| Traveling overseas to experience different countries | | | | zippered pocket or an open hydration bladder |
| and cultures is one of life's precious endeavors. Don't | | | | pocket) for a flat surface against your back. Atop |
| ruin your foreign backpacking vacation by taking | | | | the base, place your SLR camera and lens, wrapped |
| most of your possessions with you. Leave the heavy | | | | in a tight fitting case, in a central and safe position. |
| load at home and learn how to pack a backpack for | | | | Protective Padding - A sleep sheet or lightweight |
| months of road travel in a carry-on size bag. | | | | sleeping bag is perfect for stuffing the space around |
| These handy packing tips will keep your load light, | | | | your electronic gear for a secure and stable fit. |
| your pack tight and your attitude on the right track | | | | Fill Up Space - By now your backpack should be at |
| for a great trip without weighing you down. In fact, | | | | least halfway full. Take your remaining odds and ends |
| you'll be amazed at how little a load you can manage | | | | and fill up any holes or spaces left. Dirty clothes, a |
| with and how you'll be flying through airports, evading | | | | first aid kit, assorted cable and battery bags, and a |
| crowds in urban streets and strolling in comfort along | | | | toiletry kit with medicines all work well. |
| tourist attractions. | | | | Top End Items - With your pack only half to |
| 10 Tips For A Minimal Travel Pack: | | | | three-quarters full use the top portion for items you |
| Clothes Bag - All your clothes, except what you | | | | want to access during the day. A foldable daypack |
| wear, need to be stuffed into a medium-sized stuff | | | | for sightseeing tours is a good extra bit of gear to |
| bag with compression straps to tug it into a | | | | take along. And your shoes and compressed rain |
| super-tight package. Keep your clothing fabrics | | | | jacket need to be handy too. Cinch up the main |
| lightweight, durable and quick drying. Place the | | | | compartment and keep some room to spare for |
| compact bag on the bottom of your main | | | | souvenir items. |
| compartment. | | | | Outside Pockets - Keep the number of outside |
| Bottom Base - Fill the remaining bottom space with a | | | | pockets to a minimum. A stretchable front bucket |
| fleece jacket or sweater for a tight fit base that | | | | pocket is good for a damp towel and a deflated |
| doesn't allow any sliding or shifting movements. | | | | neck pillow for bus and air travel. Just remember that |
| Electronic Gear - Pack a small laptop with a | | | | outside access also includes pickpockets, so if you |
| protective case into the separate sleeve (either a | | | | don't want to lose it, store it inside. |