What To Bring

Ever wondered what to bring on your trip? Be it 2 weeks or 2 months, (maybe even 2 years) you have to bring the amount of clothing to last you a week without washing it. At least. Because, hey, face it, you probably would skip doing the laundry and head off to the Sziget music festival instead! Don't even smile!

Basically, I've divided my lists into four. SSW, SSM, FWW and FWM. SS means Spring/Summer and FW means Fall/Winter, and M and W obviously for men and women. Let me know if you think there's anything else that is important to bring.

Tips:

1. If you won't wear it at least twice a week, don't bring it.
2. If the backpack is heavier than 1/5 of your weight, lighten it.
3. If the backpack is too heavy, put jackets and/or shirts into your carry-on bag.
4. Avoid bringing thick towels.
5. If the backpack is too heavy, take out a few shirts and shorts. You will probably buy more along your trip.
6. Avoid brightly colored bags! You don't want to stand out, really.

Check out the lists under the cut!

SPRING/SUMMER WOMEN

Clothing

• 4-6 short-sleeved/sleeveless shirts
• 2-3 sundresses
• 4-7 bras
• 4-7 pairs of underwear
• 3-4 shorts, skirts or light pants
• 1-2 leggings/tights for going out and cool nights
• 3-4 pairs of socks
• water-resistant walking shoes
• slippers/sandals for bath
• sleepwear (include long shirts or warm pajamas)
  
  Extras:
  
• shoes and/or sandals for going out
• light jacket/windbreaker for unexpected weather
• hats
• sunglasses
• hair accessories like bands and clips

SPRING/SUMMER MEN

Clothing

• 4-7 short-sleeved/sleeveless shirts
• 4-7 pairs of underwear
• 3-4 shorts and/or light pants (preferably khakis)
• 1-2 jeans for cool nights
• 3-4 pairs of socks
• sleepwear
• water-resistant walking shoes
• slippers/sandals for bath
  
  Extras:
• shoes and/or sandals for going out
• light jacket/windbreaker for unexpected weather
• hats
• sunglasses

Daypacks should be no larger than this for comfort.

FALL/WINTER WOMEN

Clothing

• 1-2 berets or beanies
• 1-2 scarves
• 1-2 gloves
• 1-2 thick, warm jacket
• 1-2 sweater
• 4-6 long-sleeved shirts
  
• 2-3 hoodies/jackets/cardigans for layering
• 3-4 bras
• 4-5 pairs of underwear
  
• 1-2 pants
• 3-4 thermal leggings/tights (for going out and as under-layer for pants)
• 4-6 pairs of long, thick socks (bring more for sleepwear)
• water-resistant walking shoes
• slippers/sandals for bath
• sleepwear (include long shirts or warm pajamas)
  
  Extras:
  
• shoes for going out
• warm vests

FALL/WINTER MEN

Clothing

• 1-2 hats or beanies
• 1-2 scarves
• 1-2 gloves
• 1-2 thick, warm jacket
• 1-2 sweater
• 4-6 long-sleeved shirts
  
• 2-3 hoodies/jackets for layering
• 4-5 pairs of underwear/boxers
  
• 1-2 pants
• 2-3 thermal pants (for under-layers)
• 4-6 pairs of long, thick socks (bring more for sleepwear)
• water-resistant walking shoes
• slippers/sandals for bath
• sleepwear
  
  Extras:
  
• shoes for going out
• warm vests

 

This is an ideal type backpack, size, functionality, and color, a brand popular among backpackers.

NON-CLOTHING ITEMS

Toiletries

• toiletry pouch
• toothbrush
• toothpaste
• towel
• small bottle of shampoo (and conditioner)
• small bottle of soap
  
• lip balm
• comb
  
  Extras:
• makeup
• hair products
• insect repellent
• deodorant
• Vaseline (for cracked feet)
  
• shaving tools
• nail clippers
• baby powder (acts as dry shampoo)
• 'time of the month' necessities for women

Others

• money belt or neck pouch (include money and important documents like passport, transportation tickets, credit cards, etc.)
• copies of passport, plane and rail tickets, home address, itinerary deep in your backpack/luggage
• sleep sheet (for hosteling since most hostels charge ridiculously for this)
• plastic bags for dirty clothing
• watch
• power adapter
• day pack
• water bottle no bigger than the length from your elbow to your wrist
• digital camera
• phone
  
  Extras:
• washing powder
• medication
• Swiss multipurpose pocketknife
• pen and journal (you'll need it, trust me)
• suntan lotion (even in winter, yes!)

 

Sarah Protzman studied in London in spring 2003 and backpacked on her own in Europe.