The gear: the backpack

The backpack is the traveller's essential companion — though "essential" shouldn't be confused with "permanently attached to your body." When people talk to a "backpacker" they tend to assume you're lugging the thing around all day long.

Far from it. While there will be days when you carry it from dawn to dusk, the general plan is to leave it wherever you're staying — at someone's house, a hostel, or a left-luggage locker — so you can actually enjoy moving around without dragging your life behind you.

That said, there are always a few things worth keeping on you, whether for convenience, saving money, or security. That's why a small day bag is a godsend.

In my case I travel with a 60-litre main pack and a small 5-litre bag for daily use.

Why a backpack and not a suitcase?

Simple: freedom. With a backpack you can walk 10 or 20 kilometres without much trouble; with a suitcase you'll be suffering from the first cobblestone. And if you're heading anywhere with rough roads or tracks, a wheeled suitcase becomes a nightmare.

On top of that, if you're flying with budget airlines a backpack will pass as hand luggage in 99% of cases. The people checking bags know that rucksacks are flexible and that if push comes to shove — literally — you'll squeeze it in. I've never once been asked to check mine in, and I promise you that no matter how full it is, if I'm ever asked, I'll make it fit. On that same note, the carry-on weight limit also tends to work in your favour with a backpack.

Time to pack. What do I take?

– The bags (one large, one small).

– Wallet: various bank cards, national ID and driving licence, student or youth cards for discounts, health insurance card if you have one. Some cash, but you don't need to carry a lot.

– A synthetic stuff sack that packs down to nothing, for dirty laundry. A few plastic bags for shoes and odds and ends.

– A clear toiletry bag (for going through airport security) with the essentials: shampoo, shaving gel, toothpaste, deodorant, aftershave, bite cream, and anti-chafe cream.

– A second small pouch for non-liquid items that don't need to go in the transparent bag (toothbrush, nail clippers, razor…).

– Clothes: 2 pairs of long trousers, a pair of tracksuit bottoms, swimming trunks, around 10 t-shirts, 2 thermal tops, a jacket, a waterproof coat, 12 pairs of boxers and socks.

– Shoes: waterproof boots, light trainers, and flip-flops.

– A summer sleeping bag (very light, barely takes up space, gets you out of a jam — and doubles as a sheet anywhere).

– Microfibre towel. Packs down to nothing and dries nearly as well as the real thing.

– Chargers for all your devices, plus a universal adaptor.

– A power strip — essential, since many hostels are short on plug sockets.

– A padlock. For those hostels with lockers but no locks included.

– Smartphone: very personal, but I consider it an incredibly useful travel tool these days. In one device you always have on you: maps, public transport routes, GPS, translators, travel guides, backups of everything, an alarm clock, a diary, and the ability to connect to any wifi to quickly check something at the last minute.

– E-reader. I bought one halfway through my trip — more comfortable and lighter than buying books on the road. The Kindle 3G is quite good value since for a few euros more you get free internet access through its very basic browser in most of the world.

– A netbook or ultralight laptop. Until now I hadn't carried one, but since I'm trying to keep the blog updated I have no choice but to add another gadget to the pile.

– A USB drive with decent storage. I travel with a 32GB one to keep a backup of all my photos and carry it on me at all times.

– The camera. Whatever you prefer — but bring several memory cards.

– Snacks: always worth having something in your bag for emergencies. I usually carry a few cereal or muesli bars, and if possible a few tins of tuna.

– Water bottle: remember to empty it at the airport before security, then refill it at the taps on the other side. In countries where the tap water isn't safe to drink, you'll obviously need to buy bottled water.