|
|
Here is the perfect opportunity, even though youre doing a
luggage transfer, to learn to pack light. That means
lightweight, wicking clothing that can be washed in the
sink, dries quickly overnight, and is ready to put on the
next day. Remember, youre changing locations each night
so nobody cares that your evening clothes are always that
blue shirt and khaki pants.
Basic Clothing
- Base Layers wicking tees or tanks.
Can be worn alone or under a second layer shirt
- Second Layer Knitted long-sleeved
lightweight shirt, preferably with a zip neck, or a woven
shirt (example: ExOfficio Air-Strip)
- Nylon Shorts or Zip-Off Pants
- Nylon Pants or Zip-Off Pants
- Insulating Layers Fleece or wool
layer for warmth
- Rain Gear MUST be waterproof and
breathable jacket and pants
- Sun Hat for hot weather
- Light hat or earband for cold weather
- Light pair of wicking gloves
- Evening Clothes- One outfit to wear in the
evening, and to be kept in your luggage for transfer
Stuff in the Pack
- Basic First-Aid Kit and Sunscreen
- Map and Compass
- Water, Food, high-energy snacks
Gear
- Fitted Daypack dont buy according to
the weight of the pack. Buy according to how the weight
inside the pack is carried.
- Hiking Poles take 250 tons of pressure
off of your knees in 8 hours besides adding balance and
security.
Hiking Boots
- Hiking Boots deserve special attention
especially as the outdoor industry continues to push junky,
lightweight, sneaker-style footwear. Dont fall for this.
The best boots are full-leather, leather-lined, and
non-Gortex. They need to be fitted properly and be well
broken-in before you begin your hike.
How to Pack
Now that you've got your clothing selected, the next step
is packing it. Your life is in that backpack; keep it neat
and organized. |
 |
Start with Pac-It Sacs
and Small Ditty Bags. These are perfect toiletries,
medicines, first-aid, etc. Make them all different colors
so theyre easy to spot. | |
Pac-It Cubes are my
personal favorites and great for socks, underwear and
knitted clothing that can be rolled in small strips. When
you open your bag, instead of a mess of wrinkled clothing,
youll see all these tidy drawers. |  |  |
Pac-It Folders are an
easy way to keep woven shirts, pants, and fleece neatly
folded and less wrinkled. For a hiking trip you shouldnt
need anything larger than a size 15
folder. | |
Take a travel passport or money pouch. This is your mini
purse which can be carried around your neck or under your
clothing. I like to have a color so I can always check and
quickly see if I have the red thing. |  | |
Dont let dirty
clothes pile up. Set a time, like when you shower, to wash
a few pieces each day. Many hotels and B&Bs in Europe
have the old hot water heaters in the rooms. These are
great for quick drying just about anything.
Take a nylon duffle one that packs small. Use it
on the return trip for extra items and souvenirs youve
purchased on the trip.
|
|
