Best of backpacking
So you’ve finally decided to go backpacking – good for you! But it isn’t quite as simple as tossing a bunch of T-shirts in your rucksack and heading off into the world. Here are a few important tips for beginners, which will ensure that their first trip goes as smoothly as possible.
BASICS FIRST Backpacking is a budget way to travel – but the one thing you’ll definitely need to spend money on is the backpack itself! Too many novices make the mistake of skimping here, leading to major problems later like unpadded straps cutting into your shoulders or your belongings getting soaked in the rain. Go with a reliable brand and look for features like padded shoulder straps and a hip belt, lockable zippers and water-resistant material (or at least a protective cover against the rain). Be sure to try it on and see how it feels before deciding.
LUGGAGE When it comes to luggage that has to be carried around on your shoulders, bigger isn’t better. If you buy a 6570 litre pack, you’re likely to fill it up with unnecessary items – the more space you have, the more you tend to pack! So buy a smaller bag to force yourself to carry only what you really need. A capacity of 50-60 litres is usually sufficient. Your back and shoulders will thank you when you’re climbing up the fifth flight of stairs to reach your hostel room!
ESSENTIALS When every gramme and cubic inch counts, a few intelligent purchases can make a difference in the quality of your travel. For instance, most experienced backpackers swear by the value of an inflatable pillow – it takes up very little space and can make uncomfortable waits or journeys much more bearable. Another must-have is a microfibre towel, which also occupies hardly any room and dries quickly. And to reduce the volume of your belongings, try compression packing bags.
AN OPEN MIND The best backpacking attitude is one of openness and exploration. In the course of experiencing unfamiliar cultures and meeting new people, you may stumble across practices that are very different to those you’re used to back home. Set aside judgement and take these things in your stride. It’s acceptable to be respectfully curious; but make sure you listen to the locals and behave appropriately when it comes to sensitive issues – like religion and politics, for instance.
Listen to the locals and behave appropriately when it comes to sensitive issues – like religion and politics