Packing the right things can be a problem for any kind of trip away, but for when travelling for months and months - how do you decide what to pack into that limited space you have in your backpack? Here we will talk about things to pack, things to leave behind, and also how to choose the right backpack.
What To Pack
You will want to take a lot of things, if you try to cram it all in your backpack you will fill it before you have even started putting your clothes in there! Start with key essentials such as sleeping bag, first aid kit etc (see recommended list below), then move onto clothes, try not to take too many clothes, you can always wash them - no one will care you have worn the same t shirt for 4 days running anyway! Then if you still have some room left (well done), you can pack a few extras!
Recommended Pack List
Essential List:
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping liner
- First aid kit (and medication)
- Torch
- Suncream and sunglasses
- Small wash bag
- Travel towel
- Thin waterproof jacket
- 4 t shirts
- 2 pairs of trousers
- Sweater/fleece
- Travel documents
Extras:
- Camera
- Guidebooks
- Music player
- and anything else you can fit in!
Store your valuables and some identification in your daypack, and store photocopies of documents in your main backpack.
Backpacks Types & Sizes
Your backpack will be your 'house' while you are travelling! Its important to invest in a good quality, strong, comfortable backpack. You might be pleased with buying a bargain backpack for £30, but you won't feel the same when it falls apart 2 weeks into your trip. You might be shocked when you see the prices of backpacks, reaching upto around £100 and higher - its worth the expense though as not only will it last for your trip, but it can be used again and again when travelling in the future. There are two main types of backpack - the traditional ones which are know as top loaders, and side/panel loaders which are also known as 'travelpacks'. Top loaders are the kind you can only access from the top, the disadvantage to this is you need to take everything out if you need something that is at the bottom of your pack! Side/panel loaders open when a section/flap on the front of the backpack is unzipped - this type of opening gives your better access to the contents of your backpack. Backpack sizes are measured in litres, with the common backpack size being around 60-70 litres (for the main pack), there will sometimes be an additional pack that comes with the main pack called a daypack - these are generally around 10-20 litres in size and look very like normal backpacks you would have used at school, or going to the gym etc.
