Backpacking Checklist
Essential Gear for Your Trip

• Backpack (Invest the extra money to get a comfortable backpack that fits well. Your backpack is your constant companion and the key to comfort and convenience on your trip...use care to choose the right pack. You’ll be glad you did! Anything larger then 4500 CUI is going to be more trouble then it is worth)
  
  
• Fast Drying Towel (These are available as most camping stores. The last thing you want to do is pack a wet towel in your backpack.)
  
  
• Walking Shoes (When walking to and from the train stations, you’ll be happy you have comfortable shoes.)
  
  
• Socks and Underwear (Bring an extra pair. It’s not also easy to do laundry and you don’t want to recycle these essentials.
  
  
• Long Underwear (Depending on the season and whereabouts you are travel. Hostels are not also that well heating so long undies are crucial.
  
  
• Pillow Case (If you are planning to sleep in Backpacker Hostels, your own pillow case is nice.
  
  
• Sleeping Bag (Backpacker Hostels require you to rent sheets or use a sleeping bag. The latter is less expensive.)
  
  
• Passport (Don’t leave the country without it.)
  
  
• Spy Wallet (Pickpockets are all around and they love travels. Since your lively hood is in your wallet. It’s not a bad idea to divide your money up.)
  
  
• Day Pack (Many backpacks come with a detachable daypack. If yours doesn’t, it might not be a bad idea to bring one along.)
  
  
• Camera (Digital is nice but you’ll need a lot of extra storage space.)
  
  
• Journal (If you don’t have anything else to do, why not write in your journal.)
  
  
• Flip Flops (Use them in the shower!)
  
  
• American Express Traveler’s Checks (Perhaps more trouble then they are worth. It can be difficult to find someone to accept them.)
  
  
• Wet Wipes (Nice to have in a pinch and don’t require much space in your pack.)
  
  
• Landry Detergent (An extra travel pack might come in handy.)
  
  
• Space Savers (These are key. They are available at most camping stores and make packing much easier.)
  
  
• Rain Coat (If you are going to be traveling for a while, it is going to rain.)
  
  
• Lock (Backpacker Hostels usually provide lockers but you need to provide the lock.)
  
  
• Band Aids (Chances are that someone is going to fall or cut themselves. Be prepared.)
  
  
• Travel Guide (Travel Guides are great. However, those thick books weigh down your pack. Take a razor blade and cut out the pages you don’t need.)
  
  
• Shampoo, deodorant, soap, toothpaste (You know the drill.)
  
  
• Clothing (The night before you leave, pack everything that you think you need then take out half. Clothing just ways too much. You can only take what you can carry.)