Post: #1

I know there's this anti-backpacking sentiment on here, but I'm going through with the accidental Asian trip and need a bit of a game plan regarding what I really need to bring. Most of the info on backpacking seems to be from people who are relatively broke and/or have no style. My friends all say go 10 pounds or less, but that's not going to fly.

I just picked up this pack from my local REI and there's no way I can live out of that for over a month. I've got some solid shirts that are moisture wicking, dry fast, and look more than good enough to pull women in Asia if I end up going somewhere relatively nice.

There's a lot of stuff I want to see and I do not want to deal with a suitcase. This is mostly me taking a mental month off and being a tourist. Anyone have experience with this? Are there any items you didn't bring but wish you had/couldn't buy abroad?

Post: #2

(07-30-2013 09:58 PM)Alpha Mind Wrote:  I know there's this anti-backpacking sentiment on here

I don't think it's so much that there's an anti-backpacking sentiment; I think it's more that there's a anti-backpacker sentiment. Meaning the types of backpackers who pretend they're different than "tourists" only to congregrate together at popular destinations around the world and act in many of the same ways as other tourists do.

Backpacking as a philosophy of travel is on point, in my opinion - depending on what you're looking for - and Vagabonding is still one of my favorite books about travel. A lot of guys here have settled into a more comfortable mode of moving around and tend to stick in one spot for longer periods of time, but I think most of us can still respect the idea of heading out on a journey with just you and your pack in search of adventure. I'm living out of just my one backpack at the moment in Cambodia.

My advice to you is that you probably think you need far more than you actually do. Trim your pile of stuff down as much as possible and then trim it down some more. Anything you're not 100% positive you'll use more than on a weekly basis (or maybe even daily), leave it home and buy it later if it becomes a must. I always make the mistake of packing dumb shit like medication, sunblock, aloe vera, and even a pocket umbrella this last time around. It's so easy to keep little things, thinking it really isn't that much weight, but it all adds up quickly when you do it with more and more items.

I almost always end up dropping that stuff off somewhere - even left an old ipod in my last hotel room because in 5 years of living abroad I've only used it maybe twice. Some poor Cambodian motel maid got a come up on that one; suppose I should have sold it but just didn't feel like putting in the effort.

I can't think of anything in my pack right now that I couldn't buy abroad except maybe my Kindle.

You can even cut down the clothes if you plan to wash them a lot and roll them instead of folding them in your pack like the military boys do. If you're going to be moving around a lot, you can probably get away with no more than a couple dress shirts and one pair of nice pants as far as dress clothes go, though it can be a headache - if you're staying in one place and going to the same clubs a lot, maybe a good idea to mix it up as not to look the same everyday. Then again, you can always pick up an extra nice shirt or two somewhere along the way if it's not enough.

One decent piece of advice is to color code all your shit. If everything matches, you can pack less clothes and still get quite a few outfits out of it.

One of the biggest challenges I find is dealing with shoes. Hard not to pack gym shoes, something I can wear in the club, and then something more casual. And they take up a lot of room. One way I've found you can solve that issue is forgoing the gym and instead working out in pools and other bodies of water - if you do that you can skip the gym shoes and just take shorts and a pair of swim goggles. And still do strength training in your room.

I have a lot more I could contribute here. I'll pop back in later.

Beyond All Seas

"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe.
To be your own man is a hard business. If you try it, you'll be lonely often, and sometimes
frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." - Kipling

Post: #3

(07-31-2013 01:56 AM)Beyond Borders Wrote:  

(07-30-2013 09:58 PM)Alpha Mind Wrote:  I know there's this anti-backpacking sentiment on here

I have a lot more I could contribute here. I'll pop back in later.

I will be traveling for nearly a year. Mostly through South America before i head to Australia and SEA. Really struggling on my decision whether to backpack or bring a small suitcase with four wheels.

My budget is pretty large compared to what most people would have.

I am leaning towards a backpack, just because it seems easier to get around. I have no dates set, except when I get to Peru at first. Will be going a bit with the flow, and stay places I like longer than others.

My largest problem is what to bring if i decide with a backpack.

Any more tips or suggestion you have are mighty welcome.

Post: #4

I'm partial to this backpack here.

http://www.amazon.com/Osprey-Porter-Trav...y+backpack

Has a nice sleek "non-backpacker" look and opens like a suitcase, making it easier to access your things en route. Extremely roomy.




There are different sizes, and the one I bought ended up being too big for carry-on, so you may want to browse around a bit to see what sizes they've got available.

If you're going to do some real miles by foot, on the other hand, go for a pack that's meant for hiking, as it will be built more for function. I'm not super stoked on the way the weight is balanced in this particular pack, as it rides a bit high on the back.

As for what to pack, pick up a copy of Vagabonding. It's essential reading for any world traveler, and I'm sure he also gives a good packing list.

Tim Ferriss has a good list for inspiration as well: http://fourhourworkweek.com/2007/07/11/h...reehouses/

Beyond All Seas

"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe.
To be your own man is a hard business. If you try it, you'll be lonely often, and sometimes
frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." - Kipling

Post: #5

(06-02-2014 06:46 AM)Beyond Borders Wrote:  I'm partial to this backpack here.

http://www.amazon.com/Osprey-Porter-Trav...y+backpack

Has a nice sleek "non-backpacker" look and opens like a suitcase, making it easier to access your things en route. Extremely roomy.




There are different sizes, and the one I bought ended up being too big for carry-on, so you may want to browse around a bit to see what sizes they've got available.

If you're going to do some real miles by foot, on the other hand, go for a pack that's meant for hiking, as it will be built more for function. I'm not super stoked on the way the weight is balanced in this particular pack, as it rides a bit high on the back.

As for what to pack, pick up a copy of Vagabonding. It's essential reading for any world traveler, and I'm sure he also gives a good packing list.

Tim Ferriss has a good list for inspiration as well: http://fourhourworkweek.com/2007/07/11/h...reehouses/

Thanks a lot. Don't know how much hiking I will be doing, but there will be some. That backpack looks perfect for me

Post: #6

^ What kind of hiking? If you're doing a legit hiking trip, it really might be better to get something more functional.

Walking around cities for a half-day here and there sightseeing or while getting settled, not a deal killer.

Beyond All Seas

"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe.
To be your own man is a hard business. If you try it, you'll be lonely often, and sometimes
frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." - Kipling

Post: #7

That bag will fit more than enough of what you need. I went last year around Europe, didn't take that much but wish I took way less.

This is what I'd recommend...

- 7 x t shirts
- underwear
- 1 x black jeans that look fairly smart
- 1 or 2 x shorts
- 2 x nice shirts for going out
- 1 x light hoodie/jumper/coat
- 1 x trainers
- 1 x decent shoes for going out
- washbag
- light towel
- small point and shoot camera
- smartphone
- watch
- ipod & mini speakers
- phone and ipod charger
- charger adapter

You don't really want any more clothes than that as you can just wash them, bringing a laptop is bulky and defeats the whole point of going backpacking and anything else is probably just unnecessary.

Post: #8

(06-02-2014 08:58 AM)the-dream Wrote:  a laptop is bulky and defeats the whole point of going backpacking

Caveat there is if you work online, building an online biz, or are writing a book, of course. I'm doing all of the above, and while I hate traveling with my laptop, it's simply not feasible.

Good list though.

Beyond All Seas

"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe.
To be your own man is a hard business. If you try it, you'll be lonely often, and sometimes
frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." - Kipling

Post: #9

(06-02-2014 09:06 AM)Beyond Borders Wrote:  

(06-02-2014 08:58 AM)the-dream Wrote:  a laptop is bulky and defeats the whole point of going backpacking

Caveat there is if you work online, building an online biz, or are writing a book, of course. I'm doing all of the above, and while I hate traveling with my laptop, it's simply not feasible.

Good list though.

Yeah true, I run a little online business and gave it to someone else to take care of whilst I was away. It did suffer and took me quite a while to get the momentum back with it but I don't regret leaving it... it was a great feeling to just be unplugged from what's going on back at home, in foreign countries and not having any worries or responsibilities. If it's a lifestyle choice, definitely take it but if you're just leaving the "real world" for a few weeks to then return back to it as soon as the holiday is up then I'd recommend trying to just truly living in the moment on the holiday!

Post: #10

You'll want to keep your clothes from looking like shit. And you might not always have access to an iron. In such a case, this stuff is magic. A couple sprays and your clothes will be looking fresh:

Post: #11

(06-02-2014 08:37 AM)Beyond Borders Wrote:  ^ What kind of hiking? If you're doing a legit hiking trip, it really might be better to get something more functional.

Walking around cities for a half-day here and there sightseeing or while getting settled, not a deal killer.

Doing the Macchu Picchu trek. Can always buy a seperate smaller backpack for that trip. Haven't really planned out any other hikes. If its worth seeing, and I have the time, who knows.

Post: #12

(06-02-2014 08:58 AM)the-dream Wrote:  That bag will fit more than enough of what you need. I went last year around Europe, didn't take that much but wish I took way less.

This is what I'd recommend...

- 7 x t shirts
- underwear
- 1 x black jeans that look fairly smart
- 1 or 2 x shorts
- 2 x nice shirts for going out
- 1 x light hoodie/jumper/coat
- 1 x trainers
- 1 x decent shoes for going out
- washbag
- light towel
- small point and shoot camera
- smartphone
- watch
- ipod & mini speakers
- phone and ipod charger
- charger adapter

You don't really want any more clothes than that as you can just wash them, bringing a laptop is bulky and defeats the whole point of going backpacking and anything else is probably just unnecessary.

Nice list. I was thinking of bringing my DSLR camera and Ipad. What kind of mini speakers do you have? A docking station or two small ones? Just wondering if the Ipad will be sufficient without extra speakers.

And for the watch. Do I leave my fancy expensive watch at home, or do I buy a $10 fake look a like?

Post: #13

(06-03-2014 01:48 AM)Baga Wrote:  [quote='the-dream' pid='742800' dateline='1401717523']

Nice list. I was thinking of bringing my DSLR camera and Ipad. What kind of mini speakers do you have? A docking station or two small ones? Just wondering if the Ipad will be sufficient without extra speakers.

And for the watch. Do I leave my fancy expensive watch at home, or do I buy a $10 fake look a like?

It depends whether or not you want to listen to music on speakers a lot! I like to just have it on during the day when I'm in my room to chill, in the evening to get pumped to go out and to make the mood more relaxed if I bring a girl back but if you're not that bothered it's probably not worth it, especially if your ipad volume is decent.

I personally have a HMDX speaker for travelling which is really cheap, small, loud and clear. Have a look on Amazon! My friend has a Beats Pill which is great but 4x the price.

If you're going to be wearing your watch at all times, there shouldn't be a problem, but if you're going to be leaving it in your room sometimes, it's not going to be worth bringing it.

Post: #14

I just don't understand the insistence backpackers have on actually using a backpack. There's not a single practical reason they shouldn't be carrying a suitcase with wheels. It's more efficient, less uncomfortable, makes everything so much more accessible and you can carry so many more things to make your travels comfortable.

It's like there is this ridiculous imagery associated with being a dirty fuck that wears a backpack, and that somehow means you're going to places on a deeper level than if you just showered and pulled a suitcase along.

I'm one of those people that cannot stand backpackers and every time I encounter them it's the same stupid cliches.

"How do you say cheers in your language"?

"Oh you haven't been to X place yet? Oh that's where the REAL X is".

They always drop these stupid travel stories to try and impress you with their ability to get around to whatever hostel that all the other backpackers go to, then they hang out with their newfound backpacker friends and try to outdo each other.

They don't do anything accept for stay in whatever backpack district of whatever city their in and drink cheap alcohol and wear sandals with tank tops and fat asses.

Do yourself a favor, acquire a midsize suitcase, an Indiana Jones man purse, and LOSE the backpacking mentality. Locals don't like backpackers because their dirty and don't really make any effort to get to know them. They just want to show up and look cute for photos on Facebook.

Post: #15

Yeah bring a suitcase with wheels.
There is nothing funny or cool about walking around in boiling heat with a heavy backpack.
Not to mention that all your back and clothes will be wet of all the sweating.
It only reminds me of the marches from the days in the military.

And another thing is why girls insists of having backpacks when they are not strong enough to carry them. Whining from start to finish. Help me, help me!