I thought this article had some valuable tips to give advice to those who are weighing their options in regard to what to/what not to pack. However, when I read the article I knew automatically what type of backpacking the author was referring to. I certainly didn’t read it and think, gee, I shouldn’t bring a sleeping bag – even though I’m going camping in the desert! I also didn’t read that and think, huh, take out that mosquito net – even though I’m going to a mosquito infested area of Malaysia (and I’m even staying with relatives, although they’re not exactly close to what I would call civilization). But it did make me re-think how I can make things do double-duty since I will be trekking (and hosteling in some instances) through multiple climates.

In regard to the SLR/Point and Shoot debate – I bring both. Photos are the most important thing to me other than safety, so I make an allowance for it. I’ll sacrifice other things (like jeans!) for my ability to bring my camera equipment. I’m just not good enough at photography to get the shots I want without the SLR (and vice versa) sometimes.

Thanks for giving me something to think about

btw in my opinion for the music department I would prefer efficiency over entertainment.

PS. How do you know I’m not a musician? I own two guitars, actually… not that I’d bring either travelling!

Yeah that’s pretty much it. I really don’t understand why people think people who take their guitars are wankers? Guitars are FUN, guitars are a great ice breaker, guitars are a good group activity. And anyone who is a musician who considers going away for whatever amount of time might want to take their guitar with them! I myself brought my travel guitar anyway and it fitted in a ukulele bag, and I’m really really glad I took it with me.