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Anonymous
I'm going backpacking across four countries in a few weeks. I've got a backpack that fits me nicely and I know how to pack it, but does anyone have any advice for a newbie backpacker?
>> Anonymous
wat
>> ananeemus
don't forget to bring a towel
>> Anonymous
Pack less clothing.
>> Anonymous
If visiting a muslim country bring explosives
>> Anonymous
>>43736

Why add the extra weight to your backpack? They have plenty there.
>> Anonymous
cheap nylon dress socks. Advantages: durable, easy to clean, fast to dry, prevent blisters. Disadvantages: your mates will crack jokes about you wearing dark socks.
>> Anonymous
>>43728

Bump. Not OP but I'm curious too.
>> Anonymous
Grow a beard.
>> Anonymous
Carry toilet paper
>> Anonymous
Save room for souvenirs and some food, and wear comfortable shoes. And bring at least one small something with some sort of sentimental value - it helps if you're down.
>> Anonymous
>>43763
>And bring at least one small something with some sort of sentimental value - it helps if you're down.

Homo.
>> Anonymous
>>43764
Make sure your homo brings his own supplies, then.
>> Anonymous
>>43766
I lol'd
>> Anonymous
>>43762
OP here, 'm definitely planning on bringing that.
>> Anonymous
>>43766
>>43769

Samefag.
>> Anonymous
>>43764
>>43802

samefag
>> Anonymous
>>43802
>>43822
same confused fag
>> Anonymous
>>43763
like a car.
>> Anonymous
>>43838

i laughed
>> Anonymous
Can non-white people backpack in europe without being killed?
>> Anonymous
>>43728
Assuming you're using a single-compartment internal-frame pack:
Heavy and bulky things at the bottom (sleeping bag, pad, raincoat, cooking tools and tent parts if you're taking them). Next should be your extra pairs of shoes or boots. Then come your clothes in stuff sacks, one or two for clean, one or two for dirty/wet. On top of that, put the next-warmer layer of clothing for what you're wearing (if you have a t-shirt on, put a sweatshirt there, if you have a sweatshirt on, put a windbreaker there, etc.). At the top of your bag you should put things that you'll be taking in and out frequently, but don't fit in the outer pockets: toiletry bag, laptop, books, hats, empty day pack, etc.

In the outer pockets put small things that, while you may not use them frequently, you should have quick access to. Maps, pocket knives, an extra pair of socks (in a ziploc bag!), sunscreen, first aid kit, TP (ziploc bag!), camera, notebook, cigarettes, flask, candy bars, sunglasses, etc.

If you have a waterproof cover for your pack, attach it to the outer straps for easy access.

And don't overload your pack. If it's stuffed full before you leave, you have too much shit. Aside from shirts, socks, and underwear, don't take any more than one of each item of clothing.

Bring shorts that can double as a swimsuit.
>> Anonymous
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Stuff sacks: you can never have too many.
>> Anonymous
What was very helpful for me was to wear my backpack for an hour. if it's at all uncomfortable, figure out what you can take out. Remember that sometimes the best part of backpacking is trying the local things, so don't worry about bringing too much toothpaste and such, you can get small things at hostels and at local stores. If it's a language you don't understand then it can be a bit of a fun adventure. (green tea toothpaste, anyone?)
Figure out if wherever you are staying has towels or if you need to bring your own too.
>> Anonymous
>>43890again.
If you bring your own towel. consider buying one of those small super efficient towels. They are about the size of a face towel but will easily dry your whole body.
>> Anonymous
>>43884
OP here. Thanks for all the advice, it's fantastic. Unfortunately I'm a girl, so I can't double shorts as a swimsuit without exposing myself. But I'm going to Europe so maybe that's ok?

I bought a waterproof cover when I bought my bag, so I don't have that to worry about. As for towels, I found some of those super efficient quick dry towels I need to pick up.
>> Anonymous
>>43902bring a vibrator
>> Anonymous
So do you backpacker types shower and wash your clothes much?
>> Anonymous
>>43925

if you speak the language of whereever your staying, it shouldnt be hard to find a laundry place
>> Anonymous
>>43925

Well you have to consider the fact that you're asking backpackers on 4chan.
>> Anonymous
>>43928

only /b/ tards fit the sterotype
>> Anonymous
>>43927
Many hostels have washing machines and such you can use .
>> Anonymous
>>43728

Pack light. The less you have to carry, the better. I have no idea where you're going, but it's probably Europe (LOL n00bs)... your main concern will be saving cash. Get a Eurail pass before you go. Go out and see some new things, don't just hang around the hostel. Ask other backpackers for recommendations. Try to learn some of the language, people in Spain and France often do not or will not speak English, and it's polite to speak to people in their own language.


>>43884

She's backpacking, not camping. You don't need most of that shit.
>> Anonymous
>>43902
Ha, it is Europe! Yeah you can be topless in a lot of places if you like.
>> Anonymous
Pack the heaviest stuff in the bottom of your pack.
If you can get a mid to large size washing bag to not only put your dirty clothes in as you go but also you can just chuck it in the machine and pull it out not worrying about leaving anything behind.
Don't take anything you are not prepared to loose. It sounds horrible but stuff disappears, it can be stolen fall out or just forgotten as you run for that train, so I would skip on the sentimental thing unless you're wearing it.
Figure out how often you're willing to wash and only take enough clothes for the time between.
Always have extra underwear.
>> Anonymous
>>44012
>>44001
Thanks for all the advice guys, I have a mesh laundry bag that will do for storing all my dirty clothes, and I can just toss it in the wash.
>> Anonymous
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>>44012
Don;t listen to this guy!

ALWAYS pack the heaviest stuff in the middle of your backpack, close to your body. Pack your LIGHTEST stuff in the bottom of the pack.

Pic very much related.
>> Anonymous
>>44022
Dont listen to this guy, spend your money on education, then travel.
>> Anonymous
i packed a normal amount of clothes in a bag by folding everything neatly and pressing it down as hard as i could.
>> Anonymous
>>44022
It all depends on what type of bag it is. If it's a carry on luggage type thing, then yes, heavy stuff goes on the bottom. If you do this with a bookbag, then you're just adding unnecessary stress to you back when carrying it. I think that some clarification is needed rather than "do this" or "don't do that. do this."
>> Anonymous
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>>44022

This man speaks the truth, this quick image I just made illustrates what happens if you have the heavy stuff low. Your body will automatically adjust to the added weight by having it in the center of pressure, that would be right above your legs. If you have the weight low you will have to bend much more forward, in the end this will make your back hurt, believe me.
>> Anonymous
>>44022
>>45365
OP here. Thanks to both of you, now I know how to pack properly.