What's in your Backpack?

Should i get a backpack or just carry my things around in old sack?

Well yes unless you have a back problem. The idea is to carry all your things easily and efficiently using the magic your very own back. It is much better than dragging your things behind you in a trolley or hockey bag. Your backpack must be worn properly though. By the way 'trolley packs' are really not practical in India, the little wheels will get jammed with cow dung very quickly...

What kind of backpack to get?

Look for a modern light weight pack that is adjustable and with enough compartments for you. If you want a water proof you can get the incredible ARCTERYX but there are many other cheaper options around $100. You can go to some stores and try backpacks on then check ebay for the prices. Also Mountain Co-op has a few good ones.

What size?

Usually there are small, medium and large sizes of backpacks; for small, medium, and large people. Look for a backpack that suits your body type.

I recommend that you take as big as possible 60-80 liters+. If you have less stuff you can always shorten the pack down to 10l. I use my 80 liter as 10l hiking pack works just fine.

Keep in mind how much the actual pack weights can make a difference. These days you can get 2.5 kg pack that are 90 liters. While the Arcteryx is more than twice the weight.

A good idea is to try the pack out before or from a shop or buy from a place that will let you return it.

How should I pack all this stuff?

Heavy items such as a laptop, camera, batteries etc should be packed close to the small of your back (as shown by the red bubbles.)

     A sleeping bag usually fits in the bottom compartment. and other sleeping items, a fleece jacket can be stored here too.

    I like a pack with two large side pockets that are big enough for a one shoe or sandal each.

    Try to make a 'packing plan' so you pack everything in the same way, same place and same order. Keep all you bath item in one small bag. All electronic items etc. This will save a lot of time unpacking and packing again when your travellling. This will also help you from losing or forgetting something behind. 

Can use your cloths to pad everything down.

Most airlines limited to 30kg's, which is too heavy enough for a backpack. 22kg is about max for a backpack for a average male.

 

You don't need to spend money on a nylon or synthetic cover, they're not water proof anyways. An easy way to protector your backpack is with a large plastic bag. There are light weight, water proof, disposable and of course. These are used for lawn cutting, very large.

Cheap. Take 2-3 bags with you. You will need them only on a few occasion while in India: Monsoon RAIN, protect in on the rood of the BUS (sometime they put the luggage on the roof and it may rain) If they don't put it on the roof they may put it in the back stow compartment which is always very dirty.

 

Washing your backpack

After a while you probably will need to wash your back in India. Most decent backpack are reconstructible. You can remove the aluminum support rods on the back support. Once you figure out how to do this, you can put the backpack part into the washing machine. It will be difficult to wash while traveling, so try to avoid getting it dirty.  It's possible that sand flies take up residence in the dirt of the your pack too. 

Do i need a sleeping bag?

Most definitely yes. As a budget traveler it is very important because many cheap lodges don't provide blanks and if they do they are of doubious cleanlyness. North India and the mountains become cold at night and it is wise to carry a sleeping bag. Even Goa and various mountain location become cold in the winter month.

What kind to get?

Soft down is warm, comfortable and light weight. It also has a luxurious feel. Some prefer synthetic because it easier to wash. But synthetic is not as warm and much heavier. Something rated about 2' degrees Celsius (a 3 season bag) should be fine. Around 1 kg max. Also one that opens flat so you can lay over a bed I recommend rather than a mummy style.

Planning lots of mountains? better get a warm down one. Guest house don't have insulation or heating.

You should bring some liquid laundry detergent with you, and plan to wash your sleeping bag once per month or so.

Fleece liners

Fleece liners are handy because together with a sleeping bag it will be really warm. Or you can just use the fleece in warmer conditions. Or you can use it as mattress liner etc. A fleece liner is easy to wash and light weight.

You can also have a cotton sleeping bag cover made in India, with little buttons that attach to the inside of your sleeping bag. This way you can wash the slip cover rather than the whole sleeping bag.

Mosquito net

You want a light weight net with dense mesh. They are cheap in Thailand around 150Rs but do not seem to be available in India. So if your not stopping in Thailand you should look around maybe ebay for one like this. It should be less than .5 kg.  A single is best, if your a couple still singles might be the better choice than a double. Often the beds are separate in India.

Make sure you get the type of mosquito net with four corners NOT the top hanging one (fan is there)

Also get some permethim to treat the net or use this natural alternative to chemicals. See the Malaria and how to hang a net page.

Flashlight or torch

Have you heard about new LED lights? Such as SSC P7 or R2 emitter? They are super high power!

India has numerous power outages, and even your room will be equipped with a low wattage bulbs. So this new technology is a god sent and a must for any traveler in India. 

LED bulb technology gives you an incredible source of light running on common AA batters. LED's bulbs also last a very long time and are durable. The SSC P7 is about that same as 150w bulb in your house!

Hammock

In India you can find cheap hammocks made from nylon or if you prefer you can being a nice Mexican one with you. Hammocks are useful in Asia because there seems to be shortage of comfortable chairs or sofas. A hammock is always useful because in a pinch you can sleep in it so it's a great budget travelers survival item. Look for one that is very light weight, less than .5 kg

Shoes

These hiking shows, low cut, are ideal for India because they are light weight and not too uncomfortable in the hot tropics. Yet rugged enough to use for an extended trek in the Himalaya or south India hills. As you can see the quality is okay but after 6 months these $60 shoes are almost finished.

If you have weak ankles or such problem you may have no choice but to use a proper pair of boots. Running shoes are not adequate for trekking.  An important feature is thick rubber soles that can take the pounding of going down endless rock steps. I would avoid hard soles if I were you.

Remember to wear in your shoes before you leave. Blister are not fun and can lead to infections and either way can put a sudden stop to your trekking days.

Don't be foolish and not bring shoes. Sandals are not enough to protect your feet. In India there is a lot of rubbish and other bacteria on the ground.  

Sandals

An essential item. Cheap rubber is not good for the feet. Try to get a decent quality sport sandal. Easy washing means easy to remove cow dung. Teva are an excellent brand and will last an extended trip and are recommended.

Remember to wear in your sandals before you leave. Blister are not fun and can lead to infections.  Socks are a good idea that absorb your sweaty feet and prevent blisters.

Socks

These are Fruit of the Loom Work socks. I recommends these because they are great quality and cheap! Easy to wash, comfortable and strong. Cotton synthetic mix.

If you have larger than size 11 feet you will not be able to find ANY socks in India or Asia what so ever. I usually bring about 6-10 pairs. Bring extras. A better quality sock maybe worth while for some, 3$ a pair vs $30...your choice.

Hat

Want a good quality hat? Try a Tilley. Actually it's better to get a light weight nylon cap with net protector that can fit in your backpack with little fuss. 

Cloths

You may have heard about the inexpensive (cheap) clothing in India. This is true. However the quality and fit is likely to be sub par to what your used to. If you are a regular large size Euro person, the sizes will not fit you. Such as 32" jeans are not really 32" for westerners but for small Indians, no ass!  If you are a small size you will have it much easier for cloths in India. This is unfortunately true for even name brand shops in the big cities. So to sum up: real western quality and sized clothing is hard to come by in India.

Indian made garments tend to shrink or not use color fast dyes.

Large t-shirt are actually medium in western size.

It is best to bring most of your own cloths for the duration of the trip because it will be difficult finding the quality or sizes you are used to.

1-2 x pair of pants or jeans. Some people like synthetic, i prefer cotton.

2-3 x T-shirts

2 Pair of shorts, you know the ones with multiple pockets.

1 x long sleeve shirt, good for keeping the mosquito off, also to wear in the airport.

1 x Fleece, double sided, jacket. i have one from nepal was only 6$, works great/

I suggest you bring what every cloths you feel comfortable with.

Protect your cloth and back them in a zip lock bag....

Small Bags and plastic zip ups

Zip lock bags are handy item for the backpacker. Pack everything in its' own zip lock bag. This will help organize and protect your stuff. Any bottles such as shampoo, toothpaste may break and spill into your other items, may ruin your electronic items  etc. Or you can get such a nylon bags.

Zip lock are good for any electronic such as laptop, IPOD, or camera, helps protect them from dust, humidity or sea air. You can create a bigger zip lock bag to fit your laptop or camera, this will prevent dampness for effecting the electronic components. Do this with some heavy duty tape and tape together the bags to create correct size of zip lock bag.

Small zip lock bags can even be used instead of bottles and will be much lighter. Double bag any liquid such as sunscreen, shampoo, toothpaste, hair gel, etc. You need some smaller 2"x3" size for this. Just squeeze a good amount in one baggie and then double bag it in case of leak. This is a handy tip short treks or day outings, instead of carrying the whole bottle just take what you need. 

These insulated bag is a good solution, light weight, heat resistant almost water proof. I have two, that I pack all lose items.

Sunglasses

 The sunglasses they sell in Asia are low quality and often fake. It is better to bring your own. In fact two pairs because it is easy to break one and they you will have a hard time to replace it.I like polarized.

How to clean your sunglasses

In India you will find that your glasses become dirtier much quicker than usual, this is from all the particles and dust in the air. Don't just wipe you glasses with a cloth or even with microfiber. You should wash your glasses with detergent and water to safely remove the dirty and debris or you will eventually scratch your lens. I find dish detergent works best, even shampoo works okay. After cleaning dry with a microfiber cloth or any clean material.

Sunscreen

Seems every time I'm going to Asia there are sales at home on sunscreen. So when every i see a sale i say well it must be time for Asia!

The quality in Asia maybe dubious, bring your own from home, western countries sell a lot more of this stuff, so it is better quality and cheaper.

Always buy fresh sunscreen. Sun screen loses it effectiveness after one year.

Towels

Now a days there is some called a compression towel. That is very handy for the traveler. Other wise a piece of fleece or microfiber. A regular cotton town isn't so bad, just cut it in half.

Plug Adapter

India uses 220v like Europe but the plugs are different so you'll need a plug adapter. A simple travel plug adapter is a common item and easily pickup in India. 110v is used in North America. Most, but not all electronic items will say 110-220v on the back, if it doesn't say this and it was purchase in North America then it is 110V.  If you plug your 110v item into a 220v outlet in India it will be fried! Also you will need a plug adapter or your electronic item will be fried!

If you want to run your 110v item in India you'll need a travel volt converter but it is bit heavier than just a converter. Also note that high watt items such as a hair drier or heater will not work with a cheap travel volt converter. 

Travel Lock

The general run in India is to use your own lock. This is because one of the employees or the owner may enter the room other wise, to "check something."

The other reason is that thieves may check in for few days and make a copy of the key/lock, then sneak back in a few months later and simply enter your room.

One solution is to use a combo lock, you won't lose the key but you might forget the combo or the guest house may be in a power outage and you can't read the numbers. Confucius says: lock and key is better  

Travel Clock

You will need to know the correct time for flights, trains, buses and check out times etc. An alarm clock feature is a good idea too, wake you up for train stops in the night.

Music

Ipod and the likes are a god sent for the traveler. Was it just yesterday that we had only cassetes? You don't need a 60 or 80 gb really you can use a 4gb nano and swap your music with a PHD

If you don't want to damage you hearing with headphones...okay i prefer real sound from real speakers. But travel speakers sound so crap! Yes true, but here is one i found that sounds really good. Times are changin'

  It's the Tivilo Audio's ISongBook

The Good: Nice quality sound in the mid and high range. The speakers detach for true stero sound. It's small and well built. It has a built in AA battery charger. Has remote and charging dock for ipods. Built in DAC. Cool blue light and clock. Loud enough to really annoy your neighbors. he he

.

The Bad: Very weak bass. At 1.3 kgs it could be lighter, still it is just light enough for a backpacker. Adapter is heavy. You can find another smaller 12v adapter is much better. In India they sell a 12v laptop adapter that is SUPER light weight and made in India, cost just 650Rs.

Isong book takes 6 AA! tip: you can use a 9v l-ion DVD battery instead. I use one from dynex. Saves a lot on weight. This battery works with a 12v Tripath T-amp too!

Isong Book Price paid: $112 on ebay, $399 retail.

Rating: B-

Music Instruments on the road...

Many people like to bring an instrument with them, this is a great way to break the ice with local people and also pass some time during the many delays in India.

Guitar: Bob Dylan did it, why not you? The best type of travel guitar is a Spanish Classical. You can find them in your local pawn shop or second hand guitar dealer. There are many 'hand made' guitar left of from the 1970's that can be picked up for a song. Nylon strings are light weight. Spanish guitar have no truss rod (a heavy, metal rod in the neck of the guitar.) This is best type of travel guitar to get because they weight almost nothing and sound very good. Guitars made in India are very poor quality and are heavy.

Remember to get a soft case. Your guitar can stowed in the overhead compartment of the airplane or bus.

Drums: You'll notice many tabla and drum seller targeting you in India. Be warned that these are not of any particular quality and are VERY heavy to carry around with you.

What can't you get in India?

• Large size socks, shoes or sandals
• Sunscreen that works
• Sunglasses, maybe expensive or low quality 
• Western clothing that fits
• Cosmetic and personal bath items that you may be used to. Brands are different or not sold in India.
• Ear buds, Indian ones are poor quality without enough cotton
• Condoms large sizes or good quality
• Real Beer, Rum etc, ha ha if you like beer get ready for a shock in India
• Decent guitar