Backpacking checklist

[yoshimoto]

I'm going on a 1 year beackpacking trip around Europe - can anyone plase help me put together a check list of exactly what i will need to take.

I might end up buying a car too, so big items are ok.

Thanks

[Pomp]

When I recently went travelling I read a lot about what to take. There were suggestions which varied from only take two T shirts, wear one one and wash it the next. Photos would look a bit boring if you only have two T Shirts.

Basically the less you take is best. You have to carry your bags, when looking for accomodation, and when running for buses and trains. Having said that, you don't actually have to carry all your bags very often.

The benefit of small bags is that you can take them on buses and planes, and they don't end up on the roof, or on in holds. A lot less chance of losing them.

Europe has a pretty broad range of temeratures so you would need some warm clothes if you are going in to the Alps, and shorts if you are in Greece (for example)

If you find you are missing something, you can always buy it in Europe. Much better to do that, than carry round three pairs of trousers, which you don't use.

You will fill whatever size rucksack that you buy, so if you get a smaller one it will end up being lighter.

If you buy a car, then you don't have such a restriction on size and weight.

Apart from the usual jeans, tshirts etc, things which we took which we found useful included, cotton sleeping bag liner, plug for sink, torch, Swiss army knife, take some pictures of home / family (if you meet locals they are always interested in that sort of thing)

We didn't take sleeping bags, because if you go somewhere cold, you can get extra blankets.

[beamer]

I found a simple ball of string invaluable.

Definately taking one on my next trip in a few weeks.