Backpacking in Europe...

don't know about the rest of the Europe, but here in Estonia (and I'm sure, that in Scandinavia) one could carry puukko openly without any problems, presuming that one looks like having business carrying it. Look like hiker (or look like you work at contruction site) and you will have no trouble at all. Long history will help you ;)
Of course, going to museums and restaurants is a bit different case. But just walking around should not prove to be a problem in most places.
Still, even I would hesitate to carry you HAK, carry a quick open folder with good thumbstud instead, it might be even faster to draw, if you practise. (how fast can you get your HAK into play?)
While working on construction site (cabling) I regularly went to lunch with my Fiskars on my belt, no problems anywhere.
 
As a long time resident of the UK I can assure you that you will be in BIG trouble if you try to bring your HAK into the country, however you choose to enter, airport, ferry etc. Ignorance of UK laws is no excuse.

I am now living in Belgium and work in France, they are more relaxed about carrying of knives but my advice would be stick with a non-locking SAK. Your best self-defense piece of equipment is your mouth, ask when you enter a city where you should and should not go. May cost you a beer or two but you will enjoy your trip much more.

Oh unless you have unlimited time reduce your wish list. You would in my opinion struggle to complete all the places you listed in six months.

Good luck

Europe has so much to offer, please let me know if you need recommendations for places to visit.

Dave
 
Wow Dave, three years on the forum and today you make your first post.
You certainly have got the Belgian mentality :D

Almost forgott to say; Fallkniven will bring out the U1, a non locking version of the U2.
On the plus side, it certainly doesn't look menacing = less problems
 
A non-locking SAK is sensible advice. Leave your SAK at the hotel when going to bars, restaurants etc, in Britain. Search and read for British anti-knife laws.
The HAk will get you in trouble in many airports, it's simply not worth the risk.
Knives other than SAK would be viewed very suspicious by most local authorities. In Eastern Europe laws are not too prohibitive (there is size limit in most countries), but "foreigners with knives" can create unnecessary confrontation with local authorities.

English is widely spoken and understood in Europe (even in France).

Most hiking places are in areas where every few miles there is a village or town anyway.
It is highly unlikely you would face danger during the hike.

The highest risk getting robbed or pickled by pickpockets will be in big cities, on crowded public transportation facilities.
High charges and bills by taxi drivers and restaurants, especially in Eastern Europe are the most likely hassle you will face.

Some safety advice:

- Don't wander too much at night in suburbs (Paris, London), or Eastern European cities (Budapest).

- Avoid gypsies (France, Italy, Prague, Budapest).

- Be careful when taking taxis in Eastern Europe (Budapest). Read the Budapest US Embassy's website for good advice. US Embassy websites in other countries will be helpful too.

- The best self defence device when hiking would be a cell phone (make sure you have service locally) and a pair of collapsible hiking poles (don't take them with you as carry ons to airplanes).

- If you are going out alone, leave a hiking plan with friends, or concierge (if the hotel is reputable) AND e-mail it to friends/relatives in the states too!

- Do search and plan well ahead the hiking routes you want to take, there might be on-line references and feedbacks too.
 
I tramped around with a backpack through my 20s, Europe and elsewhere, and even now my gal and I frequently stay in hostels when we travel to save money better spent on fine foods, gifts and the like. I travel today with something similar to what I've always carried: an Alox Farmer SAK and a Leatherman PST II. The multitool pliers will come in handy from time to time, to fix a broken zipper or a leaky shower head that keeps you up a night.

A lot of companies make travel packs for the kind of traveling you'll be doing: basically, large stable main pack with stowaway straps for checking in at airports. Many now come with a removable Camelbak-style daypack -- very nifty to have while you sightsee, and also to use as a carry-on. I have an Osprey Outlander (now replaced by the Waypoint series but, again, all of the better companies offer versions of this. Don't go for the kinds with wheels and roller handle; they add more weight to the pack, and reduce space, that you could devote to other stuff. Check you airline for its weight limits per luggage, or you may dinged with a steep fee.

Other misc. items:
Sewing and repair kit -- you'll need it. (Include duct tape; I carry two 10' lengths each folded over itself to save space.)
Compass -- easy to get disoriented in unfamiliar places.
Shoes -- actually, I think a good pair of trail runners or light (lowtop) hiking shoes should serve you well. Lots of light models with excellent support now available. My gal and I wear these, and we cover a lot of ground incl. multiday hikes when we travel. They should be broken in and not new; tramping around with a heavy pack isn't a good way to learn that the shoe doesn't fit, offer good support, etc.
Socks and liners -- some folks don't care for liners but they'll save you quite a few blisters and sores, esp. on days you know you'll be putting in some miles/km. The nice "anti-odor/bacterial" kinds are very nice but the cheap $3 polypro ones will do just as well.

I can understand your sense of attachment to the HAK. My gal carries hers everywhere EXCEPT when we travel overseas. You should at least get a good sense of local laws and what may happen if you're caught, and then decide if the comfort of carrying it is worth the potential damper it may put on your trip. My two cents --

Glen
 
I used to live in Glasgow. The penalty for carrying a locking blade, if caught, can be up to two years in prison. Dont risk it. Knife crime is high in Scotland, and illegal carrying is frowned upon severely. The law does state that you can carry a sub three inch non locking knife. If you absolutely have to bring a knife I would suggest you invest in a spyderco UK pen knife. They meet legal carry requirements here and are fabulous little knives.I was so impressed I wound up with two of em. Failing that a multi tool like a gerber or leather man. Scotland is a beautiful country I would hate to think a trip here would be ruined for you by falling foul of the law. Any way on a brighter note, I am sure you will have a great time. I personally think Scotland is one of the most beautiful Countries in the world. But I am a bit biased. All the best. :D
 
I'll have to echo needlejr's comments on Rick Steve's book and pack.

A few years ago our kids chipped in and sent the wife and I on a vacation in Europe. We used Steves pack's and advise and it was great. we were able to travel light and be mobil, but had enough to be comfortable in a wide range of conditions.

Please don't bring a knife with you, just buy a sak when you get there. Carrying a fixed blade of any kind concealed, even something as small as the hideaway, will land you in hot water. Alot of the museums and art gallerys we went to had metal detectors at the door, and it was like airport security. When I emptied my pockets in the plastic tray the red handle sak hardly got a glance. There was no way I could have smuggled in a hideaway knife without setting off the alarm. In Europe the security is tight in some places, and they are not the lax buffoons like some of the T.S.A. watchdogs. Especially in Germany. A German in a security uniform takes his job VERY seriously!

Ditto on the importance of shoes. We used Rockport walking shoes combined with New Balance athletic shoes for a mid-afternoon change. Use some nice cushioned Thorlow socks. Europe is great, you don't want sore aching feet to put a damper on your trip.
 
I backpacked Europe in the early 90s....here are my thoughts:
- I brought way too much comfort stuff, no real need for cookware or small tent...bring less travel light. Wash underwear in sinks and hang dry (pick up tips from other packers).
- I had several knives of all sorts...used all of them ZERO times! I am used to the woods of Michigan and didn't really encounter any reason to camp outside a campingplatz. Still wouldn't go anywhere without at least a SAK, one with a nice "I'm-just-a-camper" RED handle.
- Low top light hiking shoes, unless you plan to hike rough terrain.
- Pentax waterproof camera (digital or 35mm your choice).
- Wear you 'papers' 'round yer neck...nothing $$ in your pack in case you have to dump and run.
- Did I mention to "pack light?" (2 pair of shoes and all that rot and soon your pack is 60lb)
- compass & local maps are a must. Europeans didn't figure out how to make nice N-S and E-W road grids. That was Jefferson's recommendation.
- Limit your cities and go to the non-touristie areas...take in the local sites. Move fast, but once you arrive slow down and enjoy.
- Do not change money with anyone on the street. Locals will approach you for US Dollars (you will stick out) and it may be a setup so you can pay to get out of the pokie
- You don't get to carry the rights of your home country...be aware of local laws.
- Jacket everywhere even in summer, change in altitude happens fast there.
- Wool and sythetic GOOD / Cotton BAD (long dry time and bad heat retention)
- My favorite spots - Budapest, Salzberg, Munich, Heidelberg
these are just opinions based on my experiences.
Have fun!
 
Britain has the most restrictive knife-laws in Europe - if it is legal to have a knive there it will be not a problem in other european countries (e.g. they do not want fixed knives or lockable folders in Britain - in Germany most of it is not a problem but here the banned knives with t-shaped handles (push-daggers), balisongs etc.) If you want to have a small fixed knife buy a cheap one in Paris and sell it in Barcelona...
Read the advice the US-embassies write on their web-pages.
Have fun in Europe
Andreas
 
littleknife said:
Redguy, what are the knife laws in Hungary?
What is forbidden, what are the size limits?
Click to expand...

Switchblades are totally illegal to carry and also balisongs. There are no laws against assisted openers, but since they are not widely known here, I would avoid them, because they can be considered as switchblades.

One-hand openers, locking blades, pushdaggers, daggers and even fixed blades are totally legal if the bladelength is under 8 centimeters (about 3.25). If you are bagpacking, you can cary around even a huge camp knife, but strictly sheathed and you have to keep it in your bag in the city.

In general Hungary is quite a knife-friendly country. In Budapest you can carry virtually any manual folder, even a huge one, even little old ladies and LEOs will understand that a man has to have a knife on him, but if you want to stay totally legal, follow the 8 cm rule.
 
littleknife,

You are welcome. If you have any questions about Budapest, drop me an e-mail anytime.
 
Just my 0.02 :

- Don't bring a HAK in europe : there is no need for it and it is illegal in most place.
If you really want to feel safer, attach your keys to a big carabeneer you could use to and sew a canadian flag on your backpack (Just a joke!!! Don't ban me ;) )
- Don't bring too much hiking clothes (and shoes) ; just use them to travel between cities or if you want to hike : you would feel out of place in many urban places, you would get harder time to enter some bars and clubs at night.
- Don't bring any cookware : it would be useless.(Except maybe a small fork and a small spoon in your daypack, with your sak, they make quick picnic easier)
- get what you need to wash your clothes : liquid soap, a flexible sink stopper and maybe a line to hang wet clothes across your room. Magellan' sells some kits that might interest you HERE

And the usual : get a box of condoms of your favorite and most trusted brand !!!
 
Fantastic trip! I think you are trying to pack far too much into a mere six weeks though!

Vast climate difference between Ireland/Scotland and South of France/Italy. I would only take t-shirts/polo shirts as it's summer, plus a cagoule and a fleece for inclement weather. Fleece is light and easy to wash and dry. Shorts and a pair of easy to dry chinos for the bottom half. Those double socks which prevent blisters might be a good investment.

As you will spend most of your time in towns and cities, it seems pointless lugging emergency equipment around with you that you could buy cheaply on the street corner. A bit of cord for a washing line might be good though.

Knife-wise, a sak - make sure its not in your hand-luggage, I lost one like that! :D

Keep the weight down. You can always buy more stuff if need be. You might want a couple of souvenir t-shirts anyway.

Traveller's cheques are old fashioned but they are replaced if lost or stolen. Credit cards are convenient, m/c or visa. Take a cheap wallet with nothing of value in for pickpockets to concentrate on and keep the goodies under your clothes.

Re: Knife laws for different European countries, ask in the European forum!

Have a great time!

Andy

Edited to add: It's best not to assume people speak English. I always politely ask: Excuse me, do you speak English? In the local language if possible. Much more likely to get co-operation that way.
 
You've received a lot of good advice -- I would add one thing I stumbled across before my own first trip to Europe and I can't travel without: compression bags.

http://www.eaglecreek.com/40119.html


A compression bag is basically a giant Zip-lock bag with one-way valves in the non-opening end that allow you to squeeze all the air out of your clothes so they pack flat, like vacuum-packed food. Squeezing out the air makes a BIG difference in space. Mine are Eagle Creek brand and have worked flawlessly for 5 years (about two or three trips a year), but I'm sure other brands are available.
 
A HAK could get you in real trouble in Germany, it resembles too much a push-dagger, and these are really VERBOTEN here :-] Leave it at home.

But take with you any knife you like (with some exceptions). Anyway, you can be fairly sure not to need it for self-defence, Europe is quite safe. Avoid suburbs in France, beware of skinheads in Eastern Germany. Otherwise relax, don't take too many things along with you, maybe learn some words of the local languages, people will appreciate it if you can say "merci", even if it is with an American accent ;-)

One more thing: the most budget-friendly accomodation I have ever found are the gîte d'etapes / gîtes rurales in France. Very nice.
Is the Eurail ticket still valid for Tunesia? If you have some time, why not take a ferry, the Eurail ticket used to be valid on some of these too. I do recommend Venice-Athens, take the slowest ferry you can find and book a passage on deck (=cheapest), you will have a great time. BTW: Greece is great, I recommend going there. There is a narrow-gauge railway going all the way round the Pellopones island - your ticket should be valid there, too.

Avoid using the railway in Scandinavia, it is not very entertaining. Scandinavia is great for hiking, etc. but not for city holidays.
 
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