Packing list
June 12th, 2007
Three years ago, I spent a month backpacking through Europe. In the hope that somebody can benefit, I’m sharing my packing list. I think my choices worked well. The best advice I can offer is that the less stuff you bring, the happier you will be.
Of course, not everybody subscribes to that school of thought. I couldn’t believe how much crap some people lugged around. Two female Aussies that Webb and I encountered had enormous camping backpacks, plus giant suitcases, plus large bookbags. They must have been miserable while on the move.
Pack smart. Pack light.
(This post is part of the 100/100/100 challenge)
For the most part I agree with your list. Some things I believe would work better:
LED flashlights are small and handy instead of a mini-mag.
If you are thinking about camping only a day or so, don’t take anything for it. For a couple extra euros, you can probably manage to find a nice 1 star hotel to live in for a night [or buy some equipment to get you through the night for cheap – and not have to carry a sleeping bag around the whole trip!].
Also, if you get electronics that only require batteries, you can ditch the European converter entirely for the cost of a few batteries on the go.
Yeah.
The sleeping bag saw only two nights of use, but I’m glad I had it then. Those were the two nights that I slept in a city park in Pamplona. Sadly, there were no hotel or hostel rooms anywhere near my budget.
i would nix: the electric razor for a real one (weight, durability), the zippo (can’t carry that on), mp3 player and associated stuff, the sleeping bag (phone/internet first).
add: wash clothes (x2) – handy for the sink shower when you’re in a rush. compass and LED light on keychain (so so useful).