Packing List

The following is a list of items that I carry while traveling. Key factors include: carrying the bare minimum, not taking items that will be used only once or twice, and carrying only items you are able to part with if stolen. This list holds for almost any climate in the world, and can be slimmed down if traveling in specific climates. All of these items can be put in a large daypack or a small (day and a half) backpack, with the sleeping bag tied to the outside (or inside if it is small warm weather bag).

•     Sleeping bag stuff sack containing

•         sleeping bag (rated to fairly cold)

•         plastic ground cloth sheet (used when sleeping anywhere to avoid bedbugs etc)

•       Mosquito bednet and some strings

•     Sandals (for showers and warm areas)

•     Mid weight hiking boots

•     Clothes:

•       2 sets of undergarments, socks, t-shirts. Wash one and wear one.

•       1 pair shorts (also for swimming), 1 decent pants (not jeans), 1 sweatpants,

•        1 sweatshirt, 1 sweatshirt with hood, 1 raingear/windbreaker

•       wool socks, stocking cap, thin gloves

•     Toiletries:

•       soap in dish; toothbrush, paste and floss; razors to look good at borders; vitamins; Antibiotic for when bad food is eaten; malaria pills if you believe in them

•     1 Water bottle

•     1 small metal cup, 1 metal spoon, 1 basic swiss army knife

•     Toilet paper (in plastic bag to keep dry)

•     "Essentials kit": including first aid kit, leatherman type tool, duct tape, paper clips, matches, lighter, candle, string...

•     A few dozen passport photos in plastic bag

•     Applicable guidebooks

•     Small flashlight and spare batteries.

•     Camera and batteries. If not digital, then spare film in X-Ray proof bag.

•     Power adapter/converter if you have anything requiring power.

•     Notebook

•     Bandana

•     Goofy stuff: for me this was an inflatable globe.

• On person strapped to various parts of body (ankle, calf, waist, neck, arm, etc): money, passport, insurance cards, etc.

• In pockets: few $USD, some local currency, a fake credit card.

• Also in pockets: timepiece (calc watch for currency conversions), compass, notepad, pen

• On internet (emailed to yourself for example):

•     list of everything you are carrying in case you lose it.

•     list of addresses to write post cards to

•    every detail on every important looking thing on your person (health insurance numbers, passport details, visa details, other id numbers, etc)

• Durable yet light overbag (if bag is big), combination padlock.