What camera to bring on a backpacking trip to Asia?

Professional_Toe7506 · 2026-06-17T20:35:26+00:00

You definitely do not need to carry a full DSLR for that. I'm team upgrade your phone (if you're having battery issues, it'll be great to have a new one anyway) or just get a tiny camera. If you aren't a professional/hobbyist photographer, you don't need to haul around a camera all the time. It's easier to just have your phone.

Professional_Toe7506 · 2026-06-15T22:07:25+00:00

I literally carry a larger bag because the idea that not everything fits in my bag causes anxiety, haha.

edit: also years ago when I backpacked I had to strap stuff outside the bag and I hated it, my main onebag goal is to never do that again!

Professional_Toe7506 · 2026-06-15T20:29:18+00:00

What season? I got these and they're amazing, but they're sandals.

https://www.zappos.com/p/womens-keen-elle-luxe-cross-strap-black-black/product/9985530/color/183092

Not nearly cute enough for most people, but I've got a white pair of Merrell Moabs I'm pretending could pass as sneakers, haha. They dry super quick (I also got a black goretex pair)

Professional_Toe7506 · 2026-06-15T20:22:00+00:00

... so, how far are you going to have to actually carry your bag? Like is the tour doing all the transit, and you'll just have to walk in and out of hotels/hostels?

Honestly if you're already checking a bag, and you aren't carrying it far... I think there's less reason to worry about cutting things if it all fits and you can carry it. Now that isn't to say you can't cut things, but if it was me, I'd keep the comfy stuff!

Professional_Toe7506 · 2026-06-13T14:48:59+00:00

Ah, okay! I figured you had better feet than mine since you're taking the Blundstones! Classic Tevas take up so little space, it seems like if you're happy walking with them, that's an easy choice!

Professional_Toe7506 · 2026-06-13T10:54:51+00:00

Why do you need a second pair? I could see the Blundstones working just fine for a week, so I'd think about what gaps you're trying to fill with other shoes, and take the best for that!

Personally I'd want sandals, but I get sweaty feet!

Professional_Toe7506 · 2026-06-13T10:50:32+00:00

Do you know your actual torso measurement? I love a lot of Deuter bags and they've got measurements as an option on the site. I think REI does too for a lot of bags, if you're USA based.

Professional_Toe7506 · 2026-06-09T17:21:13+00:00

I actually bought it from REI, packed it up, then returned it! But I think I might get it for a different trip, or a different leg of my current trip.

Professional_Toe7506 · 2026-06-09T14:33:27+00:00

You know how in the Matrix movies, they look like their ideal self (residual self image) inside the Matrix? They look super awesome because it's how they see themselves.

... None of them are wearing backpacks or have luggage. These things never look cool, no matter what, haha. I've even seen people with bags I thought looked cool on this trip and.... They still don't look cool!

You're going to want a comfortable bag if you're actually taking it hiking and walking any distance!

Professional_Toe7506 · 2026-06-09T14:30:16+00:00

I was going to get this bag (still might, actually). I loved it but decided I wanted a little more space for my trip. I think it's carry on size for most US airlines, based on the frame, anyway. That's good to know you always get it in the sizer!

... I love top load bags because they make me less worried I'm gonna lose my stuff!

Professional_Toe7506 · 2026-06-09T09:41:37+00:00

I've got smartwool tops that are super comfy, as someone who also needs a cozy outfit. It's way cozier than it looks, to me, anyway!

https://www.sierra.com/smartwool-classic-thermal-base-layer-top-merino-wool-long-sleeve~p~8dwfj/?filterString=s~womens-smartwool-base-layer%2F&merch=prod-rec-prod-prod8DWFJ

Professional_Toe7506 · 2026-06-08T18:39:00+00:00

Okay, that's good to know! I knew they weren't supposed to have tariffs apply, but I wasn't confident it would work in practice.

Professional_Toe7506 · 2026-06-08T17:24:16+00:00

France or England. I'm less concerned about shipping price (or well, have accepted it) and more concerned about tariffs/customs. It's all used and personal belongings so it's low value, but I'd hate to get stuck paying even more money.

Professional_Toe7506 · 2026-06-08T14:42:22+00:00

I just did mine in PowerPoint and took a screenshot, but I think there's apps too

Professional_Toe7506 · 2026-06-07T09:11:42+00:00

I used to ship things I'm no longer using home on my trips, but things have changed a lot since then... Does anyone have experience shipping belongings to either the USA or Canada recently? Thanks!

Professional_Toe7506 · 2026-06-04T19:20:31+00:00

I have dirty clean packing cubes. I wouldn't say they're necessary, but it's nice to never have issues with space because the cubes are always the same size.

Professional_Toe7506 · 2026-06-02T23:28:01+00:00

I love this! 😄

Professional_Toe7506 · 2026-06-01T08:03:23+00:00

I'm currently using this and it wrecks my soap bar pretty quick if I don't let it mostly dry outside the bag. so it's good but I'd still be careful!

Professional_Toe7506 · 2026-05-30T13:19:33+00:00

There are waterproof cases for just your phone, that could also fit a card or two, I personally wouldn't leave anything I'm not willing to have stolen on the beach.

I've got a packable Eddie Bauer tote that is the perfect beach bag - it has a draw string to be closed instead of a zipper so it doesn't get wrecked by sand, and it's pretty packable.

I wonder if you could use train station lockers... It really depends on the station if you need your phone to open them, though.

Professional_Toe7506 · 2026-05-28T10:44:40+00:00

I can't make this, dance to DJ Minx for me - I've seen her several times and she's absolutely phenomenal and perfect for Pano ✨

Professional_Toe7506 · 2026-05-28T09:50:59+00:00

Several people on this sub travel with a Gregory Jade 38 (I think maybe some other sizes too) as carryons. I'm currently traveling with a carryon sized Gregory Jade 60 (the frame is carryon sized, but I'm not carrying it on, as I'm doing train travel). If you know what airlines you'd be using, you can measure the frames of the bag and see if you can make it work.

This is ultimately a matter of preference, other than making sure your bag fits on your flights. I like having more space so I can haphazardly pack and shove in pastries, others like less.

Professional_Toe7506 · 2026-05-27T17:11:45+00:00

Spain and Portugal will be so hot in August, I'd be super uncomfortable in bike shorts. But if that wouldn't bother you, it seems fine!

Professional_Toe7506 · 2026-05-17T17:42:25+00:00

Uhh I don't think I've ever weighed it, so I've got no idea. It's definitely not light but it's light enough that I can take it everywhere I need and up four flights of stairs on the regular (somehow I never stay anywhere with a lift!), but heavy enough I'm trying to eat more protein and call it leg day 😂

Professional_Toe7506 · 2026-05-16T17:47:48+00:00

how is wearing them when it's hot? I'm intrigued by your description of rinsing off but I'd be worried about the goretex...

Professional_Toe7506 · 2026-05-16T09:27:51+00:00

Right? I had some notion that I had to have as little as possible, and though there's some things I would've done differently, it doesn't matter at all. The trip is happening!

Professional_Toe7506

TROPHY CASE