Backpacking in Europe...

A

azk

Joined
Feb 2, 2006
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Did a search and didn't come up with much. I will be backpacking in Europe for 6 weeks this summer, I'm doing all the adequate research/reading beforehand to properly plan my travel as well as where/what to see. I'm posting here to ask you guys a few questions:

1) What you think would be essential travel gear that I might be looking over? I suppose I should bring some sort of folder, sak, etc, what? What other stuff?
2) Any general concerns/thoughts that one should have while traveling in and through several foreign countries. I speak no other languages and know nothing about the world (hence the trip). Just looking for some adventure but want to be smart. Any general advice you guys have would be great as well.

Thanks in advance.

edit: I also need to buy a backpack for all my stuff, and I need to get a daypack, thinking of getting a camelbak like pack for a daypack, thoughts? Any recommendations for backpacks and daypacks?
 
I'm planning on buying a eurail pass and traveling all over, glasgow, dublin, galway, belfast, derry, paris, brussels, amsterdam, berlin, dresden, prague, budapest, vienna, munich, interlaken, florence, nice, cannes and barcelona, london, edinburgh. Most of the time will be spent in hostels, no real camping or anything will be done, fwiw. I was planning on buying some sort of SAK for the trip, any recommendations? And bringin my HAK, does everyone think the HAK will be ok if I have it on me (other than flights)?
 
That's quite a range of countries you are talking about, but as long as you stick with the larger cities, I'd bet you can get along with English just fine.
Having a SAK on you seems like a sensible idea, only thing I'd recommend is that you pick a model with a corkscrew :). [EDIT: and a bottle cap lifter] And of course check the local laws. A SAK might not turn any heads anywhere, but it never hurts to make sure.
The most important piece of equipment IMHO are a pair of good boots/shoes, depending on you preference, and a comfortable backpack to carry your stuff. Again, the backpack depends on your preference. I like Haglöfs, but I'm sure just about any good quality pack will do the job.
What is a HAK?
 
Thanks for the advice, trying to decide whether to get a pair of shoes or boots or bring 2 pairs 1 of each...

As for the HAK - hideawayknife. Came across this idea from someone on here and bought 1, use it a decent amount, very easy/sensible/concelable. I ended up buying a few more, makes sense to keep them in random places for ease of use, car, house, office, clothes, random spots...also great company to deal with. http://www.hideawayknife.com.
 
The HAK can give you more trouble than you really want if you get caught with it. It has that concealed weapon thing going, and that can be bad. A SAK, well, I don't know if anyone would consider it a weapon, and backpacking certainly gives you a reason to have one, but the HAK is a different story. I'd leave it at home.
 
I suggest you research knife laws first. They vary thru-out Europe. What might be legal in one country might no be in the next one. I think you can get away with a SAK in all places. But there are some spots where even a SAK may be illegal.

Heres a great site with lots of info on backpacking thru Europe:

Bug Europe
 
From personal experience - the absolute best source of information will be Rick Steves's "Europe through the back door" book (you might know the guy form his PBS TV series). Available in all major book stores. or here - http://www.ricksteves.com/
they also sell rail passes and super, and I do mean superb bags. The book is country by country, listing restaurants, hostels, bed and breakfasts that are the cheapest/cleanest etc. The book you can break up into pieces so you only take the countries you will visit, in fact the author recommends it, and will replace your damaged book with an undamaged one for free. The book also includes a very thorough list of what to bring, and more importantly what not to.

The bag they have - Is beyond good. It is of carry on plane size. it can be carried as regular, or turns into a rucksack. I have lived for one month in Europe out of one and it was flat out great.

I know this is a way over the top glowing recommendation, but I can find nothing but good things to say of the book and the bag, I have regretted none of the things I done from it, used every item mentioned and missed none not mentioned.

As for knifes - here is what I did - I bought a SAK upon getting of a plane and avoided the whole hustle with security as all I had was my carry on bag.

PS - link to bag http://travelstore.ricksteves.com/catalog/index.cfm?fuseaction=product&theParentId=8&id=139
 
Thanks for the helpful advice, I'm plannin on going for 6-8 weeks so not sure if that bag is big enough, I was picturing getting a one of those typical hiking bags that towers over your head while you carry but again I'm still just in the planning stages...i'll def. check out the site and book. Thanks.
 
I was there 4 and a half weeks. I had felt 0 need to add anything to the bag, and I am all about comfort. I do not doubt that I could have gone another 4 without much of a problem. That bag expands btw, and can fit a lot more than it seems, however - heavy crap over your back will put a damper on your day. With a light load I was able to happily hop of a train, spend the entire day walking the town with the thing on and not feel like it was a burden and then get back on the train and go on.

Also get the book - it’s cheap. Like 15$? Take a look at the list of things he suggest, then see if you want to add something. if you don’t then it will all happily fit, weigh little, take you through 1+ month on the road and leave oodles of more space for whatever you want.

Also - well worn shoes. Again well worn shoos. And when/if you decide to not bring well worn shoes there will come a time when you wish you did, and remember how many times well worn shoes were mentioned in this post :)
 
needlejr said:
Also - well worn shoes. Again well worn shoos. And when/if you decide to not bring well worn shoes there will come a time when you wish you did, and remember how many times well worn shoes were mentioned in this post :)
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Okay, I will dissent on this point. Well-worn shoes usually lack appropriate support for long walks, particularly if you are going to carry a backpack. Get good walking shoes, like New Balance. Make sure they are comfortable, take a few long walks in them, but take them with you while they're still springy and supportive. I've walked all over Europe, US, and a few other places, and I simply cannot imagine doing it for long distances in unsupportive, old shoes.

Also, get a Pimsleur CD with 10-16 lessons in German. No, it will not be critical, but it is so much fun to be able to speak and understand common phrases in local language. It won't cost you more than $30 or so at Amazon.
 
azk said:
Most of the time will be spent in hostels, no real camping or anything will be done, fwiw. I was planning on buying some sort of SAK for the trip, any recommendations? And bringin my HAK, does everyone think the HAK will be ok if I have it on me (other than flights)?
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Since you'll be staying at hostels you can save quite a bit of weight by not carrying the usual backpacker's cooking tools like a stove, cook pots, fuel, etc. Any SAK with a corkscrew should do well, as the ones that do include them usually include the other essentials like a blade, caplifter, and screwdriver.

I share the sentiments about the HAK. Don't know how you can get around this. As a traveler, especially one who will be traveling at least some of the trip by air, your items may be under closer scrutiny than if you were just traveling by rail in the continent.

As far as footwear is concerned, it is always good to have at least a pair of "semi-dress" shoes if possible. Since you are not techncially "backpacking," at least in the sense that your feet will be your main source of transportation in an wilderness environment, the need for hiking shoes is somewhat reduced. I'd suggest the hiking boots for your travel days, and good walking shoes for your sightseeing days. You might have the opportunity to dine at some of the nicer restaurants in Europe. It would be a shame to be so close, and just be turned away if you don't pass their dress code. For this reason, a jacket and tie might not be a bad idea to include with your wardrobe.

Don't forget to bring a camera (I'd go digital). You might consider bringing a cell phone with you if you want to stay in touch. Not sure about the roaming charges, or what system is compatible with what is used in Europe though.
From what I hear, internet cafes are popular in Europe, so that's another way to stay in touch, too.
 
Thanks for the advice. Most people recommend bringing 2 pairs of shoes + sandals for random shit/shower. I was thinking of getting a shoe that is somewhat like a hybrid between a regular tennis shoe and a hiking boot for hwen I am travelling and carrying my pack. Merrell has some decent shoes that seem to fit this description, at least in my opinion, cut like a tennis shoe but lots of support and sturdiness, i think they call them trail running shoes or something, in addition to these I was just going to bring a pair of plain sneakers, but now i realize there will be times when I want go some place nice at night and want to have nice shoes to go with the clothes, so nwo I'm thinking about bringing a pair of loafers instead, still thinking about stuff though as I'm trying to keep weight down even though most times the pack will stay behind at the hostel and i'll have a daypack for touring the city.

As for the HAK, ever since I've gotten them, I always want to have one on me, they are just so damn convenient and you never know they are there. If I check my huge pack on each flight, why can't I just pack them and then take them out when I deboard? Also, do the titaniums set off metal detectors? All of my are s30v or 440c.
 
azk said:
i think they call them trail running shoes
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Trail running shoes are NOT walking shoes. They are made for running. These are two different activities. Your foot behaves differently during running and has different requirements than while walking. I think you should go to a good store, like REI, and tell the salesperson what it is you want to do. They will help you find the right shoe.
 
azk said:
If I check my huge pack on each flight, why can't I just pack them and then take them out when I deboard?
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How about, "because you will get arrested if you someone notices it"? Check local laws instead of speculating.

Also, do the titaniums set off metal detectors?
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Yes, they do. Don't screw around trying to outsmart local law enforcement authorities. Your trip could be much shorter than planned.

And honestly, if you think you will need your HAK where you're going, plan your trip differently.
 
azk said:
Did a search and didn't come up with much. I will be backpacking in Europe for 6 weeks this summer, I'm doing all the adequate research/reading beforehand to properly plan my travel as well as where/what to see. I'm posting here to ask you guys a few questions:

1) What you think would be essential travel gear that I might be looking over? I suppose I should bring some sort of folder, sak, etc, what? What other stuff?
2) Any general concerns/thoughts that one should have while traveling in and through several foreign countries. I speak no other languages and know nothing about the world (hence the trip). Just looking for some adventure but want to be smart. Any general advice you guys have would be great as well.

Thanks in advance.

edit: I also need to buy a backpack for all my stuff, and I need to get a daypack, thinking of getting a camelbak like pack for a daypack, thoughts? Any recommendations for backpacks and daypacks?
Click to expand...

Azk,

Be welcome in Europe. 6 weeks to visit all the towns you plan to could be a bit shorter if you are not a trained runner. Somes places like Dublin, Galway,Amsterdam, Prag, Vienna, Florence, Barcelona are particularly nice but it's a long way. You will need a good pair of shoes and in the north of Europe a raincoat and a sweater are generally useful.
About the knives: a SAK seems the most adapted tool but don't use it in public places, beware metal detectors in museum, in the London underground railway and most generally in public places. Be caught with a SAK won't give you other troubles than confiscation and it won't be expensive to replace it. If you have to use a HAK (hope you won't have to) and are caught it could give a bad turn to your trip. Carry it well concealed, policemen are not used to control and search american tourists.
Have a not too big discreet backpack. Keep it in front of you when you are in the crowd. Money, passport must be concealed under your clothes. European pickpockets are among the betters.
English is generally understood in turistic places and don't speak the exotic languages of Europe shouldn't be an issue, just speak slow! You will get anyway somes difficulties in Scotland, the way they speak is ...(there is no word i know for).

Hope this will help you, if you have any question, email me, if i have the answer it will be a pleasure to help you.

dantzk.
 
hwyhobo said:
How about, "because you will get arrested if you someone notices it"? Check local laws instead of speculating.


Yes, they do. Don't screw around trying to outsmart local law enforcement authorities. Your trip could be much shorter than planned.

And honestly, if you think you will need your HAK where you're going, plan your trip differently.
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The only plane ride I plan on taking is US to UK for the beginning of the trip and UK to US back. As for the HAK, I'm not expecting to need it, but it's lightweight, concealable and convenient, it's nice to have and never hurts to be prepared for something, right?
 
azk said:
The only plane ride I plan on taking is US to UK for the beginning of the trip and UK to US back. As for the HAK, I'm not expecting to need it, but it's lightweight, concealable and convenient, it's nice to have and never hurts to be prepared for something, right?
Click to expand...

Brits are pretty funny about knives, and self defense. In a country where the average citizen is disallowed from ownership of firearms, knives are seen as the primary weapon of choice of perps by process of elimination. British citizens are now forbidden from carrying folders with locking blades. This is why Spyderco came up with their non-locking folder specifically for the British market.

Fixed blades are verboten. I highly recommend you check the laws in the UK prior to bringing anything like the HAK with you. Remember that in your travels, you will no longer be protected by US laws. Your US passport will not guarantee you any immunity from local laws if you break them, even if there was no foul intent on your part.

There are thousands of Americans visiting UK, and Europe every year without incident. I can understand your concern if you feel underdressed w/o your HAK, but by and large, I'd say most cities there are as safe, or safer than any large city here in the US.

As hwyhobo mentioned in the post above, "Don't screw around trying to outsmart local law enforcement authorities." Your stay could actually be longer than you planned.

Obviously, this is your call. I suggest leaving the HAK at home.
 
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