Packing Advice

So you've created a list a mile long, packed and now realised you can't even lift it let alone trek around with it on your back.   So in the words of legendary geezer Mike 'The Streets' Skinner, "Pull out your sack and sit back".

You'd be better off unpacking, take away half, then pack again.   Remember you're going to be lugging this around the globe for at least the next few months and no doubt will be picking up all sorts of mementos so you'll need some space.

This following is a brief guide to what to take on your travels.   This is NOT a definitive guide and no doubt more experienced travellers may disagree with some of it.   Please contact us if you want to add your two penneth!

Packs n Sacks

A backpack with an integrated day sack is a good start, but if you start with a 70+ litre pack you're going to be sick of it after a short time.   Better to stick with 50-60 litre pack with space to pick up things as you go.   If you stick to the bare essentials, you can get away with a 30 litre pack.

Although sleeping bags can be pretty compact these days, you may want to consider a sleep sack (silk is particularly good) which reduces down to the size of a large orange.   If you are going to be camping, stick with a sleeping bag.   However, if you're going to be in hostels most of the time, a sleep sack will protect you from possibly dirty and itchy sheets.   If it's going to be cold, ask for extra blankets.

Clothing

While you may be tempted to take all your favourite t-shirts and best pair of jeans, just remember that packing light is key, as is having quick drying clothes.   You can always buy some of the following while you're travelling and they are likely to be a lot cheaper than back home.

• A couple of t-shirts, moisture wicking ones are particularly good (these draw perspiration away from the body and vent it outside).
• A polo shirt, which can look smarter, the upturned collar will give protection from the sun/wind.
• A long sleeved shirt, which gives protection from the sun/wind and allow you to blend in more in developing countries.   It may also be more suitable in religiously sensitive areas.
• A couple of pairs of lightweight, cargo-style trousers with lots of pockets are very handy.   Many outdoor clothing companies have good quality, quick-drying trousers, some with internal security pockets.   If you are going to bring jeans, don't bring your best ones.   They are very durable, but not the best in hot countries.
• A good option for women (or Beckham aficionados) is the sarong, a very versatile piece of clothing, lightweight and good for sensitive areas.   High quality sarongs can be picked up while travelling for next to nothing.
• A couple of pairs of shorts, preferably doubling as swimwear, although this will mark you as a tourist and mean you won't get access to certain places (temples, mosques etc).   As for swimwear, women need to be aware of sensitive regions and what is acceptable.   This is where the t-shirt and sarong comes in handy.
• A lightweight fleece is invaluable (doubling as a pillow) even in hot countries where you can freeze in the vigorous air con!   But with extra layers it can provide substantial warmth in colder areas.   If you're likely to go to seriously cold places, get some thermals!
• Pants/Knickers/Bras/Jocks/Socks - about 5 pairs should do it as you can always wash these at the next hostel in the sink.   Comfy bras for the women are a must as is a sports bra or two.   General feedback from travellers - don't take anything white as it won't be by the end of your trip!
• A good hat can provide a break from the sun and allow you entrance to religious sites where your head must be covered.

Footwear

This is a tricky one depending on what you'll be getting up to on your trip.   Sandals are a must, but get sturdy ones that'll stand up to a bit of walking.   You can always pick up some disposable sandals for the beach en route.  

If you think you will be doing some trekking then take some lightweight hiking shoes but not boots as they'll take up too much room and are usually heavy.   Note: Be aware that in some countries (particularly New Zealand and Australia) you will need to declare if you have been trekking when you arrive.   This is to ensure any organic matter on your shoes is removed before you enter the country.

Health & 'Maintenance'

Check with your local health centre about any innoculations you are required to have when travelling to certain regions.   Speak to your local pharmacist about the need for malaria tablets.

Pack a good, compact first aid kit with essentials you may need when off the beaten track.   You will be able to get most basic items from a pharmacy along the way.   Key things to take include:

• Painkillers
• Diarrhoea / constipation tablets
• Plasters / small bandage roll
• Antiseptic cream
• Travel sickness pills
• Cream for insect stings and bites
• Scissors / tweezers - if you take these, make sure your kit is in your main luggage, you won't be able to take them onboard a plane.
• Syringes - you are better off with your own if in a developing country if you require treatment.
• Sunscreen is vitally important to ensure you avoid getting sunburnt.   This is really a last resort as you should take other measures first to avoid this.   We realise this is not always possible when travelling, but check here for our guide to staying safe in the sun.   Pack a high factor, water resistant sun cream.   It doesn't have to be a huge bottle as you can usually buy more in tourist areas.

You can get smaller, 'travelsize' items such as deodorant, toothpaste and soap which all help keep size and weight down.   Instead of taking shaving cream, use shaving oil which comes in a tiny bottle and lasts for ages.

A brief word on sanitary care.   We've heard about an innovative product, which is a soft rubber menstrual cap which can be more convenient and hygienic than tampons.   See your local pharmacist for more info.

Safety / Security

Useful items to help keep you and your belongings safe while you travel include a personal alarm and locks for your bags.   Cable locks which can wrap around your bag are a must and a padlock for some hostels is also useful.

Keeping your valuables and documentation safe is of obvious importance as lost or stolen documents can cause major headaches.   Use moneybelts, internal pockets (if your clothes have them) and for women use your bras if you can.

While it may be a knee-jerk reaction, you can get your bag cellophane wrapped before you fly to ensure a dodgy package is not put into your bag en route.

Techy Kit

Digital cameras appear to be the gadget of choice for travellers and compact cameras now provide high quality shots and take up minimal space.   If you want to get the most out of your photos, an SLR or digital SLR camera really is the mutt's nuts.   But then so is the price, so check with your insurance before you go.   Your memory cards will no doubt fill up quite quickly so head to the nearest internet cafe.   You can either upload them to a website (Scarytan of course - coming soon!) which may take a while on slow internet connections, or download them to CD.

Mobile phones are increasingly being used to keep in contact with family and friends back home.   You'll need a phone with dual- or tri-band capabilities to connect to a local network.   If you're in a place for a period of time you may be better off buying a sim card for the local carrier.   Check your phone before you go to see if it's locked to your service provider as you may not be able to use a different sim card.   Text messages are a much cheaper way of keeping in touch as you can always send a more detailed message once you get to an internet café.   The only other issue is charging it - you can get solar and clockwork chargers, or take a worldwide plug adapter.

MP3 players are all the rage and can help while away the hours waiting for your connecting flight or bus journey.   They are magnets for thieves and you'll need to check with your insurance company to see if you're covered.

Other useful stuff

Other things that only come to mind when you actually need them, but are really useful include:

• Plastic bin liners for your clothes
• Small zip lock bags for money, valuables etc
• Fishing line for tying things and using as a washing line
• Swiss Army knife for all those little things they're so good for.   Make sure it's not in your hand luggage on flights though as you'll lose it.
• Torch
• Duct tape - very useful!
• Books - reading or guide books.   Mixed reviews of this as they can take up a bit of space and are heavy, but can help relieve the boredom when waiting around!
• Compact umbrella for those tropical storms
• Tiny towels - there are a number of micro towels on the market which claim to do the job of a large towel.   A great space saver.

Disclaimer:
While we make every effort to ensure our content is accurate and up to date, Scarytan accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of information. Scarytan will not be held liable for any loss or damage as a result of use of this information.