Part Four:  Packing  a Backpack

Prior to our first European trip in 2001, I had never touched a backpack nor thought I would ever use one.  In all my previous travel experiences, I had usually used a suitcase or typically suitcases.  One thing I have learned over the years, is that it is vitally important to pack well, as it will effect the quality of your trip.  Hopefully this will become obvious as the following points are discussed:

1. Avoid overpacking.  How much should you pack, what should you take and just as importantly, what shouldn't you take?  There is apparently a primal urge when packing to take every single item of clothing you own.  Remember unless you are going to a remote region of a third world country, you can always get laundry done, do it yourself or even purchase something without which you cannot live. You may wear (gasp) some clothes all day long, some clothes may get a little wrinkled, occasionally you may be a little smelly (but not too bad) but you are not participating in a Versace fashion show.  You will never again see any of the people you encounter on your trip.  Behave yourself, be friendly and considerate because those nice Americans will leave a much better impression than the well dressed, rude, demanding Americans.
2. Packing the wrong items.  This is planning 101 and it will be restated several times in different ways.  Lugging along items you do not absolutely need gets very heavy after a few days but forgetting your hiking shoes would be an absolute disaster.
3. Pack early.  Nothing will ruin the early part of your trip faster than cramming everything into your pack five minutes prior to rushing to the airport.  This increases the chances of forgetting something vital to your vacation as well as not finding it easily when needing it.  At the very latest have most things in your bag the night prior to departure.
4. Consider the weather.  Will it be hot or cold, wet or dry? 
5. What activities are planned?  Will you be outdoors hiking, biking, climbing, swimming and rafting or will your activities revolve more around museums, cathedrals and fine dining?  Pack accordingly but always take a swimsuit and appropriate shoes and be minimally prepared for all types of weather.
6. Head to toe.  When planning what clothing items you need, do it in an organized manner.  Start at your head and work to your toes.
7. One weeks clothing is usually adequate but remember you do not need to change four times a day.  Many clothes can be layered or multifunctional.
8. Cluster your packing.  For example, if you take seven pairs of socks, do not put them in seven locations.  Put them all together.  The same with all your shirts, t-shirts or swimming trunks, shorts and pants.
9. Roll your clothes instead of folding.  It saves space and amazingly, thing do not wrinkle as much as you would think.  Some companies (like Travel Smith) specialize in travel clothes and will be discussed in future issues.
10. Heavier items on the bottom of your pack.  Some experts (like REI) feel heavier things should be on top because it centers the weight more on your hips.  For the type of backpacking (not carrying tents and camping equipment) we do, it may be a moot point.  While our packs may get heavy, generally we are not carrying extremely heavy individual items.  Whatever the situation, pack your heaviest stuff closest to your back so it does not affect your center of gravity. 
11. There may be some items you want easy access to after a long flight or a train ride.  Place them in an easily accessible area.  This may include a towel and bar of soap, toothbrush or paste, snack food, cleaning solution for contacts or other items.
12. Try on your backpack and walk around.  If you put it on and fall over backwards, that may be a subtle hint you have overpacked.  Comfort and ease of use are of primary importance.

Every individual's list of what to pack will vary greatly.  The following will be what we take and some things (like a basic emergency kit) are a group item that one person can stash away in case it is needed.

1. Head.  A hat for protection against the sun or the cold and rain.
2. Glasses which may be prescription, sun glasses or contacts and associated supplies.
3. Shirts.  I usually take seven t-shirts, two button down non-wrinkle shirts, a couple of polo type shirts and a sweatshirt/fleece.  Tank tops for women.
4. Jacket.  A warm up suit that has pants and a hooded coat.  These are great for colder, damp weather because they can be layered as well as protecting you when it rains.  They fold easily, do not wrinkle and can be stored on the outside of your pack if the weather changes suddenly and you do not want to stuff a wet suit into your backpack.
5. Belt
6. Pants.  A couple pair of jeans but no more than that because they take up space and get heavy.  I personally like cargo pants because they are light, have lots of deep pockets and their normal appearance is wrinkled.  Regardless of what kind, two pair of serious travel pants are all that is necessary.
7. One pair of decent pants/slacks/skirt just in case you go to a nice restaurant or encounter a special situation where something nicer is required.
8. Two pairs of shorts.  Again, I like cargo shorts but anything comfortable.
9. Undergarments
10. Socks.  If you are doing a lot of hiking, invest in really high quality socks.  They may cost you $10 to $12 a pair but are well worth it to keep from getting blisters and keeping your feet dry.
11. Shoes.  Hiking shoes, a good pair of rugged sandals and super cheap flip-flops will be adequte for men.  I do not take any dress type shoes becuase they are heavy (clod hoppers) and take up a lot of room.  Ladies the same except since your feet are usually petite a nice pair of dressier walking shoes works out well.
12. Swim suit.
13. Sleeping garments.  A t-shirt and boxer type shorts are usually acceptable even when in a hostel dorm.

Many non-clothing items are essential for your vacation.  This can vary from individual to individual so the following is only the most basic of lists.

1. Towel.  Many hostels do not provide towels.  Packing a regular large bath towel will not only fill up your backpack but towels dry slowly.  Other things in your pack will get damp and the entire pack will smell musty (at best) after a few days.  REI sells a quick drying towel is several sizes that packs easily, dries rapidly and is a must if staying in hostels.
2. Sunglasses
3. Lots of sunscreen
4. Aerobie.  Shockingly to me, many people are not familiar with the aerobie.  It is like a Frisbee with the center cut out leaving an outer ring.  Like your American Express Card, do not leave home without it.
5. A deck of cards.
6. Several books to read.
7. Travel journal with lots of pens.  The number of people who travel and do not keep a journal is truly unbelievable to me.  If you write down your experiences, thoughts, meals and people you meet, you remember forever.  Otherwise, memories blend together and after a few years, you know you went somewhere but the details are becoming vague.  A journal will add an entire new dimension to your trip.
8. Universal plug adaptor.
9. Water proof disposable camera for those instances when you cannot or do not want to use your good camera.
10. Regular camera, video camera and supplies
11. Snack foods such as power bars, beef jerky, nutritional supplements
12. Emergency kit that might include antibiotics, over-the-counter pain mediciations (we cannot live without Excedrin), ear drops, band aids to name a few.
13. Personal toiletry items:  Tip for men, there are small shaving lather bottles so you do not have to pack the giant size.  Ladies please remember you are backpacking.  I know there are some cosmetics you cannot live without and I respect that.  You are not, however, competing with Tammie Faye.  Be conservative.
14. Camel Pack flattens nicely and is great to have along to load up with water for hiking and biking.

Part One:  Types of Packs

Part Two:  Why a Backpack?

Part Three:  Fitting a Backpack

Part Five:  Personal Recommendation

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