Packing:
What's the most important thing to keep in mind when one is packing for a backpacking trip? Take as little as possible. You're going to be carrying everything with for long periods of time, so even a few pounds can make a big difference.
I've heard over and over, "Pack everything you think you'll need, and then get rid of half of it." Depending your packing style, this may be overkill. The underlying philosophy, however, is sound. You really don't need all the things that you think you will.
To get you started, here are some general tips and packing lists to help you plan out what to pack.
General Packing Tips:
Take only what you really need. Do you need two light jackets-- nope, chuck one. Things that might come in handy, you don't need.
Clothes that are thin, are a lot easier to back. Layering clothes for cooler weather will save a lot more space than trying to stuff that extra thick jacket in your pack.
Packing List -- Clothes
For warmer weather:
- 1 Pair of Jeans
- 1 Pair of Shorts or a Skirt
- Either an additional, pair of jeans, shorts/skirt or a nicer pair of pants, depending on climate and your style.
- ~5 T-shirts
- 1 pair Pajamas, or other sleeping clothes
- 1 Sweat Shirt or light Jacket
- 1 Light weight Rain Coat/Wind Breaker -- Something to keep the rain/wind off you
- 1 Swim Suit -- If the weather's warm enough
- ~5 pairs of underwear
- ~3 pairs of socks
- 1 pair of sturdy shoes
- 1 pair of light sandals
If you're traveling to a cooler local, or during the off season:
- 1 pair of jeans
- Another pair of pants, either jeans or trousers
- 1 pair of Pajamas, or other sleep clothing
- ~2 long sleeve t-shirts
- ~2 short sleeve t-shirts
- 1 sweatshirt or light jacket
- 1 light weight water resistant/windproof jacket you can wear over your light jacket
- 1 pair of gloves and a hat
- ~5 pairs underwear
- ~5 pairs socks
- 1 pair of sturdy shoes/boots
Some accessories to consider:
- Sleep sheet
- A sleep sheet is like a thin cloth sleeping bag. They come in handy if your hostel doesn't provide linens. You can either buy one, or make one by folding a queen sized sheet in half, then sewing up the bottom and half way up the open side so it resembles a sleeping bag.
- Packing Cubes/Toiletries Organizer
- Helps you pack a little bit more efficiently, but if you're cheap you can get by with Ziploc bags.
- First Aid Kit
- Just basic supplies, band-aids, antiseptic wipes, a pain killer etc. You can carry them in a small zip-loc bag.
- Money Belt
- Keep your passport, rail pass and most of your money etc. in it. Leave a days worth of cash in your wallet so you aren't going in and out of the belt all day.
- Decent Flashlight
- Swiss Army Knife
- Remember to put it in checked luggage
- Bungee cord & Drain Stopper
- Use the drain stopper to wash your clothes in a sink, and the bungee cord as a clothes line. Great for doing laundry in your hostel.
- A quick-drying towel
- A quick-dry towel is crucial for avoiding damp, smelly backpacks.
Electronics:
I'm often asked should or shouldn't you bring electronics with you on a trip? I personally feel that it depends on the item. I always bring my digital camera, but I'd a little bit for hesitant about bring my laptop. Think about each item carefully. Do you really need it? If you can't see yourself using it very often, I wouldn't bring it.
If the item you want to bring is expensive, like your flashy $2000 digital camera, look into getting that item insured, or adding it to a blanket travel insurance policy. It's easy for that prized item to be lost, broken, or stolen.
On that note, also be wary of where you place them. Don't leave them in your pack or under your bed overnight, put them in a locker. If your hostel doesn't have a lockers, find some way to sleep on it (without breaking it, of course).
Some things to keep in mind:
- Do you really need it?
- Can it be insured under your travel insurance?
- Is it small and light?
- How distraught would you be if it got lost/stolen
Backpacks:
Perhaps the most important part of a backpacker's gear is the backpack. It has to hold everything you're going to take with you, from your socks to your tooth brush.
You're going to be lugging this thing all over the continent, so you want it to be comfortable enough that you aren't paralyzed by back pain after carrying it all day.
Attributes to look for in your backpack:
The biggest is whether it is comfortable or not with 30 pounds of gear in it. 30lbs in one backpack can feel like 50 in another, so make sure you try them on before you buy.
Get one that fits your body -- Not only will you look ridiculous if you have an overly huge pack, but it'll also be a pain to lug that thing all over. I'd say about the largest you would want to buy is 4800 cubic inches.
Does it have an internal frame? So you don't have giant metal rods sticking out of you pack to get caught on everything.
Some other things to look for include:
- Good zipper placement -- Can you access something at the bottom without taking everything out?
- Padded straps/back -- makes carrying the thing a lot for comfortable
- Does it have a detachable day pack? So you can leave your huge pack in a locker, and take just the few things you need for the day
Buying a pack:
Before you buy a pack, make sure you thoroughly research it. Check online to see what other people have said about it. Check places popular places like Amazon or Consumer Search for reviews on different backpacks.
Once you've done some research, find a brick and mortar store where you can try it on. Be sure to test the pack with 20-30lbs of weight in it. That way you'll have a good idea of what you're going to have to walk around with.
After you have decided on the pack you want, shop around! Most of these backpacks are pretty expensive, so be sure to check a variety of online and offline stores to see who has it the cheapest. Also consider looking at places like Ebay or Craigslist, you might be able to pick up a used backpack for a substantial discount.
Some Places to Get Backpacks:
eBags.com has a number of good backpacks, look at Gregory, Mountainsmith and High Sierra brands.
Don't underestimate eBay, you can get some backpacks really cheap on there. I needed a second smaller pack, and was able to get one off eBay for around $30.
Luggage Online has some good deals on the Eagle Creek backpacks that I recomend. It is always worth having a look to see if you can find your pack on sale.
Suggested Backpacks
Full front panel for easy loading and unloading. Exterior side pockets. Padded back straps to ease the strain on your shoulders. Detachable Rain Safe provides cover from inclement weather and provides security in crowded areas. Also has a detachable daypack.
Similar to the 90L version except that is slightly smaller and designed to better fit a female torso.