This is a 12 part series on Backpacking Europe for all you aspiring & seasoned backpackers and student travelers.
5. Backpacks & Money Belts
Get a good backpack that fits your size and is comfortable for you to carry. This, extension of your back, is going to be your best friend throughout your trip so pick that will meet and exceed your expectations.
You must do this well before you take off to ensure that you got the right one.
If you buy one online, when it gets there and you try it out, you may find that it is not the right one that you are looking for. So, to pack it up and mail it back, then find another one that you want and wait for that one to be sent to you again can easily take a week or two, so get this out of the way as soon as possible.
It will eliminate one of the “messes” you have floating around in your head.
Make sure to buy one with a “daypack” attached to it (like the picture above). This way you can leave your big backpack in your hostel room and roam around the city all day with your daypack carrying all of your valuables and necessities for the day like a light jacket, guidebook, bottle of water and some grub.
*Note* When on the Eurail, you will most likely stash your backpack on the racks by the doors or on top of your seat. In either case, unzip your “daypack” and cling on to it at all times. If your backpack gets stolen, you will still have your daypack with all of your valuables. Your backpack and clothes can easily be replaced.
Once you’re ready to go and you’ve started packing for your trip, fill it only up to about 80-90 percent. This will give you a little bit of room to buy a few small souvenirs along the way.
Money Belts.
These are essential for every backpacker and student traveler.
I usually get the one that you wear around your waist. It’s tucked away under your pants and away from the eyes of the ever-present pickpockets that prey on millions of travelers and tourists each year.
You wear it like a belt around your waist, under your pants.
Other types of money belts include one that you wear around your neck and tuck in under your shirt, and a leg money belt that you wear around your thigh (under your pants or skirt/dress.)
Buying a backpack onllne will save you a lot of money because the overhead that websites have each month doesn’t come close to what “brick and mortar” shops have.
Some great places to buy your backpacks and money belts, as well as travel jackets and gear.
Moosejaw– a leading supplier of the world top brands for backpacks and travel gear. They’re always running specials so check back with them often.
Moosejaw Sale! Tons on Sale. North Face, Patagonia, Arcteryx, Marmot, more…!
Moosejaw offers Free Shipping and 10% back in Moosejaw Rewards Points. Use points for Free Gear!
eBags– The largest source, of bags of all kinds, online. They’re running a great special right now where you can save substantially on purchases over $100 (which will help big in buying your backpack).
$20 Off When You Spend Over $100 at eBags.com
Rocky Mountain Trail– has great online discounts on thousands of outdoor related gear and famous brand name backpacks. They’ve got a “FreeShipping” special on backpacks so click the link below for details-
Are Dickies or Berne brand Bib Overall’s practical and fashionable in Europe and Japan to wear around while seeing the sights and sounds.