XP: Who's been backpacking? Tips please!

[Deleted]

I can't probably help too much, but pack light. We did 6 weeks in South America with 8 kg in our packs each (plus a day pack). Some people suggest to halve what you think you need, I just estimate on 2-3 days worth of clothes and wash in between (I always pack extra underwear). I did meet a guy once who brought t-shirts from thrift stores and then left them at each location so he didn't have to wash and then his pack lightened as he went. Sounds like a great trip.

[sunshinedaydreams]

Please pack me in your pack! I can bunch up really small, I promise!

Like PP said - pack light. Even if the pack seems light at home, it's going to start feeling heavier and more burdensome as you go. Also, you're going to need space for any souvenirs or whatever you pick up along the way. (DO NOT trust them when they say they will mail your stuff to you safe and sound so you don't have to pack it. The package we mailed home last year showed up looking like it was drop-kicked from Zimbabwe to here with every single piece inside smashed to smithereens.)

Bring fabrics that will dry quickly so you can wash as you go, and only bring as many clothes as you think you'll wear before you can wash. For our 3.5 week Africa trip last year, I packed a bathing suit, a sundress, 2 pairs of hiking pants, 2 tank tops, 4 t-shirts, 2 long sleeve tees, 1 warm sweatshirt/fleece, 1 pair of sandals, hiking boots. Then we brought biodegradable soap to wash clothes in the sink as we went. In the hot climate, everything dried really quickly.

Also, if you can get straps to strap the sleeping bag outside of your pack, that will free up quite a bit of space in your pack for other stuff.

I would avoid having a day pack if you can, or at the very least, keep enough space in your larger pack to put your day pack inside on travel days. Every time we backpack, I bring a day pack that won't fit in my larger pack. Every time I curse myself for it, but for some reason I just keep doing it!

Hmmm... I can't think of anything else off the top of my head, but if you have specific questions, I'll do my best to answer them.

I'm really jealous of your trip!!

[GilliC]

My only advice is don't drive after dark in Mozambique.

[scout8]

I travel with a backpack on our longer trips, although we are more upscale backpackers/flash-packers. I don't know that I do that much different. I usually bring enough clothes to last a week and plan to do laundry once a week or so.

It sounds like you already bought your backpack, but I think it is helpful to have one that opens all the way around as opposed to a top opening one. DH has one that only opens at the top and it drives him crazy.

Also, make sure you have all the straps adjusted correctly so that it is more comfortable if you are carrying it a long way. The weight should rest on your hips, not your shoulders.

Sounds like a great trip. Have fun!

[Brit]

Going along with the theme of previous posts...pack lighter than you think you should and bring soap to do laundry. No matter how little I pack it seems too heavy if I have to carry it all day for some reason.

I also second making sure that the straps are adjusted correctly, it makes a ton of difference.

Lastly, if you can, find a rain cover for the bag that goes over the entire bag and your sleeping bag. I have needed mine more times than I can count and it is such a relief to know that I will have dry clothes and a dry sleeping bag when the rain starts pouring down.

[Deleted]

Ditto the run cover and soap!!! If you think you can wear some clothes twice, then pack extra undies to stretch out ads between laundry.