Tips for packing a backpack

So you’ve made the decision to travel. You’ve dreamt for months about where you’d like to go and what you want to see, but how much thought have you given to how you are going to carry all your worldly possessions around?

For most travellers, a backpack is the obvious choice. If you are going to be away for any length of time, you will find a backpack the sturdiest, most secure and most portable method of carrying your stuff. Alternatives like a large rucksack or suitcase on wheels might seem like a good idea, but when you are trying to pull the bag through cobblestone streets or busy traffic, you will wish for the ease of a sturdy backpack.

I am not sure I’m the most qualified person to write about packing a backpack. I struggled to get my piles of clothing and equipment to a manageable and neatly rolled stack!

What I can share are some important tips and essentials that came to me by way of friends, experience or through reading. (This is written from a female point of view – so the clothing tips might be less useful for males!)

- Never be tempted to buy a pack too big for your body. The sales people at the shop you choose should advise you about the right pack for your height but if you ignore the advice you will end up with a very heavy pack that you either cannot stand up in or that will pull you backwards and trip you over!

- Buy a new backpack. Despite the hundreds of offers from friends and the temptation to save a few dollars it is worth the investment of having a pack that is fitted to your back and shape and one you know is yours.

- Ask about the sales. Backpacking equipment can be very pricey, but most major stores have a sale once or twice a year where you can save around 50% on all items in store. It is worth waiting and getting more bang for your buck.

- Have a practice pack and walk. There is nothing worse than trying to pack a couple of days before you go, only to find you cannot fit everything in or you cannot remember what straps tightened which parts of your pack. Have a few tries at packing your gear and having a walk around in it when full. When packing, remember to place the heaviest items in the middle and along your back and put the lightest stuff in the very bottom of the pack. Heavy items mean shoes and bathroom bags – it is amazing how heavy your toiletries can be!

- The ‘rule of packing’ is right. I mean the one where you should take out everything you want or need to take and then half it. Take clothing that can be worn in a variety of ways – a pair of jeans and a smart polo shirt can take you from a day out to a nice restaurant. Plain colours that won’t show dirt are the best option, and quick dry material is well worth the investment.

- Dress ‘smart’. This especially applies to females. Take clothing that looks as good on the beach with bathers as it will with a pair of pants at a restaurant. Use a funky necklace, a scarf or earrings to dress up your outfit – they take up less room than a dress or sparkly top. And borrow shoes to go out if you have to – dress shoes in a backpack are not very practical.

- Roll your clothes. It sounds like a real pain but rolling your clothes tightly will save space and pack a lot better than folding. Practice at home before you go and you will be able to roll very quickly and neatly – and save on some ironing if you are really skilled.

- A first aid kit is essential. I don’t mean a bulky kit with all the whiz-bang plasters and medicines. I mean something practical. Grab a small zip purse and make sure you have Bandaids in every shape and size, one roll of bandage for sprains or blisters, as many safety pins as you can fit in a film container, sterile gloves, tweezers, a small tube of antiseptic cream and headache and/or flu tablets. It is Murphy’s Law that you will need these things when there isn’t a shop or chemist for miles. If you get the chance, see your doctor before you leave and ask for a prescription for a general antibiotic and pack these too.

- You only need 3 sets of shoes. Invest in a good pair of walking shoes with sturdy support – and DO break them in before you leave. Also take a pair of sandals – the type with Velcro straps. The only other shoes you will need are a pair of thongs (or flip flops) for casual days out and skanky bathrooms. Invest in a couple of pairs of good quality thick socks – they will save a lot of foot ache and blisters.

Now here is a list of the more unusual but essential items to add to your pack. You won’t believe me now, but some of them will save you!

- A length of string. Whether you need it for tying shoes to your backpack or an emergency clothesline, take a few metres of brickies string (or something strong) and pop it in your pack.

- Hair control. I don’t mean gel or wax here – I mean either a bandanna or a buff or a hat. Your hair will annoy you endlessly when backpacking – either from changes in water hardness, lack of funds for a cut or lack of shampoo. Guy or girl – invest in something that will hide your hair and keep you comfortable in days when you cannot be bothered. Or shave it off …

- Sarong. There are a million uses for a sarong. An extra towel, a privacy screen for your bunk or your room, a picnic rug, a wrap, an emergency top (for girls) … the list is endless.

- Ziplock bags. Take them in every size possible. You will find them useful for containing everything from rubbish to laundry powder. They are waterproof, they hold liquid, they can hold your lunch. Don’t leave home without some.

- Cutlery. Sounds obvious but if you have a set of cutlery in your backpack you can eat anywhere! Some tight hostels will charge you extra for these ‘luxuries’ so take your own. It’s more hygienic and more convenient and if you can find a collapsible cup take one of those too.

- Universal plug. The stories about hostels taking the plugs out of bathrooms so you cannot wash your clothes are true! Pack a large universal plug for those days when you just want to get a small wash done.

Most important of all – be sure to pack a good dose of humour and a tonne of patience! You will need plenty of both when it comes to dealing with your backpack.