Every year thousands of people take off for backpacking adventures, and many stress-out about what exactly they should take with them. Here is some advice to help you plan your trip.
Choosing Your Backpack
You may have seen backpackers carrying loads that are almost as big as they are, and others with backpacks that are smaller and less bulky. So which do you choose? The size of your backpack depends on the length of your trip and your destination. If you are going away for a short trip to a city where you can easily purchase essentials, you may not need to carry as much. Makes sense, doesn’t it? Remember that airlines frown on large backpacks being put into the overhead storage bins, so you may have to check your large backpacks in like luggage. Also keep in mind that the bigger the backpack the heavier it is after you’ve filled it with essentials and souvenirs from your trip.
Putting the “Back” in “Backpacking”
Your backpack is meant to be worn, where else, on your back. A backpack that is over-stuffed and unbalanced can ruin your trip. Imagine being away for weeks at a time with a sore back and a 50 pound load to carry with you each and every day.
With this in mind, here is a list of essential backpacking items that are easy to pack and, if necessary, easy to wash while you’re on the road:
Clothing Essentials
T-shirts – couple of “easily-washed-in-a-sink” t-shirts are always essential. Because backpacking is a bit of a daily workout, it’s a good idea to have a couple of natural cotton shirts that breath well.
Long-sleeved shirt – While t-shirts may be your style, having a long sleeved shirt is essential for cooler or extremely sunny weather, and let’s face it – there are times you want to look nice when you go out. And remember, if you don’t want to stand out in the crowd, long sleeved shirts are the accepted fashion choice in many parts of the world, as opposed to t-shirts.
Pants – You will want to take two pairs of pants with you. If you want to travel light, jeans aren’t the answer. Good fast drying cotton pants are the way to go.
Swimwear – Easy enough to pack, fast drying and worth packing taking with you.
Underwear & Socks – If you can do it, bring four or five pairs with you. That’s it. While it’s tempting to take more, remember you can wash these on the road and they’re small so they’ll dry fast. Ladies, take a couple of bras with you. Leave the white lacies at home. Go for comfortable, breathable cotton. And don’t skimp on socks. Buy the best anti-microbial, cotton socks available. There are even waterproof socks on the market. Bring a few pair with you and make sure you wash them out on a regular basis if possible to avoid fungus.
Cool weather cover-ups – If you know the weather is going to be cooler, a thin micro-fleece pullover or jacket is a great idea. They also roll up neatly in your backpack without taking up much room. Thermal underwear, a knit cap, thick socks, are all essential for cooler weather. Remember that even the supposedly warmer countries can have chilly early mornings and late evenings.
Daily Living Items
Here are some things you’ll definitely want to consider packing; again, considering how much you can take in your pack:
- Fast trying viscose travel towel.
- Bio-suds – a great laundry soap that comes in a tube (looks like toothpaste)
- Small First-Aid kit and book.
- Platypus water bottle. Great when filled with water, but when empty they’re flat for storage.
- Cap and/or scarf. Ladies, remember in some countries you will need a head covering before entering some mosques.
- Ace bandage (in case of a sprained ankle)
- A couple sets of personal identification (in case one gets lost or stolen)
- Sleep sack or sleeping bag liner
- Sunblock
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Antibiotic cream
- Pepto-bismol or other anti-diarrhea meds
- Painkillers or any meds you normally take for illness
- Needle, thread, safety pins, tweezers
- Moist towelettes
- Toilet paper
- Women’s sanitary protection
- Phone numbers of embassy’s and other emergency contacts
- Camera, spare battery, film
- Flashlight, spare batteries
The list can, of course, go on! The bottom line is to think things through before you go. Do your homework, speak to other backpackers about what they packed and what they left behind. After your first trip out you’ll realize that you forgot a few things and packed a few things you never did use.
Backpacking is the way to see the world – with your world on your back.
