Packing light? My India kit list

Packing light is the best way to go, whether travelling on business or leisure.  At the very least it makes it easier to transport from the car to the hotel or tent; and if you’re really good, it can let you go for a 2 week holiday using only hand luggage.  

I’ve been working on optimizing my travel packing for some time partially to make my travel more enjoyable, and also to free up space for my SLR and lenses. In the interests of optimizing my travel kit list further, I’ve documented the stuff I took to India recently - and have noted items that I took, but could easily have left at home (so that I can be a bit more focused next time, and perhaps you might give me some suggestions in the comments below). 

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Deuter ACT Lite 40+10 Rucksack review

I started looking for a new 30-40 liter rucksack for my TMB hike a month ago, to give me more space than I could get in my 5 year old 28 liter Deuter Aircomfort system pack. The Aircomfort system consists of a frame and plastic mesh that’s suspended away from your back by a few cm. On the 28 liter pack, it has performed well as an all weather pack, keeping me cool hiking in the Alps for a few years. Deuter claim that this system reduces fluid loss (through sweating) by up to 25% over a traditional pack. The only trouble is that it is a little tight for fleece, shell, 2 litres of water, hat, gloves, and lunch. Adding a SLR would put it over the edge.

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