BootsnAll Travel Community

Hello all,

While I've been on many a trip, I've never been a-backpackin'. I'm wondering exactly what is required for a long trip (one year at least) besides clothing. For example, I've been dreaming away on magellans.com and found an awesome laundry kit that has a sink stopper, mini-detergent, and clothesline. So cool! But then I started to think, and figured most hostels will have cheap enough laundries that I won't need one.

I have heard that nothing is worse than carrying too much stuff. What do I need, and what should I avoid?

ziploc plastic bags... must haves.

And I'm a big advocate of the sarong (as some on this board can tell you.) It's a shirt, a pillow, a towel, a blanket, a dress, a skirt, a bag... and it takes up little space.

Laundry gear - universal sink stopped and detergent at least...the line is more dispensible - actually would be on my must-have list. In Europe, laundry can costs €6-€8 per load, around 10% of a day's budget. If you packed light and need to do laundry every 2-3 days, it adds up. Even in some cheaper countries it can be pricy...some places I've been, the only pay-for-laundry option is dry-cleaning, and when you pay by the item, it's not cheap.

Other must-haves:
- first aid kit complete with cipro, anti-malarials (depending on destination) and any other doctor recommended meds.
- ziplock bags...take very little space and are incredibly versatile.
- books. They're the biggest weight hogs, but a good book goes a long way on those all-day bus or train rides. Some countries commonly have book exchanges in guesthouses, but in others (I'm looking at you, Greece) they're basically unheard of, and the only English reading material you can acquire is overpriced pulp fiction. Even when there are book exchanges, the quality of material can be kinda low, so stock up with decent books whenever you get the chance.
- water tablets...they're cheap, take up little space, weigh nothing, and provide a good third option between dehydration and drinking disgusting water. Never had to use them, but good to have available.

Optional but useful:
- Sleeping bag. It's a pain in the ass to haul around, but every now and again (I find about once every couple weeks), when you're camped out in the desert or on a train, a sleeping bag goes a long way to having a good night's sleep.

A mini flashlight.

If you go into cold climates, silk longjohns, for a thin, lightweight extra layer.

Ipod, journal, pen, clean underwear, socks, one other outfit oyher then the one I am wearing, camera, travel alarm, toiletteres, ear plugs, lighter, vacuum bags, photocopied pictures of my passport....thats pretty much my backpack.....oh yeah, a corkscrew!

If traveling for a long time some pics of freinds and family for you and also to share with locals so that they can connect with you (especially in Asia)

Foot powder or talc for humid countries.

Safety pins.

Journal or note book.

When it comes to underwear, not only should it start out clean, but I strongly recommend avoiding white underwear. It is very hard to keep white, especially after "incidents".

I am finding that my headlamp is getting a lot more use than I ever thought possible. (Its use avoids waking those who are sleeping off jetlag in hostel dorms)

Some sort of noise-cancelling earphones make long bus trips better.

duct tape. Useful for fashioning wallets, belts, shoulder bags, hangers...its practicalities are endless. takes up room, is not always actually used, but pretty stinkin' fabulous for just-in-cases.

Quick dry clothing ( make sure it fits your requirements as there are many out there), Ziploc, small tie wraps to lock your bags, good tootbrush, lots of memory for camera.
$$$$$$$ the more the better. Actually using credit cards and debit cards is better lately even in remote destinations.
The backpack selection is critical as I can use it as carry on or I check it I have to ( but only if I have to!). It splits in two so I have a day pack as well. And is light!


Soap, detergent, tooth paste, shampoo, most of the things actually can be purchased in most countries so they are really not essential. My last month long trip, my main bag was 7 kg ( backpack included). My day pack was 9 because of the photo stuff, documents, water..... I did purchase quite a few things as I went along.

Most of my essentials have already been mentioned: flat sink plug (absolutely!), laundry line, Ziplocs, headlamp, silk long underwear (weighs almost nothing, takes up almost no space, can triple your comfort), safety pins, and duct tape or electrical tape.

I also always carry: (1) some kind of immune system booster, especially for long plane rides. I like Cold-eeze Zinc lozenges, but there's also Airborne. It's a real drag to get sick at the beginning of a trip because you picked up a bug from the recycled cabin air; (2) a zippered nylon bag that folds down into a pouch smaller than a deck of cards. I try to always travel with a pack of carry-on size, but if I have to check the pack, I use the nylon bag as a carry-on. It holds a lot more than my day pack (a small shoulder bag), and I can keep my clothes, toiletries, and other essentials with me in case my main pack goes missing; (3) a small book of crossword puzzles.

I have a nylon flag, from being a big Ferrari fan once upon a time. Its about 6 feet by 4 feet, but folds down to 4"x2", and is super light weight. It can be a sarong, ground cover, sun cover, rain cover, privacy shield for changing clothes...it has really become a must have...plus the Ferrari logo makes friends of Italians, Germans, Brazillians and race fans world wide!! It dries quickly too!

quote:

Originally posted by lovemyluggage:
duct tape. Useful for fashioning wallets, belts, shoulder bags, hangers...its practicalities are endless. takes up room, is not always actually used, but pretty stinkin' fabulous for just-in-cases.

This tape doesn't take up much room.

A cheap pair of flip-flops are good to have for manky showers and other places you wouldn't want to put your bare feet.

Earplugs - absolutely indispensable.

Universal sink stopper - very necessary if you intend to save $$ by doing your own laundry. Bring a line, too.

HampdenHoop, that's pretty awesome travel-size duct tape. Two thumbs up!

For the duct tape, just wrap some duct tape around a nalgene or a pen. No need to order online.

What you really need is flexibility and the ability to adapt. Buy a small pack and make it work. If you buy a monster bag, you will fill it full.

Thanks for all of your help, kind people. Especially you, 2wanderers (we have similar handles); I had no idea that laundry was that expensive! I figured it would be easier to do it that way, but I know I'll resent paying that much. Thanks for the info!

-Baby wipes! They can be so many things, from hand wipes to a portable mini shower when on a long train or bus ride to face wash (they're super gentle and, for us girlie girls, great makeup removers!). Plus, you can get them at any grocery store for a couple dollars for a pack of 100 instead of fancy "shower wipes" or makeup remover wipes that cost a ton for practically the same thing.

-Leave in conditioner, again for the ladies--sucks to have to stand under freezing cold water rinsing out conditioner, and those shampoo and conditioner in one don't work that well for long tangly hair.

-Travel towel--I know some people don't agree, but I think they're way better than normal towels, if just for the fact that they can be packed wet if need be and won't mold/rot. For a cheap one, go to an autoparts store!

-Tiny scissors and glue stick or tape, to attach bits and pieces like ticket stubs and brochures into your journal if you're sentimental like me and would carry all that crap around with you until you get home otherwise.

-For girls (sorry guys)-DivaCup or Mooncup or something similar--seems weird at first, but so much easier!

A sarong is a big yes, something for your stomach in case you disagree with the local cuisine. Copies of any prescriptions you need. A small bar of laundry soap would work, but I also wash my stuff with shampoo if necessary. A hat or scarf that can be used to shade your face (I use a scarf Igot in cambodia and hardly ever use a hat these days).

Trekker

- laundry kit (plug, soap, some kind of line)
- good shoes, because you can buy clothes almost anywhere, but try finding a sandal with a quality sole and support in a bazaar

I went once for 4 months in Mexico. I suggest waterprofing everything by putting in plastic bags. A small one burner camping stove and some instant food incase your not near food and container for water. First aid/sunburn kit. Plastic and hammock. Clothes line and clips. Map and Money!

Have Fun