Packing a backpack
"Even the elephant carries but a small trunk on his journeys" - Henry David Thoreau
Now its time to start getting excited! Nothing describes the feeling of packing your backpack and knowing that you
are about to start on a new adventure.
What you choose to take or not take can dictate your entire trip experience. When in doubt, leave it out!
How to pack for a backpacking trip?
So you are looking at a travel puzzle. All the stuff you have purchased or want to take
is staged on the floor around your backpack and you are wondering how it is all going to fit in there.
Packing is more of a learned art than a science, and sometimes it takes several passes. Do not assume that the first
time you pack is the correct way. Don't wait until the night before to start packing!
Here are some tips to get started:
Stage everything first
Unless you are on the run, don't grab your backpack and start stuffing things inside! Stage everything that you might want
to take on the floor in an open area around your backpack. This will give you an opportunity to eyeball what you will
be carrying, commit it to memory, and eliminate anything not absolutely necessary for an enjoyable trip.
Assume that your backpack will be mistreated in ways you never thought possible!
I have seen people stand on someone else's backpack to reach the luggage rack on top of a bus. Your bag will be thrown
from the top of buses and trucks, rained on, slept and sat on (by you), and abused like never before. Fragile items need to
be packed with the most protection possible. Liquids and electronics should always be inside of something waterproof.
Assume that your pack will get wet. Anything of value, books, and electronics
should be in zippered sandwich bags. Waterproof covers for packs are expensive luxuries if you don't want to waterproof
all the contents. The problem is that they only work when they are on - if a tropical squall pops up while your pack
is sitting in the luggage hold of a bus or boat, it is going to get wet!
Pack modular in "kits"
You do not want to have to dig through a giant rucksack looking for a tiny sewing kit. Organize objects in the way that
you know you will need them and then put them inside smaller bags and containers. Preferably the smaller bags will be
very soft instead of rigid or shaped, water resistant, and pliable so that you can cram them into your pack.
Never, ever, ever, pack to capacity
When you set out, your backpack should be no more than 75% full. You will most definitely end up carrying gifts,
buying objects along the way, etc and your pack will always grow. Your dirty laundry will take up way more room than
nicely rolled and folded clothing and when you run out of travel sized toiletries, you will end up having to buy the
full sized equivalents.
No empty spaces
Don't waste space! Stuff things inside shoes, remove items from their packaging, whatever it takes to take full advantage
of the room that you are already using.
Pack larger and heavier objects first
Heavy objects such as shoes and books should be as low in the pack as possible and as close to your back as possible
so that they do not pull the backpack away from you. Pack larger items first, then stuff the empty spaces around them
with smaller bags and misc objects so that no room is wasted.
Keep in mind, when choosing a packing order, how often you will want to access certain things. For instance, your sleep sheet or bedding can go in the bottom because you will only need it once a day.
Your pack should be comfortable
You should be able to wear your pack and walk around for at least 2 hours without getting sore. You can save a lot of
money by simply walking from bus and train stations that are usually on the edge of town to the main square. You may
have to wear your pack while standing in a long line, maybe in the hot sun (or the rain). When you are finished packing, it should feel like a natural extension of your body, secure, and weight balanced so that you can move and walk like you normally would.
Your backpack should never be taller than you, you should be able to look at the ceiling without hitting your head!
The "one bag" theory
Lots of travelers carry a large rucksack and a smaller daybag. If you travel light enough,
you can put the daybag down inside of your rucksack so that you only have one backpack to strap on when walking
places. Otherwise, you will have to wear the smaller bag on your front, making you look like a pregnant marsupial of sorts.
You will be a very happy person if you only have to carry one bag - and other travelers will drool in jealousy!
The art of packing
What to bring?
When you are looking at loads of potential travel gear and goodies, hopefully all neatly staged on the floor next to your backpack, you will have quite a mental struggle about what to take and what to leave.
Backpacking should not put you in a life or death situation! Do not "what if?" yourself into taking loads of
unnecessary survival or luxury items that you will never use. Remember,
"when in doubt, leave it out!"
Remember, unless you are going to Antarctica, you will be able to buy most of what you need
to survive on the road. If you are traveling in developing countries, you will find what you need cheaper and may
help a struggling economy out as well!
Do not bring anything priceless or irreplaceable. Leave that watch your grandfather gave
you behind. Anything you bring will be exposed to the elements, mistreatment, and even thieves if you are unlucky.
Do not bring a lot of clothing. Fashion will be a non-issue on the road, and you can
wash laundry regularly in the sink. If you feel that you do not have enough to wear, buy some local garb for
cheap!
Security
You might want to put small combination locks on pockets with zippers. When you are
wearing a full pack, you can not feel a sneaky hand unzipping them and reaching inside while you wait for your
bus.
Some travelers opt for a "packsafe" which is a metal cover that protects it from
being "slashed" by a thief with a razor blade and quick hand. Unfortunately these covers attract attention
and declare that you have something valuable inside worth protecting! Unless you are going to a very rough
region, opt out of taking one.
Aside from your regular packing list, you will want to include the following misc items hidden inside your large
rucksack somewhere:
- Copies of your credit cards and passport - in case you are mugged or loose your money belt
- Copy of your travel insurance info
- Emergency cash in US dollars hidden somewhere not so obvious
- Card with your contact info taped or sewn inside (in case the outside tag breaks off or is removed)
You may want to read this article on
keeping your backpack safe.
Beyond the backpack
Some useful things you will want to carry in your money belt or in a daybag in case your rucksack is stowed or not handy:
- One anti-diarrhea pill
- One motion sickness pill
- Couple of passport photos (for border crossing visas)
- Travel insurance contact information
- Photocopy of passport for yourself
- Copies of your passport to use for motorbike rental, checkins, etc
- Condom
- Emergency contact information card in case you get hurt
Check our vagabonding forums for packing advice and tips as well!
Packing List
Use our handy
packing list as a good base, and then add or remove items to customize your trip. Everyone travels differently, so use the list to get your creative packing chi flowing!
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Step 10 - Preparing to leave home
