When backpacking, the most important thing is what? The backpack! You need a pack that is designed for the specific trip you are taking. Get the wrong pack and you can end up with aches and pains.



You must evaluate your backpack in relation to your trip. A Himalaya expert pack is good if you going to be doing some serious mountaineering. If you are going to be puttering around Europe, it is a bit stiff and will kill your back.

Conversely, the blue light special backpack might be great for a three week trip to Europe. If you are going to be climbing in the Andes, however, it will be laughably insufficient.

Okay, we're ready to pack. At this point, you are probably expecting a list of what to take. Ah, no. Instead, we are going to focus on things you should not take. Why? Because everyone always takes too much stuff.

The world wide web is just that these days - world wide. There is a cyber cafe at practically any destination, so you don't need to take a laptop. Want to store stuff online? Open a Yahoo account and stuff it there.

While your destination may be exotic to you, it is vital to remember that the same basic things are available in much of the world. If you can purchase a product in your home town, you can probably get it at your destination.

There is one rule in regard to clothing. If you can't roll it up, don't take it. Avoid sweaters unless you absolutely must take them. If you are in a cool area, you can always layer your clothes to get warm.

To this end, don't pack the basics that are available at every destination. The world uses soap and you can buy it anywhere. Travel books have to be right behind the bible in their plentifullness and you can trade them.

No matter how specific you are with your packing, you'll end up with unused stuff. There is absolutely no reason to haul it around. Donate it. Heck, toss it. If it has sentimental value, send it home via international mail.

Your general approach to packing should be to take the absolute minimum possible. Even taking this approach, I always come home with something I didn't wear or might have worn just once. Don't make the same mistake.