All my bags are packed, I’m ready to go
My West Highland Way experience was a good test run as it made me realise that I was planning to take too much with me. I’ve probably still got more than I need, but it means I don’t need to do washing every day and I’ve still managed to get my rucksack packed with room to spare.
The most difficult decisions were the ones concerning footwear. I originally considered taking just a pair of sandals and a pair of trekking trainers, but that would lead to the sandals getting a bit minging after showering in them and if my feet are killing me after walking all day, I wouldn’t have something comfy to put on in the evening. I learnt this the hard way on the West Highland Way, so I’m not making the same mistake again. I have therefore packed a pair of converse for comfort and a pair of cheap plastic flip flops for showering. If it turns out I don’t need any of them, I can always ditch them later.
The clothing list was relatively easy compared to all the other bits and pieces. I’m pretty certain that by the time I reach Cape Town I will either be ditching or posting home a number of items from my ‘misc’ list. In Africa I will be camping so I need to take a sleeping bag, but I probably won’t need it again. I am also taking a pair of binoculars for the safaris which I’ll probably hold on to until after I go on a tiger safari in India. Other items that may end up being sent home or being ditched include a water bottle with filter and purifier built in and a mosquito net. I bought the water bottle because I don’t want to buy plastic bottles everywhere I go.
It should come as no surprise that the gadgets out number everything else that I am taking. Cameras, netbook, batteries, chargers, backup storage, you name it, I’ve got it. Like everything else, if it becomes a hassle to carry I will need to rethink things. For now though, it is all essential!
The most important item however is the most basic. Some cultures don’t see the need for it, and I’m sure I will learn to live without it, but its still comforting to know that my bag contains a roll of toilet paper!
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I'm so excited for you!!!
Never forget the TP! Our gadgets our ridiculous too, we have tons of them! Enjoy your travels!
I'm definitely ready for the trip! I think I subscribed just in time.
You will thank yourself many times over for bringing that roll.
wow im excited for you dan, i can feel the hairs raise up on my arm. also thanks ill add some of these to my packing list.
Happy travels!
Dan – we'll definitely have to share this one – good luck with everything – can't wait to read the updates
I feel as though I'm a virtual traveller on this trip so it's all very exciting!
You've got all your ducks in a row. Way to go Dan. This is going to be the adventure of a lifetime. Best of luck to you and happy trails!
I'd hang onto the mosquito net for SE Asia if I were you!
Hey Dan, you and are in just about the same space except that you are a month or so ahead of me! I leave on the 19 day SW Overland Safari from Livingston Falls to Capetown on 23 Sept. Yesterday my oldest son left to return to college so I commandeered his room and laid out my travel gear from my Morocco trip in April.
Asked my wife how many rolls of TP one needs for 19 days. I say 3 big ones. Sharpened my Swiss army knife. Made a shopping list. I'm excited to hear your entries! It will be like the movie previews, but better I'm sure.