What do you carry in your pack? - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

**verstehen** · 08-04-2003, 11:47 AM

Funny, on a travel/backpacking site, the two things pinned in the general discussion section are pictures of people, and instructions on how to post them. Well, I think this topic aught to be up with those at the very least.

What do you carry in your pack? Let's get down to details to compare strategies and see what we might be missing. Since you have to carry EVERYTHING you're going to live off of for a set amount of time, the details are pretty important. Let's maybe break it down into categories for easy comparison. (Did I mention I'm building my pack right now

)

First, describe your pack, features and such, give us something to shoot for or show what you can get by with.

Clothing (#'s and types, even skivvies if you're willing, remember you're helping your fellow travellers.):
Bathroom/Sleeping Gear:
Security (Locks, straps, anything you use to secure your gear when it's on you or in storage (Including Personal Security items)):
Recording (Cameras, Journals, Sketch Pads, etc):
Recreation (Music Players, Books, Gamboy, condoms...

)
Anything Else:

Dunno how useful it would be, but maybe even pictures of packs for mounting ideas.

Maybe I'm crazy, but I think this info would be really helpful for everyone.

**Canadian Dude** · 08-04-2003, 12:29 PM

My clothes of course, all normal stuff, but I try to aviod jeans, they take up alot of room and a normally heavier than other types of pants. I go with the cargo and splash pants, nice and light. I bring a zippered sweat shirt and a bunch of T's. I never forget a collared shirt though, you never know when you may be invited somewhere that you will need it. I do bring my underware but I go commando alot so that saves on washing time/space and less weight in my pack.

plastic fork/knives, a couple of large zip-lock bags, a few large zip ties, extra boot laces, disposable razors, 2 bars of mositerising soap ( can be used to shave with and if you have short hair you can use it for washing your heed), exta strength deoderant stick ( its smaller than and aerosal can), film/small 35mm camera, travel tooth brush/ paste.

I think thats about it for my main pack, I also have a smaller pack which I carry a book, maps, so easy access food ( nuts, granola bars...) my journal.

I am sure there are a few more things I will add when I remember.

B)

**Diorama** · 08-05-2003, 06:34 PM

condoms!!!!

:P haha guys i'm just JOKING! geesh

**verstehen** · 08-06-2003, 12:05 AM

If you're of the inclination, and even if you're not, I'd consider condoms an essential for both sexes. You're not always thinking the most clearly in those run-away 3-day relations on the road and sometimes things can get going more quickly than either of you expected. Better to be prepared.

I liked CD's comments about not taking jeans. I'd never really thought about that. They are pretty heavy, and if you ever find yourself in a rainstorm, or without a dryer, they take forever to dry. Parachute pants and other, thinner fabrics would be lighter, more compact, dry faster, and would probably be more comfortable for long days on foot or sleeping on trains. Sadly, for this trip, jeans and biker shorts is all I have. As for going comando... err... hmm... I just can't say I like my package hanging that low and swinging about. I'll gladly sacrifice the half-pound of weight and the 48 square inches to keep the boys in place. (sorry, no delicate way to put that)

Other things I'll have handy that no one has mentioned yet:
1. Lighter: Practical, you never know when you'll need man's favorite invention. So far I've used it most often to seal up the ends of frayed nylon straps from my pack/equipment. Socially handy: When someone asks you for a light, if you've got one, it can be an easy conversation starter. Especially useful if it's a local. You've just done him/her a favor and they'll probably be a lot more receptive, to telling you where you are and how to get somewhere. On top of that, it's light, cheap, and takes up next to no space.

2. Leatherman or other multi-tool. A knife, siscors, bottle opener, etc. For a me a knife can be about the handiest tool out there, cut open packages, cut food, trim straps/threadbear clothing, etc. The bottle opener can make you just about the most popular guy/gal in the room let me tell you. However, if you're travelling in Russia at night, make sure you leave it in your pack rather than clipped to the inside of your pocket. The police have no sense of humor.

Extras for this trip
1. If you're artisically inclined, nothing brings inspiration like walking around a corner and seeing some great old building in the most perfect composition you've ever seen. For that reason I have a small tin of pencils (3 lead hardnesses), pens (2), and colored pencils (24) and a sketchpad that follow me wherever I go.

2. Because I use a digicam, and I like to take a ton of pictures, I have to have some way to get them off of the camera. Since I have my laptop here in Finland for work, and it only weighs 6lbs with all it's gear, I think I'm going to bring it along. It's not exactly in the backpacker's "leave everything behind" spirit, but it does give some advantages. I can get my pictures, I have a library of music, I can keep my online journal updated, and keep in touch with the folks back home. The obvoius downsides are the 6lbs, the space, and the risk of theft. It was a tough call, but my photography interests kinda make it a must.

I'm still putting all of this stuff together, I'll add more to the post once I figure out what's going in the pack.

**travelpunk** · 08-06-2003, 08:00 AM

Topic PINNED! Good call

I usually have a pair of jeans and a pair of khakis, but you´re right, the jeans get soaked and them mugs are hard to dry. I will opt for probably some faded green/gray/or beige gap style cargo pants next time. They´re lighter and more practical.

2-3 pairs of shorts.

About 5 t-shirts, undies(got keep the boys comfy

), and socks (a black pair for casual dining and clubs).

A casual dress type shirt that can take the kind of punishment that comes along with backpacking, but still looks decent when going to a nice restaurant or club(with khakis).

A light jacket or fleece.

An small umbrella

2 baseball type hats- extremely helpful for crashing on the Eurail. It´ll block out the light (when you wear it so the bill is just about covering your eyes). Also good for those days that you just don´t want to bother with gellin your hair.

keychains from the USA to give to cool locals that I meet as a souvenir from my home town. They love it as they most likely will never be able to travel to your part of the world.

A bunch of plastic bags that will keep everything dry and in order.

A small keychain LCD light or flashlight.

A small compass. Used it a lot in Paris and parts of Spain.

A journal.

A bike cable and combo lock for backpack/hostel security.

parts of my lonely planet(only the countries that I need) stapled together and folded up in the daypack.

A probably the most constantly used items- a pen and a small pad of paper. Great for writing directions, getting contact info,, etc...

V, why not just bring your digi-camera cable and CD software and plug into any and every internet cafe along the way and download your pics to your site? It´ll free up 6 lbs and give you more space.

Thats all for now, but I´m sure stuff will pop up later B)

**Canadian Dude** · 08-06-2003, 09:50 AM

( i dont get to carry condoms anymore

I am married

)

lololol

yeahyeah · 08-06-2003, 12:44 PM

what i'm planning on carrying for a 40 day/5 country trip next spring.

Clothes
1 Cargo Shorts
1 Bathing Suit
5 pairs of socks
2 t-shirts (buy an extra souvenir tee while there)
1 collared shirt (for those special occasions)
4 underwear
2 long sleeve shirts
2 Pair Pants, Khakis and Lightweight Cargo’s (dark colour, navy maybe?)
1 pair Sandals
1 pair Shoes
1 Pair Sunglasses
1 Windbreaker
1 Baseball hat or Knit Toque

Other Stuff
1 Compact towel, ok for beach too.
Digital Camera, Battery Charger, USB cable
Voltage Converter/Adaptor
Swiss Army Knife/Utensils
1 Sleep Sheet
1 Mp3 player
1 Money belt, make sure its not too itchy or hot against the skin.
1 Backpack (light coloured, beige?.. for that hot weather)/Rick Steve’s Mini Pack
1 Water bottle
Travel pages from Italy, Spain, Greece, Benelux, France (RS Europe through the back door, Lonely Planet)
3 Laundry Detergent Tabs (packs come in 2)/Downy Sheets
1 Deck of Playing Cards, list of drinking games.
small cord/rope for drying laundry
mini journal/address book/pen (for notes, directions, etc)
pad lock & a zipper pack lock/ or bike cable lock.
Mini flashlight/key chain light
***if there is room… hah… safety pins, matches, sewing kit, compass?

Toiletries – [try not to get carried away]
toothbrush/paste,
hair gel,
lip chap
contacts/solution,
deodorant,
Band-Aids,
Sm. mirror, razor
Tylenol,
Muskol/Sunblock

Documents
Passport
Airline Tickets
Train Pass
Driver’s License
Health Insurance
Debit Card
Visa Card
Hostel reservations, directions
Pre-addressed Labels for postcards

**travelpunk** · 08-07-2003, 08:57 AM

Grrrrrrr......I feel your pain, CD

(Long term relationship)

YY, Looks like you covered your bases! Do have to bring the Camera CD software to install into other computers or will you be able to upload your photos with out it? Didn´t see it on your list.

Also, do you have a money belt? You probably got that covered. None us listed it either

.

yeahyeah · 08-08-2003, 06:06 AM

TP - yeah i have a money belt on there for sure!! i was thinking of just pinning my money together to use as a shirt and then just peel some off when i need it.. but i think that might be a bit risky.........

question: do you leave your money belt in your hostel when you go to the beach or something? is it safe there??

man, i am so used to winXP.. i forgot about needing software... yeah i guess i'll bring it along too (just in case)... although i have heard that some cafe's won't let you use their USB ports... dont know why... but some now have flash card readers. can anyone confirm/deny this?? i'm gonna bring along a bunch of cd's with mp3's on it so i can just upload new songs onto my player along the trip.

i've heard about photo stores that will upload your pics to a cd.. which is cool... although right now i only have a 128MB card, so the price of 7 or 8 euros/per cd might be a bit steep.

i think i'm gonna ditch the battery charger too and just bring disposable batteries. too much headache with converters/adaptors etc!!

dmac · 10-03-2003, 01:32 PM

Do cafe's allow you to put software onto their computers. For Picture/MP3 purposes?

**voyd** · 10-03-2003, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Diorama@Aug 6 2003, 01:34 AM
condoms!!!!

yah, righhhtt you're "just kidding..."

Actually, I prefer that bareback feel so I just pack a small can of Lysol to spray on before gettin it on...uh, that works right?

**Diorama** · 10-03-2003, 07:04 PM

voyd!

you have a potty mouth. I think everyone should pack condoms. (even married folks). Cuz even though chances are soooooooooo unlikely that you will do anything. It's better to be safe. You never know right. ANd heck if ya don't use them (which would be a good thing) then i'm sure you'd use them all up when you get home.

I disagree about the jeans thing. I wear jeans just about everyday. Its my wardrobe staple. So if your like me and jeans are your favourite type of pants then iwould at least take one pair. You can save them for going out to a bar, or mabye for an easy daytrip to the muesuem or something. Obviously you wouldn't want to go hiking in them. but it's really hard to go without your favourite type of clothing./ I didn't have jeans for six weeks and the first thing I did when I got home was slip into my jeans. it felt sooooo good.

Bring tweezers (for the girls) cuz surprise your eyebrows actually grow! and nailclippers because who wants ugly ass long toe nails.

hamadelica · 11-18-2003, 12:46 PM

one sweatshirt that can double as a pillow
3 button up shirts
1 pair of pants
6 pairs of socks
4 pairs of boxers
2 pairs of shoes
as many cans of sardines as possible
a flask of whiskey
sleeping pills
pepper spray
some cheese
sleeping bag
journal
stimulants

**Mocassin** · 11-18-2003, 02:16 PM

Hey Hamadelica!!!! :D

Whiskey, stimulants, sleeping pills, pepper spray, but only one pair of pants??!?!

OMG! Party time!! Hahah!

**voyd** · 11-18-2003, 02:29 PM

Yes, I have a potty mouth.

Is this news to you, Dio, lol?

Question: Can you use pepper spray as a portable condiment? You know, to spice up your food?

:eat:

**Mocassin** · 11-18-2003, 06:05 PM

Yes, what they use for pepper spray is also used as a spice!

We call it: Poivre de Cayenne (Cayenne Pepper? Cajun Pepper?! Anyways...you get the picture...)

ladaz · 12-19-2003, 10:10 PM

No rinse body wash and shampoo.
http://www.hikepa.com/gear/reviews/no_rinse.htm
I don't remember if I read about this stuff on this site or somewhere else, but I think it's a great idea and am going to get some for myself for my next trip.
I hate it when my hair is feeling nasty and I don't have time or resources to wash my hair, and this stuff doesn't require any water. Just put it in and rub; takes out grease and any other nasty thing in your hair. Worth having just in case, and it's cheap and small.

**Mocassin** · 12-20-2003, 05:54 AM

Hey!!! That's exactly what I carry in my pack all the time!!! It doesn't work as good as soap and hot water though, but it helps a bit. Make sure you carry them in a Ziploc!

cooldice23 · 01-06-2004, 11:09 PM

soap:

i've just always taken Dr. Bronner's hemp castile soap, the liquid kind. it's available in tons of different flavors (peppermint, lavendar, etc.) and use it for body, hair, clothes, dishes, whatever. i don't use it for toothpaste, (though you can) because of a disgusting aftertaste. you're also supposed to dilute it tons, so a medium-sized bottle can last for a LONG trip. 100% biodegradable & all natural.

i'll even use it for shaving, but it really dries my skin out.

packing:

i'm definitely in the 'less is more' camp, and will take for 1-3 months:
(including on body)

2-3 t- shirts
2-3 pants (1 jeans, 1 khaki)
1 shorts
many pairs of socks
1-2 paperback books
notebook
rolling papers
water tablets
soap
handy tool (such as leatherman)
tiny flashlight
durable water bottle (such as nalgene)

pretty often, too, i'll bring a sleeping bag & tarp, but it just depends on how ghetto it's going to be.

absolutely cannot overemphasize the many pairs of socks, unless you're someplace where you can wear sandals & skip 'em.

link

**Mocassin** · 01-07-2004, 08:45 PM

Nice list Cooldice!!!

Quote:

durable water bottle (such as nalgene)

Well...

I always carry a Nalgene water bottle around (I must have 5 of them! Hahah!) But I think they take to much place when empty...If I really want to have something that can contain water, I bring an hydration bag, or bladder if you prefer...It's light, you can drink directly from a kind of long straw that comes out of your backpack and when empty it doesn't take that much space...Modern backpacks usually have a special inside pocket to put it in, plus the hole where the straw comes out...This is great because you don't have to take the bottle out of your pack all the time, you just attach the straw let's say on your shoulder and drink whenever you need to...And, if it's freezing outside, good luck on keeping your water from turning into ice in a big Nalgene bottle...I never tried it but I think the bladder would work better because it's easier to put it next to your body for heat...

Here is the classic one, by Platypus...

Mine is this one: H2O by Source Vagabond Systems.

I tried both and I prefer mine to the classic Platypus everyone buys...It's cheaper and it won't leak because this one doesn't open like a Ziploc bag, like the first one does...(It happened to a friend and he ruined a few Kodak films that were in his bag). And it's designed way better. The tube is insulated so the water won't freeze in it, and it's easier to carry around and fill because of the handles.