Help needed with packing light!!

Now - this is why I have picked the tops...
Purple V-Neck Jumper
good with:
- grey singlet
- white singlet
- jeans
- black skirt
Pink Cardigan
good with:
- grey singlet
- white singlet
- jeans
- black skirt
Black Jumper/Jacket
good with:
- grey singlet
- white singlet
- blue singlet (only good with this jumper)
- purple v-neck jumper
- jeans
- black skirt (possibly...)
Brown Jumper
good with:
- spencer
- Jeans
really good for when its cold!!

these are some of the other things i am taking:
Toiletries
- 2 small bottles of shampoo and conditioner
- small bottle of shower gel
- toothpaste
- toothbrush
- floss
- nail clippers
- 1 small can of deodorant (not sure if I can take this)
- 1 roll on deodorant
- 1 small bottle of moisturiser
- 1 x razor
- shower cap
- cotton buds
- straightening balm
Laundry
- 6x sachets of powder (for in the washing machines)
- liquid (for when i have to wash in the sink/shower)
- plug
- pegless clothesline
- blow up hanger (gonna be great for the cardi's)
- sewing kit in a lint brush

First Aid Kit
- small kit with band aids and stuff
- tissues
- aeroguard (I am really prone to getting mozzie bites - unbelievably so!! Venice will be bad for that!!)
- stop itch (for the bites)
- tinea cream
- sunscreen
- ginger tablets (I get motion sick)
- ecchinacea (so i dont get sick )
- gastro stop
- the pill (perscription)
- migraine tablets (perscription)
Make-up
- mascara
- foundation
- eye liner
- lip gloss
- make up remover wipes
IT Kit
- camera charger
- video charger
- charging cord for video/camera (can use the same cord for charging)
- usb cord for video/camera (can use the same cord for both)
- phone charger
- ipod charger and cord
- extra memory cards for camera
- europe plug adapter
- uk plug adapter
Bits and Pieces
- umbrella (maybe i shouldnt worry about this, or just get a cheapie in London?)
- 4 small packs of vegemite (pinched them from the hotel i was staying at lol) (it's an Aussie thing :) lol)
- hair straightener (there is no way I am going with out it! it's the only way to keep my hair manageable and its a small one)
- microfibre towel
- 2 x facewashers... although one is more like a chamois (maybe I will get rid of one of these – but they are just really small)
- sleeping bag (will prob carry this onto the plane)

And this is what I have in my carry on:
- 1 novel
- travel docs
- pack of tissues
- ear plugs
- eye mask (for sleeping)
- lip balm
- 2 small puzzle books (I have another larger one, but think that I will leave that behind)
- travel journal
- money belt
- passport
- ANZ Travel Cards
- YHA Card
- UK Heritage pass
- camera & video camera with bag
- blow up travel pillow
- pen
- address book keyring
- small torch keyring
- ipod
- ipod cord for charging during the flight (each seat has a usb port )
- travel socks
- phrasebook
- small coin purse (im using this rather than a wallet)
I have been thinking about the keys for my locks... I dunno where I am gonna keep them... Maybe I should wear them around my neck.... My day pack will be locked during the day because of my cameras being inside... any ideas?

Thanks in advance! I could really use your advice!

Not sure why you need four sweaters (jumpers). I'm not familiar with a "spencer" but you should have some kind of nylon/waterproof jacket. That way you could do without the umbrella (buy one IF you need one). You could probably do with less underwear, too, if you'll be someplace long enough to do handwashing.

Also, all of your liquids/gels/creams/balms must fit in one quart-size ziploc bag, and it must be able to close. Your vegemite will have to go in there, too. You can take the aerosol deodorant, but why? You're taking roll-on. I'm not sure what aeroguard is, but if it's liquid it has to go in, too. Nothing can be over 100 ml.

I've never been in a laundromat that didn't sell packets of detergent, so you could leave yours at home. If you need to handwash, you could use a bit of shampoo instead of taking a separate bottle of detergent.

You also might reconsider the sleeping bag. Many hostels don't allow you to use your own, and you won't need it on your tour, either.

Instead of thinking of this as a two month trip. think of it as 8 one week trips or 16 3 day trips. Just depends on how often you want to do laundry.

I haven't thoroughly analyzed your packing list, but I have several comments.

What airline are you traveling and what is their weight limit?

What is the weight of your "backpack".

I use Lufthansa as a standard (17.6#) and I always find I reach the weight limit before I get to the volume limit.

On my last trip, my weight was about 12½#.

Jean's are heavy. You might consider something lighter, except what you wear doesn't matter.

Women's underwear is light. I (male) wear a pair of non-cotton briefs and carry two more. Same with socks.

In my experience, clothes are light. It's the other stuff we take that weighs.

Since it's apparent you're "checking" your main bag and not trying to take it on board.....then you have to think about your back and lugging things around.

Pack for two months the same way you would pack for one week.

For every item you are packing, ask yourself if you really need it and will it be used more than once.

With toiletries, just take waht you need. I'll bet you can find just about everything you need in Europe.

You're taking a lot of jumpers? Why? It's summer in Europe Not winter like in Australia.

If you use the "search" function on this website you can find a suggested woman's packing list.

Also go over to www.onebag.com and you will find another suggested packing list. IN fact this website should be looked over completely.

Compare their lists to yours and see what you can leave out.

Just because you can take things doesn't mean you have to. Lots of people tend to pack heavy because the weight they're allowed. I usually use U.S. based air carriers to cross the pond and most allow me up to 40 pounds (18 kilos) in carry-on. I wouldn't think of even taking 20 (9 kilos.)

To lighten up, take one jumper (the black one will go with everything and not show dirt); rethink all that electronic stuff (it's heavy) and take less; leave the laundry soap at home; take only three sets of underpants; wear something comfortable on the flight that can substitute for pajamas in your hotels/hostels (I like cotton knit pants); whatever a singlet is, take only one extra. This is not a trek in the Himalayas; it's a trip to places that have drugstores and department stores. I recommend underpacking and if there is something you really need, buy it in Europe. Take all your packed luggage around your neighborhood, up and down stairs, lift it overhead; if you can spend about 20-30 minutes doing this you will be ok. It is possible to travel to Europe for 8 weeks with one pack weighing less than 20# (about 9 kg). I do it. Of course you get bored with your clothes, but that's nothing to the misery of being weighed down with more luggage than you can comfortably handle.

Leeana-

Can you ditch the locks with keys in favor of locks you can set the combination yourself? It would save you in case you lose the eys.

Toss all but one or two jumpers at best. You can always get a nice jumper in northern Europe - and you'll remember your trip every time you wear it.

Do you need a dressing gown? Just wear a pair of PJ's - shirt & shorts or capris or pants (only one bottom!) I've stayed in hostels around Europe and the US - I've never, ever used one.

I think 5 pair of undies at most are required. Don't forget to keep some in your carry on.

Not sure what a singlet is - to me its a wrestling outfit! I'm guessing tank top? Something to layer with? Take the grey one - it won't show dirt as quick and it goes with ALL of your choices.

Ditch one each of shampoo and conditioner. You're not going to the 3rd world. And even then you can get them in hotels/lodges! Leave the liquid detergent - use some soap.

Ditch the sewing kit - I've taken it with me and NEVER EVER needed one. I don't bother anymore. Take some safety pins - that should help in a pinch.

Not sure what the address book keyring is - could you make up labels before you leave and stick them to post cards as you send them? It would mean you could toss them along the way.

Hope this helps - good luck!! Remember - you are heading to the developing world - if you were going to Africa, I'd say take more - but you'd be surprised at what you find there as well! Memory cards and camera batteries at the lodges - pretty upscale!

I would not think it is going to be cold enough for you to have to wear or take so many warm clothes.

I was in Germany, Belguim and Holland for 3 weeks last month and took:
4 short sleeve tops 2 long sleeve tops (I wore one)
1 black velour cardigan sweater and 1 rain shell. 1pr of jeans (wore on plane)
2pr of pants (one has tabs so they can be rolled to capris)
5pr undies
1 black cami (maybe the same as your singlets)
1 extra bra
1pr of comfy walking shoes
1pr of flip flops to wear in shower and around

hostel room
1pr of non running shoes
pjs (with a half cami for runs to the hostel bathroom)

Every top went with every bottom so I had 18 outfits. I would pack the same no matter how long I was going to be gone, I am not going to bother you with all the other stuff I brought along because it looks like the clothes you have listed seems like too much. I had about 20 lbs of stuff.

Leanna, all this is great advice, yes do a search on the ETBD website for women's packing list, although that list has far more than what I take. I stick to 1-2 colors and mix/match everything. You may get tired of the same clothes but the ease of travel will be worth it. for 2 weeks anywhere I take- 2 nice T-shirts, 2 lg sleeve t shirts, 2 sleeveless blouses, 2 cami's, 1 skirt, 1 shorts, 1 capri, 1 long pants. 4 undies, 4 socks 1 extra bra, swimsuit, rain coat, fleece jacket, fleece vest, walking shoes, sandals and pj pants (I wear a cami to sleep) for clothes, that's all I take and it works fine if you can switch around colors/combinations. take a couple colorful scarves to dress it up. Buy stuff on your trip H & M everywhere in central Europe.

FOR Leeana,
Yur IT kit definitely sems heavy. You might want to consolidate all your chargers and see if there is one charger that could possibly charge everything. If you do a search in the Graffiti wall in the "iPod and MP3" and the "Technology tips" section, you will find some great ideas and websites. I also read in the Traveller's helpline regarding an Auustralian wbsite that is pretty good for buying travel related stuff. Not sure where it was but maybe you could do a search.
I would definitely leave the sleeping bag and IF needed take a light (silk?) sleep sack that rolls up to nothing.

FOR everyone else:
A singlet is what we call a cami. Gosh, its been ages since I heard that word! Brings back memories of British English!!

Too many jeans. I actually thnk jeans are a poor choice in general, but if you jut can't live without jeans, then at most take one pair, not 2.

Seperate post for this as it is important.

Under NO circumstance should your prescription medicines( you have listed two) go into your checked bag. Prescriptions should alway go in your carry on.

Next, you are packing too much electronics, that is where the weight is,, my goodness, do you need a video and a camera, I don't think so .Really a phone, , why not just use a phone card, or email . My friend and I did a young persons trip around Europe for almost 3 months, yes, years ago, but we certainly didn't feel the need to phone home every ten minutes, we phoned maybe two or three times, and wrote postcards.. you younger folks seem to feel the need to be in such close contact with home, I mean this trip is about being on your own,, LOL< I know this will just sound so weird to another generation..

You will need one good sweater and one good windbreaker rain jacket, some of your destinations can and will be cool and rainy by late September, I was in Switzerland in July and we needed sweaters and jackets then. Just make sure what you bring wears well, dark colors that don't show dirt and do keep you warm.

I really do not think your clothes are the problem its all the extras.
Forget sleeping bag , hostels don't want them , your bag could be buggy and spread the bugs around, they prefer you use their stuff.

Forget two bottles of shampoo??Why would you do that?? Take hair straightner it won't add alot of weight. And bring dental floss I find it expensive in europe.

I think you are taking too many tops and underware.
You are not saying when you are going, but to keep you worm you can layer. Last year I found some long sleeve very stretch tops for under $10. They weren't the thin kind, a bit thicker. I layered them with t-shirts and they kept me worm all the time.
You only need 2 long sleeve tops(black and white) and 2-3 t-shirts of different colors to mix and match.By layering will eliminate the need of a cardigan. I usually get cold, but using layering I was just fine.
No need for 8 underware. You will get by with 2 or 3.
Skirt? I never pack skirts. I love jeans and pants as well and I would never wear a skirt while traveling.

First off I just was to say a HUGE thank you to everyone for your input!! I have taken it all on board and have just done a repack and fit everything in, with room to spare and its now 5 kilos lighter than my original pack...

I thought I should clarify a few things:
I forgot about the language barrier hahaha, singlets are what we call tank tops, a spenscer is like thermal underwear – its a top that i would wear to keep extra warm , but is quite thin.

I need to take the sleeping bag as its required for my tour. However I will be buying a bag with straps on it so that I can compress it and make it smaller.

I am taking a phone, because I am on a plan here in Australia where it makes it very cheap for me to call home rather than using calling cards.

With my IT kit, I have managed to find cords that match the different devices, it actually is quite small now. I have also condensed the Laundry Kit, toiletry bag and my first aid kit, so that they now pack up to be smaller and take up less room.

Thank you once again, but please feel free to post more tips, because I know that I can use all of the help I can get!!

You mentioned hostels and then a sleeping bag with compression straps. check with your tour group and make sure you are on the same page. Many hostels don't like them and most of the time when they are talking sleeping bag they are not talking about a big insulated one. But rather just single layer of fabric like a body size pillow case to keep you away from the hostel beds.

The best advice I've seen is pack for a four day trip regardless of how long your trip is.

The other key is to only pack clothes that can match with everything else you pack. I stick to darker neutrals.

I usually go a month at a time, but the clothes I pack can go indefinitely.

I bring four total bottoms, 2 pairs of microfiber golf pants, 1 pair polyester swim shorts with pockets, and 1 warm up pants (good for sleeping, bathroom trips and laundry days). For a woman, non-cotton pants, capris or skirts travel well depending on what you wear.

Even if you live in jeans at home, they aren't the best for travel. They are bulky, heavy, lose their shape without regular laundering and take forever to dry.

I bring five tops, usually three button up shirts and two t-shirts. For a woman, five or six non-cotton tops that can be layered and mixed and matched are plenty.

I add one or two lightweight non-cotton sweaters to layer, a rainshell and three or four pairs of underwear and socks.

If it gets really cold, I shop at a department store there for knit gloves, hat and/or scarf.

Leeana- You might add a stain remover product-we have "Tide to Go" to clean up stains without a full washing. But then, I tend to dribble my food down my front.

Ditch the pjs and the dressing gown. Get a pair of nylon/polyester workout pants w/ elastic waist. You can wear them on the plane so you're more comfy than you would be in jeans. You can also use them for lounging around at night, etc.

I think 8 undies sounds fine, so you can wash them every few days. I assume maybe you wear 2 pairs a day? That way you don't have to fret about getting back to wash your undies.

Have a great time!

You don't mention packing any clothing at all in your carry on. Big mistake as luggage can get lost. At least pack 1 extra pair of underwear, 1 bra, 1 t-shirt and (if you have enough room) 1 pair of very lightweight pants - like Yoga pants (you can wear a cardigan, singlet and your jeans to board your flight, then change in the airplane bathroom to be more comfortable while flying, change back to jeans before you land).

I'd even skip packing a novel - download some books onto your iPod and listen to an audiobook instead. You'll often find discarded novels laying around hostels or you can pick up something cheap in a bookstore once you are in Europe if you have to have a real book in your hands.

I don't agree with packing less underwear and bras. You can always wear pants and shirts a couple times before they really need to be washed (unless you spill stuff) - but you'll want to have a week's worth of clean underwear to tide you over until you can do laundry. Take less clothing and a week's worth of underwear.

I think I would ditch the deo can and deo roller(get a deo stick instead) the laundry powder, the dressing gown and pj's (try a long t-shirt that can also be worn with jeans) sewing kit, shower cap, moisterizer, & sunscreen. Get together with your friends and each one of you bring one thing, like shampoo, conditioner, lotion. That way none of you has to carry so much. I would also get a rain poncho, they fold up nice and small, and will be nice to have. Please, what is a singlet and a spencer? I think one heavy sweater, and maybe a lighter one would be enough. Keep in mind you can always go and buy new stuff at flea markets, 2nd hand stores. It will start getting cool, so I would take a long sleeve turtle neck t-shirt to wear under other shirts or the sweaters. Have fun!

Just want to agree with the comment to forget the jeans. If you get stuck in the rain, jeans are hell. They never dry. Even a light cotton pair of pants dry much faster.

I would just like to point out that the only pants I own ARE jeans... and work pants, and I don't want to take those with me :)

I don't find other pants comfortable... unless they are tracksuit pants...

Now that you've taken all that stuff out, put in a hat and a bathing suit - bonus if your suit is a two-piece that can double as a tank top and extra undies.

My daughter and I went for 8 weeks. We each had the Rick Steves' 21" Roll Aboard and a day back pack each.

We each had 4 sets of clothes and unders, fleece jacket, 4 pairs of socks and Teva Tennis and Teva Sandals.

I would suggest you weed it down to 4 sets of clothes and wash every 3rd day.

We also had the usual nail clippers, travel sissors, sewing kit, cosmetics, Wool lite, 2 Rick Steves' xlarge towels, 2 clothes lines, clothes pins, 4 plastic hangers, 9 pounds of cameras, chargers, etc.

They sell anything you may need over there.

Good Luck.

And Rick Steves' silk sleep sheet for hostels.

If you have to take a sleeping bag for your tour, I'd suggest getting the cheapest possible and plan on ditching it later. Even if you've bought one, buy another "disposable" one.