The realisation that you need to fit 3 months worth of clothes into one backpack can seem daunting enough, but what about all the other stuff?
Shoes, electronics, make-up and wash stuff, basically everything you use on a daily basis is going to have to be carried around on your back making you feel like the proverbial tortoise!
After doing plenty of research on other travel blogs and websites, some of which I found useful and others that just bamboozled me further, I finally have my backpack contents nailed! So I have put together a break down of everthing I’m taking to give you some rough ideas of what you may need/want.
First things first, picking your pack.
After much deliberation I went for the Osprey Farpoint 55, my main reason for choosing this bag was the panel style access. This will afford me with the ability to easily locate items within my case. (Unfortunately the gnome luggage tag was not included, but a gift from my Mum!)
Secondly, I was swayed by the detachable day pack. Perfect for the plane, day trips and not having to take a separate one saves space in your bag. Inaddition to the space in the day pack there is also a smaller mesh pocket and a laptop/tablet sleeve.
Last but not least, the deciding vote was cast when I saw that it had a back panel to stow away all the straps and harness system, making it easier to carry around like a case using the padded side handle.
Osprey also offer a free Pack Sizer app. In 3 easy steps it will help you determine what size pack you require for your height and body shape.
Now comes the fun part...filling it, and boy have I filled it!
After much deliberation this is my capsule wardobe for my autumnal trip around Europe (I will post a lsit of suppliers at the end of this post):
Accessories
As someone who always suffers with shoes it took me a long time to decide what I should take and the comfort versus fashion war in my head did not help. Finally I settled on a pair of trainers, these ones have a memory foam insole for extra comfort. A pair of canvas pumps, for the days when I’m not doing too much walking and a pair of sandals. I chose Crocs Sexi Flip as I thought these would supply a bit of extra support compared to high street brands summer footwear.
It’s always handy to carry a scarf for those chillier evenings but they can also be quite a relief on very sunny days as a light covering for your shoulders. I picked 1 plain black to go with everything and a pattern in muted shades to add some flair to a plain outfit.
I chose a lightweight coat in grey, it is wind and water proof with a stowaway hood and has an adjustable waist.
Underwear/Swimwear
I'm not a huge bikini wearer and as I will be spending most of my trips in cities I chose to only pack one bikini.
For underwear I kept it plain and simple, 8 pairs of cotton briefs in black and white and 3 padded yoga bras for comfort.
Clothing
2 x Vests and 2 x T-Shirts.
2 x Long Sleeve Shirts
3 of these Camis will be joining me
1 x Half Sleeve Jumper, a Cotton Cardigan and a Black Shrug.
1 Long Sleeve Top - this top is also backless so is perfect over a vest on those slightly cooler days.
Personally I don't wear skirts so I added in an extra pair of trousers but if you do then just replace where necessary.
1 x Shorts
1 x Cut Offs
2 x Tapered Trousers in Navy and Black
Dresses are perfect for the day or evening so I tried to pick 3 that I would be happy to wear for any occasion.
1 x Playsuit
That's it. Some will say I'm taking far too many clothes, but in my opinion you're the one who has to carry it and live in it for your entire trip so take what you feel you need. I'm incredibly particular when it comes to clothes hence taking a little extra!
Gadgets and Gizmos
Now this is where most people will give you their opinions because a fair few have given them to me, but here's mine...if you use it everyday, if it makes you feel comfortable or safe, then take it with you. You're going to be away from home, away from people you know and familiarity and whilst that is super exciting it can also be quite scary.
1 x Travel Hairdryer
1 x Travel Straightners
1 x Selfie Stick (a must for solo travellers)
1 x Power Bank
1 x Double European Adapter Plug
1 x Quick Dry Towel
1 x Saftey Money Pouch
1 x Flexi Drinks Bottle
1 x First Aid Kit
I put together my own first aid kit as a lot of the ones I found in store or online were expensive and didn't contain some of the things I wanted to take. Half of this I am hoping to not need but theres nothing worse then trying to locate a pharmacy when all you want to do is stay in bed.
Mine contains: Paracetamol, Antihistamine, Ibuprofen, Antacid, Plasters, Rehydration Sachets, Constipation Tablets, Diarrhoea Tablets and Motion Sickess Wristbands.
3 x Nail Files
Pack of Bobby Pins
4 x Hair Ties
2 x Tissues
Blister Plasters
Tweezers
Nail Clippers
Sleeping Mask
Ear Plugs
Sticky Tape
2 x Pens
Journal
Lip Balm
Knife/Fork/Spoon Set (Handy for lunches on the go)
These bags were £1 for all 3. I don't think I will use the little blue wash bag but i think the other two may come in handy for dirty underwear and mucky shoes.
I have also bagged up some washing powder sheets and a stain remover pen.
The white sheets are for the tumbledryer, i don't plan on using them for this purpose though. They are beautifully scented and can be placed in your bag or wardrobe with your clothes if they get that slighty musty/not properly dried smell.
Of course I still have things to pack such as my Kindle, numerous chargers, a wash bag and all my important info and tickets!
Stores/Websites I used:
Deichmann
Crocs
eBay
TK Maxx
Asda
Primark
New Look
Amazon
Sainsburys
Mountain Warehouse
Superdrug
Poundland