Jesse's CornerOutdoor Life Starts Here

May be backpacking in South America after I get my degree…how does one travel light?

I’m not terribly vain, so it shouldn’t be too difficult, but what are the usual necessities to bring? How many changes of clothes, what toiletries do you bring, what toiletries do you buy there, how do you prepare for theft, etc.

Hello,

I would suggest the following, but, what you decide to pack in the end depends on exactly where you are going. This information is from a page in my new website, http://www.goroundtheworld.com/index_files/rtw_travel_checklist_packing_bag_suitcase_backpack_clothing_toiletries.htm

Have a great trip!

steve

Clothing and Toiletries
The trick to packing lightly for clothing and toiletries is to anticipate the broadest range of weather conditions you expect to encounter during the year. Then, pack one, complete outfit for each end of the range, and one for the middle. At other points in the range, you can always layer (or “un-layer”) your clothes from what you have with you.

Everyday Outfits and Outfits for Special Occasions
Pack enough clothes for three days, one at each end of the range, and one in the middle. Go through your clothes and forget about packing your favorite things are to wear – instead, pack those things which can be worn in a variety of settings. Instead of taking your favorite jeans and a pair of nice slacks for dressy occasions, take one pair of somewhat dressy slacks that will do the job for events with some formality but are comfortable for everyday wear. By doing so, you have gone from two pairs of trousers to one, thereby saving space and weight in your bag. Also remember that laundry services in many locations are cheap and cheerful, so plan to launder the few articles of clothing you take with you frequently. For those rare instances when inexpensive laundry services are not readily available, you can always do laundry in your room, letting your clothes dry while you sleep.

If at all possible, try not to pack more than the following and, by all means, pack less if you can:

Men
Two pairs of trousers (one may be a pair of jeans)
One pair of rugged pants for outdoor settings
Two, long-sleeved, collared shirts (pack interesting shirts, not dress shirts for business or formal occasions)
Two tee shirts (it is really inexpensive to buy new ones on the road)
One thin sweater
One pair of shorts extending close to the kneecap or longer
One jacket (lightweight or winter, but not both)
One swimming outfit
Three sets of undergarments and socks
One pair of shoes that are casually dressy while at the same time useful for outdoor settings (check out Mephisto brand shoes for this)
One pair if open sandals (any sport sandal will do)
That’s all

Women
Two pairs of trousers (one may be a long, comfortable skirt)
One pair of rugged pants for outdoor settings
Two long-sleeved blouses (pack interesting blouses, not too dressy)
Two tee shirts (It is easy to buy new ones on the road if need be!)
One thin sweater
One pair of shorts extending close to the kneecap or longer
One jacket (lightweight or winter, but not both)
One swimming outfit
Three sets of undergarments and socks
One pair of shoes that are casually dressy while at the same time useful for outdoor settings (check out Mephisto brand shoes for this)
One pair if open sandals (any sport sandal will do)
That’s all

Toothpaste, Soap, Hair Care, Feminine Care, and Other Basic Items
Try to pack only the most basic items. You do not need to pack shampoo and conditioner; pack only conditioner instead (ask your hairdresser for recommendations if you are unsure about that). Pack travel size items if at all possible. You may be traveling for an extended period of time, but basic hygiene items are available cheaply throughout the world, and in many cases at just a fraction of the cost back home. When staying at a guesthouse which offers such products, get in the habit of taking the unused portions of products with you to your next stop. Not only will that reduce waste, but that half-bottle of conditioner or that extra travel bar of soap may come in handy down the road. Remember that for the basics, you can and will buy what you need as you go along, and it will not cost very much to do so.

Contact Lens Solutions
Bring along a large bottle of solution. This can be hard to find in many locales and, when found, can be quite expensive.

Suntan Oils and Lotions
Suntan oils and lotions are like contact solution – they can be hard to find and expensive. Finding suntan lotion without bleach is nearly impossible in some parts of Asia. In parts of Africa, such items are virtually non-existent.

Laundry Bag, Laundry Rope, and Detergents
Pack a thin laundry bag that will help you separate clean from soiled items in your suitcase or backpack. Find a sturdy rope at a camping store which you may use to dry your clothes in your room for those times that a clothes dryer is not available and you are doing your own laundry. Pack minimal detergents because, like basic hygiene products, detergents are readily available and inexpensive throughout the world.

Ultralight to lightwieght backpacking gear part 1

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