If you did, I am sure you remember the scene where Reese Witherspoon can’t lift her “Monster” backpack, ending up rolling on the floor to slowly elevate herself. It’s a great scene that shows one essential thing when it comes to pack your bag for a long trip:
Be lightweight!
Packing only essential items is a skill that you will master over time. Probably no one can tell that he or she packed just exactly what they needed on their first trip. You will make your own personal experiences and adjust the way of packing with each time, eventually ending up with a system that leaves you as lightweight as possible without missing anything important.
Consider spending more money for better quality items that last longer and weigh less (camping equipment), make sure that any item in your bag has a purpose and check if you can get specific things in the country you are traveling to.
Reasons to travel lightweight
It is more comfortable. You will appreciate a light bag while walking around towns to the next hostel or couchsurfer, on big hikes where you have to add extra weight for food and water and in situations where you have to constantly have to pick your back up such as hitchhiking and public transportation.
It savesmoney. Having less items in your pack means that you didn’t spend on anything that is not necessary. You don’t have to pack everything for every eventuality, go with the flow and just pay some new socks if you feel like not having enough. In many countries, it might even be cheaper than buying it from home and you got yourself a little souvenir as well. You won’t end up paying extra baggage fees with a light pack either!
You are more flexible. With a light pack, you will have an easier time catching that bus that you are about to miss. You can also just put it down for a second to buy a ticket from a vending machine and give your shoulders a break without having nightmares about lifting a heavy backpack up again.
What should I pack on a big trip?
I would like to share my perspective on how to pack for a round the world trip here. Note that my focus is on hiking and therefor I need a lot of things that others might not. You will find all the items that I have now used to travel for over 3 years full time in all climate regions on the planet below and some also have a review with more details.
The items below are linked to the German Amazon. If you are living in the states, just search for them on Amazon.com; and using my affiliate link, you can also support me indirectly 🙂 Thanks!
