Going to backpack around Europe soon.

Posted by: RacerAV

Going to backpack around Europe soon. - 03/29/12 02:00 PM

Hello backpackers! First post, figured I'd say hi, and wanted to get thoughts on what to bring, etc.
I am in Iraq right now, and will be on vacation in a few months. Going on a 2 week cruise, then visiting the girlfriends family in Belgium, then she's going home to Calif. and I'm backpacking around Europe. I am trying to figure out what I should bring.

I want to basically have one pack, carry on size, with a detachable day pack. I will be going for about 10 days. I love this pack, http://www.rei.com/product/809156/rei-grand-tour-85-travel-pack-mens
but it's too big for a carry on. I don't want to check any bags, losing a bag would ruin the trip, and I don't have the time for them to track it down, as well as coming back into Iraq isn't a simple task, and I only bring checked bags on my big moves.

I'd love to hear what you guys think! I'll be starting either in Belgium or Barcelona for this trip, so any tips on where to go, what to do, and how to do it would be great!

Can't wait to check out the rest of this site! I love all things outdoors. I am a gear whore with work, and play, haha... sometimes they mesh well too! I wear a lot of my REI stuff out here. So versatile!!! Speaking of REI, my dividend is here, I've got a few hundred bucks to spend, so help me do it! smile

Thanks!
Posted by: OregonMouse

Re: Going to backpack around Europe soon. - 03/29/12 03:20 PM

Please note that this forum is about American style backpacking, which in other countries is called wilderness trekking. We are not a budget travel forum, although most of us have traveled overseas at some time or other.

A travel forum such as Lonely Planet's Thorntree would better meet your needs for travel issues. You might also want to check out Rick Steves' website; he's long been a strong advocate of traveling light and using only one carry-on bag.

Should you have wilderness trekking questions, we'll be glad to answer them!
Posted by: RacerAV

Re: Going to backpack around Europe soon. - 03/29/12 04:43 PM

Ah, well thanks for the info.

I knew this forum was geared more toward outdoor exploration, but figured asking for some thoughts on my next little adventure would be alright, with the knowledge base here. I really want to do the John Muir Trail in the near future, I guess I can ask about that instead here.

Posted by: Glenn

Re: Going to backpack around Europe soon. - 03/29/12 06:48 PM

Not sure you'll get a lot of information, but you may want to take a look at the Martin Sheen movie, "The Way." It's set in Spain, and is an entertaining story about a man whose son dies early into hiking a pilgrimage route in Spain, and goes on to complete the trip for him. It's directed by Emilio Estevez. Not sure about accuracy or information, but I enjoyed it.