Things to bring when backpacking?

darkfibre

Hello guys,

Will be heading off to Europe middle of this month for about a month, looking to get my items together. Can anyone recommend common and useful items to bring along with me? As you can probably guess, I've never done this before!

Thanks...

martindow

The main thing is to travel light. It is more to do with not to take. Lay out the clothes you think you will need and leave at least half behind. No matter where you are you will be able to buy whatever you need. There is no need to lug heavy stuff like bottles of shampoo half way round the world.

I always take a length of string. It is always useful and can be used to rig up a washing line in a room. Ultra light weight back packers swear by dental floss which is apparently very strong.

When I go away I also post myself an email to hotmail or another account I can log into. I put useful phone numbers of banks, credit card companies, hotel or flight bookings, etc. in case vital things get lost. Obviously don't put anything too sensitive like card numbers.

Have a great time. Where are you going?

Hintza

Nappy Cream is a must!! There is nothing worse than tender bits getting chapped.

Other useful bits are Compeed (sp?) blister patches etc.

alanrowell

Passport, money, credit cards, debit cards - and more money

My suggestion is to load up your pack then go for a walk in the middle of town on a Saturday afternoon.

If you can get around town with killing yourself or someone else and you haven't knocked over anything you've probably got it right

moneypooh

*plastic bags to put your stuff in. despite most rucksacks being waterproof pack everything into plastic bin liners just in case.
*sachets of shampoo etc instaed of bottles
*suncream - the sun can really catch you when walking
*plasters
*trousers that convert to shorts are a great space saver
*light but powerful torch

alanrowell is spot on with the tip on walking about. My DD did this for her Duke of Edinbugh award and it really did help.

have a great time *

pboae

A travel towel, they are super absorbent, dry quickly and pack down small, a brilliant invention.

And find something that you will be taking anyway, a reusable water bottle, hair brush handle, anything suitable, and wrap a decent quantity of ducktape around it. You can just unstick it if you need it, and it's great for emergency repairs on bags, shoe soles, etc.

puffinmuffin

I have a scanned version of my passport saved in my email account in case of emergencies! A pack of cards is handy, a good way to make friends in hostels! If you are a reader don't worry about bringing lots of books, many hostels have exchanges. A decent lightweight raincoat is pretty useful too!

GrillMonkey

Get a very good pair of comfortable walking boots well in advance of going and "wear them in" beforehand. That should help you get less blisters.

For everything you're thinking of packing take a good look at it and think if you REALLY need it. Heavy packs are not fun.

knightstyle

Get Anne Mustoe's book "Bike Ride" from the library. She made a very comprehensive list of what she took round the world. Great read too!

brightonman123

dont forget the bog roll!

Arkwright007

A silk sleeping liner - packs up really small and ensures a clean, comfortable sleep, wherever. A small bottle of Olbas oil which will overpower any smell - you can use the worse loo with just a dab under your nose.