Packing list - 1st timer needs advice! - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

Chels · 01-19-2006, 07:40 PM

Hi all,

I am after some advice on my packing list.
I have never backpacked before so have no clue what I will need.
Also my 8 week trip (Feb-April 06) includes a scientific conference in Nice - so some of my clothes need to be a bit more presentable. I am kinda going with the 'layering' concept...

2 x 3/4 sleeve tops
4 x singlet/sleeveless tops
1 x black cardi
1 x shrug/cardi thing w long sleeves
2 x 'nicer' tops
1 x 'evening' top
1 x thermal-type long sleeve black top
1 x superwarm fleece type zip-up jacket

1 pair jeans
1 pair black pants
1 pair black/white brushed winter pants
2 pairs ¾ pants (denim, khaki)
1 x Black striped knee length skirt (dress up or down)

Other misc eg underwear, socks, scarf, etc.

Now I know this is 10 tops and 3 cardi/jackets but they will all layer together and the colours co-ordinate... Also the tops are so small!
Is 6 bottoms too much?

I really have no clue.... Any advice???

**ajb3000** · 01-20-2006, 11:03 AM

It depends on how you're travelling exactly, if you're going to be carrying your rucksack a lot then you'll want to try and make it as light as possible, if on the other hand you'll just be carrying it on buses/trains/taxis, you could get away with taking a bit more.

You could always try packing what you think you'll take in your rucksuck now, then go for a walk and see how you find it.

**Jen05** · 01-20-2006, 12:45 PM

It sounds like you've thought through exactly what you want to bring, and if they coordinate and everything fits, then it sounds like you're good to go! The only thing I'd say, is I did an eight week Europe trip and only brought along one really warm piece (sounds like your fleece zip-up). I got really sick of it, and sometimes it wasn't warm enough, and that was May and June. I don't know if you have room to add any warmer pieces, but it's something to consider! Have fun!

Chels · 01-21-2006, 09:17 PM

Thanks for the replies. I just picked up a travelpack that I am borrowing from a friend so now I can do a dry run packing everything and see how heavy it is! I think it's around a 65lt pack but not sure... I know that I should pack light if possible, and besides, I can always buy a new top or two while I am away heh heh.

Jen - good point re: warm jacket. I am thinking of taking my 'winter coat' and just carrying it on the plane.... hopefully I can also compress it enough to stuff into my pack if needed!!

**Joker** · 01-21-2006, 09:23 PM

Tell you what:

Next time I travel light, one thing I definitely will pack is a light jacket. I took a fleece vest and a poncho, but a light jacket woulda been a good idea. Something packable that is light, breathes well and waterproof...

**worldwidemike** · 01-22-2006, 02:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Joker@Jan 22 2006, 05:23 AM
Something packable that is light, breathes well and waterproof...

[snapback]99535[/snapback]

-- definitely. Layering is the way to go, too. A light, waterproof jacket plus a hooded sweatshirt (zip up is better than pullover) should cover you for all but the most frigid temps.

worldwidemike

Chels · 01-23-2006, 08:49 PM

Hmm I hadn't really thought about a waterproof jacket... was just going to bring a travel umbrella and hope that was enough!!

**Joker** · 01-24-2006, 12:42 AM

Well, I packed two poncho's- one for the Joker that was a little nice than the cheapo vinyl one I bought to cover the big bag. The smaller one was big enough to cover me and my day pack.

But I left the umbrella. I find the things utterly useless as they tend to get blown around, and somehow the internal mechanisms seem to get busted so they don't always open properly. But given my proclivity for things to break at inoportune times, it just ain't worth it to me.

But the rain jacket/windbreaker... so wish i had one! I think the Northface Prophecy will make it with me on my next Backcountry camping expedition of Joker Misadventure ™ Less than 10 oz and dry!

But to have $150 for it... oy.

chelseafc05 · 01-24-2006, 01:32 AM

ive got long sleeve chelsea shirts that im takin......especially disigned to keep the players warm when its cold and keep you cool when its hot.....but there $150 incl postage from england.... god i waisted so much money on them

i second wat ajb3000 said ..pack all the stuff and walk around with it on for a while then go from there

**ScarlotteDorian** · 01-24-2006, 01:22 PM

well, for all it's worth..my experience of backpacking has been backcountry. i usually bring my fleece, a long sleeved thermal and i just bought a rain jacket from REI that stuffs down to the size of 2 tennis balls and weights a pound or two. definetly do layers but making sure your items can stuff to a small size is key. a winter coat might be tedious depending of how bulky it is.

Chels · 01-24-2006, 04:16 PM

Hey FC - any ideas on where in London I could get a Chelsea jumper - you know the black ones the players wear? My husband is a HUGE fan and I want to surprise him when I get back from my trip.

I am definitely going to do a trial pack and see how heavy it is. Am aiming to have less than 15kg going over in my pack.

Have decided to ditch the winter coat, actually bought a black zip-up Ripcurl fleece on sale from Mainpeak for $35 yesterday. Its not too bulky and is warm, also less 'mountaineering' looking than the blue one I am borrowing from a friend. So combined with scarf, longsleeve top etc I think I should be ok.

Luckily I am staying with a few friends and basing myself in London, so anything I need (like nicer clothes if we go out, winter coat etc) they have offered to lend. I don't even need to lug a sleeping bag over as there's one waiting for me!!

Thanks again for all the great advice!

**bookofkels** · 01-24-2006, 07:03 PM

When packing your backpack another way to make sure all your stuff fits in is to *roll* your clothes, like your jeans and other long trousers will take up less space when rolled but they will still weigh the same!