Anyone gone backpacking?
I’m starting to plan a 1 month trip to Europe in July this year.
I’ve never travelled outside of Australia so I’m getting excited!
Just brought a pack (sale was on and I got $170 off the RRP!) and got a Lonely Planet guide from Amazon on its way.
Any stories or advice?
Got to go ask the boss for time off from work now…
I have done a good bit in the last 5-6 years . And actually work at a backpacking /outdoors store right now .
Advice : Get a pack that is custom measured to you .
If the place you got your pack from did not measure weigh and fit you for your pack then it is prob not the right one for you .
It is better to have to much food than not enough on a long hike .
wATER IS YOUR LIFE LINE without ityou are setting yourself up for disaster.
get a good multi tool .
get good boots and make sure they are broken in i.e a few weeks of useage
always carry a map of the area and a compass , learn how to read a map and use a compass .
dress for the conditions .
research the area you will be going to .
And im sure there are a ton of other things as well PM me if you have any questions about gear or anything we get alot of insight on different products from customers at the store I work at .
I used to hike/camp/canoe a lot in boyscouts. My handle isn’t just for shits and giggles.
Listen to nator, he’s right on.
I’d add that having some quick munchies is a great idea. Make some “trail mix” and keep it handy. You’re going to using a lot of fuel, so resupply your body.
Learn how to pack: think of what you really need. Chances are you don’t need a lot of clothing. Not only that, but the more you pack, the more your ass has to haul around.
Lightweight tents, sleeping gear and everything else are your best friend. Research the climates you’re going to be in, and buy your gear according to that.
Don’t forget your hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and hydrocortisone cream. Hiking can be miserable, but it’s even more so with a bad sunburn or some lovely chafing “down under”.
Ha, you’re from australia, get it?! …
Cheers, guys.
I was a cub and boy scout when I was kid as well. So all is good on the compass use, etc…
But you have misunderstood my intentions just a little. I said backpacking not trekking.
I’ll probably stay in hostels rather than camp.
I’ll be taking the train to move around rather than hike.
My (very general) plan is to fly into Amsterdam and make my way south through, Belgium, France, Swizterland and Italy - jumping over to Malta at the end of the trip.
With a quick flight back to Amsterdam for the flight home.
Should be able to just pack everything into 30 days.