Backpackers Guide 101: Backpacks & Packing
Packing everything you need into one bag to set off on an adventure in an unfamiliar country is intimidating. You must let go of those “just-in-case” notions; shed the “what if” items and break it down to essentials.
CHOOSING YOUR BACKPACK
Until you have gone out to your local outdoor sporting outlet, DO NOT BUY A BACKPACK ONLINE. You’re going to be married to this thing for a while so along with price, your individual frame size, shape and personal preferences, all play a huge role in picking the perfect backpack. So go for a test drive! Once you’ve gone out test driving backpacks, compare prices online and see if you can get a better deal. Ask if your local retailer will match the cheaper price you found online so you don’t have to anxiously await your shipment.For travel backpacking (vs. mountainous camping backpacking), you want an internal frame backpack.
Click here to find the latest travel backpacks by the top brands here.
- Don’t go too big with your backpack. Go for about a 50-65 liter backpack.
- Make sure it’s well padded, has comfortable shoulder and hip straps (which take 40% of weight off your shoulders).
- It should have a zip-front opening that zips down for easy front side access. Trust us, when you need a pair of underwear from the bottom of your bag, you will not want to go on a 20 minute unpacking/repacking mission to get it.
- Make sure to get a daypack! Some backpacks come with one built-in. Otherwise, find one you can attach onto your main backpack. Carry your day to day necessities such as paperwork, medical supplies, etc. in your daypack so you can leave your main bag locked up at the hostel.
- You will ABUSE THE HELL OUT OF YOUR BAG: use it as a pillow, something cushy to sit on, a big teddy bear to snuggle, hell, use it as a clothes drying mechanism. You see all the straps on it? When your clothes need a dry (i.e. you go swimming, realize there is a washing machine but no dryer around, commit a party foul etc.) just loop them through the straps, put your backpack on and the sun will do the rest.
Packing
Okay, now that you’ve found your perfect backpack, let’s get your stuff in there:
GO LIGHTWEIGHT! The first and most important rule in backpacking: Your pack is going to be on you like a dog in heat, so the lighter the better. Pack with sacrifice in mind. If you’re not sure whether you need it, your probably don’t.
We suggest…Roll it up! To help save space and keep your clothes wrinkle free, rolling (rather than folding) your shirts and pants will keep those dorky crease lines out.
Check out this Step by Step guide to Space Saving Folding Techniques. Also, check out these packing cubes for space saving.
Unless camping is definitely in the plans, bringing along a sleeping bag can become a nuisance. It might be worth being flexible for a night here and there with just a blanket (unless it’s the cold season).
Essential Items For All Seasons
- a quick-dry travel towel with maximum absorption. This thing will keep you dry like nothing else.
- Water purification tablets (drinking funky water will definitely slow you down and spoil your trip) Here are some that will nuke bacteria in no time.
- A sleeping sack: make it for free by sewing up two sides of an old folded sheet. This way you can be clever and avoid bed bugs, bodily fluids and other junk you don’t want touching your skin while you sleep. Use warmer materials for winter, like fleece.
- Don’t underestimate the power of a good flashlight. Bring along an LED flashlight for overnight bus trips, night rummaging in hostels or scaring the shit out of your new friends with ghost stories.
- Get a combination padlock to secure your bag for added security at your hostel . Check out anti-theft travel gear here.
- When it comes to toiletries, bring a small bottle of deodorant, toothpaste and 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner. Bring along some sunscreen and insect repellent. Buy disposable razors as you go. Since there are limitations on liquid sizes at airports, make sure you look up the regulations of the places you’ll be visiting and pack accordingly. Check out the U.S. official rules for liquids allowed.
- Ear plugs are useful to block out sounds at night especially if there’s a couple boning close by you.
- Ladies, bring all feminine products you’ll need and seal them in a plastic bag. These can be bought along the way but your familiar brand may not be sold overseas.
- Even if you don’t plan on getting busy, pack your favorite brand of condoms.
- You’re bound to fall on your ass and pick up some scrapes and bruises along the way. You’re not an EMT, but bring these basics.
- Of course, you’ll want to document your trip. Bring along a camera, a notebook and a pen.
- In terms of entertainment, bring your mp3 player and a pack of cards. Bring an extra memory chip and battery pack for your camera along with a USB cable. Here are some cool gadgets to consider and some uncool gadgets to leave behind.
- A small travel alarm clock to get your ass out of bed. This becomes important when train and bus schedules dictate exact wake up times.
- Before you leave, make sure you have all necessary documentation. Give our Defend Yourself Against Theft Abroad article a read for the specifics.
CLOTHING
You should bring enough clothes to last you a week to a week in half before having to do laundry. Try to become one with idea of washing clothes by hand. By doing so, you will save tons of space and will be forced to wash your hands at least once a week. So pack:
- At least 5 pairs of socks
- 2 or 3 pairs of thin, loose and light pants (ladies bring 1 pair of pants and 1 long or wrap-around dress which you can wear a bunch of different ways. Like this)
- Bring a couple of t-shirts. Cotton is great for summer and takes up little space. Get creative and cut your shirts into tank tops as it gets hotter. Here are great techniques that teach you how to transform t-shirts and all the scraps you cut off into fashionable, travel-friendly clothing and accessories. It’s like having 3 times your wardrobe without breaking your back.
- Bring one long sleeve shirt. Cut it up when it gets hot.
- In terms of underwear, don’t bring your whole drawer, 3-5 pairs will tide you over as long as you wash them regularly.(http://www.amazon.com/ExOfficio-Give-N-Go-Boxer-Ocean-Medium/dp/B001M0MMTY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1257398467&sr=8-1)
- 1 pair of running shoes, dress shoes and your flippy floppies (or thongs, as the Australians like to call them).
Winter differences:
Your winter backpack may be a little heavier but the exercise you get carrying it will keep you warm. In addition to the above items, because it is colder and wetter during the winter, modify your backpack to cover the following:
- You must keep your hands, feet and head warm (about 50% of body heat escapes through your appendages). To do this, pack extra pairs of thick socks, long underwear (we like the ones with the button butts), mittens, gloves and scarves. Hooded things are great as they consolidate jackets and hats into one.
- Layering is key (carrying a bunch of thick fur coats is not possible and taking layers off is sexy if done right). Best winter materials: wool and polyester. Polyester is generally gross but if you remember, in the 70′s a lot of people were sweaty. Why? Polyester keeps you warm (well that and all those drugs).
- Instead of making room for boots, get yourself some rubber over-shoes. These things are easier to pack and they transform all of your shoes into weather resistant winter ass-kicking machines.
- Jeans are not warm; neither are khakis (you shouldn’t even own khakis anymore by the way.) Pack wool fabric-based pants.
Here are some fun interactive packing lists to check out: Independenttraveler.com/packing/ AND upl.codeq.info/
Leave everything else behind. You will be surprised how little you truly need. The less you bring, the more resourceful you will learn to be. Backpacking isn’t supposed to be luxurious. Just don’t forget your toothbrush.
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