Little thing, big difference

[M C]

So what are some of your favorite little things that have made a nice difference on your hike?
Something you used more than you thought you would.
Maybe something surprisingly multi-purpose.
Some things are great for practical reasons, others maybe just a nice mental boost.
Smart phones are a given - tons of uses.
Maybe you used dental floss for not only keepin' the chompers clean, but also some first aid and gear repair...
Maybe that little deck of playing cards got worn out and saved you from going insane with boredom...
Buff?
iPod?
Duct tape?

[ShaneP]

I carry a small American flag that I hang in my camp.

[Sarcasm the elf]

I almost always bring a good dog.

[MuddyWaters]

I bring drink mix to put in my water, mixture of flavors.
I drink a lot more that way, and it keeps it interesting.

[M C]

I carry a small American flag that I hang in my camp.

Awesome - love it. Hope to see some more of that great pride out on the trail.

[M C]

I almost always bring a good dog.

So much better than a bad, smelly cat any day of the week.

[M C]

I bring drink mix to put in my water, mixture of flavors.
I drink a lot more that way, and it keeps it interesting.

I definitely plan on doing this. Was gonna try some of the Emergen-C mix for both the flavor and the vitamin c/electrolyte boost.
Thx for the reminder.

[4eyedbuzzard]

P-38 can opener; high quality fine point tweezers (tick, stinger, and splinter removal); small plastic mirror (vanity?); mini superglue (gear repair and wound closure); big safety pins (drying socks pinned to pack); small ShamWow - used more than I thought to dry both me (wet feet especially) and gear, wring dry socks and briefs, cut a strip to make head/sweat band)

[Dogwood]

Music. I don't let it dominate the sounds of nature though.

[Dogwood]

I definitely plan on doing this. Was gonna try some of the Emergen-C mix for both the flavor and the vitamin c/electrolyte boost.
Thx for the reminder.

Different kinds have different ingredients though. I opt for the Lemon Lime Emergen-C for its MSM, Alpha Lipoic Acid, and Vit C.

[yellowsirocco]

500 mL box wine. It really makes dinner feel civilized instead of just eating out of a pot in the middle of the woods.

[Ercoupe]

Old microwave potato cup for meals, drinks. Tang in the morning, hot chocolate morning and night, heavy but a moral booster for me. Paperback book.

[Rocket Jones]

Small flask of *good* scotch. Not something to have a snort of, something you'd sip slowly and savor in the evening while enjoying a sunset or campfire.

[tarditi]

Mocha in the morning.
Lemonheads are an awesome trail candy for me - big uphill stretch = adjust/check the straps + pop in a lemonhead or two + press onward!

[chiefduffy]

Good teabags for hot tea anytime, and some quality dark chocolate.

[Starchild]

iPhone was great for so many things, communication, flashlight, weather, ordering pizza, gps, both AT guidebooks, music, helping other, receiving encouragement, researching edible plants, journeling, paying bills, checking on resupply options, checking on package delivery, monitoring the condition of my house, finding my hiking partner and other thru hikers, camera and album, audiobooks, and I'm sure there were more.

Duct tape for repair of gear and myself.
Vasoline for any hot spots and chaffing (duct tape past a certain point however)
Buff to keep hair under control + for cooling (dipped in water)
Condiment packets
coffee and creamer
caffeinated drink mixes

[Seatbelt]

Hot apple cider mix

[Odd Man Out]

Small flask of *good* scotch. Not something to have a snort of, something you'd sip slowly and savor in the evening while enjoying a sunset or campfire.

Any suggestions for a good lightweight flask that won't harm the Scotch? I got a bottle of Talisker but I worry about what container to put it in.

[HikerMom58]

Everything in my backpack makes me happy when I'm hiking. It's my means of survival until I get to the next resupply. I appreciate my water filter most of all. It's the lil things!

[Don H]

I don't consider it a little thing but I'd suggest to anyone starting a thru to make sure you have your footwear dialed in before you leave.