Backpackers

My first experience of backpacking alone was the ultimate feeling for me...of being ALIVE. It's been stressful a few days before I headed for South America...most to be blamed on what to and what not to bring ... in my 60L North Face Blue Backpack (my beloved travel buddy).

And so, here's a list of the stuff I've brought with me and a link which inspired me to travel light :)

http://travelindependent.info/whattopack.htm#Essential%20clothing:

1. KNOW WHERE YOU'RE GOING -
- the main key is....RESEARCH...do lots of that. read a lot about where you're going and be conscious of the weather and climate during that time you'll be in your target destination.

2. CLOTHING -
- pack light...means...DO NOT BRING YOUR WARDROBE ALONG WITH YOU!!!
- i would usually bring one week's worth of tops (shirts and long sleeved tops)..which would imply, you can do some washing during your trip. (i did this during my 2 month south america trip)
- weather conditions will dictate your clothing apparel. when it's winter/chilly...the secret to this would be..LOTS OF LAYERS. I invested on heaps of icebreakers and thermal wear. And just brought with me a fleece instead of a downey jacket just to avoid the bulk. if you're going to a country that has cheap clothing, then it's worth buying from there. remember, it's always recommended to start your travels light.
- others prefer not to bring jeans at all. it's a personal preference. i brought mine and 2 other cargo pants. 1 of which that can be used as either shorts or trousers/pants.
- always bring a decent top in case you're going to a more than casual kind of night out or event.

3. MEDS / VACCINES
- and again..RESEARCh.... check what's required in the country you're headed to. it pays if you read a lot about it and the latest travel advisory. better safe than sorry.

4. FOOTWEAR
- some recommend not to bring hiking boots...but i always wear one when on a trip. that's just to protect my ankle and in case we're going for heavy duty hikes/treks. some would prefer sneakers or trainers. all depends on how comfortable you are and a serious break-in(test) of your footwear is essential. remember, your trip would depend on how sturdy you'll be able to explore the places. you won't be able to have fun and adventures if you're stuck with a sore foot.

5. KITS/EXTRA
- always remember to pack stuff to the smallest that you can. my technique of packing is to roll the clothing so that it wouldn't eat that much space.
- often times i would buy a few small containers and put a month's supply in it (for those who have allergies this is what i recommend). then the extra supply is hidden in my main backpack.
- always bring a poncho to protect you from the rain, in case you don't have a rainproof jacket.
- flashlight or lighthead gears would be essential most especially for night or early morning walks...or call of nature (meaning toilet call in the jungle or campsite).
- it's been always an issue if you'd bring your towel or not. i've bought em a micro fiber which is easy to dry and doesn't eat that much space.
- scissors, lighters..... these you need to bring

6. SLEEPING BAG OR NOT?
- i still brought mine...but also brought along with me a silkliner. now if you're renting one during the trip, the silkliner is the best tip i can give you :)

there's still a lot i need to revisit to add to this list. but for now, here's all i can remember from my trip. wil update soon. :)