Michael Turner
Start with a 40–45L waterproof pack and a removable 12–18L daypack; loaded target: ≤12 kg (carry-on only on budget carriers if under 10 kg). Choose a pack with a rain cover and a sternum/hip belt that transfers weight to hips.
Clothing: 3 merino T‑shirts (150–200 g each), 1 long‑sleeve merino, 1 packable down jacket (250–350 g, 700+ fill recommended), 2 quick‑dry bottoms (one convertible pant), 5 pairs underwear, 3 pairs socks (one hiking pair), 1 pair lightweight travel shoes (water‑resistant, broken‑in) and one pair sandals/slip‑ons. Wash every 4–7 days; carry a 30–50 ml travel detergent bottle and a 40×90 cm microfiber towel.
Documents and money: passport + two paper copies stored separately, digital scans in an encrypted cloud, travel insurance with medical/evacuation coverage ≥€30,000 (Schengen visa requirement reference), one chip/contactless debit card, one credit card with no foreign transaction fees, and €100 in small bills for immediate expenses.
Electronics: phone with eSIM or local SIM (plan 5–10 GB/week for navigation & maps), 20,000 mAh power bank with USB‑C PD (≥45 W for fast charging), compact universal adapter covering EU (Type C/Schuko) and UK (Type G) plugs, short charging cables, and lightweight noise‑isolating earphones. Keep chargers in a top pocket for security.
Health and hygiene: compact first‑aid kit (plasters, blister patches, sterile wipes, tape), 10 ibuprofen/paracetamol tablets each, personal prescriptions in original packaging, 50 ml hand sanitizer (carry‑on), contact lens supplies if needed, and a small pill box for daily meds.
Security and logistics: small cable lock for lockers, TSA‑style combination lock for checked bags, RFID card sleeves, discrete money belt or neck pouch, and a printed copies of key reservations. If planning multiple international overnight trains or long‑distance legs, compare single tickets vs a rail pass – break‑even commonly occurs at about five long legs in 30 days.
Packing technique: roll garments, use two compression sacks (clothes and sleep layer), keep one change of clothes and valuables in the daypack, wear the bulkiest items on transit days, and aim to reduce base weight by choosing multi‑use items (one jacket that layers, shoes that work for streets and light hikes).
Packing checklist for a 40–50L rucksack for a multi-country rail-and-hostel tour
Start with volume and target weight: choose 40–50 L and keep total carry weight 8–12 kg (scale weight while loaded, aim under 10 kg for long legs with stairs).
Clothing counts: 3 quick-dry T-shirts, 1 merino long-sleeve or lightweight fleece, 1 packable down or synthetic jacket (compressible), 1 waterproof shell (pit zips preferred), 2 convertible travel pants (zip-off), 3 pairs underwear, 3 pairs socks (2 wool/synthetic, 1 thin pair for city use), 1 set sleepwear that doubles as an extra layer.
Footwear: one pair broken-in low-mid hiking shoes or trail sneakers (water-resistant), one pair lightweight sandals or slip-ons for showers and evenings; carry a 125–150 g pair of shearling or thin camp socks for cold nights if using night trains.
Toiletries and small medical kit: travel-size toothpaste, 50 ml SPF50 sunscreen, 30 ml hand sanitizer, multipurpose balm, blister plasters (assorted sizes), sterile dressings, ibuprofen/paracetamol (20 tablets), loperamide (10), antihistamine (10), adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes, compact thermometer.
Electronics and power: one 20,000 mAh power bank with USB‑C PD 45W, one USB‑C to USB‑C 1 m cable and one 30 cm spare, universal adapter covering Type C/E/F, phone with eSIM or unlocked for local SIM, compact travel router or MiFi only if long stays in remote areas.
Documents and money handling: passport photocopy scanned to cloud and a paper copy, two bank cards (chip + contactless), one emergency cash stash (~€150 in small notes split between hidden pocket and wallet), notify banks before departure, store itineraries and reservations in offline folder on phone.
Security gear: slim RFID-blocking travel wallet, money belt or hidden neck pouch for high-theft zones, small TSA‑accepted combination lock for luggage lockers, zipper clips or cable lock for backpack compartments, a thin steel-reinforced anti‑slash strap if staying in crowded cities.
Packing organisation: two compression cubes (clothes / underwear), one waterproof tech pouch for chargers and cables, one lightweight laundry bag, travel-sized sink wash soap and a mini travel clothesline; plan to wash every 4–6 days.
Hostel and overnight trains: 40×90 cm microfiber towel, silk or cotton sleep sheet (thin liner), earplugs (NRR > 30 dB), inflatable neck pillow, small foldable padlock for lockers, headlamp with red mode for night use.
Hydration, food and small comforts: 0.75 L collapsible water bottle, compact filter straw (Sawyer Mini) if hiking off-grid, spork and small reusable container for leftovers, two resealable bags for snacks, one small pack of coffee/tea sachets.
Extras for countryside or short hikes: lightweight gaiters, trekking poles (collapsible), small first-aid blister kit, 10 x 10 cm emergency bivvy foil, spare microfleece buff, waterproof map or offline GPX tracks on phone.
Pack to interchange items quickly: everyday items in top lid, documents on chest-accessible pocket, heavier items close to the spine, and leave 10–15% spare capacity for purchases or seasonal layers.
Travel documents and digital backups for border control, trains and hostels
Carry your passport plus one printed copy and two separate digital backups (cloud + encrypted local file) stored separately from the original.
- Physical copies
- One full-colour A4 print of the passport bio page and current visas in a waterproof sleeve.
- One paper copy of travel insurance policy number, emergency contact, and hostel reservations stored in a different pocket or pack compartment.
- Fold printed train reservations and QR codes so they stay flat and readable; place them with your on-person documents.
- Digital scans – required formats and quality
- Scan bio page and visa pages at ≥300 dpi in colour; save both PDF and high-quality JPEG (short edge ≥1200 px).
- File naming: use YYYYMMDD_Type_Country_Name (example: 20250812_Passport_USA_JohnDoe.pdf).
- Optimize file size for email/transfer: aim for 200 KB–3 MB per page; keep originals archived separately.
- Store one version OCRed (searchable PDF) and one flattened PDF to avoid corruption when opened on older devices.
- Redundant storage strategy
- Primary cloud: Google Drive or iCloud with offline copies enabled for critical files.
- Secondary cloud: Dropbox or OneDrive as a failover.
- Encrypted local backup: USB flash drive or microSD inside a tiny encrypted container (VeraCrypt or 7-Zip AES-256 archive). Protect the archive with a >12-character phrase stored in a password manager.
- Keep at least one copy on your phone’s internal storage (not just in an app); use the phone’s secure folder or Files app and mark files as available offline.
- Device and account security
- Enable full-disk encryption on phone and laptop, strong lock codes and biometric unlock.
- Use two-factor authentication on cloud accounts; record emergency backup codes and store them encrypted offline.
- Store passphrases and document passwords in a reputable password manager (1Password, Bitwarden).
- E-tickets, QR codes and trains
- Save PDFs and screenshots of e-tickets and QR codes in at least two places (cloud + phone gallery). Screenshots are faster to load at low battery.
- For cross-border trains, carry passport and reservation together; some conductors may check ID on board.
- Keep a portable power bank (10,000 mAh minimum) and a short cable to present tickets reliably.
- Hostel check-in specifics
- Most hostels require passport or national ID plus booking confirmation and the card used to reserve if deposit was charged. Have PDF and a printed copy of the booking with reservation number and hostel phone.
- If booked via aggregator, keep the original confirmation email PDF – some properties refuse screenshots without the booking code clearly visible.
- Border control practicalities
- Customs and immigration accept only the original passport for entry/exit; digital copies are for emergency use only.
- Check visa validity and minimum passport-validity rules for your destinations; many Schengen-area rules require passport validity ≥3 months beyond exit date – verify for each country before departure.
- Present documents on a clean, uncluttered surface if asked to lay them out for inspection; have passport open to bio page and visa page ready to show.
- Lost or stolen passport procedure (fast checklist)
- Report theft to local police and obtain a written report.
- Contact your embassy/consulate; upload scanned passport, passport-number screenshot, police report, and a passport-style photo to their emergency portal or email as requested.
- Use stored cloud copies to populate forms and prove identity when requesting an emergency travel document.
- How to create clean scans on the move
- Use a flat surface and even overhead light; avoid shadows and reflections from glossy passport pages.
- Phone camera is acceptable; for higher fidelity use a compact camera or mirrorless body – example reference for a capable camera: best digital camera for 1080p.
- Immediately upload scans to both cloud accounts and test that files open on another device before storing originals offline.
Choosing and packing backpacks: size limits, fit and daypack organization
Choose a main pack of 40–50 L for 7–14 nights; select 50–65 L only if transporting tent, stove, climbing or winter kit. Pair that with a 20–30 L daypack for urban days and short hikes.
Size limits and carrier-friendly dimensions
- Common cabin allowance used by many low-cost carriers: 55 × 40 × 20–23 cm and 7–10 kg for a full carry-on; a free personal bag is often ~40 × 20 × 25 cm. Check the specific carrier before departure.
- If you plan to stow a main pack in overhead compartments, choose one with a removable daypack or a compression option that reduces external bulk to under 55 × 40 × 23 cm.
- For regional trains and buses, larger packs fit on luggage racks; for frequent platform-to-platform moves keep the main load ≤12–15 kg for faster transfers and stairs.
- Highland or multi-day alpine use: consider technical frames and ventilated back panels – see models tested for rugged treks: best backpack for trekking in nepal.
Fit, load placement and daypack layout
- Torso measurement: find C7 (most prominent neck vertebra), measure down to the iliac crest (top of hip bones). Match to manufacturer sizing: S ≈ 41–43 cm, M ≈ 43–48 cm, L ≈ 48–53 cm.
- Hipbelt position and load transfer: seat the hipbelt over the iliac crest so hips carry ~60–80% of the load; tighten shoulder straps so the pack’s weight rests on the hips, not the shoulders.
- Shoulder straps and load lifters: adjust load lifters to roughly 45° so the pack’s top is pulled toward the body; sternum strap stabilizes but should not bear heavy load.
- Packing hierarchy for stability:
- Heavy items (boots, stove, camera body) close to the spine between shoulder blades and mid-back.
- Medium-weight items (clothing, fuel) below and around heavy core for balance.
- Light, bulky items (fleece, sleeping bag) at the bottom or compressed outer compartments.
- Use compression straps and side pockets to eliminate sway; keep the center of mass close to your back for uphill and crowded urban movement.
- Daypack organization (20–30 L recommended):
- Hydration: 0.5–1 L bottle in side pocket or a 1–2 L bladder with tube routed over the shoulder.
- Quick-access pocket: sunglasses, face mask, small first-aid, snacks.
- Hip-belt pockets: phone, transit card, lip balm, power bank for immediate access.
- Top/front compartment: lightweight rain shell and compact umbrella stored for sudden showers – see a compact option: best affordable personal umbrella.
- Camera or fragile items in padded insert or small sling inside the main compartment.
- Waterproof dry bag for wet clothes or toiletries; keep it at the bottom if wet weight is expected.
- Packing aids: 1–2 packing cubes (small 1–3 L, medium 4–6 L, large 8–12 L) for clothing compression and faster security checks; a lightweight rain cover stored in the base pocket.
- Fit test: load the bag to typical weight and walk 15–20 minutes on varied terrain; adjust straps and hipbelt until the load feels balanced and shoulders relaxed.
Clothing and footwear plan by season: layering, quick-dry items and laundry routine
Adopt a three-layer system: breathable base, insulating mid, protective shell.
Seasonal kit – exact counts and fabrics
Summer: 2 short-sleeve merino or polyester tees (150–180 g merino or 120–160 g synthetic), 1 long-sleeve sun shirt (UPF polyester), 1 pair lightweight quick-dry shorts, 1 pair convertible travel pants, 3 pairs underwear (polyamide/lycra), 3 pairs socks (2 thin synthetic/merino liners + 1 camp socks), lightweight trail runners (low-cut), compact waterproof shell (10,000 mm PU/PFC-free membrane). Avoid cotton shirts; quick-dry polyester/merino dries in 2–6 hours in sun.
Shoulder seasons (spring/autumn): 2 merino long-sleeve base layers (200–260 g), 1 midweight fleece (100–200 g), 1 packable insulated jacket (down 700–800 fill with ~200–300 g down or synthetic ~150–250 g), 1 waterproof-breathable shell (20,000 mm preferred for heavy rain), 1 pair mid-cut hiking boots (water-resistant leather or durable synthetic), 4 pairs socks (2 hiking merino, 2 liners), 3 underwear. Bring a lightweight hat and thin gloves for mornings.
Winter and alpine conditions: 2 heavy merino base layers (260–300 g) or thermal synthetics, 1 heavyweight fleece or wool sweater (300–500 g), insulated puffy (down 800-fill @200–300 g or synthetic equivalent), waterproof insulated shell with taped seams, insulated winter boots rated near ambient temps you expect (consult manufacturer temp rating), 3–4 thermal socks (merino 200–400 g), liner gloves + insulated outer gloves, balaclava or neck gaiter, gaiters for deep snow, crampon-compatible soles if ice/snow likely.
Footwear fit, selection and protection
Shoes: choose one primary pair and one light secondary (trainers/sandals). For long miles on mixed terrain pick trail runners for weight and breathability (size +0.5–1 for downhill toe room). For sustained wet/rocky trails select mid-cut hiking boots with leather or durable synthetic uppers and a sole Shore hardness ~60–70 for durability. For cold/snow choose insulated boots with a wide toe box and space for thick socks; order a half to full size up from street shoes.
Waterproof membranes trade breathability for dryness; use for heavy rain or snow but expect slower drying. Treat leather with a neutral wax for water resistance; apply seam sealer to early-wear leaks. Use thin liner socks to reduce blisters and thicker outer socks for insulation; pack one spare pair of footwear laces and a mini repair kit (needle, synthetic thread, small glue).
Avoid cotton socks and jeans; cotton retains water and multiplies drying time. Prefer merino percentages: 70–100% merino for odor control; blends (30–50% merino) for durability and faster drying.
Laundry routine, tools and drying times
Pack a 250–300 ml bottle of concentrated technical detergent or soap bar for synthetics/merino, a sink stopper and a 1 m clothesline with clips. Handwash method: cold/warm soak 10 minutes, gentle rub on seams, rinse, roll garment inside a microfiber towel and squeeze to remove most water, then hang. Typical drying times in a ventilated hostel room: thin synthetic tee 2–6 hours, merino tee 4–12 hours, heavyweight merino or fleece 12–24 hours, cotton 24–48+ hours – avoid cotton unless willing to wait.
Laundromat strategy: use 30–40°C for synthetics and merino to preserve fibers; use the highest spin available to cut drying time. Schedule full-machine laundry every 5–10 days in warm months, 7–14 days in cold months when layers are bulkier. For quick mid-day refreshes, use a travel-sized fabric spray or iron on low steam through a towel for partial drying (avoid direct heat on down; re-fluff in dryer with tennis balls if machine-safe).
Carry a small repair kit: safety pins, needle & thread, duct tape strip, wash-in water-repellent sample for quick reproofing. Limit wardrobe to multi-use pieces (convertible pants, merino base layers, neutral-colour outer layers) to reduce laundry frequency and weight while keeping hygiene and thermal performance predictable across seasons.
Health kit and personal medication: quantities, prescriptions and storage
Carry a minimum 30-day supply plus 10 extra days of any maintenance prescription in the original pharmacy-labelled container; keep the main supply in your carry-on and a duplicate set in checked luggage or with a trusted companion.
Include a physician’s letter in English listing generic drug names, daily dosages, diagnosis or indication, start date, prescribing physician contact and license number; add a pharmacy printout and scanned PDF copies stored in cloud and on your phone.
Controlled substances (opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants such as methylphenidate) require advance verification with the destination’s embassy or national medicines regulator; obtain a written import/possession permit when required and carry both the original prescription and the physician letter.
Typical quantities for a single traveler for 4–6 weeks: paracetamol (acetaminophen) 500 mg – 30 tablets; ibuprofen 200 mg – 30 tablets; cetirizine 10 mg – 30 tablets; loperamide 2 mg – 10 tablets; oral rehydration sachets – 6; topical antibiotic ointment 15 g; antiseptic wipes – 20; assorted adhesive plasters – 30; blister plasters – 10; sterile gauze pads 7×7 cm – 8; medical tape – 1 roll; elastic bandage (ACE) – 1; compact digital thermometer – 1; tweezers/scissors/safety pins – 1 set; insect repellent with DEET 20–50% – 30 ml; sunscreen SPF 30+ – 50 ml; hand sanitizer 60 ml.
For injectable biologics and insulin: transport in carry-on within an insulated pouch and cold pack; refrigerate at 2–8 °C until first use; check the product leaflet for post‑opening room‑temperature stability (many insulins are stable ~28 days at room temperature, but verify by brand); carry extra needles/syringes and a prescriber letter authorizing use of sharps.
Liquid medications and gels exceeding 100 ml: keep them in carry-on with documentation and declare them at security checkpoints; airlines often allow medically necessary liquids over standard limits but require supporting paperwork–confirm airline policy before departure.
For stays longer than 8–12 weeks arrange either a repeatable prescription or a local prescriber/pharmacy transfer ahead of time; mail-order services and international prescription transfer services can deliver maintenance meds but require several weeks lead time and verification of import rules.
Storage tips: keep all medications in waterproof zip pouches with silica gel desiccant; avoid prolonged exposure above 30 °C; use a small lockable pouch for controlled meds; carry a compact pill organizer for daily doses but retain original labelled containers while passing borders or presenting at medical appointments.
Prepare for emergencies: list generic names, doses, known allergies, and emergency contact numbers on a printed card in English; replace expired items before departure and never consolidate multiple prescriptions into unlabeled containers.
