Packing for 6-8 Month Excursion Europe/Asia

[tommerrow]

My friend and I are back packing through Europe, northern India, and Thailand.

I am trying to find someone who has experience with this type of traveling and who knows what to pack

Ideally, we are planning on some travel by train, plane and bus; We will Hitch hike when we can, and stay at a few WWOOF farms and hostels.

Now I know packing light is key, but I am planning on possible tenting. so I was thinking of bringing compact sleeping bags and pads also.And also, I have an L.L Bean "Weekend Pack" which has a capacity of 3,600 to 4,500 cu. in.
Would this be too big?


What advice can anyone give on packing and planning this type of event?

[Eagle]

tommerrow,

Welcome to the Boards! I've never taken a trip of that length, but my general rule is "pack the same for six weeks as for six months".

Plan to do laundry about once a week, and pack according to the weather you expect to encounter. If you're going to be in Europe in summer and then move to Asia in the winter months, lighter clothing would probably be fine.

You didn't indicate what country you're from, but one important point to mention - for non-E.U. citizens, tourists are limited to stays of no more than three months under the terms of the SchengenVisa. Those who violate the terms of the tourist Visa are subject to steep fines and possibly deportation for a period of ten years!

Note that sleeping bags are not normally allowed in Hostels due to the possibility of "cross contamination". This is usually the case in Europe, but I don't have any information on the other destinations you'll be visiting. If you have specific questions on northern India or Thailand, you should be able to get answers at www.lonelyplanet.com and their Thorn Tree message board.

I'm not sure that hitch hiking is a safe form of travel? Be very careful!

I wasn't able to find a "Weekend Pack" specifically on the L.L. Bean website. Do you have any further information on which pack you're referring to? One point on Backpacks is to make sure that you're properly fitted according to torso length. Most of the weight should rest on your hips, not your shoulders. Two features that I like on a Backpack are a detachable Daypack (works great for carry-on when the main pack has to be checked) and a "stowable" harness system (harness and straps are placed behind a zippered panel during air travel, so that the straps aren't torn off by airport baggage systems).

Good luck with your planning!

[bellaj]

hi

I think it would be quite big and heavy luggage. If you are going through plane then the amount of your luggage should be not too much.

thanks