The Backpacker’s Lament - Packing
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One of the best trips you’ll ever take is when you throw on a backpack and head overseas or off to some interesting destination. The only question to consider is what you should take along with you.
Before we get into packing, we need to discuss your backpack. The days of one backpack fits all trips are long over. My friend, we are not talking specialization whether you like it or not.
So, take some time to think about what type of trip you are taking. If you are going hiking in Nepal, the Hello Kitty book backpack really isn’t going to cut it. Conversely, a pack designed for climbing Everest isn’t going to be great for Greece.
Backpacks are very adjustable, which means you can do a lot of modifying to try to get a perfect fit. The one area that has to be right from the get go is the back support. If a pack doesn’t provide it, move on to a new one.
We are finally ready to actually do some packing. Our first list is going to focus on what not to take instead of what to pack. Remember, less is always more when it comes to backpacks. Anything you pack, you must carry!
The internet is a beautiful and addictive thing. That being said, leave your laptop at home. Cyber cafes are almost as common as bars these days. You can access the web from anywhere and save yourself the pain of caring a laptop.
Many people tend to look at their destinations as other worldly places. They aren’t. Every destination that has any people has the same basics stuff. Everyone needs to wash and use the toilet, so the same basic products are offered everywhere.
Remember the golden rule when it comes to clothing. If you can’t roll it up, leave it. If your trip takes you across cold areas, you can always dress in layers to stay warm. Space hogging things like sweaters are forbidden.
With this in mind, it is unnecessary to pack multiple bars of soap, tubes of toothpaste and so on. You can buy books, clothes and just about anything around the world. I once found an English book store in the middle of Siberia for example.
No matter how specific you are with your packing, you’ll end up with unused stuff. There is absolutely no reason to haul it around. Donate it. Heck, toss it. If it has sentimental value, send it home via international mail.
Finally, try on your backpack when you finish packing. Heavy, isn’t it? Now take it off and reconsider if you really need all that stuff. Surely there are items you can do without lugging across Europe, Asia or wherever.
August 26, 2008 by Thomas Hammond
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