Tag: travel

My tip is to limit your palette to colours that work across a wide range of countries – this may seem like a grand statement but black, for example, doesn’t work in India because of the heat and the preference for bright colours. I like navy and cream – cream is a perfect day or evening colour and navy works in every country I have ever visited. I wear them top-to-toe or in combination. I like to roll up my clothes – it’s an efficient use of space and I feel like you get less obvious crease marks. I also use clear plastic garment bags to cover my clothes and group them either by style or particular fabrication. I always pack my suitcase, then pull one-third out – it’s all about editing down. You never wear everything and you’ll always shop while away! To take full advantage of space, I recommend placing small items like socks and electrics into your shoes and stuffing underwear into your hats – this also helps them keep shape during travels.

You want a backpack that is big enough to hold just a bit more than the stuff you are bringing and not more than that. If a backpack fits everything you want, has a bit of extra room, and feels comfortable, then you have found the perfect backpack size. Manufacturers also have suggested torso and waist sizes for each model they produce, but I’ve found that the best way to know if a backpack feels right is to simply try it on. When you are at the store (and any good camping/outdoors store will do this), they should be able to stuff your backpack with the equivalent of 30 pounds (15 kilograms) so you can see how that much weight feels on your back.

Internal frame – The majority of backpacks today are internal-frame packs, meaning the support rods and frame are built into the backpack and hidden from view. However, there some are still external-frame backpacks, where the rods are separate from the actual pack and stick out (think of those backpacks you see in old hiking movies or movies about people backpacking Europe in the 1970s – a big, clunky metal frame). Don’t get one of those. Make sure you buy a backpack with an internal frame. It not only looks better but the rods won’t get caught on anything and your bag will also be slimmer, making moving around easier. Additionally, internal-frame packs tend to be lighter as the frame is composed of a carbon fiber or tough plastic, which makes them easier on your back as well as more durable.

Hiking gear : In terms of the t-shirts and long-sleeve hiking shirts you should go for a lightweight breathable fabric like merino wool or polyester. As you will be sweating a lot each day, you want a shirt that dries quickly and performs well in moist / wet environments. You do not want to trek in cotton as it is hydrophilic and inhibits moisture transfer. Nylon is okay but does not breathe as well as merino or polyester.

Backpacking Essentials : Don’t Buy All Your Backpacking Equipment at Once Start out with a few basics and take a 1-night backpacking trip, during a warm time of year, with no rain in the forecast, to a location you already know. On your first trip take note of items that you may or may not need in your pack. After returning home you can reduce or buy more backpacking gear if / as required. It will take some time to find out what you actually need or what fits you the best. Hiking shoes : These range from mid- to high-cut models and are intended for day hikes or short backpacking trips with light loads. They often flex easily and require little break-in time, but they lack the support and durability of stout backpacking boots. Materials impact a boot’s weight, breathability, durability and water resistance. Waterproof membranes: Boots and shoes billed as “waterproof” feature uppers constructed with waterproof/breathable membranes (such as Gore-Tex? or eVent?) to keep feet dry in wet conditions. Downside: The reduced breathability created by a membrane (compared to the ventilating mesh used on some nonwaterproof shoes) may encourage feet to sweat on summer days.

Forget anything strappy or full of buckles. Like I said before, simplicity is key. By avoiding anything superfluous like strappy sandals and triple-buckle boots, you can cut down on the time you spend preparing for security and up your in-flight comfort factor too!

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