Off A Cliff

I can honestly say that never in my life has packing for a journey represented such an undertaking as packing for this pilgrimage does. Complicating the process, of course, is the fact that I will not only be in the U.S. part of the time, but expect to cross numerous borders — with their accompanying hassles — before this is done. A second consideration is the possibility that I could lose my car before the journey is through. Not only is my vehicle old and subject to break down but — with the condition of roads being what they are — accidents are the major cause of death among travelers “south of the border.” And, because I am traveling alone in unfamiliar lands, weak on language skills to boot, it seems wise to prepare for any situation. Should my car fail where towns are few and far between, I intend to have all that I need to backpack out. If that occurs, however, my disability will be an issue. Generally, I consider five pounds a lot to carry on my back so, if I am to carry survival equipment, it has to be the most ultra-light, best quality things I can find, which equals “expensive.” Also, since I will be mostly out of doors for the next year or two, I’m placing a higher premium on quality attire for all kinds of weather, hence investing in high-tech clothes in which I would normally not indulge. Thus I find myself, for the first time in my entire life, actually spending a lot of money on preparations whereas, in the past, a couple of sweat pants — or pairs of shorts a tee — and my toothbrush would do. 🙂

So what exactly does a girl pack to be ready for anything? A lot! And yet not. It looks like more than it is actually, as some of it (like passport and visa) is preparatory in nature. But, still, for a light traveler like me, this list looks humongous! So, for all you folks out there who are curious about weird things like how to pack for a multinational journey, or may have something to donate, here’s the whole dang shebang. (The things I’ve already acquired have been crossed out.)

The Pilgrim’s Ultimate Packing List

1. Backpack – must have hip support to take weight off my back and outside compartments I can access without opening it. (Sz. 15″)
2. Day Pack – for wandering around with water, journal, camera, ID, etc.
3. Hydration system & H2O bottles — of some sort or nice canteen.
4. Lightweight tent
   
5. Sleeping bag and silk liner sheet — very light; good for warm weather, nothing  more
6. Sleeping pad — for protection from cold ground and some cushion
7. Swiss Army or other knife — with scissors and multiple functions
8. Collapsible trekking pole(s) – (Recommended for warding off dogs and unwelcome suitors — Right, like I’ll ever afford these! LOL Will probably settle for bamboo walking stick.)

Travel Documents

• Passport
• Plane or train tickets and passes
• Health insurance card
• International Travel Visas (if required)
• Extra photos for visas along the way
• Money, travelers checks, credit cards
• Certificate for international travel vaccinations, if required
• Guidebooks for Mexico, Central America, South America, & Peru
• Phrase book for Spanish
• Maps of Mexico, Central America, South America, including separate map for Peru, Ecuador and Brazil.
• International driver’s license
• Emergency phone numbers, including embassy contacts in each country, and next of kin contacts (I am creating a notebook with info. for every country)
• Photocopies and duplicates of all important papers
• Travel money belt
• Phone card
• First Aid supplies

Clothes

• 4 pair quick-drying underwear
• 2 breathable sports bras
• Bathing suit
• Wrinkle-free washable pants/trousers (with a zipper to turn them into shorts) and preferably with plenty of pockets)
• 1 or 2 lightweight pairs pants that to be used for either casual or nicer
• Wrinkle-free washable skirt, to blend in with locals (Macabi skirts that turn into pants – I have yet to try one but they sound great)
• 1-2  Coolmax or other breathable T-shirts
• 2 wrinkle-free washable blouses (one short and one long sleeves. Microfiber is great!)
• 1 long-sleeved UVP50 shirt
• 1 sun-protecting hat
• 4 pair socks (special hiking socks, not cotton! 1 pair should be heavy)
• 1 pair Teva type sandals (for beach, town and shower)
• 1 pair very cushioned hiking boots
• 1 pair very cushioned walking shoes
• Sarong
• Photographer’s vest with pockets
• Lightweight fleece jacket
• Large plastic poncho
• Headband or bandanna
• Thermal underwear

Personal items

• Reading book
• Nail clippers
• Dettol soap (for places with poor sanitation)
• Small bottle of antibacterial soap
• Moisturizing cream or lotion
• Comb
• Toothpaste, toothbrush
• Dental floss (you can slice soft food with it, sew with it, use it to lock things and many other uses)
• Viscose or microfiber travel towel
• Lip balm
• Hair clips, barrettes, and/or stretchy bands
• A few tampons or hygienic pads (kindling to start emergency fire)
• Organic shampoo and conditioner
• Inflatable sleeping pillow (for camping)
• Neck pillow (for driving)
• Eye mask and ear plugs (for loud nights in backpack hostels)
• Eyeglasses
• Sunscreen

A Bit of Everything

• Ziplock bags
• Water purifier/filter
• Whistle
• Bungie cord and hooks
• 3 meters of paracord
• 2 carabiners (one small, one large)
• 2 safety pins
• Small mirror (can also be used to attract attention)
• Mini-sewing kit (with needle large enough to thread through dental floss)
• Rubber bands
• Lightweight mosquito net
• Small plastic magnifying glass or magnifying plastic sheet (credit card size)
• Mosquito repellent (slow release type for longer protection)
• Flashlight and headlamp (headlamp is particularly useful when walking outside to go to the bathroom at night or fixing a flat)
• Deck of cards for border crossings
• Tin mug (prefer lightweight titanium but not in budget. Haaa!)
• Small organic candles, preferable in tins (for ceremony and for bug-repellant
• Sheet of tin or aluminum foil, folded
• Waterproof matches/fire steel/lighter
• Roll of densely packed toilet paper (or a small pack of tissues)
• Space or emergency blanket
• Universal sink plug
• Compass
• A length of duct/duck tape (rolled up tightly)
• Eating utensils: 2 sporks will work, titanium plate or bowl

Technical Stuff

• Plug adapter
• Power converter for lighter plug in car
• Pens
• GSM cell phone (for south of the border)
• 2 USB flash drives (to keep copies of important papers and journal)
• Magic marker
• Travel journal or notebook
• Glue stick (to stick cards and other interesting things into your journal or notebook)
• Digital camera and spare batteries
• AA/AAA battery charger (my nearly new one doesn’t seem to be working right)
• Spare memory cards (want an 8GB for camera)
• MP3 player – for occasional music and also dictating experiences

Optional

• Plug adapter
• Lightweight computer

Medicine Kit

• Antibiotic cream
• Band-aids of different sizes
• Immodium A-D
• Gauze wrap
• Ankle/wrist wrap
• Liquid bandage

Believe it or not, that’s it! Like I said, “a lot, but not.” If I’ve missed something important you want to add from your own experience, or if you have any questions, please feel free to comment. I look forward to hearing from ya!