Packing light....help!

I went to Spain recently, as you know. Took three pairs of shoes including the ones I was wearing; regular black leather ones, sandals, and a pair of cheap canvas ('boat shoes' I think they're called).

The ones I wore most were the canvas shoes, which cost me £4 from Primark. They were light, comfortable and easy to walk in and I walked everywhere - for up to 10 hours a day. Surprisingly, they're not worn out yet.
I've just bought three more pairs to wear when I do the Camino next year. I expect I'll get through that many over 1000 km.

Fewer books for sure... It really depends on the amount of time on the road... A 2 week trip...is easier than planning for 2 months on the road...

My recent discovery is packing things you can just leave behind... Older clothes can simply be left...as new stuff is acquired ... If you buy new shoes for a trip...make sure they are well tested...

Remember 10 mintues of walking at home is not a good test for 10 hours of hiking or walking around on your trip... It takes a while for "hot spots" to be discovered...

I usually donate my guide books to the last hostel in the country I'm stay in...marking it "house copy"...

Lotusland - ... suggest light-weight long underwear for under the light pants for necessary warmth.

An even better idea is those footless tights, which can be worn as trousers and also be worn under dresses, or under light trousers for extra warmth. Primark is selling them right now at £3.00 a pair, in different colours.

Very good advice above, my wife and I just finished an around the world trip with only 45 litre packs and she has posted an amazing " Packing List for Female Backpackers". It is totally conclusive and space efficient, she has gotten rave reviews about it so if you feel inclined check it out!
www.beachslapme.com

Have a fantastic trip!!
Josh

Must check out Primark as I think I definitely need a pair of footless tights for the ski lift trip over mountain tops between Courmayer and Chamonix. Has anyone attempted this trip?

Someone suggested getting a pair of Merrell walking shoes. Well, I have been searching high and low for the Merrell walking shoes but unfortunately it is either full price (and I don't pay full price if I can possibly get it at a discounted price) or it is difficult for me to get the correct size. I take a size 3.5 or possibly a 3 and the smallest size is a 4.

But, I recently got a real bargain, Asics walking shoes reduced from 60GBP to 18GBP. It is also light and well padded so I am set for some heavy duty walking. lol

I think I have almost mastered the art of packing light. Took four tops and 4 pants (which includes 1 wrapped around skirt.......just in case) and find myself rotating between three tops and two pants so perhaps this time I will feel more comfortable with the 'threes'.

Btw, I found the most gorgeous outfit in an op/charity shop. It is a Laura Ashley but unfortunately due to heavy consumption of cream teas, the skirt was a smidgen too tight. Still wished I bought it. lol

I bought a pair of Mafisto shoes. Guaranteed special bottom half. Ya get 'em replaced very two and a half years or so. $3.25 as I remember.

I had the tops resown about four times over time. Much less time than the guarantee.

Finally gave up, cursing myself for being scammed again.

Keep it simple.
We don't have to buy a Cadillac, to have a car.

I'm absolutely loving these tips, it's nice to see what other people actually pack in order to pack light. As someone mentioned, it's best when your actual bag weighs as little as possible- in fact my bag's size and weight sort of tells me how much I can pack. It's soft-sided so it can be squeeze if necessary as well. I bought the older version of this bag (http://www.chapmanbags.com/women/shop-by-products/luggage/traveller-19-holdall.html) and have never regretted it- a little soap and water and that's it- worth every penny!

That said I can NOT understand why someone would limit themselves to 3 pairs of underwear- I bring at least 7 each time. Not bulky and not something you want to run out of if you can't wash or if they can't dry in time for use......

I leave lots behind. I know that toothpaste can be bought anywhere. As t-shirts. rent a towel at the hostel. what shirts don't I like much. And probly not wear anyway. one pare of jeans. At least two walking shorts. remenber you're wearing one set of skivvies now.

one good pair of shoes for lots of walking. one sandals.

you can wash something in the shower too.