how not to look like a stereotypical backpacker!

okay.. i am booked up.. and can't wait!!!!
now the biggest battle is the wife wanting to take hair straightners and half a tonne of clinique products.

now - although this is ott i do agree with her in the sense of wanting to still look quite trendy/casual whilst travelling.
we are not going anywhere extreme... just SE-Asia, OZ NZ etc... and sydneys a cool place right!!! don't wish to come across as the great skanky unwashed!

But when looking to travel as light as possible (30-40l bag) it does make sense to pack stuff i wouldn't be seen dead in. ie fleece top, detactable trousers, light white cotton tops, thin gortex waterproof etc. heaven forbid... even sport sandals (arhhhh)

so - what would people suggest to keep my street cred ;-)
shall i just rock up in some thong sandals, jeans, t-shirt and a leather jacket. or will i be asking for trouble?

Whatever you wear, it is almost impossible to fit exactly with what people wear in that place, and your accent, mannerisms, etc will show you up as being a visitor.

However, don't feel like you have to adopt the great unwashed look, you will buy things you like wearing along the way if you don't like what you've got.

The key is: make it light, make it functional. So, a fleece is often recommended as a warm top as they are warm, somewhat windproof, light, and stuff well into bags. On that note, look for crinkle free stuff, and roll your clothes nicely (folding can give funny creases, and stuffing is worse)

Don't feel like you have to buy zip off pants, etc- look at why these are recommended (dual function etc) and try and find that in something you will like wearing (trendier)

I have to ask does it really matter what you look like while your traveling? I think at it like this these people will never be seeing me again :-) I'm backpacking at the moment and although I miss my shoe collection at times I've managed to last 8mths with just 2 pairs. I decided with my packing that I would rather be able to carry my pack than have clothing for every occasion.

Good luck for your travels. NZ is very cool!

oh for gods sake....the aussies and kiwis dont really care what you wear..you can get cheap clothes down at the warehouse...I hope the experience makes you less vain..first we have tourists who dont want to go to the touristy places and now we have backpackers that dont want to look like backpackers..spare me!

If you wouldn't be caught dead in it, don't pack it... Remember you'll be wearing the same few items over and over :-) My best advice is to bring functional clothes that you don't feel horrible in, and replace stuff along the way.

Kath

You're going to wear white? Good luck