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With Clothes , documentation , and money packing tips covered in parts
1 and 2 of the packing tips trilogy, part 3 will now cover all the
other miscellaneous bits . Once again, this is what I consider to be a
baseline list, so add to it as you see fit. Here we go then:-
(iii) Miscellaneous Items:-
Splash proof LED Head torch – Low power and hands
free - it’s the way to go. Not only do they make late the night/early
morning fumblings easier and quicker in darkened dorms, they are
invaluable during trekking/camping, and also in countries that
regularly experience blackouts. They’re fantastic for two handed shadow
puppetry and holding under your chin whilst telling ghost stories, too.
There’s never a dull moment in the company of Ubertramp…
Small Penknife - Think carefully about carrying
anything more extravagant, such as a Swiss Army knife or a Leatherman
Tool – you have to question whether you really need a nail file, a
small wood saw, and a screwdriver. If you are going to spend a
significant amount of your time camping, or relying on anything
mechanical or electrical (such as during a road trip etc) then maybe
(although if you read ‘Arizona’ you may think otherwise) - but they are
really just extra weight if you are going to just be slicing mangoes
and carving candles into rude shapes. Read Swiss Army Knives:Just Another Travel Rip-off - and to balance the argument, check out Wade's comeback over at vagabondjourney.com !
Compass - People who know me well will laugh now.
Because they know that I, rightly or wrongly, swear by and live by the
mighty compass. They all poo poo me and mock but, let me tell you, it
all goes quiet in the corner when we’ve got off at the wrong stop in a
new city, or find out that the bus terminates at a completely different
location to that which we had predicted. Oh Yeah.It’s perfect for
walkabouts in a big city too. If you have a compass and a small map –
either sketched from an internet download or guidebook, or a scrounged
freebie from a tourist bureau (they mock me for that, too) - you can’t
go wrong. When lost, just press on in one direction until you hit a
road or feature that will help you regain your bearings. It’s not half
as difficult as suppressing the nauseatingly smug ‘I told you so’ grin
in the company of those that had previously scoffed at compass boy.
Waterproof Digital Watch – Personally, I detest
watches. As far as I am concerned, strapping one on my wrist is akin
clapping me in irons. I once again become fettered, having
subconsciously re-established the link to a world of deadlines, targets
and time limits – a world gleefully left behind when I took to the
road. Despite my antipathy, I grudgingly accept that cheap Waterproof
Digital Watches have their merits. They ensure that when the one-daily,
early morning bus pulls out of the station, I am sitting,
bum-on-seat-with-book, watching the station get smaller - as opposed to
running, crimson-faced-with-rucksack, watching the bus get smaller.
Alarm clocks achieve the aim also, but watches have greater utility for
the shoe stringer. It is generally smaller, lighter, and can be worn in
and out of water.
Travel Adaptor - Whether I am carry my hair
straighteners, curling tongs, nasal hair trimmers (I really should use
those tweezers…) or just my camera and laptop, there’s no point in
cutting down on unnecessary items such as toothpaste and underpants to
make space for them if I cant even plug the sodding things in. To that
end, the adaptor is a worthy entry on the hit list.It may, however, be
worth waiting and tracking one down when you get to your destination.
If available, they will almost certainly be cheaper (by a long chalk)
and more likely to fit into the local sockets. So far, I’ve always
managed to get an adaptor abroad when needed. Sometimes it involves a
good rummage in a local flea market (which I shamelessly enjoy anyway)
or getting a bit of a run around, but it’s all still good fun,
especially when you have to do it all in mime. If you are planning on
taking one with you then check out the superb http://www.kropla.com/electric.htm
to ascertain supply information and pin configurations in those desired
countries. Alternatively you could just ‘go native’ and wedge bare
wires into sockets with plastic forks, or twist-wrap them around other
exposed conductors. Note: Ubertramp does not condone such dicey and
potentially lethal activities - not even if it saves a whole dollar on
an adaptor!
Earplugs – Self explanatory. Whether on night buses or in large dorms, these are two tickets to a better night’s kip.
Toiletries – The amount of toiletries carried will
vary from person to person. However, it’s not beyond the realms of all
possibility so simply travel with the following few items.
Toothbrush/toothpaste - These items are relatively easy to pick up in most countries, so no need to carry a stockpile.
Bar of soap - I also use soap for shaving and washing my hair which negates the need for two more bulky items.
Razor - Be sure to also take a few extra blades with you as they
take up little space and can sometimes be tricky to find in some
places. Even if you can find them the chances are they won’t be that
cheap.
Deodorant - Roll on or solid varieties are good. They are small,
light, and last longer than sprays - so no need to find replacements as
often.
Washing Powder - Wherever you go, everybody needs to wash their
clothes. Buy your washing powder on the road. Solid blocks are good as
they reduce the risk of creating a quaint snow scene in the bottom of
your pack. Alternatively, if you buy powder you may want to decant it
into a small, plastic, screw top water bottle (or Tupperware box!) to
reduce the risk of a blow out.
First Aid Kit - learn how to make a cheap first aid kit for backpackers here.
Consider these items as a basic setup rather than an exclusive list.
You may wish to add a camera, small gifts from home for people that you
will become close to, notebook and pen, travel games, and possibly
more. Packing, just like travelling itself, is a personal thing – and I
can’t stress the importance of carrying a few extra personal comforts
if deemed a necessary part of your travel plan. But backpackers beware
- remain ruthless with your packing list, because those little extra
add up, both in weight and space, and it’s you who bears the burden!
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