Gregory Goes There

We often get pretty focused on, for lack of a better description, trail-focused (or perhaps off trail) backpacking, since that’s arguably the most demanding use our backpacks will be asked to perform. But adventure travel (think Europe, South America or South East Asia kind of backpacking) puts a whole different set of demands on both backpack and backpacker.

Some people use backpacks as a means to carry their stuff via bus, train, boat, hitch-hiking whatever …

Some folks travel with their belongings in a pack so they can get outdoors and backpack when they get where they’re going …

And in some cases, it’s a combo of those things.

Of course our packs are up for either, but a key component of traveling with a pack is the thing you put in it. Or, more to the point, the things you don’t but wish you did.

What are some key things you don’t want to find yourself without, when you’re halfway around the globe?

Here’s our take on that list. No doubt we’ve forgotten a thing or two. Submit a comment and tell use what we’ve left off the list.

Ear plugs. Don’t leave home without them. Whether your travel companions snores or there are things going on on the other side of paper-thin walls that you don’t want to hear, these are arguably the first thing that should go in the pack. Multiple pairs.

A travel towel- quick drying and bacteria resistant, key for staying in inexpensive places where linen service may not be part of the deal.

Travel converters/adapters.

Water purification. Key to wanting to keep traveling in remote places. Steripen and Aquamira (no bad taste) are two good, low-bulk options in different price categories.

Pack cover or pack-sized duffel - Both of these can do double duty: protect your pack from getting soaked during a monsoon, or help prevent damage to your pack when it’s tossed atop a bus or crammed underneath your seat. If you’re concerned about your pack while checking it underneath a plane, consider the duffel, because a rain cover will do little in that instance, but then you’re left with the problem of what to do with a duffel when you arrive. Here’s a few other tips from a past post on airline friendly traveling with your pack.

Inflatable neck pillow and eye shades. Key to be able to sleep when you need to. Inflatable is key, so as not to eat up too much space in your pack.

A bowl and utensils - you never know where you’ll be eating! The squishable ones from Guyot are very cool and very packable.