Packing Tips & Checklist

It goes without saying that what you'll need and how to pack depend hugely on where you're travelling to, what you're going to be doing and what the weather is expected to be like.

However, we have compiled a list general pointers and suggestions which will help you when preparing for your backpacking adventure:

• Make sure you buy a good, comfortable rucksack that is not too heavy for you to carry - rucksacks generally come in sizes of 65-100 litres.
• Think about where you're going to be travelling and how you'll use your rucksack. One that has zips on the side can often be useful if you need to get something out that's packed near the bottom.
• A rucksack that has a separate backpack or bag for shorter trips or days out is very useful for carrying money, passport, travel insurance documents etc. Even better if you can re-attach it to your rucksack.
• Travelling light means travelling light. Be brutal with what you intend to take. As a rule of thumb, halve whatever you first intended to take but don't skimp on the essentials like underwear and t-shirts as washing facilities may be few and far between.
• Don't take something you think might just come in handy — it probably won't.
• Choose dark or neutral coloured clothing so that any marks or stains won't be too noticeable. Try to stick to two or three colours so that all your clothes will more or less match.
• Make sure you take the appropriate footwear for where you're going and what you intend to do. Don't take walking boots if you aren't going to be doing anything other than the occasional walk as training shoes will do fine.
• Layering clothes can often be a better way to keep warm than wearing a bulky sweater or coat.
• If you can afford it take a small digital camera with you. Otherwise you may never have a photographic memory of your travels.
• When you're returning home, put any heavy reading materials etc. in a stiff envelope and post them home — save yourself carrying them.

Backpacker Resources