Other than the debate on the necessity to use a backpack to be a backpacker, the Jeans Debate is probably the second topic on which backpackers across the world can argue forever…
For plus-size travelers, every matter related to articles of clothing can take proportions (no pun intended!), as the very clothes we pack and wear are bigger. (In fact, this is one of the first thoughts I had when I started looking into backpack travels.)
FUN FACT
After James Dean popularized them in the movie Rebel Without a Cause, wearing jeans became a symbol of youth rebellion during the 1950’s.
Because of this, they were sometimes banned in theaters, restaurants and schools.
(Source: Wikipedia)
Comfort & versatile
For many, jeans are the quintessence of comfort. For others, jeans are mostly a matter of style and fashion. But nowadays, everyone has at least a few of these denim trousers that have been around since the 17th century.
Jeans are truly versatile and can quickly be dressed up or dressed down, paired with the right top, shoes and/or accessories. They also come in a range of shades of black, blue, and pretty much every color you can think of. The fact that they don’t wrinkle easy is also one of the reason why they are so popular among the backpacking crowd. As most people wear their jeans a few times before being washing them, that adds to their “packing efficient” characteristics. In cold weather, jeans are also much warmer than many other pants. Finally, jeans are also extremely resistant to wear and tear and a same pair can last you quite a while… but beware when they become too thin on the inner thighs, it’s a sign that the end is near…
Jeans: a friend to keep you warm…
In cold weather, jeans are also much warmer than many other pants. Jjeans are extremely resistant to wear and tear. A same pair can last you quite a while… Just beware when they become too thin on the inner thighs, it’s a sign that the end is near…
… or a hot, wet mess?
On the other hand, jeans are very bulky and heavy to pack. No matter how hard you try, they can hardly be compressed. Also, the level of warmth provided by these pants can be a problem in warmer climates. Humid and/or rainy weather can transform your favorite trousers into a wet, stinky, uncomfortable nightmare. Jeans take forever to dry. Should you decide to wash your denim, you will also come to that realization that the thick cotton jeans are made of is probably the longest fabric to dry ever made! Especially if you try to air dry it!
I hate not being able to come to an official verdict on this, but I think I may be able to offer some kind of a suggestion…
Short trips (1 week or less)
Jeans are ideal. 1-2 pair, plus an extra pair on you as you travel, will allow you to go through the week without having to bother with laundry. No time wasted on such a short getaway!
Longer journeys (3 weeks and more)
Jeans are also great to pack as we often check a bag in this case. A more significant “rotation” of clothes to wear allows jeans to be washed and fully dry without the risk of running out of clean clothes to wear.
It’s for all the trips that are not so long, yet not that short that it becomes really tricky. If you travel with just a carry-on luggage, packing more than a pair of jeans soon limits the available space. If you don’t mind checking a luggage, then you have a bit more wiggle room. (But in the spirit of packing and traveling light – and reducing the risk of lost luggage -, this option isn’t the best.) If you plan on doing some toss-packing (check out this post for details about this luggage “method”!), you might be able to make it with a carry-on only.
In all cases, it confirms that packing is a science, and too often, not an exact one!
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