Things to bring when backpacking?

Potaroo

A sink plug

universal size plug available from places like milletts. Really is a must.

Enjoy your trip:beer:

paul7765

I am off round the world USA-FIJI-NZEALAND-AUSTRALIA-THAILAND-HONG KONG-CHINA @ the end of October. I took Martin's advice and applied for a Nationwide Flex account so I can make ATM withdrawals worldwide for free but THEY HAVE TURNED ME DOWN A DEBIT CARD!!!! I can't quite believe it as I have no bad debts and hadn't even applied for an overdraught.

IS THERE ANY ALTERNATIVES??? The prepaid cards are only $ or € which is no good to me. I have an account with HSBC the 'world bank' which charged me through the roof when I went to Egypt earlier this year! I never had a credit card before so I am going to apply for the ABBEY ZERO credit card but I need a current account that I can just withdraw money out off - I believe credit card withdrawals is a stupid idea.

Ive managed to finish Uni and save loads for this trip and don't want to spend my hard earned money on stupid fees for withdrawing money!

CAN SOMEONE ADVISE ME PLEASE it would be veeeery much appreciated!

knightstyle

paul7765, go into an Abbey branch and open an Abbey current account. Then arrange to pay automatically either the minimum amount on your Zero card or full amount each month. This works well. You also get some protection using your credit card.

SugarSpun

Pair of flip flops (for hot days and dirty hostel showers)
Lightweight towel
Reusable water bottle
Plastic bags
Underwear and socks for all days
Something to sleep in (I always, always forget)
Glucose sweets
Half the Tshirts you think you'll need
Three pairs of trousers for a month (do laundry once and be cheerfully grubby the rest of the time)
A warm waterproof jacket
A bucket hat - keeps sun and rain off, covers your face if you're sleeping on a train
Walking shoes, worn in
Camera and spare SD card (plus batteries/charger)
Adaptor plug
Dental floss
1 or 2 sachets of laundry detergent (in a plastic bag)
Book to read (you can exchange it in a hostel along the way)
Pan-European phrasebook
Moisturiser (seriously, backpacking is hell on hands, feet and face.)
Sunscreen
Tweezers, if you're going to be walking in deer tick country
Travel insurance
Toothbrush/paste/shower gel/shampoo
Scan all your documents and store them in your email account

Missy™

Potaroo wrote: »

A sink plug
universal size plug available from places like milletts. Really is a must.

That's on my essential list too!!! Don't leave it in the sink when you leave though

I also take a small coolbag (6 pack size) or insulated lunchbox to keep drinks and snacks fresher on long journeys, or just for bringing chilled stuff back from the supermarket in warmer climes

Have a great time!

darkfibre

Thanks for your super replies guys!

This thread has been very useful to me (and hopefully to others).

Just waiting for my Nationwide FlexAccount to arrive. Abbey Zero went through also, although they're taking their sweet time about it all and I'm not that hopeful they will be able to send me the card in time. I have one of those Morgan Stanley cash back credit cards, but the rates that they are offering would supersede any cash back I would get by spending abroad.

I don't want to, but it looks like I may be spending on purchases as well as withdrawing cash on my Nationwide card. My original plan was to spend on the Abbey Zero (security) and withdraw on the Nationwide...

poe.tuesday

take some pegs, a must for hanging up clothes to dry and for sealing up bags of chrisps;-)

you are interrailing I recal? if so you will probably not be hiking around so any cumfy shoes/boots will do and one pair of flipflops, if you are going for a month (and you are a man) then
4 pairs of trousers,
4 t-shirts,
1 long sleeve top,
pac-a-mac,
lightweight fleece top,
some socks and pants (would say 5 pairs will do as these wash and dry fast),
vasiline,
loo roll,
tin opener,
spoon, knife, fork and sharp knife,
swimming shorts,
large towel and hand towel.
as for things like shampoo etc I also suggest the sachets as you won't need many but you cna buy this stuff on route, if you are staying in a youth hostel then you wll need a sleeping bag, if you are staying in places that supply you with beding or on the trains then you may need a liner, these maybe manditory on the trains but you will need to check,

take some safety pins,
a small sewing kit and some plasters,
if you need anything else you can get it on route,

oh yes, a torch,
camera and sunglasses,
some padlocks or bag tie things and something safe to carry your valuables in, a day bag is also good rather than lugging all your stuff around with you

have fun

MulesM

Head torch is better than a regular torch, doesn't have to be an expensive outdoors one. You can rummage in your backpack at night and use both your hands or read in your bunk in hostel dorms without disturbing other folks.

Ditch washbags and get some zip-lock bags. Use a couple for keeping other bits and pieces dry. flip flops van be useful... try a cheap pair of Crocs -like shoes either - for walking into showers or just pottering about.

Some patience and a sense of humour as well comes in handy...