Rachel_Travels22

Going backpacking (via trains and hostels) for a little less than 2 weeks through Germany, Brussels, Salzburg, Amsterdam, and Prague in 2 weeks (August) and just ordered a backpack (a little late- oh well).

I wanted it on the small side and got a 36 L pack. I can return it and buy one in the store if this is too small but I was wondering if anyone could speak from experience. If I pack light, will 36 L be enough? Or did I have a little too much confidence in my packing abilities?

Just bringing a few days worth of clothing, rainjacket, change of shoes, and travel sized toiletries.

I thought it would be fine, but now that I'm searching through the internet again I'm second guessing myself. Am I overthinking this?

bmcblaine

That's pretty small for a travel pack. You can make it work if you really want to and, because it's summer, you won't need too many clothes. Best is to pack everything you will take into a known sized container and determine if you can fit into 36L.

Mimar

Check at the Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree site. More backpackers there.

mztery

the 36 L should be OK, it's about the same size as my pack from Victorinox, but I also carry a largish tote/carryon. However my next pack will be a 45 L .

thursdaysd

I think that may be a bit small. I travel for months rather than weeks, but don't take much more than I would take for a couple of weeks. (More vitamin pills, more guidebooks.) I travel with something more like 45L plus a day pack - see http://shop.eaglecreek.com/rincon-65l/d/1002_c_116 and http://tinyurl.com/lw8m and for my packing list start here: http://mytimetotravel.wordpress.com/...take-part-one/

dreamon

Bravo for travelling light. A lot of big, heavy luggage is just a millstone, as you've already figured out.

Last time I went to Europe I took a largish day pack and a very small suitcase on wheels - about 30L (one that I could very easily pick up and carry if I needed to). That worked well for me but we travelled for five weeks (not that it makes much difference - swear I take as much for six days as six weeks). Having two small bags was easy to manage, especially as one was on my back. Easy to fling up above the seats in trains or fit under my seat.

It also depends on the time of year as winter clothes take up more space.

So I would consider keeping your small backpack and taking a second small bag as well if you discover you need it. Put the heavy things in your backpack.

dreamon

Oops, didn't see you were travelling in August - that makes it easier than winter.

Prior to the last trip I've always travelled with a 60L backpack - convenient and hands free but quite heavy for me as I'm not particularly strong. Think I now prefer two small bags for city trips.

unclegus

for two weeks you should be fine, don't pack too much ,make sure you have some things that can wash and dry easily ( most hotels have washing and drying facilities)and you will be fine, remember nobody cares if you wear the same outfit more than once. the old adage "half the clothes and twice the money" is always a good one to apply.

unclegus

sorry that should be hostels not hotels

Rachel_Travels22

Thanks all! I'm going to give it a go w/ the 36 L, hopefully the easier, lighter experience will make it worth missing whatever I can't fit in the pack and must leave behind. But I'm going to bring some sort of tote/side purse just in case.

michele_d

We did a bit of train travel on our last trip and some of the packs the backpackers were carrying were as big as they were. These little tiny petite girls carrying what looked like 75 lbs on their backs.

I've been backpacking many times and forty five lbs was my limit. Bringing less stuff is so freeing. You will be much much happier. If you really need something more, just buy it over there. Less is definitely more!

Have a great trip!

2wicky

Yes, it's possible.

In fact, I now travel with just a 20l backpack. People are usually surprised to see that I can travel with so little. They are even more surprised when it turns out that I am better prepared then they are. The difference is, we tend to pack stuff for all kind of eventualities that in most cases never materialize. I've learn to pack only the stuff that I've actually used during all my travels. I can always buy my way out of freak eventualities.

The biggest space saver are the synthetic travel towels. I can easily take two to three such towels and still save space compared to lugging around a normal towel. They also dry really fast which is an added plus.

I take enough clothes with me to last four to five days. I also cary travel soap just incase I have no other option but to wash them by hand. I prefer soap leaves. Less messy then soap bars, and take in less space and weight compared to liquid soap. Also easier to get through airport security.

I also don't take clothes with me for every possible occasion. Just enough to keep me warm and dry. I used to take a rain jacket with me, but I've replaced it with a small pocket umbrella and a wind-stopper. In the worst case, you can always buy new clothes on the way.

Unless I expect cold weather, I leave my sleeping bag home and take a sleeping bag liner instead. Again, a huge space and weight saving and handy if you end up doing anything a bit more adventurous then sleeping in hotel or hostel.

Two pairs of shoes. One pair, I ware on my feet while traveling, and the other, a set of flip flops which again takes almost no space to pack.

While I have gotten away with this setup with a DSLR and two or three lenses, a good point-and-shoot is simply much more easier to travel with. You also have to take into account chargers for your camera and phone and other electronics you may need to take with you.

I've now also travel with a tablet rather than lug a good old fashioned but heavy travel book with me. Lonely Planet even allows you to purchase chapters rather than the complete e-books. Downside is, you have to keep these things charged.

Other items: toiletries, torch, sunglasses, swimsuit, tissues, a bundle of sturdy string, a small bottle of water.

And two smaller bags which I can fit inside my backpack: one for my clean clothes and one for my dirty laundry. This keeps things fairly organized and can easily be left behind at my hostel/hotel.

thursdaysd

Towels plural? Why? I do take a very small travel towel but rarely use it. I can't remember the last time I stayed somewhere that didn't have towels. (And I've stayed in hostels, and in some pretty down-market places on occasion.)

You can wash clothes in shampoo.

2wicky

If you are staying in a hotel, towels will almost always be included, but if you are staying in a hostel, that may not always be the case and it's not uncommon they will charge you extra for them. In that case, it is just easier to have your own with you. One to leave behind in your room, and one you can take with you if you happen to go swimming, or simply need a blanket to picknick on.

dreamon

2wicky, I admire your light travelling but am amazed that you can fit all that in a 20lt bag. That's a really small bag for travelling. Good on you.