A learning night talk by Owen Wang on what to pack and prepare before going on a backpacking trip

1. Prepping For The Travelings
For all y’all yolo-ists and upcoming grad-trippers

2. Inventory: Bag
30-35L backpack:
- good size for week worth
of inventory
- safe for carry-on (too big
may have to check in aka
$$ and time)
- 45L advertised as safe for
carry-on but can have
issues when overpacked

3. Inventory: Body Wallet
Store emergency
cash and important
documents. If
someone steals
your bag you at
least have these
Minimize usage -
should be hidden
when possible

4. Inventory: Clothes
- Layer up to
minimize bulk of
clothes
- Roll to pack tighter
and group into
outfits

5. Inventory: Miscellaneous
- Waterproof jacket - NOT water resistant
- Small lock - NOT combination
- Print-outs / online copies of ID
- Microfiber towel - compact and quick dry
- Country dependent: Toilet paper, power adapter,
sunblock, bug spray
- Plastic bags

6. Inventory: Money
Bank withdrawal, money exchange, or credit?
- Best option: Get a credit card with no foreign transaction
fees
- Bank withdrawal and credit card should have roughly
same fees. Money exchange depending on country is a
bit better or much worse (usually airport rate way worse
than city center)
- Keep $100-200 in emergency stash for money
exchange

7. Inventory: Phone
How to phone?
- If your phone is unlocked, can get pay as
you go SIM cards, easily purchasable at a
convenience store
- Most places have cheap plans that include
data and calling

8. Addendum (for girls)
- Polyester underwear (quick dry)
- Sports bra (quick dry)
- Lush’s solid shampoo
- Lush’s solid perfume
- Hide MONEY in pads!
- Clear plastic ziplock bags
- DO NOT: wax strips

9. Apps
maps.me:
- offline maps for when data-less
- GPS shows where you are /
which direction you’re facing
- save pins for points of interest
- completely free!!

10. Apps
<Some phrasebook app>:
- Varies depending on country you are going
to
- Helpful for communicating basics with locals
- Learning simple phrases great for upping
cultured-ness

11. Apps
TripIt:
- email tickets to app,
automagically itinerarifies
- easy management of plans
For more app suggestions:
http://goo.gl/0b9EdM

12. Apps
Google Photos:
- quick backups of photos on the go, in case
your technology breaks
- unlimited storage space option
- makes nice mini-videos and collages for
you!!!

13. Mindset
- Lower expectations - things may not be what
you’ve seen on the interwebs / in movies
- Try not to compare where you are to where you’
ve been. Every place is unique in its own way
- Relax, take it slow, leave wiggle room / room for
spontaneity

14. Mindset
Most importantly:
Bad things may happen. Don’t let it get you
down. As long as you have your passport, you’
re still good to go!! You’re on an adventure, try
to make the most of it!

15. Have fun!
Enjoy yourself!!!!!!
1one
For more info and tips, reach: fb.com/donotstalkme
http://owenwang.com/blog/lean-traveling/