Packing Prowess

There are a few items I am very glad I packed (or acquired). If you research about packing it always hard to know what you really need or not - so those the main things that have come in handy. In case anyone is planning a backpacking trip soon....

(1) sleeping sack: essentially a sleeping bag liner, this items folds up smalls and shields you from nasty beds esp. those that lack sheets! I bought a silk one in Vietnam for 2 dollars. It even has a pocket to hold a pillow

(2) multi-purpose soap: I got some at LL Bean and you can use if for washing your hands and in the shower. Supposedly also can be used as shampoo but I would save as a last resort.

(3) flip flops: THANK GOD! I can use these in the shower and walking around the room (besides the beach!)

(4) A really comfortable bag for walking around (esp if you are carrying a heavy camera + guide book!). This thing is a life saver. http://www.tamrac.com/frame_velocity.htm (No its not stylish). It's also packed with essential tissue (for bathrooms!), hand sanitizer, mini sunblock, etc.

(5) windbreaker + lightweight fleece: windbreaker has served me well on motorbike rides, and for staying extra warm when my fleece isnt enough. both roll up small

(6) quick dry towel: you could never travel every few days if you had to carry a wet terrycloth. although Vietnam has been good about providing towels.

(7) Little flashlight for when lights go out or you want to read on the sleeper train/bus :)

Thank god everything fits in one reasonably small backpack. The full weight is around 11 kilos.