you.

Tent: Tent poles can break and the fabric can rip, so make sure you have a way to repair them. There are repair kits available at most outdoor stores for under $15.

Hydration bladder: These usually sit inside your pack, so as long as you pack carefully, you should be fine. You might want to take along and extra bite valve though in case something happens to that.

Headlamp: These are small enough, you might just want to pack a spare. Most headlamps have LED lights now, so they don't have a filament to break and the bulbs should outlast your trips no problem. But if they get a short, or get lost, it would be a good idea to have a spare.

Multifunction tool: These knives/tools are great. Pick your favorite name brand and find one with the right tools you will need. They come with various combinations of blades, drivers, pliers, and the such. Every McGyver wannabe should have one.

Once you have everything you will need for all of your gear, keep it one place. That way, when you go to pack, you can throw in those kits you will need, and leave the rest at home.