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The biggest question posed by backpackers before ‘the big off’ is usually “what do I really need to take?” There are a lot of factors to consider, as no two trips are the same, however I believe there is a generic, baseline
list that can be used by the majority. For ease of reading I have
broken the full list down into 3 bite-size sections as follows:-
(i) Clothes
(ii) Money and Documents
iii) Miscellaneous Items
Within each section you will find a rough run down of necessary
items with associated tips, tips gathered not through research but from
years on the road.
(i) Clothes:-
Attempting to provide a singular, definitive list of required
clothing would be nigh on impossible. With as many different climates
as there are choices of activities to undertake while in them, a rough
list and some extra tips may prove to be of greater benefit. So here it
is:-
Underwear. A couple of pair of socks and around 4
pairs of undies will do for most trips, unless you prefer to go
commando. If, however, you do enjoy a little more air around your
loins, then be sure to first verify trouser integrity, as no-one really
needs to see you pop out and say hello.
Lightweight, quick drying undies are best as you will have to wash them
regularly. I crash my kegs during my shower, killing two birds with one
stone, so to speak. To reduce laundry duties, however, you could adopt
the famous ‘Four Day Cycle’ i.e. Normal, back to front, inside out,
then inside out and back to front. Someone has claimed to have invented
a ‘5 day cycle’, but personally I think they’re bluffing.
Light blue Y-fronts with dark blue piping/dark brown Y-fronts with
light brown piping still remain the choice of champions, whereas white
undercrackers are a definite no-no - they will end up looking like a biohazard and certainly won’t help you make new friends if left on the floor in a busy dorm.
Footwear. Ultimately, the choice here will hinge on
where you intend to go and the activities you will be undertaking. As a
rough guide, a pair of sturdy sandals (such as Tevas), a pair of low
cut trail shoes (such as Salomons), and a pair of 50 cent, 4
Wheel-drive, all terrain flip flops (thongs) should cover most of your
needs. This is general advice but is by no means a definitive solution.
Waking boots, for example, are also a valid option. They aren’t just
for hardcore trekkers, in fact I wear them – and I’m the laziest person
I know. Regardless of where I travel, I just take breathable Gore-Tex
boots (Karrimore KSBs) and a pair of cheapo flip flops, and am never
left wanting. I have no worries about weight or backpack space as the
boots are generally on my feet. I don’t find them too hot, even in the
tropics, and I rest easy in the knowledge that they afford a little
more protection against snakes and other critters that can properly
ruin your day. Thongs for the beach are a must though, as stomping
about in heavy boots and obscenely tight, green Speedo swimming trunks
would just make me look like some kind of deranged, Sci-fi Space Chicken.
T-Shirts. As tempting as it may be, do not take too
many T-shirts. Pound for pound, there are many better articles of
clothing to take. Nothing will give you the chills and be as unpleasant
to wear as a wet, sweat soaked T-shirt. Nothing will smell quite as
funky, either – apart from your recycled pants on day four. T-shirts
are great for the beach or to knock around in, but consider taking no
more than two.
Don’t worry about taking high quality t-shirts - they will
get pulled, stretched, and battered. They can be purchased on the road
at a fraction of the price they are at home, so pick them up once you
are underway.
Long-sleeved Shirt. Light and airy for humid
climates, and can be worn as casual or as smart. It’s always worth
having at least one set of clothes that can pass off as being smart –
for example, during visits to sacred sites such as temples or ruins, or
when invited into a family’s household. Language barriers will not be
an issue in this instance, as you can effortlessly convey a clear
message of respect and recognition without a word being spoken.
Long sleeves will also afford greater protection against the sun and mozzies, but they can still be rolled up if need be.
Short-sleeved Shirt. At least 1.
Lightweight, airy, and comfortable, they are well worth the minimal
backpack space they consume. Another plus is the usual top pocket,
which is ideal for accessing bus tickets/small change etc if you are
stuck in your seat on a cramped bus. Plus, for us stinky smokers, it
means you will never have to puff away on a bent or broken cigarette
again!
For those that can appreciate what it is like to have a sunburnt neck,
the value of a collar that you can turn up can never be underestimated.
And, particularly in urban areas, wearing a shirt will also draw less
attention.
Base layer. A lightweight, moisture wicking base
layer that feels comfortable against your skin is a must. This can be
worn under any other garment to afford a degree of warmth, and can be
slept in. Helly Hansen, North Face,
and Stormlite all do a good range. Several of the better makes also
contain anti-microbial qualities, which is fantastic news for soap
dodgers like me. There are many other lower cost ranges of clothing to
consider (from military surplus stores etc) that may do the job almost
as well at a fraction of the price. One word of caution though: Steer
clear of actual military surplus clothing - especially if you
plan to go to certain Central/South American countries. Dressing like a
Soldier of Fortune in these parts ain’t a wise move. So, no matter
how cheap the gear is, don’t buy it unless the store also does a good
line in ‘Chalecos Antibalas’, or bullet-proof vests to you and me.
Lightweight fleece. Useful on fiercely
air-conditioned buses and flights etc. and ideal for those chilly
mornings at higher altitudes – even in the tropics. A thin, lightweight
fleece is the perfect accompaniment to other under layers when it gets
a bit nippy.
Trousers. Two pairs of lightweight, quick drying
pants will suffice. In warmer climes baggy lightweight trousers will
feel just as cool as a pair of shorts, if not cooler.
Cargo pants are ideal as they contain a few extra pockets for
documents, tickets, and those fresh-wipes that smell and feel like
little fluffy kittens – all items requiring easy access when on public
transport. Having pockets with zip, button, or Velcro fastenings are
also a good idea, as they not only reduce the risk of valuables falling
out on buses, but also act as a visual deterrent toward would be
pickpockets.
As with all other clothing, avoid lighter coloured trousers unless you
want to constantly wash out grubby marks or look like a Pikey.
Shorts. A few options here - convertible trousers
that zip off at the knees, purpose made shorts, and beach shorts to
name but three of them. Although a great idea in principle, the cold,
harsh reality is that unzipped convertible trousers make you look like
a bit of a plonker (lets be honest here), and you have to ask yourself when, exactly, would you need to wear either these or the tailor made variety.
Shorts, in virtually any location other than the beach, will both
define you as a visitor and generally ensure that you stand out
further. The “Hey, I’m on holiday” look is not always a good choice;
not when trousers can be as equally cool and afford greater protection
against both the sun and insects. That said, a pair of board shorts or
similar are worth taking if you are partial to waterborne activities or
a bit of beach time.
Lazy Pants. Although by no means a necessity, a
pair of comfortable, elasticated, slip on pyjama style pants can be a
worthy addition to the packing list. Cheap and easy to pick up on the
road, comfort pants are perfect for the days when you don’t, or can’t, venture to far from your accommodation – if you catch my drift.
Some styles may look positively ridiculous and will leave you asking
yourself “What will they go well with?” Well, I find that they go best
with a veranda, hammock, cold beer, breathtaking view, and a good book.
You can, of course, wear them out and still blend in on the veritable
freak show that is Khao San Road, Bangkok – but I shouldn’t be so quick
to judge, as some of the Khao San long-termers are still people, too.
Sarong (or similar). This is the ultimate in multipurpose clothing and it would, in fairness, be easier to list what you can’t use
it for. It’s a towel, a sheet, a sunshade, a knapsack, a hat, and, when
knotted together with others, a perfect means of escape from dorm a
window for those not wising to pay for the night. Only joking, no-one
carries more than one sarong…
Other similar items can be picked up along the way, like a Cambodian Krama, or my favourite, the Indonesian tubular sarong.
General Considerations.
Use it, ditch it. If you will be traveling through several
different climates, it isn’t usually worth taking everything you need
from the word go unless you are starting your trip in the colder
regions. As a general rule, you will be able to buy extra layers in the
places where they are needed. Compared to the specialised clothing
available at home they may not be as effective for the size/weight
involved, but they may well be cheaper and therefore easier to part
with once that leg of your journey is over!
Duality of use. In effect, if all your items serve two purposes, you will end up carrying half the gear.
Wash day? Already? If the thought of having to hand wash
clothes (or fork out for laundry services) every other day fills you
with a feeling of impending doom then do consider taking a few extra
items. Carrying a little extra weight may appeal if it substantially
cuts laundry bills or allows you a little more pyjama time on the
veranda.
Hygiene. If you are of the opinion that using a sarong as
an item of clothing, a towel, and a bed sheet is slightly gross, then
consider picking up a small travel towel as well. Surprisingly, a
highly absorbent travel towel the size a hanky can still get the job
done admirably.
Comfort. Ultimately (and regardless of any suggested
packing lists apart from this one, naturally), you must take items
which you feel comfortable wearing. If you like Jeans, for instance,
then take them. They are the most impractical, weighty, space
consuming, slow drying trousers known to mankind, but I love wearing
them so I always take a pair – and they also go extremely well with my
leather trench coat, top hat, and fur-lined yeti boots.
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