This was hard for me. Deciding what to pack. I love stuff, and I had a lot of it before I sold/donated it all, so I deferred to those greater than I and stole a little bit from several of the people in my blogroll and maybe a few others I have forgotten.
This is what I packed.
My bag:
An Osprey 65L (red, yuck) I picked up from REI a few years back for another trip. I figured out most of the quirks with the bag and it is still pretty comfortable and nearly the same as most other peoples bags who I have researched. It’s a top and bottom loader, but has size access zippers so I can get at things from the middle. I’ve matched this with an Osprey Airporter LZ for checking the bag on flights and a small Nike daypack.
My Clothes:
Most of the clothes I have take a while to dry if you can even dry them at all. I was tempted to pack a pair of blue jeans, but decided against it as they would be bulky and slow to dry.
- 1 pair Tru-Spec khakis
- 2 pairs aeropostale cargo shorts (tan and brown)
- 1 set top & bottom Under Armour Cold Gear
- 4 pairs of boxers
- 1 pair havaiana sandlas
- 1 pair zinetics slippers
- 1 pair Merrell Moab shoes
- 2 pair short PHD smartwool socks
- 2 pair long Nike dri-fit socks
- 2 pair normal short cotton socks
- 1 blue cotton t-shirt
- 2 adidas running shirts
- 1 EVS Tactical undershirt
- 3 bandanas
- 1 long sleeve Fox jersey
- 1 Quicksilver rash guard
- 1 pair ONeil board shorts
- MSR XL Pack Towel
- Kelty rain jacket
Tools:
I went overkill on my tool bag, I think. Some of these ideas came from training I took to prepare for the trip. Some came from experience, some came from other travelers.
- Leatherman
- Tape (duct, scotch, electrical)
- Zip Ties
- Ziploc BigBag
- Mini socket/allen/wrench set
- Camerabag strap
- 3 ten meter lengths of 550 paracord
- 12 clothespins
- draw string backpack
- army surplus can opener
- mosquito net
- 30% DEET spray
- Lemon Eucalyptus bug repellent
- army suprlus spoon/knife/fork/corkscrew
- all purpose rubber drain plug
- key ring light
- key ring compass
- PrincetonTec Quad headlamp
- LED Pocket flashlight
- 2 spare pairs of eyeglasses
- Pocket Umbrella
- immersion heater
- cable lock
- 3 TSA approved luggage locks
- 4 assorted key locks
Electronics:
This was a little difficult to decide on. I’ve seen some people have success with a Digital SLR and others caution against it. I’m planning on taking my DSLR with me and accompanying it with a waterproof point and shoot that I have as well as my HD Flip for video with it’s waterproof housing.
- Canon Rebel XT w/ extra memory card and battery
- HD Flip with waterproof case
- Sealife Reefmaster Mini dive camera
- Blackberry (unlocked for global use)
- extension cord
- port multiplier
- light socket voltage tap
- autosensing transformer
- 2 sets of global outlet adapters
- 2 USB/AC adapters
- USB cables (extension, standard, mini)
- rechargeable AA and AAA batteries with charger
- Cat5 cable
- several SD memory cards
- 4 gig USB stick
- Logitech USB Skype headset
- iPod Classic
- Etymotic ER-6i headphones
Health and Medical:
I went with Malaria pills on a daily basis and a number of other items that may or may not have been necessary, but I would hate to be caught without them.
- Doxycyclene
- Steripen Journey
- 2 quickclot bangades
- suture and wound closure kit
- 2 courses of penicilin
- self adhesive 4″ leg wrap
- gauze pads
- Ciproflaxin
- Azithromycin
- Tamiflu
- compact hand mirror
- 70 spf
- 1 roll TP with cardboard tube removed

ok… first off, I think it is HILARIOUS and a bit disturbing that you’ve packed more socks than underwear.
You are traveling with tonnes of gadgets! Great list tho. It’s interesting to see what you’ve brought along.
So, the list changed a tiny bit after I left. When I get done with S.A. I’ll be doing a review of this list and highlighting what I used, what I loved, and what I got rid of, then adding another list reflecting what I think would have been closer to optimum.
Like more underwear? hehe..
Dave, I just ran across this. I’m once again impressed.
Thank you for this and for letting us travel along with you..
Jim Wood