Backpacking checklist.

[Johnny B]

Hiya folks!

Off to Portugal and beyond soon! So here I am trying to decide what I need to take with me. I'll start the list and if you'd be so kind to continue with your suggestions...

-Surfboard! (+bag and extra wrapping (not the xmas kind) for the journey)
-Bag
-Wetsuit
-(this is where it gets tricky) Erm...some kegs...maybe 1 pair of jeans and some combats
-a few t shirts
-Some spare jocks n socks.
-First aid kit. In case I am attacked by angry locals, stung by a Portugese Man-o-war or hit by really tiny meteors.
-Shoes...flip flops and some trainers.
-Passport.
-Dosh.
-Tent
-Sleeping bag.
-A book (for flights and flat days)
-Toiletries
-A Swiss army knife. A man's best friend...kinda.
-A hat...maybe a sombrero, not sure if I'll pull it off.

What else? (...J...)

[Adrenaline Fueled]

May I recomend... http://www.vagabonding.net/

May not be what you have in mind, but the books excellent IMHO... Not so much a practical guide, more of a mental preperation for back pack travelling. Anyway, he recommends taking the minimum possible. Check out the site!

[soops]

Ref toiletries take the smallest you can of everything and top up as you go... otherwise its just dead weight

Rule of thumb is that you should be able to pack and go in less than 10 mins... if not you have too much stuff

[thaya]

oooooooooooooooo this thread will be really useful for me too...

I've started writing a list for hawaii, but it's two pages long so I think I need to cut down a bit... very difficult as i never travel light

I would add to your list:

earplugs
any medication you might need & mosquito repellent, sting relief etc
condoms (you never know )
waterproof watch (so you're not late for buses, trains, planes etc)
sunscreen lotion
credit card
some small backpacker type utensils - bowl, spoon, knife, fork etc

I've added to my list 4 bikinis, 3 tankini's, a pair of trekking sandles, 4 pairs of shorts, 3 pairs of flip flops, 1 pair of trainers, 1 pair of three quarter length combats, about 15 strappy tops, some undies etc, a pair of summer PJ's & a nightie, hair straighteners, sunhat, hair bobble, clip, brush, toiletries, essential items of makeup and girly stuff!

I need to cut it down a little bit i think!

[Sillysausage]

lol yea condoms are a deffo, dont want to be getting no nasties on your travels egh!

[drowningbitbybit]

An unusual but useful one...

Those face-wipes you can get from chemists.

When you cant get to a shower or a bath, they're invaluable for taking an emergency wash all over. Or for getting rid of crusty salt round the eyes.

[thaya]

i forgot about face wipes (they're on my list at home though)

that reminds me - take several packs of "brush aways" as I think you can't even take toothpaste on a plane these days and there's nothing worse than really needing to brush your teeth and not being able to. Also useful if, when you're there, you accidently drop your toothbrush on the floor and can't get to a shop to buy another one for a few days.

[drowningbitbybit]

take several packs of "brush aways" as I think you can't even take toothpaste on a plane these days

You can take up to 100ml liquids/gels, so a normal toothpaste tube is okay. But if its bigger than 100ml, they WILL take it off you

[libby]

Take biodegradable travel soap, its liquid and you buy it from most outdoor/trekking shops, you can use it as shampoo, to wash fruit and veg, washing clothes, its totally multipurpose and not so bad for the environment, it means you dont have to take loads of toiletries and its concentrate so a little bit last ages

[soops]

take several packs of "brush aways" as I think you can't even take toothpaste on a plane these days

You can take up to 100ml liquids/gels, so a normal toothpaste tube is okay. But if its bigger than 100ml, they WILL take it off you

You can put whatever you want including aerosoles into the hold.... but the 100ml restrictions do apply to the cabin

[thaya]

You can put whatever you want including aerosoles into the hold.... but the 100ml restrictions do apply to the cabin

i hate travelling for 24/48hrs without a toothbrush! I always used to carry a travel one. i didn't know about the 100ml rule, so thanks! good to know.

[surfchick]

Get yourself a Bipstrap to keep your mobile/ipod out of site and safe under your tee http://www.manjana.co.uk/page4.htm
And I find a bottle opener is always needed .

[Brisbanebound]

Are you sticking to Europe or going places where the water isn't potable? If so take iodine to make water safe.
A torch is handy.
Alarm clock (not needed if taking mobile phone).
Waterproof wallet (like Denko) so you don't have to leave your money, credit cards etc on the beach.
Rehydration salts (especially if going tropical).
Immodium.
Some hand wash (the kind where no water is needed, normally alcohol based).
A towel.
Camera.
Wax combe.
Ding repair kit.
Don't forget to take the chargers for any electrical stuff!!!
Waterproof jacket (nothing more miserable than waiting for a bus/train or summat and getting rained on in shorts and T-shirt!!!
Sleeping bag liner (handy as a cover for hot places and to avoid touching manky bed clothes!)
A list of phone numbers and addresses.
Travel insurance!!!
A pen (trust me it'll come in handy).

[pat42]

Like Brisbanebound says, a torch and TRAVEL INSURANCE!!

If you cant afford private insurance, you can get free basic insurance from the government.........Used to be called the E111, but they've changed it to the European Health Insurance Card

It covers basic healthcare and emergencies and you can apply online:

http://www.travelhealth.co.uk/advice/ehic.htm

[Johnny B]

I'm glad I posted this, most of the things I'd thought of, but I like the sound of that multi purpose soap stuff and I hadn't thought about taking a torch but it'd be handy for if I have to pitch my tent in the dark or just find stuff in my tent at night.

It's definite now. I booked a flight for...WEDNESDAY!

Life's tough for me at the mo and the sooner I'm gone the better. Just been calling a few people to let 'em know and no one was expecting it!

I'm travelling so light it's mad, I reckon all my gear will fit in/on a 35lt bag.

Oh, question: Will I get too hot in a 5:3 wetsuit out there at this time of the year?

One other thing...HOW MANY strappy tops Thaya!? I think maybe you do need to cut down, I'm only taking 4 T-shirts and a vest. Also, why would you need more than 1 pair of flip-flops?

...J...

[Johnny B]

Arg!

I know I just posted, but I need to ask, am I mad? I haven't booked anywhere to stay or anything, I only have the vaguest of plans, I'm just blagging the lot. I feel like I'm stepping into the abyss, kinda scary (good scary though).



Oh...one more thing...kinda off topic but I found this product that I think is just perfect for surfers; check out these Waterproof Compression Bags (about half way down the page). They're ace! They fit a wetsuit nicely (the medium one I think), wraps it up small and doesn't leak a drop! Ideal to put inside another bag or just carry on its own! Only about £6 from a hiking shop too!

[surfchick]

If you are going to be away for quite awhile I would take some Marmite, provided you like it? The bread in foreign countries isnt always as good as you get back home but a small jar will liven it up and keep you going for ages .

[Johnny B]

Hahaha!

Unfortunately I'm a hater not a lover. Of Marmite that is!

Less than a week to go. I have got a me friend's maglite for the trip and bought some of that soap (thanks Libby). I have sorted out my Insurance card; I ain't going private, I'll risk it for a biscuit.

I'm taking a camera, it's a pretty nice digital camera that my best mate is very kindly lending me. I'm kinda worried about taking something so valuable backpacking, but my pal assures me that he won't kill me (too much) if I lost it.

I just thought, I'll probably need a day bag too, for me beach stuff and touristy crap for the flat days.

There's an alarm clock on me moby which I'm taking and is insured.

Painkillers in me first-aid kit.

Surf essentials: wax comb, wax, ding repair kit.

Hmm...waterproof wallet. Good thinking Batman! Cheers for the advice folks! (esp. Brisbanebound)

[Brisbanebound]

Have an ace time! Backpacking is awesome and you're doing it the best way - no plan, just see where you end up!
(Oh yeah, reckon a 5/3 will be pretty darn warm but you can always let water in to cool down!!!)
Oh, one other thing - NEVER trust people in backpacker rooms! Most are great but I've had stuff pilfered by people in dorms before so be wary.

[Johnny B]

Thanks for all the advice.

I have everything sorted (almost) now, though I'm sure I'm forgetting summat.

It was a nightmare getting bloody bubble wrap, nowhere frikkin' had it! I finally had to "buy" some in a camping shop but the cash went to charity so that's alreet. But now it's just sitting here next to me...

MUST...RESIST...POPPING

Erm...about the wetsuit, I have an old shortie so I might take that and get a 3:2 when I get to Portugal, d'you reckon it'll be any cheaper than getting one over 'ere?

I swear I'm forgetting stuff. Ah well...ya live ya learn.