Welcome to the TravelPod forums

[blindfaith101]

Hello everyone,
I'm an unexperienced backpacker going to Thailand for 3 wks in March 2008. What I lack in experience, i more than make up for in research and excitement!!!!

My packing theory is one that has been repeated multiple times on these forums - PACK LIGHT! It's really important to me to pack light because I have a previous neck and upper back injury. Below is my packing list which I think is light but the question is, do you? I'd really appreciate some help from experienced backpackers.

Packing List

1. (2) moisture wicking short sleeve shirts
2. (1) long sleeve shirt
3. (2) pants (zip-off, convertible to shorts)
4. (1) swim shorts
5. (1) swimsuit
6. (1) Pair "everyday" shoes (on my feet all the time except in the shower!)
7. (1) Pair thin flip flops for shower
8. (1) waterproof, thin, light jacket
9. (1) sleep sheet
10. (1) Moisture wicking towel
11. (1) Good hat
12. (2) Bras
13. (2) pair underwear
14. (1) Pajama bottom
15. (1) soap & soap container
16. (1) shampoo
17. (1) toothpaste, toothbrush
18. (1) deoderant
19. (1) sunscreen
20. (1) insect repellent
21. (1) chapstick
22. (1) nail clippers
23. (1) tweezers
24. (2) sets contact lens, disposable
25. (1) bottle contact lens rinse
26. (1) pair back-up glasses
27. (1) handful of tampons (just in case!)
28. (1) percription drugs
29. (1) folding keyboard
30. (1) samsung blackjack cell phone
31. (1) calling card
32. (1) voltage converter
33. (1) calculator/currency converter
34. (1) travel alarm clock
35. (1) small flashlight
36. (1) inflatable or compression pillow
37. (1) guidebook
38. (1) sunglesses
39. (1) atm card/credit card/traveler's checks
40. (3) copies of passport, etc
41. (1) few packs of laundry detergent
42. (2) luggage locks
43. (1) small first aid kit
44. (1) cannon digital rebel, memory cards
45. (2) lenses for cannon rebel
46. (1) battery charger for cannon battery
47. (1) a/c charger for samsung blackjack cell phone
48. (1) swiss army knife
49. (1) flash attachment for canon rebel

The camera equipment is what has me most worried. I can see it being cumbersome but I also can't see going without it since I'm an amateur photographer. Any thoughts?

My Pack
Unfortunately there are no good retailers in my area so I'm forced to order online. I'm taking advantage of REI's great return/exchange policy by ordering 2 packs to test and will return 1 or both and try again if I don't like them. I plan to get a pack with 3000 - 3600 cu in.

I really appreciate any advice you can lend.

Sarah

[starlagurl]

Oh yes, I second the rolling of the clothes in the ziploc baggies! That is KEY, especially if you find yourself in a rain storm with a less than waterproof backpack....

[donaldhoff]

If I intend to discard the old clothing, and I must pack light, it is probably a few washings away from cleaning the car. If I am somewhere I want to give away a tshirt to some needy guy with a torn shirt.. I pack a better selection of t shirts and share them before I leave. I wouldn't discard and waste a good one..... just look in my bin of 10k tshirts!

As for the camera... you are right... yes,it is worth taking a better camera for those beautiful unforgettable opportunities... I don't know the camera and model she was speaking of. I don't use my 35mm cameras with detachable flash any longer, so I assumed there was a need to get one with an intergrated flash. So YES.. make room, and take room for a camera, suggest digital with extra card, and download if you can. Guess i was focusing on backpacking and addressing the issue of weight.

A camera is one of those items which keeps on giving gifts.....
I started taking photos on all my trips since 1960's and still find time to sit in the comfort of my home in Central NY State, and view my favorites..sunlit steps in Granada, Spain, the Acropolis at night in Athens, the Mt Everest and K2 in Nepal, views from a hot air balloon, Mayan weavers in Guatemala, a cave in Yugoslavia, buried statues in Xian, China. They will be with me long after the trips.

Thanks for the reflection and correction on taking a good camera. We have made room for three cameras for our trip to New Zealand, and we have the advantage of a van this time!