So you’ve got ten days left of work or school and you’re itching to begin your travels. You glance at your empty rucksack and the pile of things in your room. What on earth are you supposed to take? Fear not, help is at hand. Here are the most essential items to stuff in your backpack.
Rope
Rope and backpacking? You might not think the two are complimentary but packing a strong but thin and light rope is one of the best things you can do. Use it as a clothes line to dry out hand washed clothes, it also comes in handy for tying weighty objects to your backpack too!
Baby Wipes
Travelling days on end on a bus or train is de rigeur for tackling the huge expanses of Southeast Asia or South America. These cramped, hot and smelly vehicles often have limited washing facilities and can lead to uncomfortable sweaty foreheads. Baby wipes, small, light and fresh smelling, are the best way to stay refreshed and clean. Cheap too!
Mesh Zipper Bags
Delicate mesh zipper bags are great for keeping things separate from your pack. Easy to throw in the wash, hang and tie to objects, mesh zipper bags can be bought inexpensively at pound stores or supermarkets. Handy too for storing objects that are liable to spillage, these babies are an essential part of the backpacking [http://www.gapdaemon.com/] arsenal.
Camera
Taking something you can take photographs with to record your travel memories is so important. Digital cameras are worth the one off payment and have an edge over film as they are less expensive in the long run (when you take film and development costs into consideration). Consider taking a smart phone. Not only are they usually good for contacting people on your travels but they take a pretty decent photo too.
Earplugs
Earplugs will save your sanity in those noisy old hostels and train cabins that’s for sure! Light, tiny and very cheap, keep them in your pocket or in a pouch in your bag so you can access them at any time.
Sleep Sheet
A silk sleep sheet compressed into about the size of a fist is another great backpacking [http://www.gapdaemon.com/] travel. addition. Acting as a very thin sleeping bag, you can climb down inside it to protect yourself from all the nasties on dodgy guesthouse mattresses. Essential in places where you just know the bed linen just isn’t going to cut it.
Rope
Rope and backpacking? You might not think the two are complimentary but packing a strong but thin and light rope is one of the best things you can do. Use it as a clothes line to dry out hand washed clothes, it also comes in handy for tying weighty objects to your backpack too!
Baby Wipes
Travelling days on end on a bus or train is de rigeur for tackling the huge expanses of Southeast Asia or South America. These cramped, hot and smelly vehicles often have limited washing facilities and can lead to uncomfortable sweaty foreheads. Baby wipes, small, light and fresh smelling, are the best way to stay refreshed and clean. Cheap too!
Mesh Zipper Bags
Delicate mesh zipper bags are great for keeping things separate from your pack. Easy to throw in the wash, hang and tie to objects, mesh zipper bags can be bought inexpensively at pound stores or supermarkets. Handy too for storing objects that are liable to spillage, these babies are an essential part of the backpacking [http://www.gapdaemon.com/] arsenal.
Camera
Taking something you can take photographs with to record your travel memories is so important. Digital cameras are worth the one off payment and have an edge over film as they are less expensive in the long run (when you take film and development costs into consideration). Consider taking a smart phone. Not only are they usually good for contacting people on your travels but they take a pretty decent photo too.
Earplugs
Earplugs will save your sanity in those noisy old hostels and train cabins that’s for sure! Light, tiny and very cheap, keep them in your pocket or in a pouch in your bag so you can access them at any time.
Sleep Sheet
A silk sleep sheet compressed into about the size of a fist is another great backpacking [http://www.gapdaemon.com/] travel. addition. Acting as a very thin sleeping bag, you can climb down inside it to protect yourself from all the nasties on dodgy guesthouse mattresses. Essential in places where you just know the bed linen just isn’t going to cut it.