| ng for your European backpacking adventure is | | | | so remember a couple pairs of socks as well. You |
| one of the most crucial keys to a successful and | | | | will also want a light pair of sandals or flip-flops for |
| enjoyable trip. Since you will be carrying | | | | hostel showers and a pair of open-toed shoes for |
| everything you pack on your back for the | | | | going out. Make use of the space wasted by any |
| majority of your trip, you want to concentrate | | | | shoes you pack by filling the insides with small |
| on making your belongings as light and compact | | | | items. |
| as possible, only taking the very bare minimum of | | | | Hostels provide bathrooms with showers, as well |
| clothing and supplies. | | | | as laundry facilities. Most hostels do not offer |
| The most important supply for your backpacking | | | | towels, though, so bring along a small towel |
| trip though Europe is your backpack. Click here | | | | designed for carrying, like the Coleman pack |
| for help choosing the right backpack. The clothing | | | | towel. You will also want a small set of toiletry |
| you select for your trip can strongly influence the | | | | items, like soap, toothpaste, shampoo, toothpaste, |
| weight of your pack so take care to only take | | | | and deodorant. A washcloth or sponge may be an |
| basic items and look for pieces that can double. | | | | item to remember as well. Most hostels do have |
| Consider the normal temperature of each area | | | | vending machines for laundry detergent and it |
| you plan to visit at the time of year you will be | | | | may be easier to buy these supplies rather than |
| traveling and pack your clothing accordingly. If | | | | carry them. |
| your trip will last through more than one season, | | | | Remember to make copies of all your important |
| you will need extra layers for cooler months. | | | | documents, like passports and any important |
| Begin with two pairs of pants. Look for pants with | | | | medical information, and store the copies in |
| plenty of pockets. Pockets come in handy for | | | | separate places. Secure all credit and debit cards, |
| easily accessible storage on the road. Pants that | | | | traveler’s checks, and other valuable |
| zip off into shorts are great for decreasing | | | | items, and don’t forget to pack an |
| weight, otherwise you will also want a pair of | | | | adequate supply of any needed medications. A |
| shorts. Pack two or three t-shirts and a couple | | | | few other items you will want to be sure to |
| long sleeve shirts or sweatshirts. You will probably | | | | remember are a camera, a good, detailed guide |
| buy more shirts on your trip, so don’t | | | | book, and plenty of sunscreen. |
| worry about not packing enough. You may also | | | | Most backpackers who have traveled through |
| consider packing popular logo t-shirts and trading | | | | Europe come back and realize they packed too |
| them along the way with other backpackers. | | | | much. The lighter your pack is, the more fun you |
| Remember to pack 3 or 4 pairs of underwear, a | | | | will have on your trip, so only pack the things that |
| swimsuit, and something to sleep in. | | | | you know you will need. If you realize later you |
| Take along a comfortable pair of hiking shoes. | | | | forgot a necessity, you can always pick it up on |
| These will be your primary footwear on your trip, | | | | the road. |