A typical backpacker is normally younger than the average traveller, and in many cases it’s the first time they have been away without their parents. Planning holidays to foreign cities and trying to understand local languages often occupies the majority of preparation time, and unfortunately little time is spend on a backpacking packing list for the backpacking trip.
Making a good backpacking packing list is not only a challenge for the novice holiday backpacker. Even people like me who have been on countless tips throughout Europe still reflect on their rucksack at the end of a trip and realise they have made plenty of mistakes. A lot of the time equipment will be needlessly bought along due to the weather. You may plan for some cold spells (just in case!) but it remains warm and sunny throughout the trip. The main problem with bringing equipment that isn’t used is its weight. I’d advise anyone setting off to pack as light as possible, and this will mean being ruthless with the clothes you pack. There is nothing worse than lugging a rucksack full of clothes that you never wear for 8 weeks!
The purpose of this article is not to ensure you won’t make any packing mistakes – you will! It’s merely to help you try and reduce them as much as you can and to make your trip as enjoyable as possible. Below are some points that you should consider when you’re making your packing list. Some will seem more radical than others, but all should be considered on their merits.
Use a light rucksack – The difference between a standard rucksack and a lightweight rucksack can be over 2 kgs! This may not seem like a lot but it’s the equivalent of carrying 2 bags of sugar with you when there is no need!
Microfiber Towel – These towels really are a godsend. They are made of a very light material that folds up very tightly. It also dries almost instantly, compared to a cotton towel, which take an age to dry and weigh a ton until they are. They retail from between $15-$40 so won’t break the bank either.
One Jumper, One pair of Pants– You’re going backpacking through Europe, not the North Pole! Jumpers and jeans are amongst the heaviest items you will back, so keep them to a minimum. Be strict with yourself on this, and just pack your favourite jumper, and favourite jeans and you will not want for anything else.
Shower Gel/Shampoo – It’s now possible to get gel that is suitable for your body and your hair thus meaning you only have to carry one bottle of gel rather than two. If you are travelling with a companion, try and rationalise toiletries between you. For instance, you only need one toothpaste tube that you can share.
One Book – I know the temptation is to pack lots of books when backpacking as you’ll probably have more time to read them than at any other point in your life. However, we all know books are heavy, so only take one book with you and swap it with other travellers or at hostels when you’ve read it. You might end up expanding your mind by reading books that you wouldn’t normally!
So these are my tips for a backpacking packing list, and I know that they are difficult to follow but believe me it will be worth it in the long run. If anyone has any other packing tips that they want to share, please add them as a comment below.
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