Backpack Selection & Tips

You will want to select a backpack or “traveler pack” well. A backpack is still the most popular and convenient method of carrying gear since it is the only practical way of carrying your gear around in, lets say, sand. Fortunately, in most places, those of us with backpacks no longer have the "backpack equals hippy" and "hippy equals trouble" connotation we used to have.

The modern backpack tends to have a more tapered design, which works very well when you are moving about, and many have optional wheels. The “traveler packs” give you the option of a single shoulder strap and/or wheels, in case you don't want to look like a backpacker when going into hotels. Although both are far better choices than traditional luggage, the traveler packs can sometimes be a little heavier and boxier, and may stick out further than others. No matter which one you choose, be sure the pack has:

• good construction
• good lumbar support
• thick, comfortable straps
• enough inside pockets
• lockable zippers.

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Clothes and Upkeep

Don’t concern yourself too much about what clothes you will need to bring, since most of your clothes will wear-out after a few months of traveling and you’ll have to replace them anyway. Wherever you travel to there will be clothes for you to buy—and usually for a lot less than at home. If, however, you are a difficult person to fit, then select your clothes carefully by shopping at quality gear retailers (such as through NuNomad.com/store), because finding them abroad may be difficult. Bring lightweight but durable clothes. Light cotton, hemp and linen are good, but denim should be avoided because of its bulk and prolonged drying time in moist climates. If you are going to a cold, expensive country (such as Norway or Japan) in winter, then pack your warm jacket. Otherwise, you can get what you need there.

Since, hopefully, you will be carrying only two sets of clothes (the set you have on you, and the set that is either hanging up to dry in your room or is ready for washing) laundry will be a part of your nightly routine. If you have the time and money to spare, laundry service is handy. But having a service do your laundry has its risks: it may or may not, be ready as promised, and articles which are expensive and/or difficult to replace may get damaged or “lost.” In places that I am visiting for only a couple of days I generally wash my own clothes, using the sink in my room or the communal sink down the hall. I may not be able to get my clothes as clean as if I were using a machine (which I try to do once a week), but after a good soaking, and scrubbing with my little brush—the one I have in my laundry pouch—my clothes are clean enough, undamaged, and I know where they are.

Your laundry pouch should contain the following: a small, light-weight scrub brush, a laundry line (a 10-foot parachute cord will serve your needs well), a small zip-lock bag of concentrated dry detergent or tiny bottle of concentrated liquid detergent, and a universal sink plug. Make sure that you select a pouch that doesn't leak and seal your soap well. (Never carry liquid chlorine bleach.)

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