On the “Backpack” in Backpacker

We’ve all seen it and maybe even been it, the hordes of backpackers strolling up and down the Khao San road, weighted down to the max. Each step looks more painful than the last, as they slug 100 pounds of gear through the streets of Bangkok in sweltering heat. They are usually sporting the double backpack look, with the 80 liter internal frame job strapped to their back and the day pack slung on the front. These guys are supposed to be on vacation yet they are weighted down like they are ready to invade Normandy. What the hell are they carrying?

Then there is the other end of the spectrum. The bagless. These people are my idols. They can go months at a time with nothing more than a pouch. But they are few and far between. I’ve come across less than a handful of them in numerous trips. In theory, it’s easy to leave everything behind; in practice it’s more difficult.

Traveling light is traveling right. I’m sure you have heard this before. But how can you actually accomplish this?  Everyone knows the old adage, before you leave, pack up all your shit and then remove half. It’s a good start but again, it’s harder to actually do.

Gear for a 2-person 4 month journey

The first rule to traveling light is to remember that you can buy most of the stuff you need anywhere. When I first went backpacking, I was loaded down with toothpaste, deodorant, medicine, and other supplies that my naively western mind only believed could be purchased from home. That’s a lot of bullshit and this is the 21^st century. 95% of anything you could actually need can be purchased in local pharmacies and convenience stores anywhere in the world.

The next big space saver is getting rid of clothes. George Costanza may dress according to his mood but we backpackers cannot afford to be so fortunate. You think you want to have the right clothing for the right occasion but it just doesn’t work like that when you are on the road. Take next to nothing! This is especially easy if you are backpacking through tropical climates. You barely need anything. Especially things like shoes. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve lugged a pair of shoes around for planned hikes that I ended up making in sandals. Plus, when you do finally get to that hike, chances are you could rent or even buy a pair of shoes for cheap if need be. So basically, you only need a couple of changes of clothes. Maybe one pair of slacks and some board shorts and tank tops, a button down shirt for those nicer occasions. Obviously in colder climates you need heavier items but it doesn’t mean you need a lot of them.

Another important thing to remember is that travelers smell. It’s usually hot and it’s hard to stay refreshed. But, if you’re American, chances are you have a stick of deodorant so you are already a leg up on all the Europeans which are most of the backpackers you will encounter anyway. The point is, don’t worry about always having those fresh and clean clothes because you are going to smell anyway and so will the person you may be trying to attract.

And by the way, laundry can be done everywhere and it’s usually quite cheap. Sometimes it may only involve soaking your clothes in a dirty river but again, that’s all part of the adventure.

A good rule of the road is: don’t return with the clothes you came with. Don’t spend a crapload of money before you leave on quick-drying fabrics that you won’t be ready to leave in a guesthouse trash bin when it’s time has come. Bring a few outfits and then buy some new ones. Throw out the old and pump some money in to the local economies. You know you are going to buy that Bintang Beer sleeveless anyway to fit in with everyone else.

The uniform of the backpacker; purchased for $2 on any street corner

One final trick is to remember that you will want to acquire stuff. One of the biggest problems I have had is that I packed lightly but filled my small pack to the brim. Then, when I found that perfect statue of Shiva for my parents, I had no room to fit it. I wound up buying a separate bag for all my souvenirs and soon I almost resembled the double backpack crowd. So whatever size bag you decide to take, don’t fill it all the way up before you leave.

These simple tricks will lead to a more enjoyable travel. As far as which type of bag to take, it’s all personal preference. Some go for the framed backpacks, some for the oversized daypacks. The duffel is another popular choice as it’s durable and easy to stash into places. I would advise against a rolling suitcase but some swear by it. Whatever you use, just remember, don’t fill it up. The less you take with you, the more rewarding experience you will have. If you are bogged down with all the comforts of your home such as books, music, computers, tablets, etc, then why even leave at all?