Who's been backpacking? Tips please!

[Deleted]

Pack super light, bring at least 2 pairs on really good shoes, put anything messy in a ziplock (lotion, toothpaste), keep valuables (CC, passport) on your body at all times

[Deleted]

It's been 12 yrs, but I backpacked for 3 wks in Europe. Despised the backpack when I was done, but it was so much fun. If you pack 'extra' of anything, keep it to socks and underwear. Depending on the climate when you go, avoid packing jeans--they take too long to air dry and pack big. Get khakis, cotton, yoga pants, easy dry hiking pants, etc. If you need a thicker layer like a sweater or coat, pack only 1. Generally, keep to 2-3 days of clothes--one to wear, a spare and a wash--and just plan on washing/rewearing as you go. For safety's sake, try to avoid packing anything that's a flashy brand name or appears expensive, avoid or remove logos when possible. Put everything you want to take in the bag, put the bag on and try walking around for an hour or two. You'll probably realize you can cut something out; it also helps to check if the pack fits and is weighted correctly. Keep in mind too to leave space for any momentos.

[Deleted]

Get something that will let you lock up your backpack. Ideally something like this, but at least some luggage locks and a bike lock. pacsafe.com/pacsafe-55l-bag-protector

Then pack as light as you can. Don't take anything you'll be heartbroken to lose / have stolen. And be careful - it's a pretty high crime region, so stick with friends, watch your back, and trust your instincts.

[Bob Loblaw]

Baby wipes are your friend! Your trip sounds amazing. I'm jealous!

ETA: You may already have encountered this, but "normal" OTC meds can be difficult to get in some countries, so I always carried a small stash.

[jordylee]

I've been backpacking through South America for the last 5 months, and plan to be on the road for about a year longer. Biggest tip: pack half as much as you think you should, and bring twice as much money

Really though, packing only the bare essentials and bringing clothes that dry quickly make life so much easier. Also, I've found that most travel safety gear (other than a simple padlock) is excessive. If you have any specific questions, I'd be happy to help. My blog (LIS) has lots of info, including my (and H's) packing list.


<A href="http://Orofino.me">Follow me as I travel around the world!</a>

[Deleted]

Ditto pp's suggestion for baby wipes. Body glide for chafing. A small clothes line. single-load laundry soap packets for doing laundry in the sink. I took only "technical" clothing to Europe; we did carry-on for 2.5 weeks. All my clothes dried quickly. Brands like Nike, Patagonia, KaVu, etc. I still love those clothes!

Eye mask for sleeping, ear plugs, blow up pillow for the plane.

[sillygoosegirl]

Check out the Rick Steve's packing guide. That's what I live by. (Well, when I'm traveling...)

Don't bring a sleeping bag unless you plan on camping. I guess this depends on where you are going, but in most of the world, hostels don't want the bed bug risk, and frankly neither do you. If you want something clean of your own, bring a sheet or sleeping bag liner.

As long as you don't bring too much, it's really an easy way to live. DH and I lived for 6 months in Europe and Asia out of bags small enough to check on the airplane. One bag each, no personal item. If you won't use it at least a couple times per week, don't bring it; yes, this goes for you underwear too.

[jordylee]

Ditto the no sleeping bag unless you are camping a lot rec... In the vast majority of places where you might need one, you can rent them inexpexpensively, and they take up a lot of room. Just being a silk liner (also useful for sketchy hostel sheets). As for laundry, I have found that a plain bar of glycerin soap works great for hand washing, no need for any special laundry detergent. We do a mix of hand washing and dropping off our stuff for laundry service.


<A href="http://Orofino.me">Follow me as I travel around the world!</a>