@ Taru

Nice to see you here! And wow, that takes the prize as the longest comment ever jaja. But you have good advice, thank you! I like the colored bags… If I were less lazy I would definitely do that! And I was forgetting about the freshen-up towels and that hand liquid – Good point! I usually take both. These two saved me of getting 318423 eye infections every time I got my contacts off.

Buut generally girls have bag that are even bigger than boys =P I bet that for the sake of one more dress many girls are willing to take the the extra kilos. I still remember my friend Jovana with her 80l+ backpack back in Austria! And 9kg of souvenirs is a record Taru!

The jacket is tricky. You are absolutely right that those new ones are worth it! I’m just not so in love with them. I rather wear those bigger, heavier but classy-looking coat (I’m an idiot with this, I know). But normal people should follow your recommendation. The jacket is the one-thing that takes the most space in the bag.

Last, you got a good point with the backpack’s quality. I paid quite a bit for mine and recommend anyone to do the same. Buy the best and it will be worth in the long run!

@ Colin

I’m glad that things are better with you already! And good to know that I won’t get minimalists mad with this one =)

The multi-useful things are a good idea. I never got beyond tech for this, but the shoes and workout clothes sound good. I actually never took my running shoes and all when I was backpacking – just to Brazil but because I was there for the long term and with a bigger bag. But I’ll write this one down for the future!

I’ve reduced my load a little bit more by making use of things that allow me to use less of other things. For example, I don’t need to bring a book because I read only ebooks on my iPod. I don’t need to bring quite so much underwear because I have workout shorts with an inner lining that wicks away sweat and clings (these also double as swim trunks). My workout shoes are Vibram Five Finger shoes, which don’t require socks. Etc etc etc.

Like I said, though, you’re doing a hell of a job already. Reduce more if you get sick of lugging what you’ve got around, but otherwise you’re already carrying significantly less than most travelers I’ve seen!
.-= Last by Colin Wright: Home Is Where the Porn Is =-.

Ok, but this everything of course depends on your trip, your experience, the place where you go, what you want to do, how you travel and do you travel alone or with a friend(s). Of course your list is a general list and needs to be modified by every person for their needs. I just wanted to comment the weight that sounded a lot for backpacking. I have carried quite some more when hiking a week in forest carrying my food, tent etc. with me. Because there its just very needed to have all that stuff. And I have had much less when I went to a student meeting and we spent the nights in hotel and the days in plenary room.

So, but how would I improve your list thinking on backpacking in general.

Clothing: Linen is really tricky material because it rucks up. So either you would need a iron or choose something else… Then I was wondering what I would do with one short in the winter… But maybe I get lucky on the trip and there is a beach party somewhere. Then about the jacket(s). I would recommend a gore-tex jacket (without fill). That keeps the wind and water away whenever you need it to do so. And in winter you just put a fleece under it and no need to feel cold (except if you are in Argentina maybe ). Then you can cut the funny rain poncho and a thicker jacket out (the gore-tex jackets are also quite light). Now if I plan to be in the cities and go out etc. I would also take a light extra jacket that is less sporty. For shoes I take my normal walking shoes for the city sightseeing (I hate buying shoes, so I have only shoes that are comfortable to walk), and then sport sandals/shoes for sport activities (sandals in the summer, shoes in the winter) + flip flops that are just nice and easy in the summer, on the beach and in the public showers. And last but very important. Wool socks! Not everywhere the floors are so warm as in my home country and I hate to wear shoes. So whenever I take my shoes off (peoples homes, transportation..) I put my wool socks on.

Tech: Remember to take the chargers!

Other: If you like cooking its a really good idea to take your favorite spices from home, since it might be difficult to get them in your destination. Your promise about cooking something from your home country might be ruined because you just can’t find the right spices. Share the toiletry and first-aid if you are traveling with a friend (easier if same sex). Other quite useful things that I always carry are small forehead flashlight (for electricity cuts, tents, any place where its dark and you need to find something in your backpack), freshen-up towels (you may even “take a shower” with these if necessary) and hand sanitizer (keeps the viruses away, but also cleans easily your hands of whatever when there is no water).

Anyway, I would say the most important is to have a good backpack (50-70 l, not from the local super market) and not pack it full at home. List all the stuff you need and then think if you really need it. “I might need” sounds something that you can leave out, except if its first-aid. Little by little you will find out what you need and how to pack it. I roll all my clothes (takes less space and the stay less ruckier). I have lot of colorful bags that I use to separate my clothes and other stuff in my backpack. Need a new pair of socks? Just find the yellow bag! And have a bag for dirty clothes as well!

I see I got a bit too enthusiastic with this, but maybe my tips will help someone. Now I will let the next one to comment and give his tips!