Weekly /r/backpacking noob question thread - Ask any and all 'noob' questions you may have here - October 05, 2015

I'll preface this by saying that I don't have any experience, I don't know where I want to go or how long I'll be gone, and I have no experience backpacking (outside of camping). All I know is that it's been a dream of mine for years now, and I've committed to doing this (put in my two weeks Friday). Any advice will help.

The facts-

-26 year old white Male

-Speak fluent French, English, okay German

-Reasonably fit, have dislocated one knee twice (seeing doctor this week, I'm guessing she will suggest a brace just in case)

-Have French and American passports

-Generally introverted and prefer quieter places, but have no problems striking one-on-one conversations when there's something to talk about. Groups are a little harder for me, I fall very easily into listening and observing and forgetting to contribute

-addicted to nicotine, vapor or cigarettes

-bipolar, can get medicine for up to a year ahead of time

-have funds for 6 weeks here (2 weeks notice+1 month rent/bills/etc savings)

-not much in the way of funds for backpacking $1500 USD. Plane ticket is a gift from a friend

-friends in Seoul, Bangkok, across the US, family throughout France, the US and England.

-car loan, no other debts. Car is valued at $1000-$2000 more than the remaining loan amount, depending on the dealership. I've heard I might be able to get more from a private buyer but have no idea how.

-no other real assets to sell before going, will be storing furniture/art/etc with family since I don't have much and I really like all of it.

-have gear that fits well into a 50-liter pack, all lightweight/durable

.

The gear (may seem like overkill but weighs 25ish pounds and packs into a relatively small 50-55L bag)-

-1 person tent

-sleeping bag ~20 F rated

-sleeping pad

-water containers/filters

-camp stove, pot/cup/bowl/spork

-knife and multitool, small sewing kit

-1 very durable pair of pants (prana stretch zion)

-1 pair light hemp pajama-type pants

-2 long sleeve button ups, 1 cotton 1 linen

-1 T-shirt

-1 pair of light running shorts

-1 light merino sweater

-1 light down jacket

-1 heavy poncho

-boots

-wool scarf, cotton shemagh

-electronic cigarette

-2 USB battery packs

-smartphone

-flashlight

-rope and other miscellaneous camping stuff, first aid, toiletries etc.

.

The questions- oh I have so many questions-

-Is it really even viable to backpack with camping as your primary form of lodging? I much prefer rural areas to large cities, what destinations are good for it being legal, safe, and possible (weather/terrain etc) to camp en route?

-Money- I don't have much of it saved, but I would much prefer to work a little, move a little, work again and rinse/repeat as opposed to returning home when the budget runs out. Is this possible? If so, any tips on finding short-term work abroad?

-Destination- New Zealand and Iceland/Scandinavia stand out, I'm afraid I'm not equipped for the cold temperatures in the latter though. Not opposed to traveling domestically (US) but would prefer Northern Europe, SE Asia, South America (or New Zealand). Any suggestions on places/routes to try based on the background info I gave are welcome.

-My main goal is to explore, without a timetable or itinerary, or even final destination in mind. I want to talk to people, local and fellow travelers. I want to try new foods, see new sights, etc. but the primary motivation is to meet different people, see how they live and learn how they are. For example, I'd love to hike when I arrive somewhere new, but I'd rather spend a day or two in a town or city to find someone willing to join me for the day before setting out.

I hope the situation I'm in, and the things I want out of backpacking were made clear in this admittedly rambling post, and I thank anyone who has read this far. Much looking forward to your replies, experiences or anything you'd like to relate. Thank you.

/r/backpacking Thread