soulchaser

I know. You want to pack that hammock, the extra pair of shoes, a tent, laptop, foldable chair, satellite phone...just in case right! You don´t want to miss an oppurtunity now do you?!

Well listen up! You will never use any of this stuff! Honestly! Every time you pick your bag up you will regret packing so much crap and you will either pay to send it home or give it away to some other damn fool who thinks they're gonna use it!

And! The weight of your bag will actually stop you from doing things which will enhance your trip! You won't be willing to walk around looking for the right hostel, you'll pay for taxis you shouldn't need, in fact anything that involves un-necessarry bag carrying will probably be out of the qestion!

This is a bare essentials list!

Rucksack - 65litres (you will fill whatever you have, avoid extra weight by keeping your pack a reasonable size) and don't be conned into paying the Earth for one with loads of fancy straps and hidden compartments - you don't need em! A simple thing with side pockets, a pouch at the top, and maybe a zip near the bottom for easy access. Remember, shop keepers don't want to help, they want your money!

Seperate daysack - 15 to 20 litres (handy for bus trips, day trips, etc)

One pair Boots - These should be comfortable, durable, and if possible OK to go dancing in!

5/6 Pairs of Good Socks

5/6 Pairs of Underwear

1 Pair Shorts - Good for swimming and walking

2 Pairs of Trousers/Pants - NO! You can't take any more! I suggest wearing jeans packing a lightweight alternative

2/3 T-shirts/Tank Tops

1 Long Sleeve Top

1 Fleece

Wask-Kit - Toothbrush + Paste, Razor, Flannel, Soap, Loo Roll, Nail Scissors + No More!

Obvious Stuff - Valid Passport, special Visas, vaccination documents, money/cards/travellers cheques etc

1 Small Padlock - most hostels have lockers, but you need your own lock!

A Towel - Invaluable! Read Hitch Hiker's Guide To The Galaxy for full explanation.


Worthy Extras

Sleeping Bag - You don't NEED one, but if you take one you will use it.

Survival Bag - Bright Orange plastic bag big enough to sleep in; lightweight and worth taking if you plan on sleeping rough anywhere

Roll Mat - Cumbersome, but indespensible for sleeping outside or in tents.

Lightweight Waterproof Jacket - Don't miss out just because it's raining

Waterproof Rucksack Cover - see above

Digital Camera

USB Adapter - cheap, tiny, save money and time by downloading your pics straight onto a PC and the net.

Guidebook - These are heavy but do come in handy. You can rely on other travelers however. I reccommend Footprint Guides

A Notebook - There's nothing like travel for turning loose self-absorbed ramblings!

Music - If you can afford it, an iPod. But back all your music before you go and don't blame me if you get mugged!

1 Torch

Condoms - Now stop laughing children, this is serious!

Hackey Sack - If you don't know what this is then you don't need one!

Anything else (like mosquito nets and repellant, sunscreen, half a dozen concubines) can be picked up as and when necessarry and for a fraction of the price in your destination country.

Probably.