I'm getting all packed right now.... using the ziplock baggie vacuum-pack trick, and wanted to take a Rick Steves-esque photo.

Above: 20-something lbs of carry-on size backpack, stuffed to the gills, my life for the next seven weeks.

Below: Clothes I wanted to fit in the bag (not everything made it). Not pictured is all the stuff that ended up taking up a lot of room, like the sleep sack, towel, first aid kit, etc.