OUR BIG TRIP
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OUR BACKPACKS
Backpacks come in many different shapes and sizes and of course at many different costs. It is important to choose your backpack carefully. Dont just rush out and buy the biggest or the cheapest, but shop around for the one that provides both comfort and quality. As you will be lugging around your backpack for the entirety of your journey you need to be confident that your backpack and your body will last the course. If it is too bulky you will not be able to carry it and this will slow you down considerably. If it is too flimsy it will fall apart. Do not underestimate the importance of a good quality comfortable backpack. They are a must. Backpacks are relatively easy to find and among the better outlets are shops like Millets. Having bought your backpack you need to decide what to take with you. The bane of many a backpacker, this is one of the most difficult aspects of travelling to get right. As a general rule with the amount of walking involved you should travel as light as you can whilst ensuring that you have covered as many eventualities as possible. Anticipate what may happen on your trip, account for variances in the weather, illness, boredom and the need for travel resources but do not go overboard. You will be amazed at how many backpackers carry things round with them that they never use on their journey. Backpacking is not a fashion parade so take out your suit trousers or your high heels. You will not need them. To further reduce your baggage weight plan ahead. If your journey will take you to friends or relatives in a different country post some of your stuff to them beforehand. It will save you the hassle of carrying your winter coat round with you whilst in Florida or your 1200 page America travel guide in Europe. Furthermore you will be amazed at how revitalised you feel when you put on clean familiar clothes after having worn the same old tattered rags for the past 3 months. By the time we embark upon our journey the content of our backpacks will invariably change but for now we plan to carry the following items:
Clothes
1 pair of jeans
Enamel bowl and cup
Rechargeable batteries |
1 shirt
Swiss army knife
CDs