Backpacking is a very popular form of visiting a country and its practice has been rising over the years. Backpacking can be considered a more adventurous way of seeing a country and also one that is more economical, the reason why many people who have limited budgets prefer this kind of alternative when traveling in other countries. But backpacking has its own challenges and also its own requirements and these are something you need to take into consideration when packing your stuff for a backpacking trip. In fact, packing is one of the most common difficulties of every backpacker but with tips from expert backpackers you’ll be able to surmount this difficulty and make packing easier.
First, you need to get a backpack that will fit your needs. A good backpack is, first and foremost, comfortable. Remember that as a backpacker you’ll be carrying around all of your stuff wherever you go. A backpack that’s uncomfortable to wear will just make your trip an ordeal so go for the backpack that will address your specific requirements. Aside from comfortability, size and sturdiness are also important things to consider. You should carry a backpack with a capacity and size that you are comfortable with. And sturdiness is a very important issue because backpacking can get rugged and you wouldn’t want your backpack to burst on you in the middle of your trip.
When packing you should make a checklist of all the things that you think will be essential to your trip. There are sites on the internet that actually provide such checklists for certain countries. Guidebooks are also a big help. There are even guidebooks that specifically cater to the backpacker.
Before going on the trip make sure that you are prepared for accidents or injuries by taking a first aid course. You can also book an appointment with your physician and have a talk with him about first aid procedures and medicines that you’ll probably need to bring with you.
When packing clothes, just stick to the essentials. Don’t bring anything that’s too fancy because chances are you won’t use it anyway. Make sure that your clothes can be easily mixed and matched. Clothes in materials that are easily washable is a big plus. You should also keep in mind layering, instead of bringing bulky warm clothes. To provide the most space in your backpack, roll your clothes – it even has the added benefit of not wrinkling them.
Photo from backpackingbex.com