Overview
Planning on a round-the-world trip? Or just a long voyage? Or maybe you want to know what gear is useful for traveling? Since we are traveling for a year, we had to make sure we packed only what we needed. We've reviewed some of those items in our backpacks, from the most useful to the dead weight to the wish-we-packed. Additionally, we have a quick note on our health and property insurance.
Backpacks and Storage
Clothes & Shoes
Camping gear
Cameras, Electronics
Health
Health and Property Insurance
Grading scale:
A = excellent, highly recommended.
B = good, but better alternatives may exist
C = alright, easily substitutable
D = used seldom, not well designed
E = poor selection, never used.
Backpacks and Storage
Clothes & Shoes
Camping gear
Cameras, Electronics
Health
Health and Property Insurance
Grading scale:
A = excellent, highly recommended.
B = good, but better alternatives may exist
C = alright, easily substitutable
D = used seldom, not well designed
E = poor selection, never used.
Backpacks and Storage
Probably the two most important features of a backpack are weight distribution and venting. You want a pack that allows you to carry weight easily and doesn't make you sweat like a sauna. That means most weight needs to rest on your hips (good waist straps, solid frame) and the pack stays off your back. It doesn't matter how much mesh, foam, webbing, or holes the pack has, if it rests directly against your back you will sweat, and that will be uncomfortable especially if you are traveling through cities and urban areas. If you're out in the wilderness, just concentrate on the weight distribution.
Another thing to keep in mind: the bigger your backpack, the more stuff you will carry. So get the smallest pack possible that meets your needs. Your back will thank you for it, your wallet will thank you for it (checked bag fees), you will stand out less, and you will have fewer things to misplace.
Another thing to keep in mind: the bigger your backpack, the more stuff you will carry. So get the smallest pack possible that meets your needs. Your back will thank you for it, your wallet will thank you for it (checked bag fees), you will stand out less, and you will have fewer things to misplace.
Gregory Z65 pack, B
Pros: weight distribution, ventilation, side and top access
Cons: few compartments for organization
Gregory has been making packs for over 35 years, and they know what they’re doing. The 65 stands for the capacity, 65L, and is about the maximum amount of space I’d recommend for extensive travel and ends up weighing about 40lbs (18 kg) after packed with your stuff. The pack has both side and top entry, which is helpful for accessing items unpacking the whole bag. Properly adjusted, the pack places most weight on the hips, which is what a good pack should do. The harness system keeps the entire pack off your back, which is the only true way to minimize sweat on your back.
Tips: The pack has tons of extra tie-down straps and buckles. Mark the buckles with matching colors for faster packing.
REI Tech Tour 60, A
Pros: great suspension, ventilation, and organization. Includes foul weather/checked bag pack cover. Top compartment detaches into a purse
Cons: a bit heavier than average, discontinued
Bags like this are why REI products are often a better choice than other name brands. The design is excellent: contents can be stored efficiently in the large, rectangular compartment that opens up on the broad side like a suitcase. Side pockets help with storage. Zippers can be locked. The pack includes a cover for foul weather and luggage transport. The top bag disconnects into a purse. Unfortunately, this pack has been discontinued but REI carries similar alternatives, including one with a detachable daypack.
Pros: great suspension, ventilation, and organization. Includes foul weather/checked bag pack cover. Top compartment detaches into a purse
Cons: a bit heavier than average, discontinued
Bags like this are why REI products are often a better choice than other name brands. The design is excellent: contents can be stored efficiently in the large, rectangular compartment that opens up on the broad side like a suitcase. Side pockets help with storage. Zippers can be locked. The pack includes a cover for foul weather and luggage transport. The top bag disconnects into a purse. Unfortunately, this pack has been discontinued but REI carries similar alternatives, including one with a detachable daypack.
Lowepro Flipside Sport 15L, B
Pros: back-access compartment provides greater security, can access gear without taking pack off, includes foul weather cover, gear pouch is removable to convert camera bag into daypack.
Cons: no outside stash pockets, bulky with water bladder, no ventilation, tripod sleeve is useless and overly bulky, bag is somewhat heavy (2 kg).
This pack is ideal for day-tripping with camera gear. It holds a lot of gear for it’s size: mine currently has a digitial SLR+lens, 2 additional lenses, 2 GoPros, backup batteries, and room for more space (see Backpack Contents). The gear compartment cannot be accessed from the front, providing security from pickpockets. It can also be removed to quickly convert the camera bag into a daypack. Space for a water bladder and the included foul-weather cover round out the features. The tripod attachment is unnecessarily bulky with 2 non-adjustable strap loops and 2 rectangular panels. As with most packs, this one stays close to your back, which means the ventilation is not effective so you will sweat back there.
Tips: tie strings to the tripod sleeve loops to secure your tripod/monopod or sew loops and pockets in one of the rectangle sections. Consider removing the inside rectangle section.
Pros: back-access compartment provides greater security, can access gear without taking pack off, includes foul weather cover, gear pouch is removable to convert camera bag into daypack.
Cons: no outside stash pockets, bulky with water bladder, no ventilation, tripod sleeve is useless and overly bulky, bag is somewhat heavy (2 kg).
This pack is ideal for day-tripping with camera gear. It holds a lot of gear for it’s size: mine currently has a digitial SLR+lens, 2 additional lenses, 2 GoPros, backup batteries, and room for more space (see Backpack Contents). The gear compartment cannot be accessed from the front, providing security from pickpockets. It can also be removed to quickly convert the camera bag into a daypack. Space for a water bladder and the included foul-weather cover round out the features. The tripod attachment is unnecessarily bulky with 2 non-adjustable strap loops and 2 rectangular panels. As with most packs, this one stays close to your back, which means the ventilation is not effective so you will sweat back there.
Tips: tie strings to the tripod sleeve loops to secure your tripod/monopod or sew loops and pockets in one of the rectangle sections. Consider removing the inside rectangle section.
Osprey Talon 22L, A
Pros: light, lots of pockets, decent ventilation
Cons: rounded compartments aren't storage-efficient
As a day bag, this pack is light and has plenty of storage. It's proven durable in about a year of continuous use.
Pros: light, lots of pockets, decent ventilation
Cons: rounded compartments aren't storage-efficient
As a day bag, this pack is light and has plenty of storage. It's proven durable in about a year of continuous use.
Osprey Airporter LZ Duffle pack cover, C
Pros: stream-lined design
Cons: relatively heavy (400g) and bulky
Keep your regular pack from getting snagged or ripped. This cover kept animal blood off my backpack on a flight in Yemen (people were shipping goat meat Saran-wrapped in cardboard boxes as checked bags). It's somewhat expensive for a simple cover, but it has saved me money on checked bag and left luggage costs: I put all my stuff (ex. sleeping bag, tent, camping pad, miscellaneous stuff) into this one duffle and only get charged for one bag. It can also serve as a duffle bag to load up on souvenirs at your last stop. A cheaper alternative is a heavy-duty garbage bag and duct tape, but I didn't want to have to keep carrying/buying those garbage bags.
Pros: stream-lined design
Cons: relatively heavy (400g) and bulky
Keep your regular pack from getting snagged or ripped. This cover kept animal blood off my backpack on a flight in Yemen (people were shipping goat meat Saran-wrapped in cardboard boxes as checked bags). It's somewhat expensive for a simple cover, but it has saved me money on checked bag and left luggage costs: I put all my stuff (ex. sleeping bag, tent, camping pad, miscellaneous stuff) into this one duffle and only get charged for one bag. It can also serve as a duffle bag to load up on souvenirs at your last stop. A cheaper alternative is a heavy-duty garbage bag and duct tape, but I didn't want to have to keep carrying/buying those garbage bags.
Eagle Creek Compression bags, C
Pros: Compact your clothes, protect from water
Cons: Bags require frequent repairs, plastic zipper frequently pops off, loud (crackly plastic material)
Place your clothes in the bags with 1-way air valves and squeeze out the air to compress your clothes. The space savings is marginal, but the bags organize your clothes and keep them from getting wet. The bags frequently pop, requiring frequent repairs (packaging tape works well). The plastic zipper falls off almost every time the bag is opened or closed, but this doesn't affect the functionality.
Pros: Compact your clothes, protect from water
Cons: Bags require frequent repairs, plastic zipper frequently pops off, loud (crackly plastic material)
Place your clothes in the bags with 1-way air valves and squeeze out the air to compress your clothes. The space savings is marginal, but the bags organize your clothes and keep them from getting wet. The bags frequently pop, requiring frequent repairs (packaging tape works well). The plastic zipper falls off almost every time the bag is opened or closed, but this doesn't affect the functionality.
Acme reusable shopping bag, A
Pros: compact, strong, carry a ton of stuff, better for the environment, durable, long-lasting
Cons: none.
Help the environment and carry your groceries with a reusable shopping bag. We used these before the big travels for everyday shopping. Plus, in some countries, you are charged for plastic shopping bags (a great idea for reducing waste by the way) so bringing your own saves you money. The bags are durable, weigh little, and fit in the palm of your hand when compressed. If you are going to SE Asia or live near a Chinatowen, you can buy them cheap anywhere.
Pros: compact, strong, carry a ton of stuff, better for the environment, durable, long-lasting
Cons: none.
Help the environment and carry your groceries with a reusable shopping bag. We used these before the big travels for everyday shopping. Plus, in some countries, you are charged for plastic shopping bags (a great idea for reducing waste by the way) so bringing your own saves you money. The bags are durable, weigh little, and fit in the palm of your hand when compressed. If you are going to SE Asia or live near a Chinatowen, you can buy them cheap anywhere.
Clothes & Shoes
Clothes should be:
We've reviewed the items of clothes we most often wear. We'd rate everything A or B. The full list of clothes we packed is here.
- quick-drying (i.e. synthetics) - you'll be washing them, getting rained upon, or traveling in humid environments. If your clothes don't dry fast, they will get musty and stinky.
- comfortable - you might be traveling in the same clothes for several days.
- dark-colored - hides the stains in case you don't have an opportunity to wash them or perma-stain them with grease from your street food lunch.
We've reviewed the items of clothes we most often wear. We'd rate everything A or B. The full list of clothes we packed is here.
Mountain Hardwear Canyon LS
Pros: comfortable in hot weather, dries quickly, converts between long- and short-sleeve, map pocket
Cons: baggy fit, left pocket hangs open
I have two of these shirts because they're adaptable: wear them for a multi-day hike or at a bar. They dry quickly and have good ventilation. The drawback to the good ventilation is the shirt won't keep you warm in colder weather. Unlike cotton, mud stains will wash out. The map pocket is useful for holding air tickets, passport, etc. The sleeves can be rolled up to make the shirt a short-sleeve. The collar can be unfolded up into a sun shield for your neck. The downsides are the left pocket doesn't have a button or zipper to close and the shirt's square cut makes it a bit baggy if your chest is bigger than your stomach.
Also available in women's cut.
Pros: comfortable in hot weather, dries quickly, converts between long- and short-sleeve, map pocket
Cons: baggy fit, left pocket hangs open
I have two of these shirts because they're adaptable: wear them for a multi-day hike or at a bar. They dry quickly and have good ventilation. The drawback to the good ventilation is the shirt won't keep you warm in colder weather. Unlike cotton, mud stains will wash out. The map pocket is useful for holding air tickets, passport, etc. The sleeves can be rolled up to make the shirt a short-sleeve. The collar can be unfolded up into a sun shield for your neck. The downsides are the left pocket doesn't have a button or zipper to close and the shirt's square cut makes it a bit baggy if your chest is bigger than your stomach.
Also available in women's cut.
O'Neill John John boardshorts
Pros: comfortable, 4-way stretch material, dries quickly, zippered pocket
Cons: white material on top, wet shorts contour to your butt
I LOVE these shorts. I wore them all the time even before this trip. The 4-way stretch material makes these board shorts flexible and non-constricting when you are on the move and exercising. The zippered pocket is useful for stashing your wallet. Most colors have a white band on top, which violates the fundamental rule of bathing suits (no white material- it eventually becomes 'see-through'). However, O'Neill has thought of this, as there is extra material around your giblets so they don't show. The material clings to your body when you leave the water so you look like you have a pseudo-wedgie. Whatever board shorts you get, definitely get 4-way stretch material.
O'Neill also makes some excellent hybrid shorts, which look like regular shorts but are made of the same swimsuit material. I have two pairs of Loaded Hybrids. The dark grey is good, the sand khaki one is terrible. I forgot the rule about light colors when I bought them, so they show my junk in all its glory.
Pros: comfortable, 4-way stretch material, dries quickly, zippered pocket
Cons: white material on top, wet shorts contour to your butt
I LOVE these shorts. I wore them all the time even before this trip. The 4-way stretch material makes these board shorts flexible and non-constricting when you are on the move and exercising. The zippered pocket is useful for stashing your wallet. Most colors have a white band on top, which violates the fundamental rule of bathing suits (no white material- it eventually becomes 'see-through'). However, O'Neill has thought of this, as there is extra material around your giblets so they don't show. The material clings to your body when you leave the water so you look like you have a pseudo-wedgie. Whatever board shorts you get, definitely get 4-way stretch material.
O'Neill also makes some excellent hybrid shorts, which look like regular shorts but are made of the same swimsuit material. I have two pairs of Loaded Hybrids. The dark grey is good, the sand khaki one is terrible. I forgot the rule about light colors when I bought them, so they show my junk in all its glory.
Arc'teryx Perimeter Pants
Pros: stylish, 4-way stretch material, dries quickly, zippered pocket
Cons: waist has little give, expensive, only available with 32" inseam
These multi-purpose pants work well on the hiking trail or in the urban jungle. They're slim and the cut is tight. My waist is probably 30.5", but the 30" waist doesn't give much for me. I have big legs too, so they fill out the pants. Overall they're not the most comfortable, but overall they're a key part of my wardrobe, especially in places where shorts are considered inappropriate. They don't keep you warm in really cold weather; you would need to layer up.
Pros: stylish, 4-way stretch material, dries quickly, zippered pocket
Cons: waist has little give, expensive, only available with 32" inseam
These multi-purpose pants work well on the hiking trail or in the urban jungle. They're slim and the cut is tight. My waist is probably 30.5", but the 30" waist doesn't give much for me. I have big legs too, so they fill out the pants. Overall they're not the most comfortable, but overall they're a key part of my wardrobe, especially in places where shorts are considered inappropriate. They don't keep you warm in really cold weather; you would need to layer up.
REI boxers
Pros: quick-dry, comfortable, cheaper than other brands
Cons: none
REI boxers are the most comfortable boxers I've owned. Although I hate spending more than $5 on underwear (Hell, I hate wearing underwear period.) these are easy to hand-wash and dry-fast. Did I mention they are super-comfortable? I started with one-pair and now have three.
Pros: quick-dry, comfortable, cheaper than other brands
Cons: none
REI boxers are the most comfortable boxers I've owned. Although I hate spending more than $5 on underwear (Hell, I hate wearing underwear period.) these are easy to hand-wash and dry-fast. Did I mention they are super-comfortable? I started with one-pair and now have three.
Chacos Unaweep Z/1 and Z/2
Pros: durable, good foot support, thick sole
Cons: not for wide feet, heavy
Chacos are known for their reputation as a versatile and indestructible sandal, and they've proven useful for day-tripping, hiking, and water activities. They are very durable, don’t smell as bad as foam sandals, and are long-lasting. My feet hate to be trapped in shoes, so Chacos provide great air circulation while maintaining foot support unlike flip flops. However, if you have wide feet, seek out the wider-than-standard Chacos. Chacos are made for the normal D width feet, not for people with wider size E feet like me. As a result my feet blister and chafe when I haven't worn them in awhile. In hot weather or after sitting for long periods of time, my feet tend to swell more. Update: 2 months into the trip, I have been wearing the Chacos consistently. My feet have gotten used to the shoes, and blisters are now rare. They make an all-terrain hiking and urban shoe that I've worn everywhere. However, the soles are falling off. Luckily, Chacos takes pride in their reputation and will re-sole them for free. Since that's not feasible from Africa, I've superglued the soles back on with Gorilla Glue, which has worked well. Get the Z/1, which lacks the claustrophobic toe strap of the Z/2. Link to the Women's sandals.
Tip: Z1, Z2, Unaweep, toe strap... confused? This article describes the different types of Chacos.
Pros: durable, good foot support, thick sole
Cons: not for wide feet, heavy
Chacos are known for their reputation as a versatile and indestructible sandal, and they've proven useful for day-tripping, hiking, and water activities. They are very durable, don’t smell as bad as foam sandals, and are long-lasting. My feet hate to be trapped in shoes, so Chacos provide great air circulation while maintaining foot support unlike flip flops. However, if you have wide feet, seek out the wider-than-standard Chacos. Chacos are made for the normal D width feet, not for people with wider size E feet like me. As a result my feet blister and chafe when I haven't worn them in awhile. In hot weather or after sitting for long periods of time, my feet tend to swell more. Update: 2 months into the trip, I have been wearing the Chacos consistently. My feet have gotten used to the shoes, and blisters are now rare. They make an all-terrain hiking and urban shoe that I've worn everywhere. However, the soles are falling off. Luckily, Chacos takes pride in their reputation and will re-sole them for free. Since that's not feasible from Africa, I've superglued the soles back on with Gorilla Glue, which has worked well. Get the Z/1, which lacks the claustrophobic toe strap of the Z/2. Link to the Women's sandals.
Tip: Z1, Z2, Unaweep, toe strap... confused? This article describes the different types of Chacos.
Havianas Top Flip Flop
Pros: comfortable, no-stink 100% rubber construction
Cons: die in 3 months
Havianas are super-comfortable! They might take 2-3 days to break-in, but once they do, you will never go back to other flip flops, even when your Havianas break in 3 months of continuous wear. At least, that's what happens to me. Now I just buy replacements in the same color and match the intact orphans together every time the rubber stop that holds the straps in place snaps.
Pros: comfortable, no-stink 100% rubber construction
Cons: die in 3 months
Havianas are super-comfortable! They might take 2-3 days to break-in, but once they do, you will never go back to other flip flops, even when your Havianas break in 3 months of continuous wear. At least, that's what happens to me. Now I just buy replacements in the same color and match the intact orphans together every time the rubber stop that holds the straps in place snaps.
Camping Gear
Sea to Summit 100% Silk TravelLiner
Pros: Compact, Useful for avoiding bedbugs or as a light sleeping bag
Cons: Cost
A sleep sack serves as a light sleeping bag in hot weather and a liner for sleeping bags to provide extra warmth in cold weather. Use it in sketchy hostels to keep away bed bugs. The cost runs about the same as buying the silk and sewing it yourself, so you might as well just buy the pre-made sleepsheet. Prices are about the same as well, so buy from REI at full price for the member dividend or buy from Backcountry during the sales for the lifetime guarantee. Make sure you get the 100% silk one as well because silk blends aren’t as light, quick-drying, or high in quality and the cost savings is marginal.
Pros: Compact, Useful for avoiding bedbugs or as a light sleeping bag
Cons: Cost
A sleep sack serves as a light sleeping bag in hot weather and a liner for sleeping bags to provide extra warmth in cold weather. Use it in sketchy hostels to keep away bed bugs. The cost runs about the same as buying the silk and sewing it yourself, so you might as well just buy the pre-made sleepsheet. Prices are about the same as well, so buy from REI at full price for the member dividend or buy from Backcountry during the sales for the lifetime guarantee. Make sure you get the 100% silk one as well because silk blends aren’t as light, quick-drying, or high in quality and the cost savings is marginal.
Suisse Sport Adventure Mummy Ultra-Compactable Sleeping bags
Pros: Best value for the money!, Works well for most temperatures
Cons: only 3-season, bulky
This synthetic-filled bag is about $40 and rated to 0°C. It is a steal for the price. This bag comes highly-recommended by other travelers, and for $40, you won't be too broken up if it's stolen/lost/destroyed. In colder environments we sleep with a silk liner and/or fleece.
Pros: Best value for the money!, Works well for most temperatures
Cons: only 3-season, bulky
This synthetic-filled bag is about $40 and rated to 0°C. It is a steal for the price. This bag comes highly-recommended by other travelers, and for $40, you won't be too broken up if it's stolen/lost/destroyed. In colder environments we sleep with a silk liner and/or fleece.
Electronics
Canon 5D Mark I, B
Pros: Take nicer photos, full-frame lens
Cons: seriously heavy, bulky
There are two schools of thought for cameras when traveling: light and compact at the expense of quality, or heavy duty. I wanted to practice photography more, so I chose the latter. This means I have to carry a more expensive camera with extra lenses at a significantly greater weight than if I just brought a point-and-shoot. I don’t mind because if I can get a handful of great shots, it’ll be worth it. Perhaps another trip, I will worship the God of Ultralight and forgo the extra equipment. The 5D and many other higher end cameras have full-frame sensors, i.e. they capture the same area as a film camera, which is completely worth it (See the Photos section for samples of this camera combined with a wide angle lens). The Canon 5D Mark I has since been replaced by the expensive Mark III, which shoots HD video. I linked to that camera.
Pros: Take nicer photos, full-frame lens
Cons: seriously heavy, bulky
There are two schools of thought for cameras when traveling: light and compact at the expense of quality, or heavy duty. I wanted to practice photography more, so I chose the latter. This means I have to carry a more expensive camera with extra lenses at a significantly greater weight than if I just brought a point-and-shoot. I don’t mind because if I can get a handful of great shots, it’ll be worth it. Perhaps another trip, I will worship the God of Ultralight and forgo the extra equipment. The 5D and many other higher end cameras have full-frame sensors, i.e. they capture the same area as a film camera, which is completely worth it (See the Photos section for samples of this camera combined with a wide angle lens). The Canon 5D Mark I has since been replaced by the expensive Mark III, which shoots HD video. I linked to that camera.
GoPro Hero2, A
Pros: compact, shock proof, underwater, wide-angle, HD video camera, encourages you to do more awesome things.
Cons: doesn’t work well for far-away shots, non-landscape photos aren’t great
I’m in love with GoPros. They are small, durable, and there to capture life’s crazy moments. Just owning one has encouraged me to go on more adventures. Plus, they can shoot really interesting action sequences and camera angles, just search on YouTube or the GoPro website. Say you come face-to-face with a lion on safari. If you survive the encounter, you’ll be glad you filmed it too! Photos, on the other hand, generally looked washed out and anything far away will look like ants due to the wide fish-eye lens.
Note: This model is discontinued. Get the Hero3+ Black instead. Or buy our old Hero2's off us so we can upgrade to Hero3's...
Tips:
* The camera has a fish-eye lens, so get really close to your subject for good video composition.
* Get a monopod- it’s essential! See review below. You’ll also need the GoPro tripod mount to attach the camera to the monopod.
* Ideas and hacks to get more out of your GoPro
Pros: compact, shock proof, underwater, wide-angle, HD video camera, encourages you to do more awesome things.
Cons: doesn’t work well for far-away shots, non-landscape photos aren’t great
I’m in love with GoPros. They are small, durable, and there to capture life’s crazy moments. Just owning one has encouraged me to go on more adventures. Plus, they can shoot really interesting action sequences and camera angles, just search on YouTube or the GoPro website. Say you come face-to-face with a lion on safari. If you survive the encounter, you’ll be glad you filmed it too! Photos, on the other hand, generally looked washed out and anything far away will look like ants due to the wide fish-eye lens.
Note: This model is discontinued. Get the Hero3+ Black instead. Or buy our old Hero2's off us so we can upgrade to Hero3's...
Tips:
* The camera has a fish-eye lens, so get really close to your subject for good video composition.
* Get a monopod- it’s essential! See review below. You’ll also need the GoPro tripod mount to attach the camera to the monopod.
* Ideas and hacks to get more out of your GoPro
Norazza Monopod, A
Pros: Strong, big extension (52"/132 cm), clip locks Cons: Still a bit too long (16"/41 cm) when fully compacted. Fortunately for me, someone on Amazon has already written an extensive review on this monopod. I love it! It really helps enhance your GoPro videos, allowing you to get unique angles and approach critters that would run normally run away from you. Your action shots will be better framed and the camera will be markedly more steady than if you held it in your hand. You can also use the monopod to knock apples out of trees. |
GoPro Tripod Mount
Some reviews complain this tripod mount doesn't come with the silver cap nut. I bought mine from Amazon, and it came with the nut. If you don't get one or you lose the original, the replacement size is metric 5 x 8mm, 0.8mm pitch. |
Belkin Mini Power Strip/Surge Protector
Pros: Charge lots of devices, Swivel the plug, USB ports
Cons: Slightly bulky
This power strip allows you to charge several devices with its 3 outlets and 2 USB ports. The prongs swivel so the power strip can rotate around the outlet, which has been quite useful in narrow hostel spaces or when weighed down with lots of devices. Supposedly, it only takes 120 VAC, but we've plugged it into 220 VAC outlets no problem (I'm not liable for any meltdowns or electronics damage. Test it before you fry anything). You'll need an outlet adapter for many countries.
Pros: Charge lots of devices, Swivel the plug, USB ports
Cons: Slightly bulky
This power strip allows you to charge several devices with its 3 outlets and 2 USB ports. The prongs swivel so the power strip can rotate around the outlet, which has been quite useful in narrow hostel spaces or when weighed down with lots of devices. Supposedly, it only takes 120 VAC, but we've plugged it into 220 VAC outlets no problem (I'm not liable for any meltdowns or electronics damage. Test it before you fry anything). You'll need an outlet adapter for many countries.
Health
SteriPEN UV water sterilizer, D
Pros: Effective sterilization
Cons: CR123 batteries are uncommon
First, the good things about the SteriPEN. It will sterilize your water from bacteria AND viruses, which is better than ceramic pump filters (that only kill bacteria). UV sterilization also preserves the taste of water, unlike iodine or chlorine, and is faster than boiling (the closest equivalent). I bought this one long ago with a since-discontinued solar charger. The solar charger doesn't work and the CR123 rechargeable batteries are dead. Finding replacement batteries isn't easy. Plus, we've rarely found ourselves in situations without access to at least bottled water, and so far our travels have taken us through South Africa, Uganda, Yemen, Jordan, India, Nepal, and Myanmar. Consequently, my SteriPEN takes up space and isn't useful.
However, it is a fun toy, and if you want to get a UV sterilizer, try the USB-rechargeable SteriPEN Ultraportable.
Tip: ALWAYS have a backup plan. Iodine tablets are the cheapest and lightest backup.
Pros: Effective sterilization
Cons: CR123 batteries are uncommon
First, the good things about the SteriPEN. It will sterilize your water from bacteria AND viruses, which is better than ceramic pump filters (that only kill bacteria). UV sterilization also preserves the taste of water, unlike iodine or chlorine, and is faster than boiling (the closest equivalent). I bought this one long ago with a since-discontinued solar charger. The solar charger doesn't work and the CR123 rechargeable batteries are dead. Finding replacement batteries isn't easy. Plus, we've rarely found ourselves in situations without access to at least bottled water, and so far our travels have taken us through South Africa, Uganda, Yemen, Jordan, India, Nepal, and Myanmar. Consequently, my SteriPEN takes up space and isn't useful.
However, it is a fun toy, and if you want to get a UV sterilizer, try the USB-rechargeable SteriPEN Ultraportable.
Tip: ALWAYS have a backup plan. Iodine tablets are the cheapest and lightest backup.
Liquid skin
Pros: Stiches? Nahhh…., antiseptic
Cons: Glass container, false sense of security
Liquid skin has saved me lots of money in doctor's bills, so it has a welcome place in the first aid kit. Any brand from any pharmacy or corner store will work. Just remember to go to the doctor if you really need it. Otherwise, happy healing...
Pros: Stiches? Nahhh…., antiseptic
Cons: Glass container, false sense of security
Liquid skin has saved me lots of money in doctor's bills, so it has a welcome place in the first aid kit. Any brand from any pharmacy or corner store will work. Just remember to go to the doctor if you really need it. Otherwise, happy healing...
Health & Property Insurance
Choosing health and property insurance was the worst part of the whole planning process. At the time we bought our policies (summer 2013), these two seemed to offer the best combination of benefits, flexibility, and cost. We have yet to file any claims (knock on wood) but will update when we do.
Patriot Travel Medical Insurance
Important: Coverage Limits, Deductible, Dental Emergency
Unimportant: Repatriotation of Remains, Reunion, Terrorism, Evacuation, etc. Coverage
Travel insurance companies throw in high numbers for the unimportant benefits because there is little likelihood you'll need it. Focus instead on treatment coverage and deductibles. Other important benefits like lost luggage and trip delay reimbursements are so small (because you will likely need these benefits) that they're generally peanuts in health policies so don't focus on these benefits either. Instead, get a credit card that covers these benefits. We're using Chase Sapphire, which provides insurance if you use the credit card to book your air tickets or car rental.
Our health policies provide $100K coverage for 1 year with a $100 deductible and cost $435, or $523 with the Adventure Rider.
Important: Coverage Limits, Deductible, Dental Emergency
Unimportant: Repatriotation of Remains, Reunion, Terrorism, Evacuation, etc. Coverage
Travel insurance companies throw in high numbers for the unimportant benefits because there is little likelihood you'll need it. Focus instead on treatment coverage and deductibles. Other important benefits like lost luggage and trip delay reimbursements are so small (because you will likely need these benefits) that they're generally peanuts in health policies so don't focus on these benefits either. Instead, get a credit card that covers these benefits. We're using Chase Sapphire, which provides insurance if you use the credit card to book your air tickets or car rental.
Our health policies provide $100K coverage for 1 year with a $100 deductible and cost $435, or $523 with the Adventure Rider.
Good Neighbor Insurance (Clements Property Insurance)
Important: Deductible, Scheduled and Unscheduled coverage
We put everything under one name, took out $5K in unscheduled coverage and ~$6K in itemized, scheduled coverage. This was far beyond the actual value of our stuff, but the cost is quoted in steps according to how much you have covered. For example (this is made up), an insurance policy for property valued at $3K to $6K costs $100. You might as well list $6K in value. Our policy cost $160 for a year. The deductible is $250, though on their website they initially advertised a $100 deductible. I need to contact them about that.
Important: Deductible, Scheduled and Unscheduled coverage
We put everything under one name, took out $5K in unscheduled coverage and ~$6K in itemized, scheduled coverage. This was far beyond the actual value of our stuff, but the cost is quoted in steps according to how much you have covered. For example (this is made up), an insurance policy for property valued at $3K to $6K costs $100. You might as well list $6K in value. Our policy cost $160 for a year. The deductible is $250, though on their website they initially advertised a $100 deductible. I need to contact them about that.