Surprisingly, my packing list has never quite been solidified. Each trip has something slightly unique about it, and my traveling habits evolve with each trip. I’ve done everything from multi-month circumnavigations with an 18L bag, to bringing 2 (yes...2) suitcases along (OK, that also involved working..so I’ll justify it a little bit). So I figure I’d share my packing list for this current trip!
Where: Central Asia mostly, including Russia and western China.
Concerns: Variable weather: The Pamir mountains are no joke, especially during the month of April. On the other hand, the Kyzylkum Desert of Uzbekistan is as “desert” as it gets. I need to bring light clothing that can keep me warm. The key will be layering. An additional thing to keep in mind is souvenirs (I’m going ham this time), and electronics. I’ve decided to bring my laptop and camera, which adds another bag to the picture, for both security and practicality.
The List
Bags: North Face Terra 60- this is the main bag that’s holding my clothes, toiletries, accessories, and will be the home of the souvenirs I pick up (who needs a nice area rug?). Also, a Swiss Gear Synergy laptop bag. I liked this bag cause it will hold my laptop as well as my camera with easy access to both. I’m also a huge fan of pockets for other electronics/food/randoms...and this has plenty. This will be a major gear test on the trip.
Clothes:
- 3 EMS teckwick T shirts. My go to shirts- can wash one in the sinks each night and it’s dry and ready by morning
- 2 EMS long sleeve teckwick shirts. This can save on sunblock when exposed, and works as a good base layer. I probably only needed one, but I splurged
- Exofficio Travel Jacket: anything labeled “travel” usually deters me due to it being a little too much. This jacket is new to me (gear test), and so far I like it a lot. It’s not terribly warm, but is pretty comfy, and has a very smart pocket system for storing just about anything/everything (I said I liked pockets didn’t I?). Big bonus was airport security- everything went into theses comets, off came the jacket, one move, done.
- EMS 800-fill down jacket. Super warm. Water resistant. And folds up into it’s own pocket (fits into the Swiss Gear bag) and serves as a pillow to boot
- EMS Rain shield. Featherweight rain jacket to put over top anything above. No thrills, stuffs into an old MSR bag the size of my palm.
- Pants: Wrangler cargo pants. Go ahead, laugh. I find the hiking pants are a little stuffy; these are comfy, look fine, and let me act like an old man.
- Underwear/socks: enough, but not too much ;)
- Gym shorts- this is a creature comfort. I can’t sleep NOT in gym shorts. Unless naked. OK TMI.
- Swim shorts: Old Army issue PT shorts double as my swim wear. Very small. Good for me. Bad for everyone else.
- Well that’s what I have on me. Take a look at my photo album ent paris, just keep buying them). Can take a decent hike, are sturdy, waterproof, and look OK.
- Teva sandals: it’s nice to kick back and relax in something toehr than hiking shoes from tie to time. These are comfy and durable.
Electronics: This is easily the part that everybody forgets to appreciate takes A LOT of space. We’re evolving into a tech-gear traveling generation, and it’s not a bad thing. Just account for it, and organize your chargers!
- 15’ MacBook pro. This is a workhorse machine and is pretty tough. I’ve brought my laptop on many trips, and as long as you keep it by your side or locked up (with your own lock), you should be OK. Just don’t get stupid. Theres insurance (in case of theft) out there for your Mac, too.
- Canon 6D camera with 24-105 lens. Great full frame camera for nice pictures. Find one lens, get good at it. When I get hired by NatGeo, maybe I’ll start bringing more than one.
- GoPro Hero 4. Thanks mom and dad!!
- iPhone 5s. Honestly, this is so useful to have. Great for pictures, video, maps, booking hotels, etc. Even if you don’t get a local SIM card (recommended), wifi still works, and I’ve become a master of the “screen-shot-a-map” technique.
- Philips wireless speaker: Wanna be the hero at the hostel or bus ride? This is how. This is small, tough, waterproof and easy to use. Charge lasts a while too.
- DeLoreme satnav thing. Thanks to my friend Eric Siu. This will let me map out where I’m going so people can follow along!
- Chargers for all of the above. Most are USB on one end, hence, I also bring a multi port USB- this lets me charge multiple things at once (sure, reduces current, but still works). All of said chargers go into one little zip-up baggy I got from a United flight forever ago, then stores into the backpack. Easy peesy- wires controlled.
Miscellaneous: As in important to not forget.
- Passport...
- Passport photos. Go to CVS and get a sheet of 16 of these. Comes in handy for embassies and visas.
- Small note book. Jot down notes, spending, ideas, etc. Also store the passport photos in here.
- Wallet with Credit card (Sapphire preferred has no foreign fees), Debit card (ATMs for cash), AAA card (ya idk why), student ID (can save money sometimes), and a picture of the President. Just kidding.
- Cash money. Bring crisp, larger denomination bills. Split it up so it’s not in one place, and don’t be dumb about guarding it. Many of these countries operate cash-only, and if cash is stolen, it’s simply gone. Ouch.
- Paperclip. SIM cards, weapon.
- Headlamp
- Pens (2)
- SOG tactical knife
- 550 cord (clothesline, shoelace, etc).
- Watch
- First Aid Kit_ shout out to zofran and cipro
- Duct tape (fixes all things)
- Journal
- Books (travel guide, leisure)
- Headphones
- Earplugs. Keep the ones they give you on the airplane if you have to, but these are SO nice to have. Thank snoring hostel roommates to loud diesel engines when you get the wrong seat on the bus (or slow boat Ryan Buck).
Well that’s what I have on me. Take a look at my photo album and follow along. Looking forward to comments and thoughts. Have any items you never leave for a trip without? Until next time. -BK