Whether you're heading into the wilderness or backpacking from hostel to guesthouse, you won't want to leave home without these essentials.
When adventure travel takes you far off the beaten path, you can't forget your gear!
Going on a trip out of the country is no easy task. There are many things to think about,from immunizations to documents to electrical conversion kits. Use this checklist as a packing guide, but remember, this is a broad list. Check out other resources, like Lonely Planet, Council Travel (if you are a student or a teacher), or Fodor's. Not every item here will be needed on every trip, so pack only what you need and leave the rest at home.
Day pack or fanny pack Travel pack Duffel Sunglasses Sunscreen Nylon cord (50 feet) Multi-tool knife Water bottle or hydration system Water purification kit or water filter Mini sewing/repair kit Flashlight (don't forget an extra bulb and batteries) Travel locks Luggage ID tags Travel clothesline Electrical conversion plugs Mesh bag for dirty laundry Portable iron Document pouch, undercover passport carrier, or money belt Organizing cubes and pouches Tent Sleeping bag
Consult your physician about medications and vaccinations you may need for your trip. You can also look at the Center for Disease Control's comprehensive travel website for information on vaccines, reference materials, and other travel information.
Antibiotics Antiseptics Tylenol Benadryl Tincture of Benzoin Sterile gauze pads Roller gauze Non-adherent dressing One-inch adhesive tape Steristrips Ace wrap Large compress Moleskin / Second Skin Tweezers Bandage scissors Irrigation syringe Motion sickness medication Malaria pills Sunburn ointment Laxative Personal prescriptions Vitamins Diarrhea medicine
Underwear Travel shirt (preferably with document/security pocket) Travel pants (preferably ones that offer multiple pockets and are convertible to shorts) Socks T-Shirts Shorts One nice outfit and nice walking shoes if you plan to visit civilization Fleece, Polartec, or wool sweater Rainwear Brimmed hat Bandanna Hiking boots (Men's and Women's) Lip balm Laundry soap (in small Nalgene bottle) Toothbrush and toothpaste Dental floss Deodorant Skin care lotions/creams Shampoo (in small Nalgene bottle) Shaving cream and razor Moist towelettes Soap
Tape recorder and tapes, or CD player and CDs Bandanna Language books Currency converter Radiation shield for film Camera, film, lenses Binoculars Address book Travel journal Compact travel games and playing cards Reading materials (paperbacks you can leave behind are best) Sketch pad and pencil Trinkets for gifts and trade
Passport (be sure it is current and will not expire before your trip ends) Visa (if applicable: check the specific country's policy) Health documents (proof of necessary shots, etc.) Airline, train, and bus tickets Emergency information Health insurance (if your personal insurance will not cover you overseas, inquire about short-term traveler's health insurance) Traveler's checks Small amount of local currency Credit cards Guide books and maps International driver's license Photocopies of documentation Tickets to special events (concerts, festivals, sporting events) Trip cancellation insurance Hotel reservation confirmations
About the author Michael Hodgson, author of Camping for Dummies and The Day Hiker's Handbook, has written extensively about hiking, camping, paddling, climbing, and the gear you need to do it all. You can contact him at www.adventurenetwork.com.
