What's in my backpack?

"Less is More" when packing a backpack for long term travel is what I have been told and I've read copious number of blogs on using a 'backpack versus suitcase' for this type of travel. The premise of all the reading was that if you intend to switch multiple buses and trains and expect to walk on cobble streets for anything more than a few meters, go for the backpack. Otherwise, take a suitcase with the luxury of more space. We carried a suitcase for the previous two trips to Europe and I distantly remember lugging our suitcase up and down the bridges of Venice. That was a nightmare and I sure have learnt from that experience. Hence, making the final decision of carrying a backpack was an easy one.

Carrying 12 kgs odd on my back all the time is not my idea of fun. So we invested in Kathmandu Hybrid V2 backpacks that also have wheels and a handle to cart the backpack when those shoulders need a break, offering the best of both worlds. So far these backpacks have stood the test of two flights and seem to be holding together nicely.

So what's in my backpack? 

It's been challenging to pack for my brother-in-law's upcoming wedding and then the onward journey. Currently my backpack also fits in leather shoes, a suit jacket, 4 shirts and so on. Eventually I plan to cut this down to the following and send the rest back to Melbourne.

6 x t-shirts
1 x shirt
2 x jeans
1 x shorts
2 x jumpers
1 x thermal inner
undergarments & socks - one for each day of the week
1 x weather proof jacket
1 x flip-flops
1 x gloves
1 x woolen scarf
1 x beanie
1 x micro fibre towel

Toiletries
Camera stuff - storage device, cables, charger
Laptop
Hair clippers 

Hopefully, this should be within the 12 kgs mark and should be convenient enough to carry on my shoulder for a long time if and when required.