...Beauty, cleaning, DIY tips and more - free to join!
   Login   Contact us   Site map   Puzzle Club   Ask a question    Newsletter

How To Pack For A Backpacking Trip

Travel : Travel Tips

If you are going backpacking and staying at youth hostels you need to pack carefully because you will be doing a lot of walking and there is no point in making your backpack so heavy that you need to stop for a rest every few minutes.



Always pack less clothing than you think you will need - the bare essentials that you are sure you will wear. Leave behind anything that you won't really wear, including surplus shoes as they are heavy to carry, and also there is no point in taking items that are dry clean only.

Take things that are machine washable and also not too expensive, so that should something happen to them it is not a tragedy if you lose them. Also take practical colours and items that don't need ironing. A good idea for not packing excess clothing is to make sure that each item can be worn with at least two other things.



If the environment is going to be chilly then aim to wear lots of layers rather than packing thick jumpers and coats!



Make sure you can identify your bag easily by labelling it inside and out and don't carry any valuable jewellery or anything else that makes you a target for theft. Make sure your money is secure - some people recommend wearing a bum bag or a discreet pouch around your waist as this makes you less of a target for pickpockets.



When you pack your bag roll your clothes so that you utilise the space better. Any toiletries should be well sealed and placed in separate bags. To save space why not just take travel size items to begin with, as unless you are very fussy about British brands, you will be able to buy basics in most destinations.



It is useful to carry a pocket sized sewing kit to make any repairs to clothing at any time. A couple of paperback books are also handy for passing the time, and remember if you are going with friends you can all take a couple each and then swap around.

A small first aid kit is also very useful - just with the essentials like headache pills, anti-diarrhoea pills, plasters and antiseptic cream. You might want to take pictures of the people you meet and places you visit so take along a disposable camera rather than an expensive model from home.



If you take regular medication then remember to see your doctor prior to travelling and ensure you have enough to last the duration of your trip.


By: Bev on Sun, Jun 16th 2002

Share on Facebook: On Twitter: TwitterTweet this!

  Reply to How To Pack For A Backpacking Trip

  Receive Our Newsletter




Questions about travel:

Ask question

More Articles:
Things to do in Rome
How to keep possessions safe on holiday
How to stop jet lag problems