backpack camping gear guide image
rusted_gut
I am planning to travel Europe mainly by bicycle alone. Probably Greece-italy-Slovenia-Austria-Germany-
Will it actually save money to bring my tent with? Or should I rather leave the hassle of the tent and sleep in hostels. What will be the cheapest?
I have a feeling it may be cheaper to go by hostels, because i have to pay for my tent site, and not for one person as I would have at a hostel. Or maybe I am wrong... could camping be cheaper?
Answer
Get your backpack packed-
The most important item you will need for your backpacking tour of Europe is, of course, the backpack. Suitcases are bulky and hard to lug around everywhere. Plus, your looking to save money and backpacking is the way to do it. So, on the to backpack itself. This piece of gear will be your best friend on your trip and you need to make sure you get the bag that is right for your body and needs. Most major sporting goods stores will carry backpacks and have a very well informed staff that can fit a back to you that will fit your needs perfectly. Don't settle on this step. If you have to try on twenty backpacks until you find the one that offers the most comfort then so be it. These stores should also have weight bags they can place inside of your backpack so that you can know how they will feel with a heavy load in them. Again, do NOT settle on this step, you will regret it later.
Housing-
So you've bought your backpack. Pat yourself on the back because you are now on your way! The next item you will want to pick up is a lightweight tent. Camping is by a mile the cheapest way to travel through Europe.
Touch down-
So you've made it to Europe! Yay! Time to take out that guide book and find a place to stay, get set up and hit the town! Have fun!
Check out the tips below for more ideas on getting the most out of your trip without breaking the bank! At: http://www.hotels2stay.net/world/europe/index.html
Hope my answer will help you in your way!!! :-)
Get your backpack packed-
The most important item you will need for your backpacking tour of Europe is, of course, the backpack. Suitcases are bulky and hard to lug around everywhere. Plus, your looking to save money and backpacking is the way to do it. So, on the to backpack itself. This piece of gear will be your best friend on your trip and you need to make sure you get the bag that is right for your body and needs. Most major sporting goods stores will carry backpacks and have a very well informed staff that can fit a back to you that will fit your needs perfectly. Don't settle on this step. If you have to try on twenty backpacks until you find the one that offers the most comfort then so be it. These stores should also have weight bags they can place inside of your backpack so that you can know how they will feel with a heavy load in them. Again, do NOT settle on this step, you will regret it later.
Housing-
So you've bought your backpack. Pat yourself on the back because you are now on your way! The next item you will want to pick up is a lightweight tent. Camping is by a mile the cheapest way to travel through Europe.
Touch down-
So you've made it to Europe! Yay! Time to take out that guide book and find a place to stay, get set up and hit the town! Have fun!
Check out the tips below for more ideas on getting the most out of your trip without breaking the bank! At: http://www.hotels2stay.net/world/europe/index.html
Hope my answer will help you in your way!!! :-)
How can I find a good sleeping bag?
startledst
I usually go to the Grand Canyon in April. I borrow a sleeping bag every year, but I'm thinking about buying one now. Any suggestions?
Answer
There is a big difference between backpacking sleeping bags and general purpose 'car camping' bags, so you will want to go with a store and brand that specializes in backpacking.
Aside from comfort and warmth, as a backpacker you will want to consider weight, how small it compresses and how water resistant it is. The big divide right now is between synthetic and down bags. Synthetic bags are generally cheaper and will keep you warm even when wet. Down bags are warmer and compress better, but usually cost more and need to be kept dry (today most come with water-resistant outer shells which work to varying degrees).
Whatever bag you get, my experience is that the bag rating (the temperature to which it is effective) is generally a bit on the optomistic side and I would give yourself an extra 5-10 degrees to be safe (ie: if the coldest temp you expect while camping is 35 degrees, I would get a bag rated to 25 degrees).
I am currently using a Marmot Helium which I highly recommend - it is rated to 15 degrees, compresses smaller than a loaf of bread and weighs less than 2 pounds. It is one of the best backpacking bags out there, but also one of the most expensive at $300+.
For many years, I used a Sierra 'Wild Bill' synthetic bag ('Rosa' is the female model) which was quite comfortable and useable and cost about $100. Other good and well respected brands to consider are REI, Big Agnes and Mountain Hardware.
See the websites below and even go to a store and try a few to see how they fill. I would recommend going to a store that is dedicated to backpacking and hiking as opposed to general recreation or hunting and fishing (which will probably have more heavy bags). REI is a great place to go and their people can give you good advice as well (many are avid backpackers). REI stores are located in most large western cities (there are two in the Phoenix area).
A few other notes... you will probably want to get some sort of air mattress. Therma-rest makes some pretty comfy pads specifically for backpacking that pack down pretty light and tight. You can also buy a little cloth sling for them which turn them into a comfortable seat (with back support) for sitting around camp. Note too that Backpacker magazine typically comes out with their big yearly gear guide in early spring and will have some good recommendations too.
There is a big difference between backpacking sleeping bags and general purpose 'car camping' bags, so you will want to go with a store and brand that specializes in backpacking.
Aside from comfort and warmth, as a backpacker you will want to consider weight, how small it compresses and how water resistant it is. The big divide right now is between synthetic and down bags. Synthetic bags are generally cheaper and will keep you warm even when wet. Down bags are warmer and compress better, but usually cost more and need to be kept dry (today most come with water-resistant outer shells which work to varying degrees).
Whatever bag you get, my experience is that the bag rating (the temperature to which it is effective) is generally a bit on the optomistic side and I would give yourself an extra 5-10 degrees to be safe (ie: if the coldest temp you expect while camping is 35 degrees, I would get a bag rated to 25 degrees).
I am currently using a Marmot Helium which I highly recommend - it is rated to 15 degrees, compresses smaller than a loaf of bread and weighs less than 2 pounds. It is one of the best backpacking bags out there, but also one of the most expensive at $300+.
For many years, I used a Sierra 'Wild Bill' synthetic bag ('Rosa' is the female model) which was quite comfortable and useable and cost about $100. Other good and well respected brands to consider are REI, Big Agnes and Mountain Hardware.
See the websites below and even go to a store and try a few to see how they fill. I would recommend going to a store that is dedicated to backpacking and hiking as opposed to general recreation or hunting and fishing (which will probably have more heavy bags). REI is a great place to go and their people can give you good advice as well (many are avid backpackers). REI stores are located in most large western cities (there are two in the Phoenix area).
A few other notes... you will probably want to get some sort of air mattress. Therma-rest makes some pretty comfy pads specifically for backpacking that pack down pretty light and tight. You can also buy a little cloth sling for them which turn them into a comfortable seat (with back support) for sitting around camp. Note too that Backpacker magazine typically comes out with their big yearly gear guide in early spring and will have some good recommendations too.
Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Title Post: Will it be worth it to take my tent through Europe?
Rating: 95% based on 981 ratings. 4,6 user reviews.
Author: Unknown
Thanks For Coming To My Blog
Rating: 95% based on 981 ratings. 4,6 user reviews.
Author: Unknown
Thanks For Coming To My Blog
No comments:
Post a Comment