I will be backpacking Europe this summer for 3-4 months. I
am having a dificult time deciding what size backpack I
should buy. I want to travel as light as possible...max 2
changes of cloths, you know...the bare minimum. I've decided
to get some type of technical internal frame pack, such as
the Lowe Alpine Contour 50 (3000 cu.in.) that is very
comfortable to carry (I plan on doing lots of walking) and
might possibly fit within carry-on regulations. The pack I
buy will also be used for mountaineering when I get back.
Should I go for a larger 3600-4000 cu.in. pack so I can
carry a sleeping bag and more junk? I'd like to pach my crap
in a 2400 cu.in. bag, but this is probably unreasonable. Any
minimalist backpacker
[There are 7 posts - the latest was added on Sat 22 May, 14:31]
Use the form at the end of this page to add your own post.
Topics
| Thorn Tree
| Home
First is knowing how to pack. Compartments are best, ie
medicine, toiletries etc. Buy a convertable
suitcase/pack. They are excellentput your clothes in with
the body, and arms hanging out. Stack things like that then
fold in arms later. This takes way less space and keeps
thinks unwrinkled. Next tip: old shirts you discard along
the way, and buy new souvenirs/shirts/shorts etc. Jeans
are very flexible. Cotton fabrics, one major color
scheme. Several shorts, several t/shirts. Try to dress in
layers for more warmth according to climate. T shirt
sweater shell etc
i have a lowe alpine contour 40 and manage to find space
for a 1.5 person tent (me and my dwarf girlf), sleeping
bag, tsr stove, camera, walkman, clothing, toiletries...
etc. the things you have to cut back on are clothing and
product packaging (which is all junk anyway). this would
mean limiting yourself to about 4 pairs of jocks and socks,
2/3 cotton t-shirts, 2 shorts (quick drying), 1 jeans, 1
pants, 1 long-sleeved top, 1 weather-proof top... etc. also
get rid of bathroom bag, toothbrush case, soap packaging,
any audio cassette covers, clothes washing powder/liquid...
etc. and replace them with those zip-lock plastic bags.
without a tent or camp stove, you could fit even more into
the contour 50. i'd advise that you get the 50, not 40,
b'cos you don't want to spend too much time trying to
squeeze things in each time you move on in the mornings. it
can take too much time and prove to be a real hassle.
cheers.
rave85 gives excellent advice indeed - if you do the exact
opposite of everything written! Reading it was like
watching the innocents in a teen slasher movie.
Mountaineering with a suitcase! Stacking rather than
rolling! Jeans! (impossible to wash in sink and very slow
drying) Layering with cotton!
Anyway, Lowe knows what it's doing and makes superb packs
for mountaineering and hiking. And you're quite right, you
enjoy travelling much more with a minimum weight pack.
Buy The North Face convertible pants. Two pairs and you've
got yourself shorts, pants, swim suit. The things dry
instanatly and are indestructable. I wore one pair (with no
underwear) continuously for two months through Vietnam and
the Philippines last year. Best clothing article ever!
My advice is lay out everything you want to bring and only
take half of that. Also, get a backpack that is NOT
toploading. It is a huge pain in the ass when you are only
staying somewhere for one night. The thing you want the
most is always on the bottom.
I'm going to Germany and need to know the price of Gas for
filling the car.
Get a Eagle creek Continental Journey. Will meet carryon
size regulations and is a ppanel loader. Also has a
detachable daypack, all zippers are lockable. Full shoulder
& hip straps that pack away for using the suitcase handle.