3. PACK RIGHT AND PACK LIGHT

By far, the most important element of planning a good backpacking trip is how you pack. You're going to be carrying all of your worldly possessions on your back, so it is critical that you bring exactly what you need - no more, no less. What you pack will mostly depend on where and when you'll be traveling. December in Stockholm and August in Athens require very different clothing. So find out the average temperatures of where you're going, and prepare accordingly. The one important rule is pack light. You've heard that before, you've heard people say they packed too much, you think you're different; YOU ARE NOT. One sweater is enough, not two. See if you can get pants that turn into shorts. We're telling you that you must leave your worries about fashion at home; fitting life into a backpack is a purely utilitarian exercise. If that doesn't jive with you, rethink this trip.

Here's a good list of what to bring. Anything marked with a ** is "optional," depending on what you want to do and where you want to go:

  • A camping backpack (that has proper back support)
  • A sleeping bag**
  • A sleeping mat**
  • A Tent**
  • One jacket (only in winter)
  • One sweater (lightweight in summer)
  • 2 pairs of pants (try to get those changeable pants that can turn into shorts)
  • Money belt (for tickets, traveler's checks, passport)
  • Combination lock
  • 2 copies of passport (kept in separate places)
  • One towel (see if you can get one of those napkin-sized ones from L.L. Bean or EMS)
  • One (or 2**) T-shirts
  • 2 button-down shirts, one short one long
  • 3 pairs of underwear
  • 2 (or 3**) pairs of socks
  • A pair of shorts (If you got those changeable pants, then you don't need shorts)
  • A swimsuit (really only the women need to take this; men, use shorts or boxers)
  • One pair of boot-ish shoes
  • One pair of open-toed shoes (only in summer)
  • A hat**
  • Toiletries (minimalist set)
  • Army Knife (with at least scissors and corkscrew)
  • Plastic bags (in case something gets wet)
  • Concentrated detergent**
  • Entertainment options**

Notice how many **s there are? Keep your bag light - you'll want it that way when you're walking across Paris from one rail station to the next, your back dripping with sweat and your shoulders still sore from yesterday's trek.

How much is too much? We suggest the following exercise: pack your stuff and walk around your town for one day with your bag on your back. Is that complaining we hear? Oh, come on, you lazy bastard, this is what you'll be doing every day once you get to Europe. Might as well find out if you can handle what you've put on your back. After a couple of hours, you'll realize that you don't need an electric toothbrush, you'll toss out half your crap, and you'll be a much happier camper.

Money

You really should bring traveler's checks. Basically, they're replaceable money, and they can be a godsend if the unfortunate does happen. American Express offices offer decent deals and great service, but feel free to shop around. Remember to keep your serial numbers completely separate from the checks; these function as the receipt for your checks and are the only way for you to get your stolen/lost money back.