Chapter 24

Travel Backpacking Checklists

Essentials  Personal  Clothing  Winter  Medical  Optional  Camping  Don't Think So's

Don't take everything listed here. If you can't afford it, can't find it, or have to think too hard you probably don't need it.

The Five Essentials

If you at least have the following...

__ travelers' checks
__ passport
__ visas (if necessary)
__ hidden money belt
__ brain (Never leave home without!)

Personal Kit

Use plastic zip bags to keep together what needs kept together.

__ comb, brush, or pick (the smallest you have)
__ toothbrush and toothpaste
__ dental floss
__ small bottle of roll-on deodorant
__ small bottle of shampoo (preferably concentrated)
__ soap (bar or liquid)
__ razor (with spare blades or cartridges stored elsewhere)
__ nail clippers (I'll loan mine, but...)
__ small mirror
__ one lipstick
__ eye liner/shadow
__ sunblock
__ roll of densepack toilet paper
__ tampons
__ one or two viscose towels
__ spinach
__ _____
__ _____
__ _____

Clothing

The following includes the total of what's in your pack and what you're wearing. Everything should more or less coordinate, if you care.

__ one pair of good shoes
__ four pairs of socks
__ four pairs of underwear
__ two pairs of pants or tights
__ one pair nylon warm up pants
__ one belt
__ one pair of shorts/swim trunks/bathing suit
__ one skirt
__ four shirts/blouses (includes t-shirts)
__ one pile or down jacket or tightly-woven wool sweater
__ one light rainjacket, preferably long and with a hood
__ one pair flip-flops or sandals
__ one scarf/bandanna/fashion statement
__ _____
__ _____
__ _____

Winter Clothing

__ pile or polypro long underwear, top and bottom
__ more layers as necessary
__ balaclava
__ wool or pile cap
__ polypro or pile gloves
__ thick, warm socks
__ boots
__ _____
__ _____
__ _____

Medical Items

Keep in a plastic zip bag, or buy a pre-assembled kit.

__ bandages, various sizes
__ triple antibiotic cream
__ tincture of iodine disinfectant
__ aspirin or other pain reliever
__ urinary tract analgesic (phenazopyridine)
__ prescribed medicines
__ tweezers
__ Pepto Bismol chewable tablets
__ antihistamine pills
__ motion sickness pills (if susceptible)
__ multivitamins
__ condoms
__ birth control
__ Compeed, Moleskin or New-Skin blister bandages
__ aluminum space blanket
__ notecard detailing medical conditions/allergies (keep in wallet)
__ _____
__ _____
__ _____

Add for travel to developing countries

__ antibiotic (as prescribed)
__ Immodium antidiarrheal tablets
__ iodine water disinfection tablets
__ water purifier/filter (optional)
__ 1% hydrocortisone anti-itch cream
__ anti-malarial medications (as prescribed)
__ insect repellent
__ yellow card (International Health Certificate)
__ sterile syringe and needle (as prescribed)
__ thermometer
__ _____
__ _____
__ _____

Optional Items

__ spare eyeglasses
__ prescription for eyeglasses
__ sunglasses
__ sunhat
__ guidebook
__ language dictionary/phrase book
__ maps
__ camera
__ film
__ mini binoculars
__ magnifying glass
__ 2AA flashlight, with spare bulb and batteries
__ flashlight head band
__ forty feet of 1/8 inch cord
__ Swiss army knife with corkscrew
__ miniature folding scissors
__ mini sewing kit
__ five yards duct tape wrapped around pencil
__ mesh or nylon bags
__ laundry detergent in a doubled plastic zip bag
__ flat rubber drain plug
__ whistle
__ plastic garbage bag
__ insect repellent
__ mosquito netting
__ water bottle
__ mini umbrella
__ journal and pen
__ mini address book
__ envelopes
__ magic marker
__ small gifts such as postcards from home
__ one or two credit cards
__ ATM card
__ travelers' checks
__ International Drivers' License (and/or your standard license)
__ wallet
__ one small candle
__ sleeping bag
__ sleep sheet
__ paperback book
__ cassette or mini-cassette player/recorder
__ batteries (2AA alkalines are available almost everywhere)
__ foam ear plugs
__ rubber bands
__ painting and drawing supplies
__ juggling pins
__ Frisbee (doubles as plate)
__ Aerobie (flying machine, only)
__ _____
__ _____
__ _____

Camping Gear

Keep the kitchen items in a mesh bag. All are optional.

__ insect repellent
__ mosquito netting
__ tent and stakes
__ ground sheet (for tropical travel)
__ sleeping pad
__ nylon repair tape
__ hammock
__ bivy sack
__ poncho
__ stove
__ fuel (not allowed on airplanes)
__ utensils (knife, fork, and spoon)
__ light cooking gear (pot, fry pan, sierra cup)
__ nylon pot scrubber
__ lighter
__ seasonings
__ five spare plastic zip bags
__ fishhook and line (or dental floss)
__ _____
__ _____
__ _____

The Five I-Don't-Think-So's

__ portable shower
__ electrical appliances
__ library card
__ pets
__ heavy Kierkegaard

Photo: How an Aerobie sees the world.