Gear and equipment forum

Crikey - that looks like a lot of stuff (but maybe cuz it's just a long list). Not sure if you are looking for feedback, but here it is anyhow (maybe useful to others):

- Scan all the documents included in your Papers section and email them to yourself so that you can access it online if necessary.

- Laminate a copy of your passport (photo page only) and use this to hand to people when ID, etc is needed. This will be accepted in a majority of cases and keeps your real passport safely tucked away. In Vietnam, they always asked to keep the pasport over night. Over a month, I managed to get away with the laminated copy everytime except once. I always try this when renting vehicles too , but they're too smart for that one. Doesn't stop me from trying though.

- Don't overdo it on the first aid kit. You can usually buy the basics along the way. (Heart burn meds - really?!) One thing to consider is getting some injection needles - if you need antibiotic or something in a fairly remote or dubious place, you might like to provide your own.

- There's a few other things that I question: Compass (plus GPS?), Extra batteries (buy them!), trimmer and charger (pay for a local cut!)

- Cut down on the Tshirts - you will mostly likely want to buy some as souvenirs as you go anyhow.

- Soap is messy once it's wet, and I found it is often provided in the places that I stayed. However, I did keep a small bottle of shower gel in my toiletry bag, just in case. (My upcoming trip I'm foregoing the showergel and will just use either my face cleanser gel stuff or shampoo as soap.

- Since you are starting off in SEA (hot), consider leaving socks and long sleeve shirt behind (unless you think they might be useful for trekking).

- Glad you see you are taking TWO ATM and Credit cards. Just make sure you store them separately. I was glad I did this when I lost my wallet at the start of my trip.

- And here's an idea to ADD to the pack. I go to our local $2 shop and buy up a bunch of NZ souvenir pens (nice-ish ones, not just a Bic). They are reasonably light to carry, and make nice little gifts for special people that you meet along the way.

And a hammock

Thanks for the replies everyone, I am always willing to accept and apply feedback. I really just wanted to show people a detailed list of how you can travel light. I'm not a minimalist by any means and like having my small luxuries but also like having a bag that can carry on a bus and plane.

Let me explain a few of my choices.

Heartburn meds- Yes, Unfortunately I need them daily as well as narcotic pain killers. I've gained 30 lbs over the last 2 years due to an injury. The heartburn is BAD, I've been scoped and tested and everything appears normal. Once I get back on the road and start shedding lbs again, hopefully it will slowly dissipate. One reason it's still so bad is because I don't censor what I eat. This trip is largely about culinary exploration so heart burn or not, I'm trying it all!

First Aid- The whole kit is light and compact, about 1LB. Carrying it all is mostly from force of habit after so much riding and most of the things listed being used. I plan on riding in remote areas most of the time, so if I go down I want to have everything (hopefully) I need right there.

Trimmer- The whole kit weighs 7oz. I use it mostly for my beard. Holds a charge for weeks and no need to have hot water and gel/soap. It's hard for me to shave with a razor because my hair is so course. My father is the same way, he says it comes from years of hard work outside... It also saves money on hair cuts. When I do shave, I need hot water, gel and a brand new multi blade (5) razor or my face will be cut up and very sensitive.

Compass- Just a backup to use with a map, it's tiny.

Cloths- I'm taking so many T-shirts, socks, and underwear for several reasons. I wear 2 XL and I've heard they are harder to find in Asia. Frankly, I sweat alot and like to keep fresh without doing laundry every night. I also like a variety of outfits and can't stand people who stink, it's not cool to be a dirty hippie backpacker. Using the compression bag, my cloths pack pretty small.

Soap- When I said soap I meant shower gel, travel size. I usually leave with 1 of everything and pick them up along the way.

Cologne- Goes back to the keeping fresh. I wear Armani Acqua di Gio, it's like fishing with dynamite

Hammock, Mask/Snorkel- It's funny, I have all of these and at first was planning on bringing them. The hammock is heavy and won't get used in SE Asia but would be useful in NZ and OZ where I'll be camping. Plus with the quarantine on camping gear it's not worth trying, it's old. I'll just pick one up there. I'm leaning towards taking the mask/snorkel since they are a perfect fit.

Thanks for the tips about the syringes and cloths pins. I had thought about them but wasn't sure it would be a problem at customs.

I've already scanned and saved all my documents but that's a good tip about laminating a copy of my passport. I never turn my real one over to anyone besides officials.

samtom- Thanks for reminding me about the paper clip. I need to throw 1 or 2 of them in a bag.

Thanks again everyone!

John