Electronics and other gear:
- stainless steel bottle – do you know how much plastic we waste while traveling just because of buying bottled water? Take a reusable bottle with you. We decided for the ECOtanka. Here is why: It is not made of plastic but stainless steel. You can fill hot and cold beverages in, you can even use it as a hot water bottle during freezing nights while camping.
- Camera
- Cellphone
- Earplugs
- Notebook (essential for More than Travel
)
- Notebook sleeve. We decided for a green product of Hamburg label Pack&Smooch.
- Adapter
- Charging cables for every equipment
- light or headlight
- ear plugs (essential for getting your sleep at hostel dorms or noisy cities)
- small pillow (this depends on your needs, I am very sensitive because of neck-problems so I decided to bring a small down pillow)
- pocket knife
- stainless steel cup (important for hiking, you can drink you morning coffee or eat your porridge or soup out of it)
- small locker for hostel spints
- one water proof bag (in case of hard rain, a rough boat trip or a day at the beach: put your electronics in a water proof bag!)
- Sleeping bag inlet made of silk (extra light and small pack size as well as keeping you warmer/colder than cotton)
- one day pack or shoulder bag: Not only for going to the beach or sprawling through a city. Also for having your electronics and other important stuff with you on bus rides. I am using the Canvas Trekker from TOMS. The social benefit: for every bag you purchase, TOMS is guaranteeing a safe birth for a mother and her child in need! It has a build in Laptop case, so your electronics will be safe.
- about 10 passport photos: you need them often when crossing borders, so always have them at hand
Trekking think about: do you need a sleeping mat, a tent and a warm sleeping bag? Depending on the region you are going and your plans, you have to take your own stuff or you can think about buying or borrowing it there. My trip will take me to hot regions as well as Fireland and Patagonia. There, I will trek during many days through the national parks and sleep outside. Even in summer (around November-March), temperatures can drop below 0 degrees at night. A warm sleeping bag and mat are essential! Or can you get a rest, when shivering the whole night?
My choices:
- I needed a lightweight yet warm sleeping bag. My last bag is about 16 years old and extremely heavy. Nothing that would fit in my backpack. And: it would not keep me warm enough! Plus: I wanted a responsible company for my new gear. I opted for the TALUS II down bag from Sea to Summit. Comfort temperature is around -3 degrees, but lower limit takes it to -10 degrees. You can get in in three sizes, the regular one is 1045g (2lb 5oz).
- You will also need a sleeping mat. Ideally one with isolation for cold nights. On the other hand, every gram counts in your backpack so would like to keep it light! I recommend the Sea to Summit Ultra Light Insulated sleeping mat. The tapered profile and single layer construction minimize weight and bulk. The regular one is 183 x 55cm (length x width) and weights 440 gram! A real lightweight solution!
What else:
I am always taking a small diary with me to catch my thoughts, ideas or places I’ve been to.
Don’t forget your credit card!